Page 45 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby
I leaned back into the couch, my fingers idly tracing the condensation on the beer bottle I held. The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting, reflecting the genuine warmth between us. Simone and Seth seemed at ease, their laughter filling the room as they teased and playfully bickered.
My gaze lingered on Simone for a moment too long, her eyes shining with amusement. I couldn't deny the attraction I felt for her, but the reality of our relationship gnawed at my conscience. My focus was on the lighthearted conversations we shared, but my mind kept drifting back to the complexity of my feelings for Simone. How could I reconcile my growing love for her with the guilt that weighed on me?
"Simone, I..." I hesitated, uncertain how to voice my thoughts. She looked at me, curiosity and concern mingling in her eyes, urging me to continue.
"Never mind," I said, shaking my head. "It's not important." The words felt like a betrayal, but I couldn't bring myself to say more. Not yet.
Simone nodded, like she understood what I’d been trying to say.
“So, when should I move in, then?”
“I’ll take a few days off so I can help. Maybe next week? I’ll look at my schedule when I’m in the office tomorrow to see when I can squeeze some time.”
Simone beamed a smile at me that nearly took my breath away.
“When are you two going to make this official, anyway?” Seth asked.
I looked at Simone, who seemed to be on the edge of her seat for the answer.
“It should definitely be soon,” I said, hesitating. “Probably by the end of the month? We’ll just go to city hall, I suppose.”
Simone nodded, and I had no idea if I’d given the right answer.
“That makes sense,” Seth said, seemingly unaware of the storm of emotions brewing inside of me."Simone, you know I only want what's best for you," Seth continued, his tone firm but gentle.
"Thank you, Seth," Simone murmured, clearly touched. "That means so much to me." But she shook off the feelings and changed the subject. It was getting real. Too real. “So, have you guys been keeping up with the new season of Chef Supreme? It’s been ages since we’ve watched it together. I can’t believe the challenges of this season.” Simone’s dark eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
“I just saw the episode where they had to make desserts using savory ingredients. Who knew bacon and chocolate could work so well together?” Seth said.
"Right?" Simone chimed in, her smile growing even wider. "And what about the one where they had to incorporate bugs into their dishes? Definitely not something I'd want to try!"
I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped from my throat and it eased the tension that I felt as we dove deeper into the outrageous culinary creations.
But as laughter filled the air, the secret that lay between us remained – a reminder of the difficult choices still to be made.
“So I heard that you’re getting yourself in deep with Simone,” Dominic said as he barged into my office the next day.
“Shh,” I hissed, glaring at the open door. Dom swung the door closed before dropping in the chair across from my desk.
“Chill, dude. Simone is at lunch right now. I’m not an idiot.”
I dropped my head in my hands.
“I have no idea what the hell I’m doing here, Dom. Everything changed in Italy.”
“According to Austin and Logan, it changed before Italy. I heard you barely made it a day before you slept with her. Which, truthfully, is on brand for you.”
“Shut it. It’s not like that with Simone. I just don’t even know anymore. I think I love her?”
“Are you asking me?”
“No, I know the answer.”
“You seem awfully down for someone who’s fallen in love, man. Are you worried about Seth?”
“Yes, and no. I’m worried that I’m not being honest with Seth. He thinks this is all about the green card and it’s about more now.”
Dominic stared at me appraisingly.