Tame the Beast : Small Beach Town, Single Mom Romance

“Twenty. Five. Cents,” Matteo repeats with a low, threatening voice, and I nearly trip over my own feet when my mother scrambles for her purse, finding the damn quarter and places it in his waiting palm.

“Happy?”

“Not just yet,” he says. “Tell us why you are here.”

“I already told you. I’m here to see—”

“Cut the crap,” Dad cuts her off. “Not one soul will believe you came to see your granddaughter. Just admit I’m right and you ran out of money.”

Kelly purses her lips and that right there is answer enough for all of us.

“Now I’m happy,” Matteo says, then adds, “She’s all yours, Fanny.”

“Finally.” Fanny claps her hands. “Let’s go, intruder, it’s time to pay up.” She grabs onto Kelly’s arms and start dragging the sputtering woman out the door.

My dad sighs. “I better go because the officer told me last week there is no more bail available for Fanny.” And follows them with a small wave

Okay then…

I’m still stunned at the morning events when Matteo’s warm hand slides across my waist. “You okay?”

“I think so.” I frown to myself. “Honestly, I’m not even sure what happened here. Did she really come here to scheme some more money out of Dad after he’s paid her so much already? Why show up at our house then? It’s just…a lot.”

“Will it make you feel better if I admit it was me who needed to be with Mel at night?”

“Marginally, but only because that wasn’t a secret to me.”

“Then name your price. What can I do to put a smile on that beautiful face?” Matteo grazes my cheek with the back of his hand.

Little does he know, there is nothing he needs to do. Just being here with me, loving and caring for us is so much more than enough. I’m not upset over Kelly’s visit or the fact that dad had to pay my way out.

A couple of months ago, I would be a wreck. A mess of tears on the floor at the revelation, but Matteo have thought me so much about myself. It’s a lot to process but it’s not painful.

However, I’ll never turn down his offer…

My lips curl up. “Well…I can think of a few things after Mel goes down for her nap…”

A few hours after the morning mess, Matteo had to go to the bar. His new menu is about to be launched and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s worked so hard to perfect each drink. He also created a new appetizers menu to go with each drink for the best experience and I’ve definitely enjoyed helping him with that one.

Matteo is so much more than I originally thought of him. So much more than just a guy looking for a good time. And he’s all mine.

Well, mine and…Mellie’s. Maybe even more hers since this is the fifth voice message he’s sent her—because God forbid she forgets him—since he left an hour ago. This one telling her a story about a purple lemon.

Yep, this man creates stories on the go for his daughter.

Me: Why is it always that only Mellie gets these pictures and voice memos, hmm? Aren’t you worried I will forget you?

Matteo: Aww, are you feeling left out, Beastie? Don’t worry, I’ve got a little something for you too. I wanted to give it to you later, but my needy girl obviously needs it now *wink face* There is a box in the closet in the loft. Open it.

No, I’m not embarrassed how fast I ran up there, but that doesn’t mean my cheeks didn’t grow as pink as they could when I did find that box.

Texting won’t do. I need to call the bastard.

“Matteo! What the hell is this?”

“This is you putting twenty-five cents in the swear jar.”

“Stop it. You know what I mean.”