The CEO, the Puppy and Me

Upon answering the phone, she heard shouting in the background. She dispensed with pleasantries. “What’s wrong?”

“We have a water leak in the kitchen,” the contractor said.

“The kitchen?” She didn’t even want to think of what the water would ruin. “I’ll be right there.” Once she ended the call, she looked at Ric. He was already absorbed in marrying his algorithm with her business’s website. “I’ve got to run out.”

“No problem. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Gia got to her feet. She couldn’t leave quite yet. She stepped up to the desk. Not sure what to say or how to say it. Still, she had to know where they stood. His fingers stopped typing, and his gaze lifted to meet hers.

Her heart pounded in her chest. “About what happened—”

“Don’t worry. We can talk about it later. Go deal with your problem.”

“You’re sure?” She felt weird kissing him one moment and running out the door the next.

“Positive. We’re good. Now go.”

So she did as he said. But she couldn’t help but wonder where it would have led them if they hadn’t been interrupted. Was Ric falling for her too?

CHAPTER TEN

THINGS WERE DEFINITELY coming along.

The walls were painted.

The counters were in.

The floor was finished.

Three days later, Gia stood in the center of the spacious kitchen and turned around. They still had a lot of details to work on, like the backsplash, the fixtures and the cabinet pulls. Things that would make this house a home. Lucky for them, the leaking pipe had been caught before it caused any major damage.

A smiled lifted her lips. This place had an old-world feel but with all the modern conveniences. Though the long center island did give the room a more modern vibe, she’d weighed need over authenticity. But they’d made sure the island matched the look and feel of the cabinetry. All in all, anyone would be lucky to have this kitchen. She’d certainly feel that way if it were hers.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Ric would change his mind about the place and move in once it was completed. After all, he’d grown up here. It was a part of his past—

“There you are.” The sound of Ric’s voice came from behind her.

She turned to him. “You were looking for me?”

“I’ve been calling you and texting you. Didn’t you get my messages?”

“Sorry. My phone is in the other room.” She couldn’t help but worry that something was wrong. It wasn’t usual for Ric to track her down in person. “Is something wrong with Gin?”

“No.” He shook his head. “He’s fine. He’s at home with Mrs. Rossi.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong. Not exactly.”

“You aren’t making any sense.” And her anxiety was climbing with each passing moment.

“It’s about your father—your biological father. Nate called—”

“He figured it out?” Excitement flooded her veins. “He knows the man’s name?”

“No. I’m sorry. He wasn’t able to uncover any additional information from the pages we scanned to him. But he has an idea that might lead to more information about him. However, it’s going to take your agreement.”

“What is it?” She was getting desperate. She couldn’t stop now. She felt as though they were very close to finding out his name.