Page 72 of Tempting Tessa

“I get it, honey. But family is important too. Maybe Kat and I can come to your place this time? Bring Sofia to you. That way you don’t have to come to us, and I know Kat would love getting out of town.”

“Actually, I’ve been staying at a friend’s place while some renovations are happening at my apartment,” I say, another half-truth. “The place is a mess right now.”

“A friend’s place?” His tone shifts slightly. “Which friend?”

I freeze, panic rising in my throat. “Just Natalia.”

“Oh, good.” He seems to accept this. “Well, maybe we can meet somewhere. Your choice.”

“Sure, Dad. That sounds good.” I’m buying time, and we both know it.

“Contessa.” His voice drops as he uses my full name like he used to as a kid that would have me confessing everything. “You know you can tell me anything, right? No matter what it is.”

My eyes sting with tears. “I know, Dad.”

“Good. Because I’ve got this feeling...” He trails off. “Never mind. I’m just being paranoid. Kat says I worry too much in my old, grumpy ass age.”

“Kat’s right,” I say, forcing a laugh. “You always worry too much.”

“Maybe. Or maybe my instincts are telling me something’s up.” There’s a long pause. “You’re not in any trouble, are you?”

I press my hand harder against my belly. “No trouble, Dad. I promise.”

“Okay.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “Well, call me when you’re free for dinner. Kat and Sofia miss you.”

“I miss them too. Give them both a kiss from me.”

“Will do. Love you, Coco.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

I hang up and drop my phone on the desk like it’s burned me. My hands are shaking; my heart is racing. I need to tell him. Soon. But how do I explain that I’m carrying his best friend’s baby? That Matteo has been fucking me for months, claiming me, making me his in every way possible?

The door to my office opens and Matteo steps in, two mugs of coffee in his hands. His eyes immediately find mine, reading my expression.

“Who was that?” he asks, setting one mug on my desk.

“My dad.” I take the coffee, inhaling the rich aroma even if it is decaf. “He wants to have dinner.”

Matteo’s jaw tightens, but his voice remains even. “And what did you tell him?”

“That I’m busy with work.” I take a sip, avoiding his gaze.

He leans against my desk, arms crossed over his chest. “You can’t avoid him forever, Contessa.”

“I know that,” I snap, then immediately regret it. “I’m sorry. I just…I’m not ready.”

“He’s going to find out eventually.” His voice is gentle but firm. “Better it comes from you than someone else.”

I set my coffee down and turn to face him fully. “And what exactly am I supposed to say? ‘Hey Dad, remember your best friend Matteo? The one who’s been like an uncle to me my whole life? Yeah, well, he’s been fucking me raw for months and now I’m six months pregnant with his baby. Pass the potato salad?’”

Matteo’s lips twitch with amusement. “Maybe not exactly like that.”

“This isn’t funny, Matteo.” I stand up, pacing the length of the office. “He’s going to lose his shit. He might never speak to me again. He might actually kill you.”

“He won’t.” Matteo catches my arm as I pass, pulling me against his chest. “Conrad loves you too much for that.”

“But he’ll hate you,” I whisper against his shirt. “And I can’t stand the thought of you two not being friends anymore.”