Page 95 of The Obsession
When we finally reach the section where the kids’ beds are set up, Peach’s little legs kick out as she practically squirms her way out of Dominic’s arms and runs straight to a bed that looks made for her. It’s pink, of course, with a frilly canopy draped over the wooden frame.
“You like this one?” I ask, and she nods enthusiastically before trying to climb onto it.
Dominic steps forward to help her the rest of the way, but instead of lying down, she starts bouncing on it like it’s a trampoline and giggling uncontrollably.
I can’t help smiling, while Dominic looks like he’s trying not to laugh, with his arms out ready to catch her if she falls. This cute, pint-sized human has him wrapped around her little finger, and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of seeing them together.
She brings out a softer side of him, a side that calls to me in ways I don’t know how to handle.
I like this man, I really do, but he confuses the hell out of me. The night he touched me in the kitchen, it gave me the impression he felt the same insane attraction I did. But the next day, instead of hoping it would lead to something more, we just slipped back into the friend zone, or whatever the hell we are.
Last night I even tried to recreate it, by myself, of course, but my fingers couldn’t do his calloused ones justice. In the end, I gave up, feeling completely underwhelmed.
Right now, I’m standing back and watching him watch her, and how completely devoted he is to her little world.
He’s now holding one of her tiny hands, and it’s bittersweet and endearing all at once. I want him to hold my hand too—just like he did this morning when he led me to his room—and pull me into the fold so I’m not left feeling like I’m on the outside looking in. I want this family of two to become a family of three. I want to be a part of this. I want to belong to them.
The biggest smile is lighting up Lil’ Peach’s face as her attention turns towards me. “Come, Emmy,” she squeals, holding out her free hand.
I don’t hesitate; I step forward and wrap her fingers in mine as my gaze moves up to lock with Dominic’s.
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, everything else falls away. The store, the beds, the sound of Peach’s laughter, even the other shoppers, all disappear.
The air between us feels electric, heavy with something unspoken, and my heart hammers so hard I can feel it in my throat.
He’s looking at me like he can see right through to my soul, like he knows exactly what I’m wishing for, but isn’t sure if he’s capable of giving it.
The moment breaks when a sales assistant approaches. A smile curves her lips as her eyes land on me. “What a beautiful little family you have,” she says.
I part my lips, ready to correct her, but when Dominic glances from me to her and lets out a low grunt, the words die on my tongue.
After ordering the bed, mattress, and new bedding, we head to the grocery store to stock up on supplies.
Dominic grabs the trolley and leads the way, while Peach reaches for my hand and skips happily beside me as we follow him through the store.
Sometimes, I get caught off guard by how naturally he takes charge and how completely at ease he is in his own skin.
We take our usual route, starting with the fruit and veg, then the deli and meat section before making our way down the aisles for the non-perishables.
The pet food aisle is one we usually avoid, so I pause for a moment when Dominic steers the trolley that way. “Is there a reason we’re going down here?” I ask, trying to hide the smile tugging at my mouth.
“If that fat little fuck is going to keep hanging around, I guess it won’t hurt to have some food on hand. His days arenumbered anyway. It’s only a matter of time before his heart or his legs give out.”
“That’s a horrible thing to say,” I shriek, poking his side.
A deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat. “Just stating the obvious,mia tortina.”
He keeps calling me that, but I have no idea what it means. If I ever return to La Riviera, I’m going to ask Massimo to translate it for me.
I stop at the collar display, picking up a blue one with a tiny bell. When it tings in my hand, Lil’ Peach reaches up for it, opening and closing her chubby little hands.
I pass it to her. “The bell is to warn the birds in the trees that there’s a cat around,” I tell her.
Dominic barks out a laugh. “I bet it’s been years since that beach ball on legs was able to climb anything. The only tree he’s getting up these days is a Christmas tree, and that’s only going to be possible if it falls on top of him.” Peach shakes the bell again, delighted, and Dominic points at her. “See, she gets it. This isn’t a warning for birds. It’s so we can hear him coming before he accidentally rolls onto one of our feet and breaks a toe.”
“You’re so mean. What did he ever do to you?”
“He disturbed my sleep,” he deadpans as he continues moving, but I can’t hide my smile when Peach reaches up and puts the collar in the cart, and Dominic doesn’t protest.
