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A soft sound came from the open doorway of the kitchen and they both turned to find Paige standing there clad in a thick pale blue terrycloth robe, her feet bare, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, her expression sheepish. As if she might’ve heard the last few words his mother had spoken.
“Good morning,” she said as she padded into the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Matteo murmured, sending his mother a look. He didn’t want to talk about it. Hell, he really hoped Paige hadn’t heard everything they said.
But the way she shuffled around the kitchen silently with her head bent, not looking at either of them, when she’d become so forthcoming and chatty the last few days, told him that she had.
Damn it. He needed to do damage control and quick.
“I’ll go check on Matty and see how he’s doing with Renzo. Chatting his ear off, I’m sure.” Claudia stood and offered them a smile. Clearly she got the hint and was leaving.
“He should come in soon,” Paige said, her responsibilities ever present. “I packed his suitcase for him last night, but he’ll need to bathe and get dressed before we go.”
“Perfect. I’ll send him in a few.” His mother fled the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone, the strained silence building between them so thick he could slice it with a knife.
“You heard what my mother said,” he said as Paige came around to sit across from him at the table.
She met his gaze direct, her hands clutching the coffee cup in front of her. “I did.”
“How much did you hear?”
“All of it, I’m afraid.”
“I see.” He breathed deep, propping his elbows on the table so he could steeple his fingers in front of him. “She’s only watching out for you.”
“I know. And I love your mother for that. She’s always been so kind to me.” She averted her eyes, staring out the wide window that overlooked the ocean. “She’s right, Matteo. We’ve not discussed anything about the future and what you—expect of me once we return. I didn’t want to push. I was afraid you’d reject me completely if I asked for too much, too soon so I’d rather live in the present.”
“I’d prefer that as well,” he agreed.
She jerked her gaze back to his. “Living in the present?”
He shrugged, acting far more nonchalant than he felt. His heart rate increased double time as he studied her, trying his best to keep his expression an emotionless mask. He couldn’t declare his undying love for her because he wasn’t exactly sure what he felt for Paige, but he knew he couldn’t let her go. Not yet. He might eventually break her heart and hurt Matty, but he’d hurt more if he couldn’t have her.
And he was too much of a selfish bastard at the moment to even consider letting her walk out of his life.
“Take it one day at a time, then,” she said carefully.
“Yes.” He nodded. “I don’t want to make any promises I can’t keep.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t expect you to.” She gripped the coffee cup so tight, he was afraid she’d shatter the thick white ceramic. “You’re not…embarrassed to be seen with me, are you?”
He frowned. “Embarrassed? Why would I be embarrassed?”
“Because I’m the nanny. Like I’m sure your brothers said, I’m just the hired help. It might look bad, that we’re having an affair, all while I live under your roof and take care of your son. People might think less of me.” Paige brought the coffee cup to her lips and he noted the unmistakable way her hands shook.
Matteo leapt from his chair and rounded the table, going to where she sat. He knelt at her side, gripping the table for balance while setting his other hand on her knee. She looked at him, her eyes full of worry, her lips pressed together. “I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you. I’d be fucking proud to have you on my arm, Paige. And if anyone dares to insult you or say something because of how we met, I will personally beat the hell out of them.”
A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. “You won’t beat someone up for me.”
“The hell I won’t.” He squeezed her knee. “Don’t doubt me. And don’t doubt us, Paige. I believe in us. Do you?”
She nodded, all the sadness gone from her eyes. Reaching out, she settled her tiny hand against his cheek and he turned in to her, kissing her palm. “I believe in us,” she whispered.
“Good. That’s all I need to hear.” Rearing up, he kissed her soundly on the mouth. “Now go take a shower. We’ll be leaving soon.”
Matteo stepped back and let her go, watching as she exited the kitchen, his gaze dropping to her sashaying hips. She had a sexy walk and didn’t even realize it, which made it that much sexier.
