“Tell me what?” He walks back in with the sauce and bread.
“How good this dinner looks,” I say, winking at Aria, who beams back at me, clearly grateful for my save.
Chapter 28
Marco
Fourweekslater
I just ran my usual route around the park, but instead of five and for an hour, it was seven for a half hour. I made it a quick one this morning. It’s the second time since Christmas Eve I’ve slept more than six hours…and it’s all because ofher.
I’d give up my five-a.m. run for her any day. Heck, I’ve already cut down my working hours just to be with Gracie. Waking up and having her warm curves wrapped around me isn’t something I want to give up. If it wasn’t too soon, I’d happily have her move in permanently, but I need to take baby steps and not rush in like the horny teenager I’ve become.
Taking it slow is best on all three of us.
After I shower, I walk out to cook a big breakfast, but I see Aria and Gracie have already started.
I run my hand through my damp hair and grin. I don’t care how bad this breakfast tastes, because the way the girls are smiling and dancing to the music that’s blaring through speakers makes me smile too. Leaning against the doorframe, I silently observe them.
These two have become fast friends, making me feel like I’m the third wheel sometimes.
The smoke coming off the stove has me wanting to close my eyes, or worse, step in and take over, but I cross my arms over my chest to stop myself. I need to let them learn because how else can either of them improve? I thought breakfast was a meal that couldn’t be fucked up, but of course these two are currently out to prove me wrong.
“I love this song,” Aria singsongs, and when she dances, she notices me, pausing mid-spin. A blush hits her cheeks in record time.
I have a big fat smirk on my face, and I pop my brow as she stares blankly at me.
“Why are you being a creep over there?” she asks.
I push off and step into the kitchen, moving to the counter to grip onto it while I watch Gracie try to move the pan off the stove. I’m ignoring the panic clawing at me and just let them destroy the food and pan instead. We can just order in if we need to. I refocus on what she said to take my mind of it.
“I’m not a creep. I finished having my shower, and I was coming to cook for us. But it seems you two are one step ahead of me.”
Aria nods, but my gaze flicks to the sexy brunette in my kitchen, standing in her sleepwear that’s hiding sinful curves. The way she’s biting her bottom lip is causing my cock to come alive all over again. I’m holding myself back from taking her inside my bedroom and having her for breakfast.
Luckily for her, Aria is here, but it’s bad for my cock that’s trying to tent in my pants at how perfect she looks in this house with my daughter. It’s funny, because ever since they made up, Aria has wanted Gracie around more and more. Aria was also the one to make Gracie sleep over the very first time, creating my new morning addiction…Gracie.
“Can I help with anything?” I ask with humor dripping from my tone. I’m staring at Gracie, totally lost in how beautiful she looks after having just woken up. Her hair is in her signature messy bun, random pieces hanging loosely around her face.
She clears her throat and moves her gaze from mine and answers. “No, take a seat and we will serve.”
“Okay…” I say with uncertainty, but take a seat.
Taking in the already set table, I can’t help but be stupidly happy at how hard they are trying today. For me. This sudden burst of love is hitting me like a tidal wave. I’m drowning in love and contentment.
I pull out the chair and sit, and it isn’t long before it’s time to eat. I almost want to laugh out loud when Aria carries both plates in, and I get a look at the food. My choice is either the undercooked pancakes, or theveryovercooked ones. I decide to eat the burnt ones, which are unpleasant, but I pretend it’s at least edible.
But I’ve made my decision. After breakfast, I’ll be going into my office and phoning up a friend to get these two into cooking classes stat. I don’t know how much longer I can pretend to enjoy their food.
After breakfast, dishes are cleaned up and packed away, and we take our seats on the couch. I’m reclined back in my sweats with Gracie curled up on her side next to me, while Aria is on the other. I’m drawing circles on both of their backs, paying them equal attention as we watch some reality show. All I know is the mother has named all her kids starting with the letter K. I think if I had another…
I pause for a moment, wondering why my thoughts are drifting to another child.
My heart races, knowing I would have a baby tomorrow with Gracie if that was what she wanted. Would I call the next child something that begins with A?
I don’t know because, if I’m truthful, I’d let Gracie choose the name and go along for the ride just to see her happy. Her smile is infectious, and I’ll do anything to keep her looking at me like I make her day. She has no idea how much of a highlight she is in mine.
I know the pain of her past still bothers her, and I don’t think it will ever go away. I bet it lingers there in the back of her mind, so anything I can do to ease the stress is what I’m going to do.