Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Atticus’s eyes widened. “Where did you get that?”
Shit. “I forgot I have those mint lifesavers in a jar on the end table.”
“You can’t have this, buddy. It’s a choking hazard.”
I frowned. “I have a lot to learn about babyproofing, huh?”
“Well, by the time you figure it out, he probably won’t need it anymore. So don’t kill yourself.”
I sighed. “What are you guys up to tonight?”
“I’m taking him back to my apartment, giving him a bath, reading him a story, and putting him to bed. A wild and crazy evening.” He lifted his son. “You wouldn’t want to come with us, would you?”
Despite the hopeful look in his eyes, that didn’t feel right. “I think you should have some alone time with your baby boy tonight. But what time is your flight tomorrow?”
“Noon.”
“Maybe we can meet for breakfast before you have to go?”
“That’s not as nice as sleeping next to you would be, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m in no rush as long as we’re moving forward.” Atticus caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers. “You gave me everything I ever dreamed of back in California. I’ll never forget that night. But I’d rather go slow and steady than risk losing you again.”
“Daddy, who dat?” Christian asked, pointing at me.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s finally trying to figure that out. Great question, buddy.”
Atticus hugged him close. “That’s Nicole. You guys share Daddy’s heart.”
CHAPTER 32
ATTICUS
It was finally the last day of recording the new album, and since returning from New York, it had felt damn near impossible to reach this finish line.
Those couple of days away had been much needed, but it wasn’t enough. My time in New York had reminded me that the two people I cared most about in this world were too far from me. As long as I continued with this career, there was no easy way to put them first.
I returned to my empty house after a long day of work and imagined how much fuller my life would be if Christian had come running toward me when I got home. How amazing would it be to hear his little laugh echo through this big house? And what a dream to have Nicole to come home to, sleeping next to her every night.
I took a shower and was about to make myself something to eat when my phone rang. I recognized the number as security for my private, gated community. They called me to vet anyone trying to enter the grounds.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mr. Marchetti. It’s Chuck at the booth. We have a woman here who claims you know her, but we don’t have record of any preapproval.”
If I had a nickel for every time some random woman found out where I lived and tried to get in by pretending to know me. I’d had to move more than once due to lack of security at my previous residences.
“Yeah, I’m not expecting anyone,” I told him.
“So sorry, sir. She claims to have the same last name as you. So that was a little suspicious.”
I froze. “What are you talking about?”
“She says her name is Nicole Marchetti.”
Nicole? “Can you put her on the phone, please?”
“Of course.”
The sound of her voice followed a few seconds later. “Hey.”
Oh my God.
“It’s really you…”
“So much for surprises. Not sure how I didn’t know I’d have to get through security.”
My heart practically leaped out of my chest. “Put him back on the phone.”
The guard returned to the line. “Yes, sir?”
“That’s my wife. Let her through, please.”
“Your…wife, sir?”
“Yes.”
“Uh. Okay. Will do.”
I’d have to explain the situation to Chuck later. I bolted for the door and waited.
Nicole parked in my circular driveway, and when she emerged from the car, I felt alive for the first time since I’d come back from New York.
“Oh my God. This is the best freaking surprise.” I took her into my arms and squeezed her tightly. “You have no idea how badly I was missing you tonight. I came home from recording to this empty house, so depressed.” I wrapped my hands around her face. “But why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, and I wanted to surprise you. Although I botched that.”
I took her hand and led her into my house. “You couldn’t have timed it any better. I was ready to lose my mind tonight.”
Nicole’s shoes clicked against the black marble floor. This was the first time she’d ever set foot into one of my California residences. Her mouth was agape as she looked up at the crystal chandelier.
I followed her as she explored. The entryway was lined with framed platinum records, an homage to a life consumed by a career.
“Your ceilings are so…high.”
“It’s a bit much, I know. Stupid when I’m the only one who lives here.”
“It’s not stupid if you can afford it. You earned it. It’s beautiful.”