Page 27 of Melody’s Little Secret

Oh, my brother was onto something. I rubbed my chin, thinking about how it would be a great opportunity to present Melody with some guidelines. It couldn’t hurt to add a few repercussions as well, since I was taking the time to put it all down on paper. “That’s a brilliant idea.”

“Of course it is. You have to take advantage of the opportunity that has been presented to you.”

“Yes, I’ll be doing that. Things are even better than I imagined. These girls are so independent, doing things on their own for so long. They both need a Daddy.”

“You got that from Laney too,sì?” Zio tilted his head to the side. “I hoped I wasn’t projecting my own desires onto her, but the way she spoke, the things she’s been through, it just seemed like she could use some extra guidance right now.”

“Sì,” I agreed. “Laney could use your special brand of assistance. If you know what I mean. Then we’ll both be coupled up with our sweet brats.”

“Mm. I like that,goffo. Better than we imagined. But there’s something else on your mind,sì?”

My twin could read me like a book. “We also need to talk shop sometime tonight. We had two servers leave for college, and one of the hostesses moved away. I know we’ve been managing, but we should hire some more staff so that we don’t wind up short.”

“Sounds good. I’ve only got a few things left on my plate today, then let me double check the budget and we can catch up later.”

“Awesome.” I grinned, my happier mood returning, and it was like the smile couldn’t stay off my face.

Chapter Thirteen

Melody

“Bestie!” I yelled even though Laney was like twenty feet away from me digging through my kitchen pantry.

“What?”

“You’re missing it! Bubbles is about to kick some major butt!”

“I was looking for more cookies.” She came back to the couch and plopped down with a pout. “We’re out.”

“Out of cookies?” I gasped. “I’ll whip up a fresh batch.”

“You will not be doing that.” Bosco came sauntering into my apartment like he owned the place. “What did I tell you about locking that door?”

I shrunk down on the couch and covered my head with my blanket.

“Sorry, Mr. Bosco. It seems that Melody is unable to come to the couch right now, please kindly leave the yummy smelling items you are carrying and call back later. Beeeep.”

“He doesn’t have your mozzarella sticks, Laney. I do.” Another voice joined in, and I figured it had to be Zio, but I wasn’t chancing a peek. If I stayed still enough, maybe he would forget I was there.

“Oh! Gimme!” Laney jumped from the couch, abandoning her post and leaving me vulnerable.

“Traitor!” I yelled.

The couch dipped next to me, and I held my breath.

“Sorry, bestie. Fried cheese trumps all,” Laney said from… Not next to me.

“And here I thought you just liked me better,” Zio teased from not next to me. That left one person, Bosco. The sexiest man on the planet who had been glowering at me before I went into hiding. I was safe beneath my blanket. I was deep undercover. I giggled at my own joke.

“Something funny under there,dulcita?”

I squeaked and went silent again. Boz chuckled and then slowly lifted the blanket from my head.

“Why are you hiding from Daddy, little girl?”

His words melted me from the inside out and I smiled. “I forgot.” And I had. As soon as I looked into his eyes, I forgot my own name.

“You forgot?” He chuckled and shook his head.

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