Page 81

“I’ll see you soon,” he says before hanging up.
I stare at the ceiling as my thoughts drift. How can this be real life?
***
There’s a knock on my door at noon, and I smile at his punctuality.
“Can I open the door, Mummy?” Ava asks, excited to see “Boss Man.”
When she woke up on our way home, I told her we had to go for a checkup at a private hospital, and her face fell. But when I told her Vicente was coming with us, her face lit up—the same way it does when we go to the park to play with the ducks.
This might be the blessing I’ve been waiting for—or the biggest mistake of my life. Because one thing is certain, if things don’t work out with him, my daughter’s heart will be broken.
“Hold on, sweetie. Let me see who’s knocking first.”
She pouts but doesn’t protest.
When I look through the peephole, my mouth waters. Vicente stands there in a navy-blue suit, no tie or vest, paired with a crisp white shirt. It’s simple, but effortlessly sophisticated. He manages to pull off polished without seeming uptight. His hair, usually slicked back with a bit of gel, is loose today, falling into soft waves—and I love it.
“Mummy, who is it?” Ava asks, practically jumping in place, barely able to contain her excitement.
“It’s Vicente.”
The moment I say his name, Ava walks in front of me and opens the door.
“Boss Man,” she shouts and lunges toward him.
He doesn’t miss a beat and scoops her up in one swift move. “Hey, duckling. I take it you’re feeling better?” he asks, giving her his undivided attention.
She nods as she frames his face in her tiny hands. “Are you coming with us to my checkup?” Her eyes crinkle, full of hope.
“I am. Is that okay?”
She nods again. “Come on, Mummy. Let’s go.”
She turns to face me, and I wish I could freeze this moment for eternity. They’re sporting the same happy grin on their faces. How is this possible?
“Yeah, okay. Let me get my bag, and we’re good to go.”
A few minutes later, we step outside, and I immediately notice Vicente’s Rolls-Royce parked at the curb—only this time, there’s a car seat in the back.
“When did you do this? I ask, surprised.
He shrugs. “You know I have people to do things for me. After we picked up Ava yesterday, I wondered if we needed a car seat, and it turns out we do, so…” He trails off, letting me finish the thought myself.
I give him an appreciative smile as I help Ava buckle up. Once I’m sure she’s safe, Vicente reaches for my hand and helps me into the front seat.
Before closing the door, he leans down and gives me a peck on the lips. “Good morning. I didn’t get a chance to do that upstairs,” he murmurs against my lips, and a shot of electricity runs through me.
With that, he closes the door and jogs around to the driver’s side.
Who would have thought I’d be all hot and bothered by a mere kiss? His effect on me is intoxicating.
“Do you have an appointment already?” he asks as the engine roars to life.
I lower my gaze. “No. I usually just go and wait for them to have some free time to check on Ava.”
Vicente’s jaw clenches, and he takes a couple of deep breaths before speaking again.