“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Walker. Simona has told me nothing but good things about you.”
She waved him off. “Oh, you can call me Nana.”
Donovan unleashed his full smile, dimple and all. “Nana it is.” He bent and kissed her cheek.
Simona’s jaw dropped when Nana blushed like a schoolgirl. Donovan winked at her, and she scowled at him.
“You all come on in.” Nana reached for Yasmine, and the little girl clung to Donovan.
“Well, I’ll be,” Nana said.
“Welcome to my world,” Simona muttered.
Donovan handed Yasmine to Nana. “Go talk to Nana. I have to get the bags, okay?”
“Hey, sweet pea. Ooh-wee, Nana’s gonna spoil you rotten over the next two days,” she said as she carried Yasmine into the house.
Simona shook her head and followed Donovan to the car.
“I like Nana,” Donovan said as Simona approached.
“Apparently the feeling is mutual,” she groused.
“Don’t hate. I told you...I got it like that.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips.
“Shut up and come on.”
He roared with laughter.
Inside, she directed him to the bedroom she always used when she stayed over and he set down her luggage. “Um, Nana said you should stay here at the house.”
“I planned to stay at a hotel.”
“She kind of insisted. I think she wants to check you out. Let me show you to your room.” Simona walked farther down the hall to a room that held another queen-size bed.
“I’ll get my bag in a few minutes.” He glanced around. “This is nice. Who are those people in the pictures?”
She looked up and pointed. “These two are my grandfather, and this one is my uncle. My grandfather died nine years ago, and my uncle lives in Boston. Let’s go see what Nana’s giving Yasmine that she shouldn’t have.”
Simona spent the afternoon catching up with Nana and observing how she interacted with Donovan. So far, she seemed to like him. Every now and then Simona would catch him scrutinizing her. She knew she would have to tell him about seeing the picture.
“Don’t you two want to go out or something?” Nana asked later.
“Nana, I don’t want to leave you here with Yasmine. She can be a handful.” And she didn’t want to be alone with Donovan.
“And so were you at this age. We’ll be just fine. She’s already had dinner, so we’re just going to entertain ourselves until bedtime.” She divided a speculative look between Simona and Donovan. “Besides, you should show Donovan around.”
“Are you sure, Nana?” She chanced a glance in his direction and found him smiling. Of course.
“Sure I am. Donovan, don’t you want to do some sightseeing? Y’all can go over to Jack London Square or something.”
The mention of Jack London Square made Simona think about Everett and Jones Barbeque. Truthfully, she could go for some of those ribs.
“Whatever Simona wants to do is fine with me,” Donovan answered.
“I’ve got a taste for some barbecue from Everett and Jones,” Simona said.
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” he said.
They had to park a block away and wait half an hour, but the first bite of her ribs made it all worth it.
When they were settled, Donovan asked, “What happened, Simona? Why are you pulling away?”
She set her jar of lemonade down and blew out a long breath. “I saw the picture of us from Sheila’s concert. I can’t do this.”
He reached across the table for her hand. “Sweetheart, why didn’t you tell me? No one could recognize you in that picture. And even if they could, didn’t I tell you I’d protect you? You’re going to have to trust me. I need you to trust me.”
“I hear you, Donovan, and I’m trying. I just don’t think—”
“Let’s just take it as it comes,” he interrupted. “Can we do that?” He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“I’ll try.”
“That’s all I’m asking, baby.”
* * *
Donovan observed Simona all through dinner and as they walked around Jack London Square. She seemed to have relaxed somewhat after talking, but he still sensed her hesitancy. He was so in love with this woman he couldn’t see straight, and he allowed himself a moment to imagine what it would be like to come home to her—and Yasmine—every night. He chuckled inwardly, thinking about how fast the little girl had managed to wiggle herself deep within his heart. Simona’s voice reclaimed his attention.