Page 80 of Accidental Doctor Daddy

“Good,” I teased, “because I might bite if it was an insult.”

He smirked, leaning down to claim a kiss. My heart fluttered at the tender press of his lips, the lazy swirl of his tonguemeeting mine.We broke apart, both of us a bit breathless. He guided me to the massive windows overlooking the city. The morning sun glinted off distant skyscrapers. It felt like we were on top of the world.

In a way, we are.

“I’ll have to go check on the twins soon,” I said softly, though I made no move to leave his embrace. “But for now…”

“Stay a bit. I’m in no rush, and neither are you.”

I allowed myself a small smile, letting my head rest against his chest. “Fine, I’ll indulge in this fancy morning a little longer.”

He squeezed me gently, and for a while, we just stood there, soaking in the hush of his apartment, the distant hum of the city. My restless mind, always anxious about the girls or my job or the next crisis, felt strangely still.

Chapter 30

Dom

Now that Ella had left for the day, one thought echoed off the walls of my apartment. I paced around my living room, the skyline glittering outside, my stomach twisted with nerves.

I have to tell Leo and Gina everything.

They deserved to know about the twins—and about Ella, the woman I’d chosen. It was like I told her. No more hiding. Even if I knew this could blow up in my face.

Ella left an hour ago, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek, voicing her support. “You handle your kids,” she’d said softly, a flicker of worry in her eyes. “I’ll handle ours.”

I couldn’t blame her. The potential fallout with Leo had weighed on us since she confessed he was the asshole ex who’d hurt her. I refused to drag her into a confrontation that might explode.

So it fell to me. I’d invited Leo and Gina for a last-minute brunch, off our usual schedule. Predictably, they asked if I was okay.I will be,I told myself grimly, setting out pastries and fresh fruit on the dining table. Now it was set for a conversation that might tear my family apart.

Gina and Leo arrived in a brisk swirl of tension. Gina wore a casual sweater, hair in a messy bun, to-go box of coffee in hand. Leo looked oddly at ease—like he’d woken up on the right side of the bed for once.

Guess I’ll ruin that today. Father of the year, folks.

“What’s going on, Dad?” Gina asked, scanning my face as she stepped in.

“Yeah, you okay?” Leo added, more neutral than usual. “You never do random brunch calls. Everything is schedules with you.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, motioning for them to follow me. “But I…have something I need to talk to you two about.” My attempt at casualness fell flat, and I saw them both stiffen with apprehension. “Grab some brunch and we’ll sit and talk.”

We ended up in the dining area, pastries untouched. Gina eyed me warily. Leo stood with arms crossed, brow creased. I forced a steady breath.Just do it.

“You’re making us nervous, Dad,” Gina said. “Just spit it out.”

“Like a Band-Aid,” Leonardo added.

“If you’re eating Band-Aids, you’re doing something wrong.”

“Dad!” Gina playfully barked and giggled. “Just tell us.”

“There’s no easy way to say this. Before I say it, I want you to know that none of this was planned?—”

“You did something unplanned?” Leonardo cut in, one brow raised. “Since when?”

“Since last summer…” I raked my fingers through my hair. “I met a woman then, and…” How do I say this while minimizing the mental scarring? “We had a fling.”

They exchanged a glance. Gina said, “Well, that’s great, but I’m not sure why you’re telling us now.”

“Unless it’s gotten serious.” Leonardo’s eyes went flat as he folded his arms over his chest.

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