AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Be—” Her voice cracked. “Because I didn’t want to be the only one in love. The only one trying. I fixed dinner, and then you came in and said the only reason you’re here was because of the plaza, and I—I was hurt. I love you, and I was scared our relationship was falling apart again...” Overwhelming emotion robbed her voice.
Dante’s face softened, and he crossed the room to her. “Ay Dios, you drive me mad,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
Annabelle gladly clung to him, burying her face in his chest and taking a lungful of air filled with the scent of him.
She gazed up into his face. “We were getting along so well, and then the night I brought up the two types of jam, you said something about us focusing on what we planned to do in nine months. I thought you wanted a divorce, like we’d originally planned.”
Dante brushed hair away from her face with his fingertips. “That’s not what I meant. I meant we have work to do, and by then, we’ll know if we want to stay married or proceed with a divorce. Of course, I hope we’ll stay married. That’s what I want, more than anything. You and me, together.”
“Me too. We can make our marriage work this time.”
He kissed her forehead. “Yes, we can.”
Annabelle squeezed him tighter, her thoughts on the impassioned words torn from his lips before she ran to her father’s.
I want you to listen to me.
He told her what he needed, and she ignored him because she’d been busy thinking about herself.
“I’m sorry I left. I should have stayed and talked to you. We can do that now if you like,” Annabelle whispered.
Dante rested his forehead against hers, and she rubbed her palms up and down his back.
“Yes, I would like that,” he said.
30
Dante told her everything. He opened up to Annabelle in a way he never had before, and when he finished, she finally understood why purchasing the Hilderbrandt Plaza meant so much to him.
“I had no idea,” she said from her position on the bed.
Hands in his pockets, Dante frowned at the tennis court. “I should be satisfied, but it’s difficult to be satisfied when I’ve wanted this for so long and came close to accomplishing my goal.”
“I wish there was something I could do.” Annabelle felt helpless in the face of his disappointment.
“Nothing can be done. Soon, Dixton will own the plaza, and the possibility of me taking control of it will be lost for good.”
The resignation in his voice broke her heart.
Dante turned away from the window. “Enough about the plaza. Dinner was delicious.”
She smiled, perking up. “You ate the chicken and vegetables after I left?”
“Yes, after I became very hungry. Thank you for cooking me such a delicious meal. I saw the candles in the dining room. We should have enjoyed the meal together.”
Annabelle shrugged. “It’s been a rough night.”
“Maybe I can make up for spoiling your plans for a romantic dinner.Un momento.” A devilish smile touched his lips, and Dante went into his dressing room. He returned with a rectangular-shaped box wrapped in purple ribbon tied in a bow on top.
“What is this?” Annabelle asked.
“Open the box and you will see.” He placed the box in her hands.
“It’s not a bomb, is it?” She shook it.
“If it was a bomb, I would not be standing this close,” he said dryly.
“Good point, but you know I hate surprises.”
