Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“She’s doing as best as can be expected.”
“You can have the rest of the day off to oversee the move of your things,” Gio says as he tips his phone against his knee. “They’ll be there around three.”
Lizzy pulls her phone from her pocket and frowns. “That gives me four hours. Okay, I can make do with that.”
“Gio, don’t you think you’re moving a bit fast? I haven’t mentioned this to Bella. Slow down. Allow me to think.”
He snorts. “I tried that.”
Just then, another tap comes at my office door. It opens and Jace comes through the door with a sad-looking Bella in his arms. She has her head against his shoulder. When Jace steps all the way into the office, he taps Bella on her back and nods toward Lizzy.
Bella lifts her head and her entire face lights up. She jumps from Jace’s arms as he lowers to place her on her feet. Like a bullet, she runs for Lizzy and hops into her lap. Her arms are around Lizzy’s neck just as fast. Lizzy hugs her back and I swear I see the moment my little girl’s body relaxes.
“I missed you. I need my best friend so much,” Bella says, breaking my heart.
I look at Gio and nod. He’s right. He gives me a stern look but nods back, standing to leave with Jace.
“If you don’t mind, I can take her with me. I only have to instruct the movers. I’ve been packed for days.”
I rub the back of my neck. Yeah, Gio is always a step ahead. One of these days, I’ll learn. However, has he taken into consideration how attracted I am to this woman?
Why would he have to? You’re not going to pursue her. Women are the devil. You’re done with them.
“This is a fact,” I mutter.
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing, it’s fine if she goes with you. Just make sure one of my guards joins you. Gio will tell you who to take. Thank you, Lizzy.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Di Lorenzo.”
I go to correct her and tell her to call me Dante but change my mind. I need the formality to remind me she’s off-limits.
Lizzy
“Dad, stop feeding her ice cream. You’re going to give her a tummy ache. She needs to eat some real food. Are you trying to get me fired on my first day?”
“Sorry, honey. You and your sister ate ice cream for like a month after…”
There’s a pang in my heart as his words trail off. After my parents were killed. I can’t believe Bella has learned that pain. No one should know what this feels like.
I see she’s not the same little girl I once knew. Something like this changes you forever. Yeah, I never liked the woman, but I wouldn’t wish death on her. Not really.
“Thank you, Mr. E,” Bella sings happily. “This ice cream is melting my sads away. It and my best friend Lizzy moving in to play with me.”
She gasps and her eyes get big. “We can have sleepovers in my room, and we can do each other’s hair. I can paint your nails. Daddy lets me paint his but never with color. Sometimes Uncle Jace and Uncle Gio will let me do theirs black.
“We’re going to have so much fun. You never yell at me. Not like…”
My dad shows how he earned the title of best father ever. He rounds the counter and runs a hand over Bella’s hair.
“I’m going to need some of that ice cream too. You’re taking my buddy with you. Lizzy will do all of that and teach you to play games. Whenever you’re sad, you look for her. She’s magic when it comes to healing feelings. Just you wait,” he says and looks at me with a wink.
Thanks, I mouth.
Bella’s smile has returned and she’s back to eating her ice cream. She looks up thoughtfully.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be selfish. I’ll bring her back to visit. Then you’ll have someone to eat ice cream with,” she says with her adorable smile.
Dad laughs.
“I think that’s more for you than my dad,” I tease.
“Sounds like a win-win to me. So, you all set?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
Dad nods. “I’ll drop your car off in the morning. Your aunt wanted to leave you a gift before you take it.”
I grin. Aunt Denise’s gifts always pack a powerful punch. I’m not complaining. My phone rings, pulling my attention.
“Hold on, Dad, this is my boss.” I pick up, knowing Dante is probably concerned about Bella. “Hello.”
“Hi, Lizzy. I’m pulling into the house now. I don’t see the truck. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, my Dad has cooked dinner for us. The movers are packing up the last of my things now. He can pack dinner to go, and we’ll follow the truck out.”
“Can I speak to Bella?”
“Sure, one sec.”
I hand Bella the phone. She takes it from me like a little lady. I lift a brow and stifle a laugh when she places the phone on speaker and holds it in front of her mouth. “Hello, Daddy?”