Page 114 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
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Nicco
The pounding in my head throbs behind my burning eyes like a bad hangover. It’s been a long time since I cried like that. Probably not since Dad passed. Though I’m grateful for Destiny’s dad finding Ana, the news that I had a son and he died rocked my fucking world.
I thought it hurt when Ana vanished with my child in her belly, leaving behind a note basically telling me I’m worthless. That was nothing compared to this. My heart aches with a pain I’ve never experienced.
I can’t imagine being with anyone other than Destiny to receive that information. Her comfort and compassion drew her deeper into my heart, making the next few days even harder.
By the time I drag myself out of bed and to the kitchen, Marco’s gone to work, Angelina’s out by the pool with Franco, and Destiny is tucked into her lounge chair, typing on her computer. I walk out to the pool area, squinting from the sun beaming into my sore eyes.
“Good morning,” I say, scratching my head.
“Good morning.” Destiny’s voice is like sweet nectar. I catch her eyes sweep quickly down my chest to my abs as she shifts in her chair.
I love that, no matter how many times she’s seen my bare chest, she gets flustered.
“Angelina has breakfast waiting for you if you’re hungry.”
“Mmm, I am. Did you eat then?”
“Yup, I ate earlier. It’s almost lunchtime for me.” She smiles a playful, adorable smile.
“Thank you, Angelina,” I call out. She waves as I turn to go back inside.
Destiny rises from her lounge chair and walks in with me. She heats my plate and sits next to me on a stool at the kitchen island.
“We don’t have to go to the beach today if you’d rather stay here and relax. I know last night was tough for you.”
“It was.” I sigh. “I’ll always mourn my son. But now I’m truly free. I’m free from Ana because of you and now I’m free from anything that tied me to her.” I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “If it wasn’t for your kind heart and your dad’s help, I would’ve always wondered. I would never have been at peace. And now, I can start to find a way. For this, I can never repay you.”
She reaches out her other hand, cupping my face, love penetrating her eyes. “Nicco. There’s nothing to repay. That’s not how I work.” She pauses, moving her hand to my heart. “Your son is with your dad, in your heart forever.”
Placing my hand on top of hers, I close my eyes.
“Thank you.” I take a breath before releasing her hands.
“Do you want to stay here today?”
“No.” I scoop some scrambled eggs onto my fork. “I want to take you out for some fun.” I smile.
“Okay. As long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
“Should I shower if we’re going to the beach?”
“No. We’ll shower when we come back. Just put on your suit and sunscreen. Angelina will give us towels.”
I finish eating, we pack our things, and head to the beach. Since I slept so late, we’re off to a later start. I stop to get us lunch before we get to the beach. When we arrive, we find a spot to set up for the day. Wearing her coverup, Destiny sits in her chair and eats lunch under the umbrella, reading a book while I lie out in the sun.
When I open my eyes and look at her, she’s finished eating and her book rests against her body. She’s fallen asleep. About an hour later, she stirs.
“Are you ready for some fun?” I ask.
“Absolutely.”
“Make sure you have your sunscreen on.”
