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)
I place the nail polish down and start to massage Lizzy’s leg and foot. She flinches a way a little and giggles at first.
“Ticklish?”
“Maybe.”
“You’re full of surprises. You’re so good with children. Why aren’t you using your degree? If you don’t mind me asking.”
She bites her lip as if thinking of not answering. My interest is further piqued. I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until she does speak.
“When I started school, I had no plan. I sort of fell into the education track.” She shrugs. “I met Gio right before I graduated. You know how he can make anything more attractive. He sold me on working for your family.”
“In the mail room? Come on, Gio is good, but not that good.”
“Well, boss, I’m here now, aren’t I?”
“Touché.”
“And I was promoted up pretty quickly from the mail room.” She laughs.
I nearly swallow my tongue when that laugh becomes a moan as I hit what I believe to be a sweet spot on her foot. I blink away the lust rising within.
Before I drive us both insane, I pick up the nail polish and get started on her toes. With a five going on six-year-old, I’m becoming a pro at this. Lizzy shifts and sits up and plants her foot on my leg.
“Gaming and personal assisting are a hell of a long way from teaching.”
She scoffs. “You have no idea how far off the beaten path I’ve fallen.”
I tilt my head as I look into her eyes. Holding her gaze, I lift her foot to my lips and blow on the pink painted toes I just finished. She clears her throat and starts to squirm.
“Why do I feel like you are full of secrets, Liz?”
“Maybe you see yourself when you look at me.”
I place her foot back on my lap and start on the next one. No, I don’t see myself in Lizzy. She’s too sweet and innocent to ever reflect me.
“I overheard Bella earlier. All I ask is that your secrets don’t hurt her.”
Or me. The thought comes so fast I frown as I paint her big toe.
“Stop looking at my feet like they stink, Dante.”
I look up at her and burst into laughter. She joins me as she tries to pull her leg away. I grab her other foot and bring her toes to my lips, kissing them before I lick and nip at her big toe.
“I was thinking, not looking at your toes. You always smell like something I want to devour.”
She clears her throat and starts that cute squirming again. I bet her panties are soaked. I think of dipping my fingers in to check but remind myself that all women are dangerous for me.
“I would never hurt Bella. If anything, my secrets will always serve her.”
Before I probe into what she means, my phone rings. I bite back a curse. We were just getting comfortable, and I have so much more I want to say to Lizzy. I lean to pick up my phone and see it’s Dario. He’s been in Italy while I’ve been away.
“Hello, can I call you back?”
“No, I need to talk to you now,” he says tightly.
I know my twin. Something is wrong. He needs me.
“Excuse me,” I say to Lizzy as I stand and leave the room.
Lizzy
Thank God, I don’t think I would have been able to sit here for one more minute. My phone vibrates, drawing my attention. I look at the text from Jacob and feel a little guilty.
To get my head on straight, I get up and head into the bedroom I’m sharing with Bella. She’s still fast asleep.
I move into the bathroom to catch my breath. I look into the mirror and run a hand through my braids. “What’s happening?”
My phone goes off, pulling me back into reality. Whatever was going on out there, it can’t happen. I need to keep my distance from Dante.
He’s going through so much and I can’t allow my secret to come out. Gio is trusting me, and I don’t want to disappoint him.
“Hey, Jacob,” I answer my phone, hoping to be grounded through a conversation with a sweet guy, who I actually have a real chance with, not just a hot night in bed.
Like Dante has asked you into his bed. Get over yourself, Liz.
“Hey, baby. Are you guys still heading back?”
“Yeah, day after tomorrow.”
“So we’re good for dinner. Did you see my text?”
“Yeah, I thought I replied. Give me a day to get Bella settled back home and I’ll get the night off for our date,” I reply, knowing I need to make this date happen.
“I’m looking forward to it. Are you gaming tonight? I have some downtime. I can pop in and watch for a while.”
“No, I don’t think I am. I’m going to get some sleep so I can make sure to pack everything up tomorrow. We have a ton of stuff we purchased during this trip. I may need to ship a few things back.”