“Hey, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m having such a good time with Lizzy and Mr. E. Mr. E helped me with my sads. We have to get him something nice for Christmas. I’m taking his Lizzy with me. Now he’s going to have the sads.”
“We’ll find him something nice. I promise.”
Bella gasps and her eyes brighten. “Oh my goodness, Daddy. We have to go shopping. I need to get a gift for Lizzy too. How many sleeps do I have? Is there time?”
“We have time.” Dante chuckles.
“Okay, listen. I want to eat the food Mr. E made. I’ll talk to you when we get home. You want to talk to Lizzy again?”
Dad and I cover our mouths as Bella dismisses her father. This girl is too adorable. I take the phone off speaker and bring it to my ear.
Dante’s warm chuckle greets my ear. I’d be lying if I said my belly doesn’t drop. I remind myself I need to give Jacob a call or text. If I’m going to be living with Dante, I need to have some type of social life with a male outside of work, or I might rub my clit raw.
“I guess that’s settled. You guys go ahead and eat. I’ll handle the truck when it arrives. Gio, Jace, and Dario plan to stop by to help me wrap gifts. We all suck at it, but I figured we might figure it out as a team.” He snorts.
“Or…you can leave it for me. I don’t mind. I love gift wrapping.”
He’s silent for a second. I chew on my lip, hoping I haven’t overstepped. I don’t know if maybe that was Bethany’s thing. Not that I believe she would have chanced a paper cut that didn’t come from spending cash.
“I might take you up on that offer. We can work on the bike and dollhouse instead. Thank you, Lizzy.”
“Please stop thanking me. These are things I want to do.”
“I’m going to have to get used to that. You and Bella have fun. Ride safely. See you when you get home.”
“See you, boss.”
Chapter 16
Failure
Dante
“Daddy, we’re home.” Bella’s little voice sings through the house.
I rub the back of my neck as I look around Lizzy’s new studio. Gio and Jace helped me open and sort out the boxes she had so well labeled. I didn’t want to go through her things, but Gio was right. She’d probably be exhausted by the time she arrives, and I want her to feel at home as soon as possible.
Home.
I didn’t miss how she threw out there that I’m her boss when I mentioned this place as home. I wonder if she’s thinking the same way I am. We need to keep this professional. I’m now a widower and she’s my live-in PA.
Besides, I’m unlucky in love. Wait, I don’t even know if I’ve ever known love. I haven’t cried once since Bethany’s death. I wonder if I’m emotionally closed off altogether. It would make sense to the man I have become.
“Daddy,” Bella squeals as she jumps in my arms. “Wow, is this Lizzy’s new room?”
“One of,” I say and kiss Bella’s cheek.
“Wow, can I come in here with you sometimes, Lizzy?”
“Now, Bella. Lizzy needs to work when she comes in here. We can’t bother her. She’ll be on camera talking to her gaming friends.”
“It’s cool. She’s welcome to come in when I’m not recording. Sometimes, I just game for pleasure.” Lizzy pushes her glasses up her nose and gives me a small smile.
“As long as you ask first, Bella. I don’t want you to disturb Lizzy. I promised this would be her room to have time to herself.”
“Okay, I’ll stay out.”
“He said you have to ask first, not stay out. I don’t want my best friend thinking we can’t hang out,” Lizzy says and taps Bella on the nose.
“Daddy, we have to be good hosts and give Lizzy the rest of the tour of the house.” Bella yawns. “Can she help me with my pajamas and read my bedtime story tonight?”
I make a sad face at her. “But those are my jobs. What’s your daddy supposed to do?”
Bella giggles. “You can help her this time. To show her where my things are, but she’ll need to know for when you work late. Lizzy said she’ll be your work helper, but she’s here for me too.”
Gio chuckles. “I think that's my cue. The real boss has arrived.”
He and Jace start for the door. “What about what you guys came to help me with?”
“You said Lizzy offered to help. We’re all thumbs when it comes to that stuff. Lizzy’s got this.”
“Whatever,” I mutter.
“Call you in the morning. Don’t make her quit on the first night.” Gio winks.
I roll my eyes. Gio can be a dick. From the look on my daughter’s face, I’d have to keep one eye open when I sleep if I made Lizzy quit. Bella eyes me warily after her uncle’s words. I kiss her cheek and tickle her.