Page 58 of Hidden Rocco
He’d never been good for her. He’d never be able to scrub out his past and she deserved someone who was kind but strong, like she was.
Chapter 17
Rocco slept like he hadn’t in years. Two things made everything great. He was free, and Mica loved him.
Sun streamed into the hotel room when he woke. Mica had already placed jeans and a gray t-shirt for him out with new white socks.
No one had ever unpacked for him before.
Her jeans and a white-flowered cotton shirt was folded beside his. Jacob’s onesie was another suit and jacket like he was the future CEO though he wasn’t able to stand on his own yet.
Mica caught his gaze. Her long legs made his hands itch to touch them in her green sleep shorts. With her hair down and no makeup, she seemed younger, and even more breathtaking, which was quite stunning.
Of course he loved her. If only he could tell her.
She smoothed her son’s mostly bald head with a soft-bristled brush. Jacob cooed and glanced up at Rocco, making him feel like he was important as she said, “I’m going to take a fast shower. Can you get room service? I need coffee before I start my day, and something with carbs. I’ll need the energy for the long drive. And get something for yourself too.”
He'd enjoyed cooking for them at the chalet. Rocco saluted. “I’m on it. Jacob and I will keep each other company.”
A huge smile grew on her face like she was happy so she must have slept well too.
Good. She deserved to be. “Sounds perfect.”
She half-closed the door when he picked up the phone in the room. He pressed the button for room service and spoke loud enough for her to hear as she turned on the water. “I’d like two orders of coffee, two waffles, and one bowl of oatmeal.”
“Ten to fifteen minutes,” the lady on the phone said and hung up.
Mica gave him a thumbs-up and closed the bathroom door.
A moment later he heard the water turn on and he picked up the baby.
Jacob’s smile was just as hypnotic as his mother’s.
This baby would grow up to be one of the most important men in the world and he’d love to see Jacob in a real suit and tie on his first day at Mica’s office. This was the closest he’d ever have to fatherhood and he’d be proud of Jacob as he stayed with Mica for as long as she wanted him too.
Rocco headed to the counter and picked up the outfit Mica had left out for Jacob. He read the label, Gucci, Egyptian cotton, and shook his head. Most of his former Marine friends who’d married talked about how cotton was important, but Jacob had the best of the best. His diaper felt heavy, so Rocco searched for a diaper and wipes...when he opened the suitcase she’d packed the diapers in, he froze at the familiar black weapon--he hadn't seen one since he'd left the Marines.
Mica had packed a gun.
Was it illegal to drive and bring one into a hotel room? He wasn’t sure, but since he'd been in jail, he had no desire to be near a gun.
He closed the suitcase with the diapers and juggled the baby. “Jacob, let’s get you dressed. We both know your mom is a stickler for getting things done…” He successfully cleaned the boy and tossed the diaper in the trash can, then figured out the buttons and pulled the outfit over Jacob’s head. He straightened up when someone knocked.
Room service.
So why was his adrenaline firing a warning? He stared at the door. Mica’s shower was still running in the background, but Rocco’s hair stood on end. He picked Jacob up off the bed. “Waffles and coffee. Let me put you down.”
Jacob cooed but didn’t cry as Rocco left him in the crib, between the two beds, where he’d be out of the line of any fire—just in case. His instincts had been good as a soldier so he trusted them now. He tried to grab the lamp but it was bolted down.
The phone was a piece of plastic and not good in a fight.
His knuckles would have to do. They were still sore from yesterday.
Rocco went to the door and glanced out the peephole to be sure.
The man outside was in an actual suit that matched Jacob’s outfit.
He wasn’t a waiter. He carried no food. Rocco had been right to take caution.
