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“I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but we do consider you part of the family.”
That was sweet, and it was something I’d longed to believe deep in my soul, but if the Giovannis were my family, then Leo was off-limits.
“I’m sorry if I’ve been in your space too much lately. My parents will never forgive me if I push you away.”
“I promise you’re not.” It wasn’t him. Not really. I’d been wanting to take this step for a few years. It stemmed from guilt and shame for taking advantage of the Giovannis over the years. I was an adult. I shouldn’t be relying on them anymore.
He stepped closer, his hand cupping my jaw. “Good. Because you and Evie are important to me.Ci tengo a voi.”
“You’re important to me too.” My entire body softened at his declaration. I wanted to be someone special to him. But I wanted to be so much more. I wanted to be the woman he was attracted to, the one he couldn’t resist. I wanted him to kiss me.
For a few seconds, I thought he might lower his head and touch his lips to mine, but it was wishful thinking. “Please don’t feel like you have to move. No one in the family minds you living here. We never resented you or thought you didn’t belong.”
My eyes stung with unshed tears. “You didn’t do anything. I promise it’s not you.”
He studied me for a few seconds and then finally nodded. “Let me know if you need any help finding a place.”
I remembered he’d bought his house a couple of years ago. His mother hoped it meant he was ready to settle down and get married, but then he hadn’t dated anyone seriously since Bianca.
“You and Evie should come over. There’s this old playground in the backyard. I didn’t knock it down because it’s still in good shape.”
I’d said Evie deserved a yard and a playground, and he was offering me his. “She’d love that. Thank you.”
“There’s this old storage shed in the back too. It looks like a house. Maybe we can fix it up as her playhouse. Maybe you being there will be the motivation I need to finally fix the place up.”
My throat tightened, and before I said something I’d regret, I opened the door and got into the car.
“Good night, Harper,” Leo said as he shut the door and stepped back so I could drive away.
I was falling for him, but he saw me as a family friend, and I needed to be okay with that. No matter how much my heart wanted more.
Six
LEO
As Harper drove away, guilt wrapped around my chest and squeezed tight. It was different from the guilt my mom laid on me for not settling down and giving her a grandchild. I hated the idea that I’d done something to make Harper feel like she wasn’t wanted.
On the way home, I called Gia.
Despite the late hour, she answered after one ring. “Why are you calling so late?”
“I was at family dinner, and when Harper was leaving, she mentioned something about wanting to move. She wants a backyard for Evie.”
“Evie’s getting bigger, so that makes sense.”
“Can she afford to move?” I ran my free hand through my hair, wondering if I sounded as conflicted as I felt. I hated the idea of her not living above the restaurant. I liked being close to her, even if I was only just admitting it to myself.
“Honestly, she doesn’t confide in me about financial stuff. Why are you so worried about Harper all of a sudden?”
My heart thumped a little harder, worried she’d read through me. “She said some things that made me worry. She said she wanted to be independent from the family and that Mom watching Evie is too much. Maybe she thinks that she’s taking advantage of Mamma and Papà.”
“That’s ridiculous. They love Evie like a granddaughter.”
I sighed. “I told her that, but she still feels guilty.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
“Don’t let her know I talked to you about her. She seemed irritated with me.”
