“Oh, okay, should I pack anything special for Bella?”
“No, her LeapPad is all she needs. She has clothes and things already there.”
“Okay. I emailed you the updates to your meeting and those contracts you want to look over. Some samples of the new sauces are coming in today. Gio sent me a few potential locations for the new Chicago store and restaurant,” I rattle off.
“You took care of those gift baskets we talked about?”
“Yes, Bella and I made sure those were taken care of yesterday.”
“Is that right? I think I need to give my little assistant a raise,” Dante croons in Bella’s ear as he tickles her.
“Daddy, I don’t get paid.” Bella giggles.
“What? Really? You should. I’m going to talk to your supervisor.”
“I don’t have a supervisor. I have Lizzy and Daddy.” Bella’s eyes shine as she looks between the two of us.
“Finish your breakfast, sweetheart. I’ll be in the car.”
There…that’s what has made the last two weeks interesting. Dante can be playful and open one minute and cold and closed off the next. I never know what I’m going to get.
I’m starting to get whiplash. God, I need to get it together. Nothing is ever going to happen between us, so there’s no need for this burning disappointment.
Dante
I think I’m making a mistake. I’ve watched Bella grow more and more attached to Lizzy in the last three weeks. It’s only been three weeks. What’s going to happen in a month or a year?
God, I don’t think I can keep this up for a year. When Lizzy ran into me this morning, I wanted to hold her to me and finally sample those full lips.
However, guilt consumed me as the thought crossed my mind—they still don’t have any leads on Bethany’s killer. Although, I’ve been questioned again.
I wish I knew who did this so I could have some closure. I’m tired. I can’t bury myself in my work like I would normally try to do because Bella needs me.
I take a calming breath and scroll through my phone. I’m a bit on edge as it is. Bella’s grandfather has been insisting on spending time with her. I wouldn’t have a problem with that if I didn’t think there was an ulterior motive.
Bethany wasn’t just born conniving. She learned from the best. However, the man did just lose his only daughter and his granddaughter is all he has left. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, seems to have her daughter’s disposition. She clearly doesn’t give a fuck. I haven’t seen her since Bethany’s death.
“Daddy, I have my new cell phone Uncle Gio gave me. You can call me later. I don’t have to use Grandpa’s phone. Do you have my number? I have you as Daddy,” Bella rambles as Lizzy helps her into her booster seat.
“I have your number. You have to make sure you take good care of your phone and don’t lose it.”
“I have my purse. It straps across me. I’ll have it with me all the time.”
I turn to see her holding up her little purse with a smile on her face. Gio and Dario really did help me to spoil her. It seemed to work. She made it through the holidays without crying over Beth or asking about her.
Not that I think I’ll be able to avoid it forever, but I wanted her to have this. A time to be a kid. She is still my baby. I’ll shield her from as much as I can.
Lizzy gets into the car beside me and hands me what looks like something wrapped in a paper towel. I lift a brow as I take it.
“You left your bagel in the toaster. If we’re going to work late, you need to have your energy throughout the day.”
“Thank you. I forgot I put it in there.”
“No problem.”
With that, we ride to the office in silence. Both Bella and Lizzy lost in reading as I run through a few documents, making notes. I can’t help thinking to myself, I can get used to this.
****
We ride up in the elevator once at the office. I stand behind Lizzy, taking her in. It’s not lost on me that she has changed her hair. It’s in long braids, today she has them pulled up on top of her head.
I’m a fan of the sexy ass heels she’s in. They draw attention to her long legs. I love that she’s a tall woman. Yet, I still tower over her. She still seems so much smaller in comparison to me. For all her curves, I have bulk to match.
I drop my eyes to her full ass. I imagine shoving my hand in her hair and stepping up behind her to feel that lush ass against me as I grow hard to show her what she’s in for.
“Daddy, will we have lunch before I leave?”