Page 38 of Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend

I scramble for an excuse. "Yeah, that'd be perfect, but I need to get some things in order first. I… ran out of sunscreen and was going to head to the market to get some now."

"Then I'll come with you. We'll get to spend some time together."

Shit. "No, it's okay. It's too sunny out anyway, and you should get some rest before the meetup. I'll see you there."

Lilly eyes me suspiciously. At this point, I know she thinks something is up with me.

"Did something happen? Wait. Did you meet someone?"

I don't respond immediately.

Am I really that obvious?

"You did. Wow, Quinn. I'm really happy for you."

It occurs to me then that she has no idea that I mean Enzo. The thought itself is too ludicrous to even consider for her. I use that to my advantage.

"Yeah, well, now you know."

"A little Italian fling." She laughs, "Well, I'd love to meet him later, if you're okay with that."

I smile at her. There is no way I’ll commit to that. "I should go now."

I just want out of this conversation.

"Good luck, then." She winks before walking away waving goodbye.

That was close.

I wonder what it would be like if she found out that Enzo is the mystery man I was blushing over. She wouldn't judge me, that I’m sure of, but do I even want anyone else to know?

With Laurie, it’s different. I have no secrets from her, and she isn't here.

It’s thrilling like this, sneaking around. But I know that I won't be able to keep it to myself forever.

"You look nice," Enzo comments as I finally arrive.

"Thank you. You're not so bad yourself."

He’s clad in a more casual outfit this afternoon, a flowy shirt that falls off his toned body effortlessly, jeans. He looks so relaxed.

I love him in his suits, the perfectly tailored custom-made ones he likes to wear so much, but I like this more casual side of him just as much.

"It took you longer than I expected," he comments as we begin walking down the vineyard, his hand slipping into mine. "I was beginning to worry."

"Oh, I just ran into Lilly along the way..."

"Remind me which one that was again?"

"The yoga influencer? We're good friends. She might want to see you later."

I'm curious to know what his reaction will be.

"Haven't I met them all already?"

"I told her I was going to meet a mysterious Italian hunk." I wink.

"Italian hunk, huh?" He wraps his arms around me, and I lose all train of thought. "Well, Ms. Lilly is going to have to wait. I need you all to myself right now."

---