Page 12 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Well, don't worry too much about it, bro. If Simone doesn't know, she's going to need time to think about it. Just see this meeting as the introduction of the idea. Don't press her, let her think about it. I can't even imagine how her brain is going to burst. I think she's had a crush on you since you arrived for college. Go easy on the girl." Dom said.

I was stopped in my tracks. Logan had mentioned a crush last time we talked but, was it really a thing?

"What, what did you say?" I asked.

Now Dom looked at me with big eyes. "Do I have to repeat the whole thing?"

"Uh, no, just that last part about Simone having a crush on me." They all groaned.

"Seriously, dude? Are you blind?" Logan teased.

"Yeah, she only has eyes for you when we're all together. She gets all quiet and nervous whenever you're around. Haven't you seen that?" Dom added.

"We've all seen it, bro. Your nose has been in the books and in work far too deep. Time to take it out and live life a little. And maybe Simone wouldn't mind sharing some of that life with you. You never know, right?" Austin asked.

I don't indeed know. And I didn't notice her acting differently around me. But tomorrow night will be enlightening in many ways.

For both of us.

Chapter 5

Simone

The moment I walked into the fancy Italian restaurant, the faint aroma of garlic hit me. My eyes widened as I took in the dimly lit, intimate setting. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the tables, adorned with white linens and flickering candles. I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place in my simple black dress.

"Simone," Hugo called, his voice smooth and inviting. He stood up from his seat at a secluded corner table, his tall, athletic frame catching my eye. His deep-set brown eyes sparkled as he smiled, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Was it just the lighting or was he looking at me differently?

"Thank you for inviting me, Hugo," I replied, trying to sound confident as I approached the table. He pulled out a chair for me, always the gentleman, before sitting down opposite me. I couldn't help but notice how his dark hair seemed even morelustrous tonight, giving him an air of sophistication that made the attraction I felt sizzle and sparkle. I was almost certain I was glowing.

“I thought this would be the perfect place to talk… about things,” Hugo said. His rich voice was filled with warmth and the slight rasp sent shivers to every sensitive part of my body. “I assume Seth talked to you.”

I nodded.

Hugo only nodded in response and handed me the menu.

As I looked at the page that was completely blurry due to my sudden lack of vision, I felt some tension growing between us. The leap between what we were and what we had to be in this plan seemed as wide as the Grand Canyon.

We placed our order and Hugo listened attentively as the sommelier went through his song and dance about the wine. When he filled our glasses and walked away, Hugo cleared his throat.

“I guess I find myself at a loss as to how to even begin this conversation,” Hugo finally said. “I know we’ve known each other forever. Part of me always stayed with you guys when you left Italy. I know those couple of years in Italy were incredibly difficult for you and your family, but I loved getting to know you both. And I love that knowing you brought me here to Boston.”

“I’m glad you ended up back here, too, Hugo.” I tried for a casual smile as I reached for my wine glass, but wasn’t sure I was successful.

“I heard that you’re starting nursing school soon.”

I nodded and thanked the waiter as he placed a beautiful looking plate of antipasti in front of us on the table. Hugo had arranged a traditional meal for us and my mouth was watering looking at the meats, olives, cheeses and the artichoke hearts. It was definitely a feast for the eyes.

"I am," I confessed, feeling a little embarrassed that I hadn't told him myself. "I want to help people and make a difference in my community."

Hugo nodded eagerly and looked at me intently.

"That’s an admirable goal, Simone. It’s what drove Dom, Austin, Logan, and I to start the clinic."

"And what you’ve done is amazing," I said, taking a small bite of my food. "Almost as amazing as this artichoke heart." I closed my eyes to savour the taste and emphasize my point.

Hugo laughed.

“I only hope we can convince you to stay with us when you finish school and become a full-fledged nurse.”

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