Page 20 of The Don's Hidden Heir

If I’d ever thought I was over my feelings for him, then last night was an affirmation that, in fact, I still love him as much as I did seven years ago. Every cell in me ignited when I stood next to him, and even now, every hair on my body stands on end.

“Did he find out about Lucas?”

My chest tightens. “He didn’t.” When I heard his voice, I’d been afraid he’d been eavesdropping on my call, but luckily, he either wasn’t or he didn’t care enough to speak of it.

Moira sighs, relived. “Thank goodness. It would have been a disaster.” She walks over to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water. “What did you guys talk about?”

I shrug. “Nothing, really.” My mind wanders back to him stepping closer and tucking my hair behind my ears. A jolt of electricity courses up my spine and travels to the rest of my body.

A single touch from him had caused all the walls I’d built to collapse. If the couple hadn’t walked out… Well, if they hadn’t, who knows what would have happened?

I might have gone ahead and done something stupid like hug or kiss him.

Moira looks at me suspiciously. “Nothing happened between you two, right?”

I quickly shake my head. “Of course not. What do you take me for?” Heat spreads over my cheeks at the thought of something happening.

Damn.

What am I thinking entertaining thoughts like this about Dominic? I should be pushing him away, not daydreaming about him.

“I take you for someone who lost her virginity to a stranger in Italy,” she says, flashing a mischievous smile at me. “Who says it can’t happen a second time?”

“The chances of it happening a second time are zero, unless I can miraculously become a virgin after birthing a whole human.”

She grinned. “I miss the days when we could be free and wild. Now all we do is work and take turns babysitting.”

I sighed. “Tell me about it.”

Moira throws the empty bottle inside the trashcan and grabs a stool beside me. “What do you plan on doing now? I have an eerie feeling Dominic may seek you out.”

“I’ll keep turning him down until he gives up,” I say with my mouth stuffed with pizza.

I’m worried Dominic is the kind of guy who never gives up when he sets his mind to something, but I hold my breath, praying he’ll actually take the cue and not insist.

My heart lurches at the notion I’ll have to push him away, when all I want is to have him close.

I’ve made peace with the fact I can’t be with him no matter how much I love him, but it doesn’t quench the pang in my heart every time I have to mute my feelings for him.

“Good luck with that, babe. I don’t see Dominic leaving you be.” She throws a hand over her mouth to muffle a small yelp. “What if he wants you back?”

I shake my head. Moira claims there are thousands of women around the globe wanting Dominic’s attention. I think she also has a little crush on him. “I didn’t leave because he didn’t want me, Moira. I left because I had to protect Lucas.”

“I understand, babe. Trust me, I do. I just feel sorry for you.” Her tone softens. “I hate that you have to deny your feelings for him when it’s clear you’re still in love with him.”

“Is it very obvious?” I ask. My chest is cramped from how fast my heart is beating, but I’m trying not to let it get to me.

“Very obvious,” Moira says. She points to my cheeks. “You’re getting red and you sound like you’re dreaming about him. Even a blind man would know you’re in love.”

Heat scorches my cheeks even more, and I shove another piece of pizza into my mouth.

“So,” Moira says, breaking the silence that has lingered for a moment. “Are you going to date someone soon?”

I cough from the intensity of her question. She scurries to the fridge and grabs a can of soda for me.

“God. Moira, you’ll be the death of me,” I squeal as the drink forms a cold pool in my stomach. “I’m too busy to date now.”

“You know you’ll never get over Dominic if you don’t give another man a chance.” She glances to the door as if there’s someone there. “You said it yourself, Lucas needs a dad. You should find one for him if you’re not willing to let him meet Dominic.”

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