Tame the Beast : Small Beach Town, Single Mom Romance

“They’re great mom.” I give her a hug and a kiss on top of her head. I’m not even that mad she stole my baby that day on the beach. It turned out quite all right, actually.

“But I want to get back to them as soon as possible. So, where do you need me while you have me?”

“Oh, there are a million boxes in the back that came in this morning. I assumed those were the supplies you ordered for your new menu and was going to call you to come sort through them, but here you are.”

Damn it, I totally forgot about that. I squeeze my eyes shut, groaning. This will take way longer than the one hour I was planning to spend here, and I’m already feeling those withdrawal symptoms being away from my girls for so long. But this must be done.

I may only be twenty-three, but I understand responsibly all too well when it comes to our family business. Especially with a free-spirit of a mother who, if given a chance, would serve the whole town for the cost of one smile.

I take out my phone and shoot Zoe a message.

Me: Hey sunshine, unfortunately I’ll be stuck here for a hot minute. So, I’m forwarding you three more pictures to print out and a voice memo you need to play to Mellie every ten minutes at least.

Beastie: So, I just tried to show her one of the pictures, but I don’t think she liked it. See the middle finger she’s showing you right here?

*Attaches a picture of Mellie’s hand in a fist except the middle finger that sticks out.

Me: Damn it, I knew she’s going to do something cool when I’m not there. *crying emoji* Proud papa. *happy tears emoji*

Beastie: Did you just say you are proud of her showing the middle finger? *unimpressed emoji* Only you, Matteo. Only you.

Me: I knew I was growing on you, beastie.

Beastie: In your dreams.

Me: Nah, in my dreams you are bouncing up and down on me, not growing.

After that there are no more messages, but I just happened to know that it’s not because she’s pissed at me like she pretends to be. She’s turned on and trying to hide it.

That’s okay, though; I’m patient. I’ve waited all these months. I’ll wait a few more weeks.

25

Zoe

“You’re the closest thing to a miracle in my life. And sometimes the worst thing that ever happened to me.” – Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy

This is all his fault. I knew it would be like this.

And this is only after a week with the man. What will happen if he sticks around for a whole month? Mellie will lose her voice from crying as she’s been crying ever since he was no longer in the vicinity of the cottage.

I thought the crying fits were over since we haven’t had one in a few days. That maybe whatever was hurting her had passed, but now I know better.

It was Matteo magic, and the apple doesn’t fall that far from this tree that has been under his spell ever since I’ve met him.

Bathroom show being the prime example. God, I can’t believe he was there, listening and…enjoying it? From the sounds of it.

No. I will not let my mind wander there. I am done. This is done.

No more playing for Zoe.

No more Matteo living with us. He must move out—if not for me, then for Mellie who is getting too attached.

How in the world did she know he left, I’m not sure, but just like before I have tried it all and nothing is working.

“Shh, baby girl.” I am on the verge of tears myself because I’m her mom and once again, I’m failing. “We are almost there.” And when we get there, I’m going to kill that favorite human of yours. First, for getting me hooked on him, and second, for getting you there too.

As soon as I fly through the front doors—which unfortunately doesn’t have the desired dramatic effect I’m going for because of the soft opening doors, damn it—Matteo’s head whips up that second, his eyes zeroing in on the car seat in my hands.