Page 55 of Sexting My Ex's Dad

“I felt like I was going to get shot going into your condo.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re just dramatic. I’m fine. Just because you like throwing money around doesn’t mean I have to.”

He shrugs. “I’d sleep over more.”

“Who says I want you to?”

A smirk appears on his lips. “If I reached into your panties, I’m sure they would.”

He’s right.“Billionaire bully.”

Elio just laughs. “Tell me more about your family,” he says, leaning forward with genuine interest.

“Didn’t you do some kind of background check on me?”

“I’d like to hear it from you.”

This man is exasperating, and, for a split second, I wonder what the point is. Why does he want to learn so much about me? It’s not like he plans on sticking around, right? But, I guess I’m not doing anything better anyways.

“Leo is my younger brother, and he’s honestly the sweetest person you’ll ever meet,” I say. “He has a cognitive disability, so I’ve always been protective of him. I’m the one who takes care of him.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“Out of the picture.”

“Dead?”

“No.”

Elio nods, his expression thoughtful. “And what about your relationship with your mother? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”

“Um,” I hesitate, stirring my coffee as I consider how much to share. But there’s something about Elio’s attentive gaze that makes me want to open up. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated relationships are nothing new to me,” Elio says softly, and I sense an undercurrent of pain in his voice.

His words make me want to ask about ours, but somehow I manage to keep my mouth shut and just enjoy breakfast with him.

31

STELLA

Istep out of the office, taking a deep breath of fresh air. I feel like I’ve been cooped up all day. My work uniform feels stifling, and all I want is to change into something comfortable…and preferably something that doesn’t have my tits one deep breath away from falling out. I start walking towards my car when I hear a familiar voice call out from behind me.

“Stella! Wait up!”

I turn around to find Anastasia jogging towards me, her long blonde hair bouncing with each stride. Her bright blue eyes sparkle with excitement.

What is she doing here?

“Hey, Anastasia,” I greet her warmly, trying not to let the surprise show on my face.

“Stella, you’ve been so busy, and I’ve been trying to give you your space, but…I have to ask you more about your relationship with Paul!” She exclaims, playfully nudging me with her elbow.

I arch my eyebrows. “You came all the way here to ask how it’s going with your brother?” I feel like Anastasia is the only person in this world that I could have this conversation with.

“Yep.” She grins. “You two are getting pretty close, huh?”

My heart sinks. I still haven’t told her the truth about the sexting mix-up with Elio. But before I can gather my thoughts, she continues enthusiastically.