“Would you like to change into something more comfortable?”
“Yes, please.”
“Come on. I think I have some nail polish in my bag. Would you like to paint our nails while we watch cartoons?”
“Yes, yes, please.”
I laugh at her excitement. I wish everyone were as easy to please as Bella. I find her some lounge pants in her suitcase and a T-shirt.
“Can you brush my hair after we paint our nails? It always feels nice,” Bella whispers as I help her get dressed.
“Of course. You know, Nyla used to brush my hair when I was little. I loved it too.”
“I like Miss. Ny. She’s nice and so pretty, like you. I think Uncle Gio and Uncle Jace do too.”
I bite back a laugh. I guess Dante and I aren’t the only ones to notice something was up at Christmas.
I wink at Bella. “I think my sister likes you too.”
“Do you miss her?”
“Yeah, we’ve been gone for a long time, and she only just returned home from traveling. I miss her a lot.”
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“I don’t see why not?”
“I miss my mommy. She was mean sometimes, but I miss her.”
I pull her into a hug and hold her tight. I know I can’t replace Bethany like everyone seems to be trying to make me, but I can fill in the gap as much as I can, like Elijah and Aunt Denise did for Nyla and me.
“It gets better. I promise.”
“You make it a lot better. I always wanted someone to spend time with. I hope you never leave.”
I squeeze just a bit tighter as my heart breaks for this little girl. A throat clears and I lift my gaze to find Dante leaning in the doorway. He rubs at his jaw, bringing attention to the five o’clock shadow he’s sporting.
“Hey,” I say.
Bella pulls away and turns to look at her father. “Lizzy is going to watch old cartoons with me. Care-a-Lot and the stone people.”
Dante lifts a questioning brow. “She means Care Bears and Gargoyles.”
“Oh, Two of my favorites. Can I join you guys?”
“I don’t know, Daddy. We’re going to be painting our nails.”
“Good, Lizzy can do your fingers while I do your toes.”
“And I can do Lizzy’s fingers while you do her toes.”
“Deal,” Dante says before I can refuse.
Chapter 23
Let’s Talk
Dante
I place Bella in the bed and kiss her forehead. She fell asleep halfway through having her nails painted. After she told me about all the excitement from her day, I’m pretty sure she was fighting to stay awake, to begin with.
Lizzy goes to climb into the other queen-size bed in the room. I know I should leave her to it, but I want to talk to her. I heard the things Bella said. I want to discuss them with someone who may be able to help me sort things out.
“Do you mind coming back out with me? That’s my favorite season of Gargoyles.”
Lizzy looks up from her phone and that shy look takes over her face. I want to make her cheeks flush and her face sweaty as she looks at me with that shy look in her eyes. However, I know that can never happen. Bella’s words cemented that this evening.
“Okay, hold on a sec.”
“Trying to get in one more chapter?” I chuckle.
“Actually, yes and Jacob has been texting. We’re going on our first date when I get back.”
Why does this knowledge piss me off so fucking much? I have thought about making Jacob disappear a few times. However, his restaurant is doing great at the moment. Numbers have soared since he’s come aboard.
I grunt in response and head back to the room we were watching cartoons in. There was a time when I was always in control of everything. Before becoming a father, I was a different man.
I wouldn’t say Bella softened me, I just changed priorities and thought I could change who I am with them. The old Dante would have found a way to make Lizzy forget all about Jacob. I’d once been ruthless in all aspects of my life.
“Sorry, did I miss much?”
“No.” My words come out harshly.
You’re not going to keep her away from Jacob like that.
I sigh. I can’t sleep with Lizzy, but I need a friend as much as Bella does. I swallow my shit and tap into the old Dante. I reach for Lizzy’s legs and pull them into my lap.
She looks startled at first. I reach for the nail polish. Allowing a grin to my lips, I hold the bottle up to her.
“This is the color you chose, no?”
“Um…yes, but you don’t have to.”
I love the breathless sound of her voice. I run my hand up her calf. Her skin is so smooth beneath my palm.
“I want to. As a thank you. I was surprised by the spa treatment, but it was just what I needed. This is the least I can do to repay you.”