Chapter 17
Bradley squinted, his tone laced with skepticism. “This is a custom-made cologne-one of a kind. You sure you’ve smelled it before?”
Melissa hesitated, suddenly doubting herself. She couldn’t imagine a world where she’d crossed paths with someone like Bradley-a man so far removed from her reality. Yet that scent lingered, scratching at the edges of her memory.
Shaking her head, she forced a small smile. “Maybe I’m just mistaken.”
The next day, Curtis was discharged from the hospital, with Melissa accompanying him home.
As soon as they pulled up to Bradley’s grand villa, Curtis, perched in Bradley’s arms, gasped in awe, his little hands waving excitedly. “Whoa! Look at this house! And there’s a garden too!”
Bradley smiled faintly and carried him inside. “Wait until you see your room.”
Melissa followed behind them, her eyes widening as she took in the sheer luxury of the place. The villa’s opulence was overwhelming-far beyond anything she’d imagined.
It made the Wallaker estate look like a budget rental. No wonder Bradley had been so confident when he said he’d handle Hugh.
When they reached Curtis’s room, Melissa’s jaw nearly dropped. The space was massive, practically a mini mansion on its own. It had everything—a sleeping area, a reading nook, a play zone, and even a slide. It was less of a bedroom and more of a personal amusement park.
Curtis’s face lit up, his excitement bubbling over. He hopped on one leg, grinning from ear to ear. “This is the coolest room ever!”
Melissa crouched down beside him and said gently, “Daddy set this all up just for you. Don’t you think you should say thank you?”
Curtis didn’t need to be told twice. He threw his arms around Bradley’s neck and planted a loud, smacking kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy!”
Melissa froze. That single kiss hit her like a ton of bricks. Curtis had always been incredibly selective with his affection, and
up
until now, she’d been the only person he ever kissed.
This simple gesture spoke volumes-Curtis had completely accepted Bradley into his heart.
Kids were quick to form bonds, Melissa thought, her chest tightening. If they could adapt so fast, then maybe—just maybe— letting go of another connection wouldn’t be so hard for him.
After lingering in the room for a few more minutes, Melissa quietly slipped out, leaving father and son to their time together. She wandered the villa, her thoughts swirling as she explored the unfamiliar surroundings.
At lunch, Bradley took a bite of fish and immediately frowned. “Did the kitchen staff change?”
A nearby housekeeper straightened, her voice tinged with worry. “Mr. Moore, does it not taste right? I can have it redone immediately.”
Bradley chewed slowly, his tone calm but pointed. “It’s fine.”
The housekeeper visibly relaxed and smiled. “Ms. Bush made it.”
Bradley’s gaze shifted to Melissa, a flicker of surprise breaking through his usual stoicism.
1/2
Chapter 17
Curtis, practically glowing with pride, piped up. “My mom’s cooking is the best! Way better than anyone else’s!”
Melissa laughed softly at his enthusiasm. “When Curtis was younger, he was the pickiest eater. I had to teach myself all kinds of recipes just to get him to eat anything.”
Curtis grinned and puffed out his chest. “I love Mom’s food the most! I want to eat it every day!”
Bradley’s face darkened, and his voice cut through the room like a knife. “No talking while you’re eating.”
Curtis froze, his face falling. He poked at his food with his fork, muttering under his breath, “But you started it, Daddy…”
Bradley’s sharp gaze locked on him. “Are you talking back?”
