Page 83 of Saved By A God
My gaze darts to him, and my stupid heart reacts before my brain can stop it.
Go home with Enzo? With my crush on him somehow even stronger after everything?
That sounds dangerous in a totally different way.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say quickly. “I can stay at a hotel for a few days while I look for a new place. The sooner I’mback on my feet, the sooner I can get to work and go on with my life.”
“No,” Dr. Milazzo says, his voice firm but kind. “Absolutely not. You’re not staying alone for at least a week, preferably two. You need someone with you to make sure you eat, sleep, and don’t try to work the second nobody’s looking. If I could have my way, I’d order you to take a vacation for at least three months.”
Jesus! I don’t know what I’d do with myself for three months. That’s not happening.
I open my mouth, but he points a finger at me.
“Don’t argue with me, Miss La Rosa. I was there when you took your first breath, and I’m not letting you undo three days of progress, because you’re stubborn.”
Dad lets out a rough breath, his eyes moving over my face. “He’s right, Rosellina.”
Mom’s arm tightens around me, but she doesn’t say anything, and somehow that makes me feel emotional and I have to fight the urge to cry.
I love them for wanting me with them. I really do. But the thought of moving back in while they worry themselves sick every time I move a muscle or want to go somewhere makes a heavy feeling settle in my chest.
Dad notices, and his expression softens as he brushes his hand over the side of my head. “I think you should go with Enzo.”
Mom glances at Dad, and for a moment, it looks like she’s going to argue, but then her gaze settles on my face.
Dad keeps his eyes on me. “He’s always been the one who’s gotten you to rest when you worked yourself into the ground. Your mother and I could beg until we were blue in the face, but the second Enzo showed up, you listened.”
My cheeks warm. “Dad.”
“It’s true.” He glances at Enzo. “Besides, there’s no one I trust more to keep you safe than him.”
Enzo steps closer, and my pulse speeds up again.
“You won’t be a burden,bella mia,” he says, his tone steady and sure, as if he’s already made up his mind and only gave my parents a minute to think the idea was theirs. “I want you with me. My place is secure, Dr. Milazzo can check on you himself, and your parents can come by whenever they want.” His eyes hold mine, making it impossible to look away. “You’ll have everything you need. Let me take care of you.”
Well, if you put it like that, who am I to argue?
Mom cups my cheek, her eyes drifting over my face. “I just want you somewhere safe.”
I glance at Enzo again, and my voice is softer than I want it to be when I say, “I guess you’re stuck with me.”
A hot smile curves his lips, a look of triumph in his light brown eyes, which somehow make the green flecks pop.
“I’ll go buy you some clothes and toiletries to tide you over until you’re strong enough to go out for a shopping trip,” Mom says.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry, Aunt Eden.” Enzo steps closer. “Gianna has already taken care of that.”
“Is she at your apartment right now?” I ask, wanting to see my best friend.
“Yes. She’s making sure everything is ready for you.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “Wow, you were pretty sure I’d agree to stay with you.”
He brushes his hand over my shoulder, smoothing some of my hair down my back. “I hoped.”
Chuckling, I begin to feel very tired and lean into Mom. “By the way, thanks for letting me wear your favorite sweater.”
A loving smile settles on her face. “It’s yours now, my baby.”
