Page 133 of The Temptation

I’ve had a productive morning. I’ve caught up on all our washing, finished unpacking, and taken Ki-Ki for a walk. I even met one of the neighbours, who was shocked when I introduced myself as Romeo’s wife.

She told me he was a quiet neighbour who kept to himself, but explained how he once helped her husband get his car going when it wouldn’t start. I could totally see him doing that.

I had our borrowed driver go to the pharmacy and purchase a plastic shower chair, similar to the ones used in hospitals. After breakfast, Romeo and I took turns washing each other’s hair.

With clothes on, unfortunately. He’s still not agreeing to my offer of a sponge bath.

When we switched places, he was so gentle with me. I’ve never had anyone wash my hair before, and those big, strong fingers of his massaging my scalp were heavenly. I may have moaned once or twice. It was surprisingly intimate, considering it was such a simple thing.

He was careful not to get my stitches wet, and when he finished, he even dried and brushed my hair for me.

Like I mattered.

Like he wanted to take care of me as well.

We’re heading to Dante and Arabella’s this afternoon to spend time with our extended family while they are here.

“Are you excited to see Caterina?” I ask.

His face scrunches. “Who?”

“Our baby niece.”

“Oh.” He lifts one shoulder. “I guess.”

“You won’t believe how much she’s grown. She’s so squishy.”

“Squishy?”

“You know, rolls on top of rolls. She has the sweetest little cherub face.”

“You like kids, don’t you? I saw how you were with Lil’ Peach.”

“I guess. Lil’ Peach was easy to love; she was such a cutie pie.”

“Do you want a family of your own one day?” he asks.

“I already have a family … I have you.”

“I meant kids.”

I frown slightly as I shake my head. “Not really.”

His eyebrows spring up in surprise. “You don’t.”

“I don’t think so … I don’t know. Kids aren’t something I ever yearned for, not like Arabella. She was born to be a mamma. She has that mothering nature.”

“You have that too.”

I laugh. “I don’t.”

“Look at the way you take care of me.”

I dip my face when I feel heat rise to my cheeks. “I was pretty wild and rebellious when I was young, so if I ever reproduced, I’m pretty sure I’d be in for some special kind of hell.”

Romeo chuckles, then reaches out, gently lifting my chin to meet his eyes.

“You’re still wild and rebellious,” he says, his voice soft but certain. “But that’s what makes you … you. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re pretty damn special just the way you are.”