Love Unwritten (Lakefront Billionaires, #2)

by Lauren Asher

“Nicolas…” I muster up some courage with a deep breath that makes my lungs ache. “Did I do something wrong?” He stares at the book in my hands with a forlorn expression. “No.” “Then why do you never want to read stories together anymore?” His lips press together. “You don’t mind reading them with Ellie.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll practice on my own and impress you with all my skills.” He sinks deeper into the mattress. “I love you.” The dull throb ebbs a bit. “Te quiero, mijo. Con todo mi corazón.4” “I’m sorry,” he murmurs as I near the door. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Just know that I’m always here if you want to try reading together.” Rejection of any kind hurts, but there isn’t anything more painful than being on the receiving end of it from my son. Your own kid doesn’t want you around, the sick voice of self-sabotage returns at full force. Son. Husband. Father. My list of failures is growing, and I have no one to blame but myself.

“Can you get Ellie before you leave?” I pull on the doorknob with a death grip. “Of course.”

Sure, I used to put more effort into my appearance, but only because I cared too much about everyone else’s opinion. I wanted to be liked. To be desired. Now, I just want to be left alone.

“No. We fuss because we love you enough to see what you’re doing.” I tense. “And what’s that?” “Disguising your insecurities with ugly clothes, a disheveled appearance, and a personality rougher than extra-coarse sandpaper.” “At least let me grab a beer first before you do a deep dive into my psychological issues.” “Screw the beer. We’d need some hard liquor to get through all of those.”

“What’s wrong?” Julian asks. I take a deep breath and face my fear. “Nico and I are having problems.” His eyes widen. “Really?” I sigh. “Yes.” “Is that why you’ve been avoiding Sundays at the Muñoz house?” “Yup.” The Muñoz and Lopez families have spent every Sunday together ever since we were all kids, but I’ve done my best to avoid the family ritual lately by scheduling activities and playdates with Nico’s friends. “What’s going on?” Julian asks. “Nico’s been pulling away from me and acting strange, and I can’t figure out why.” He strokes his chin. “When did all this start?” “Right around the beginning of the new year.” “So, around the same time his mother canceled her visit to town?” I nod. “That and a few other things.” Like Nico insisting Ellie join us for our summer vacation while I thoroughly voiced my feelings against it. “Have you asked him what’s wrong?” “Of course I have.” “And?” “He shuts down and never wants to talk about it.” “Sounds like his father.”

“For someone who is so goddamn smart, you can sure be a real dumbass sometimes.” I raise my beer in a mock toast. “I can always count on you to lift me up.” “We’ve always been straight shooters with one another, so I’m not going to start lying now to save you from hurt feelings.” “True, but that doesn’t mean you need to go for the jugular.”

RAFAEL

The soft strumming of a guitar greets me when I walk inside the house. I head in the direction of the sound before stopping near the entrance to the living room. Ellie hasn’t noticed me yet, but then again, she never does whenever she is in the zone. I feel like I’m intruding on a private moment, but I don’t want to shatter it and announce my presence before she has a chance to finish playing a popular song I immediately recognize. My excuse for lingering in the dark sounds weak to my own ears though, especially when one song bleeds into another, and next thing I know, I’ve spent thirty minutes lurking.

There is something about her that lures me in every time, and it has nothing to do with her music. I haven’t determined if my interest has something to do with her beauty or the secrets she hides behind timid smiles and songs that make my chest ache. Partly because I don’t want to know. All I know is that for someone with sun-kissed skin, bright smiles, and golden hair that looks like sunshine personified, she sure does a good job of hiding it behind heart-wrenching musical progressions and haunted melodies that stay with me long after she stops playing for the evening.

I stomp my feet a few times, and the music cuts out altogether as I enter the living room. “I’m home,” I say to her back. She turns and glances back at me from over the couch. “I thought you were staying out late.” “Changed my mind.” I take a seat on the couch across from hers. “I should get to sleep then. Nico needs me to stop by the market tomorrow before school to get his friend some cupcakes for her birthday.” She rises from her spot and reaches for her incomplete music sheet. “Wait. Do you have a second?” “Sure.” “I need your advice.” She points at her chest. “Mine?” “Yes,” I say through gritted teeth. She stares at me for a few seconds before nodding. “Um…all right.” She reclaims her spot on the couch and places her guitar on the coffee table. “Do you want something to drink?” “Hell yes,” I say without thinking twice.

“Thanks.” I take a sip of my drink. “Better?” She sits again. “No.” “On a scale from one to ten, how painful was that to admit?” “At least an eight.” That mischievous glint in her eye returns. “Better than a ten.” “Give it time. I’m sure we will get there.” My lips twitch, but I catch myself before Ellie adds it to that ridiculous smile counter of hers. “So, what sort of advice do you need from me?” I release a heavy breath. “I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m struggling to connect with Nico.”

“Has he talked to you about it?” “Not much.” “But he has mentioned something?” She takes a few seconds to respond, adding to my unease. Maybe things are worse than you thought. She wraps the hoodie string around her index finger three times before speaking. “Have you asked him about what’s wrong?” “Yes, but I’m not getting anywhere with him.” “Maybe you should try again.” “What’s the point? He always finds a way to reject me.” Awareness dawns on her. “Oh, Rafa. I’m sorry.” The pity in her voice makes my stomach churn, filling me with shame. “Forget I said anything.” Her skin blanches. “I wish I could tell you more. I really do.” “Has he…said anything to you?” Her face loses some of its color. “Not really.” “That’s not a no.” “No, but it’s not a yes either. We don’t talk much about you.”

“So much for you being able to help.” “Hey. I understand you’re angry, but⁠—” “Angry? You think this is me being angry?” My sensibility goes out the window, along with any self-preservation. “My son barely wants to spend time with me anymore. Whenever I try—whether it’s reading a book together, watching a movie, or playing video games—he shuts down and pushes me away, and do you know who he asks for instead?” She fails to meet my eyes. “Me?” “Yes,” I hiss. “And how do you think that makes me feel?” I don’t bother to shield my loathing. I’m not sure who I’m more frustrated with—her or me—but the rage and helplessness become all-consuming and I direct them straight at her. “It makes me hate you.”

“Is that how you really feel about me?” Her monotonous tone grates on my nerves. “Yes,” I say with slightly less confidence. She takes so long to respond, I begin to question if she ever will. “I don’t think you do, because if that were the case, you would’ve fired me.” I cover up the fact that I am impressed by her honesty with a clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. Another long pause follows before she speaks again. “Regardless of your misguided anger toward me, I do care about helping you with your relationship with Nico.” “Why?” “Because deep down, I know you’re a good guy, even if you try your hardest to prove the exact opposite.”

With a sigh, Ellie stands, and I brace myself for her departure like I deserve, only to be stunned when she walks around the coffee table and takes a seat beside me. Our thighs graze, sending a lick of heat up my leg. I’ve never been this close to her before. I made sure to prevent any opportunity that would lead to this kind of proximity, and a quick inhale reminds me why. Ellie smells like fresh-picked strawberries and a hint of Nico’s favorite bath bomb, and it screws with my head and my heart all at the same time as I take another deep breath. I’ve always had this…interest in her.

I want to shoo her away, but then she shocks me when she places her palm against my back and rubs in a circular pattern. The motion is comforting rather than aggravating, which worries me. Being near each other is one thing, but touching? Completely inappropriate and unprofessional, but I can’t find it in me to get up and move. Instead, I sit there, still as a statue, while Ellie tries to soothe me, a man who doesn’t deserve an ounce of her sympathy or compassion.

“I have firsthand experience dealing with bad dads, and you’re not one of them, no matter how much you tell yourself otherwise.” Her words sneak past my barriers and restore a fractured part of me. I don’t speak for a whole minute, although I wish I hadn’t at all once I say, “I feel helpless sometimes.” “I can’t begin to imagine what it must feel like to be in your position.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze. It’s strictly platonic on her end, but my heart jolts in my chest.

Before I have a chance to dive into my reaction, a loud thud on the other side of the house steals our attention. She sucks in a breath, and my stomach lurches as a sharp cry pierces through the quiet. “¡Papi!” “Nicolas!” I bang into the coffee table and trip over my feet in my panic. “I’m coming!”

I throw open the door to his bedroom, ignoring how the knob permanently embeds itself in the drywall as I dash inside. My shaky legs threaten to give out at the sight of Nico curled into a ball on the floor. Blood is pooled around his split chin and soaking into his dinosaur-themed PJs, while tears stain his chubby cheeks. Based on the bloody footboard and the rug being at an odd angle, I assume that Nico must have tripped and rammed his chin into the wood post before falling to the floor. “Oh God.” Ellie’s voice rips me away from my stupor. I drop to my knees in front of Nico. I’m not given a chance to warn him to stay put before he throws himself into my arms with a cry. My whole heart aches at the sound, and it tears me up inside to pull him away so I can get a better look at him. “Does it hurt anywhere else?” “No.” Nico’s voice is hoarse from crying.

“We need to take him to the hospital.” Nico cries out against it. I choke on the lump in my throat. “I... He…” “We need to find something to help stop the bleeding first. I’ll go look while you stay with him?” Nico crawls back onto my lap and wraps his arms around my neck, answering her question for me.

Nico looks up at me with tear-stained eyes. “I’m sorry. So, so sorry.” “You have nothing to apologize for.” Although the look on his face and his continuous insistence on apologizing have me questioning if that’s true.

ELLIE

Guilt prevents me from looking Rafael in the face. I’ve felt sick to my stomach ever since we entered the hospital, and it has nothing to do with Nico’s bloody chin or the view I have of the doctor sewing his split skin back together. Thankfully, Nico looks better than he did when we first found him bleeding on his bedroom floor, but his eyes lack that special glimmer to them

As my anxiety grows, incriminating hives appear on my chest. No amount of scratching alleviates the itchiness, and I release a frustrated growl. “All good?” Rafael’s gaze drops to my black hoodie. Nico’s wide eyes swing to mine, and I tuck my hands into my front pocket. “I’m fine.” “If you need to step outside…” “I said I’m fine.” Rafael’s lips purse as he refrains from asking any further questions. A few minutes later, the same doctor reenters the room before asking a few follow-up questions about Nico’s injury and pain. With every answer Nico gives, the knot in my stomach tightens until I’m about to curl over in discomfort. Rafael keeps glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, which only makes the belly pain worse.

“When was your last test?” “January,” Rafael answers for him. “Have you noticed any changes since then?” The doctor scans the medical chart. Rafael goes still while every muscle in my body tenses. Nico ignores the flashlight as he stares down at his lap. “Yes.” “You didn’t say anything,” Rafael says. “I’m sorry.” Nico—sweet, innocent Nico—looks over at me for support while simultaneously giving me away. I do my best to keep my face blank, although my hands tremble inside my hoodie pocket while Rafael looks at me like I’m his biggest enemy. “Did you know?” I lose my ability to speak. “Did. You. Know?” he asks in a rough tone. I drop my gaze, wishing I could erase the look of mistrust and disgust from his face. “Yes.”

Before I walk past the foyer, Rafael speaks up. “Stay here,” he mutters in a low voice. I’m stunned into submission as I stand in the front entryway, twisting my hands in my pocket while I wait for the inevitable. Rafael takes his sweet time getting Nico ready for bed, all while my heart feels close to launching itself out of my chest. Although I could definitely use an edible or two to take the edge off, sneaking into my room after Rafael’s request to stay put would only make my situation worse. Is that even possible?

to follow him into the living room. Walking behind him feels like I’m trudging through quicksand. “Sit.” I follow his command and drop onto the couch across from his favorite leather chair. He heads over to the bar cart in the corner and pours himself a drink before taking a seat diagonal to me.

“I can explain.” “Don’t bother.” “But—” He balances his glass on his muscular thigh. “I have one question for you.” “Okay.” “You knew.” “That’s a statement.” His jaw clenches so hard, I fear for the state of his molars. “When I talked to you yesterday about him, you knew?” He enunciates each word with a sneer. “Yes, but⁠—” “Then that’s all.” Ice rattles as he draws the glass back toward his mouth. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it all back. I had no idea something like this could happen, or⁠—” He cuts me off with an icy glare. “You can’t, though, can you?” “Nico begged me not to say anything.” “If I wanted an explanation, I would have asked for one.” “I deserve a chance to⁠—” “You deserve nothing,” he hisses under his breath.

“Regardless, I am sorry. Nico getting hurt was an accident.” “So was hiring you.” My sharp inhale only seems to annoy him more. He doesn’t bother looking at me as he says, “I should’ve known better than to trust someone like you.” My whole world stops as I process his words. “What?” “You have no experience with children, and it clearly shows.”

“In the time I’ve worked here, I have made one mistake⁠—” “A mistake that sent my kid to the hospital!” I do my best to quell my anger like my mom taught me. “I’m so sorry.” “You’re lucky I don’t sue.” “What?” My voice trembles, along with my hands by my sides. I hate myself for showing any sign of weakness, but I can’t stop the raw burst of emotion from overwhelming me. He looks unbothered by my outburst as he picks at a piece of invisible lint. “If that’s all…”

“I’m taking Nico to my aunt’s house tomorrow for a sleepover, so that should give you enough time to clear out your room.” I must have misheard him. “Excuse me?” “I’ll get Nico ready for school and drive him there myself. It’s best for you to stay in your room during that time.” “Can I at least say goodbye to him?” Rafael cuts me down with a single “No.” I rapidly blink until I regain control of my tears. “So that’s it? I’m dismissed?” “No, Eleanor. You’re fired.”

ELLIE

Willow, who has been my best friend since I moved to Lake Wisteria in middle school, didn’t ask any questions when I showed up at her lakeside bungalow in the middle of the night with tear-stained cheeks and a car stuffed with my personal belongings. I thought I could wait until morning to pack up my room, but then I considered how it would feel to stay quiet while Nico went about his morning routine, completely unaware of me no longer being his nanny.

Sure, I can sass back because I am my mother’s daughter after all, but when push comes to shove, I’d much rather run away than stand my ground against someone who hurt me. Even if it means never getting closure.

you’re better off without Rafael anyway. He always took you and your time for granted.”

“You never said anything before.” “Because since everything went down with Ava and the record label, you seemed genuinely happy for the first time in months. You had a purpose. Nico was good for you and vice versa, even if his father is too stubborn to see that.”

“I don’t care if Rafael was right to fire you. He was wrong for not letting you say goodbye at least.” “It’s not like I gave him a chance to change his mind before running away.” “He doesn’t deserve you.” Willow gives my clenched hand a pat. “As it is, I’m surprised you put up with him for this long.” “He wasn’t that bad.” “But was he good?”

“Who’s that?” “Lorenzo.” “He comes to your house now? Are you two friends or something?” Willow recently took Lorenzo Vittori, the town’s newest billionaire resident, on as a PR client. The decision was an easy one, especially since my best friend loves a good challenge, and Lorenzo was the biggest one yet, with his goal to replace Lake Wisteria’s Mayor Ludlow, whose family has been here since the town was founded in the 1800s.

“No, we’re not really friends, but he sure could use one.” “Then what is he doing here this early?” “I don’t want anyone overhearing us talk about Operation Fake Fiancée. You know how quickly word spreads in this town.” My brows hike toward my hairline. “So getting him a fake fiancée is a whole operation now?” “Yes, but it’s still in the planning phase, so don’t worry.” “Why would I be worried?” “Because the moment Lorenzo hears you’re unemployed and looking for a job, he might try to hire you, but as your best friend, I must insist that you say no. He’s not marriage material. Take my word for it.”

RAFAEL

After staying up until way too late last night working on another 3D superhero for Nico’s collection, I struggle to get out of bed. I’ve never been a morning person, but Ellie is⁠— Shit. For a second, I selfishly wish Ellie were still here to help me. It’s a stupid thought, and I beat myself up over the compulsive reaction as I crawl out from underneath the comforter and head downstairs to prepare Nico’s breakfast.

I get so caught up in thinking about how to break the news to Nico that I end up burning two in the process. If Ellie were here, she’d shoo me out of my own kitchen and take over my task because, unlike me, she enjoys cooking. She even looks forward to learning new recipes while I stick to the tried-and-true family favorites of green spaghetti, mole, pozole, and filet mignon straight from the grill.

Nico groans and yanks his comforter over his head when I open the blinds, reminding me of myself. “I made you pancakes.” I lift the comforter and tickle the bottoms of his feet. “Stop!” he hisses while kicking his feet out. “Not until you get out of bed.” He huffs and puffs as he rolls out of bed with a terrible case of bedhead and a scary frown. “For someone who is about to eat blueberry pancakes, you sure are grumpy.” His eyes narrow. “With whipped cream?” “Yes.” “And strawberries?” “You like those?” I feign ignorance. His head drops back with a groan. I steer him toward the door. “Of course I added strawberries. Like I could ever forget your favorite.”

I’m so distracted that I don’t notice the door was left ajar until Nico throws it open. “Ellie?” He takes a step inside and halts. “Are you here? Dad made pancakes.” Unlike Nico, I haven’t been inside Ellie’s room since the day she moved in, but I can quickly tell something is off. From the empty closet full of hangers to the house key left on top of the dresser, hints of Nico’s previous nanny remain, although her belongings do not. “Where’s Ellie’s stuff?” Nico looks up at me with pinched brows.

Despite being angry about Ellie withholding the truth, I can’t help feeling like a dick for kicking her out the way I did. Last night, I gave her a twenty-four-hour eviction notice without considering if she even had a place to go.

Why do you care? She isn’t your problem anymore. If that were true, then why does my chest feel so uncomfortably tight all of a sudden? And how do I explain the tension building underneath my skull, pulsing with every pump of my heart? Nico shakes my arm hard enough to pull me away from my thoughts. “Why is all her stuff gone?” His voice cracks on the final word. My reply gets trapped in my throat as he looks up at me with eyes filled to the brim with tears. I knew this conversation would be difficult, but I was hoping it could wait until after I placated him with pancakes, a new 3D-printed superhero to add to his growing collection, and an important conversation about always telling each other the truth. “You made her leave, didn’t you?” A dark look passes over his face that I recognize too often on my own, and it instantly makes my stomach churn.

“I know you care about Ellie, but I can’t let her take care of you anymore after she hid the truth from me.” Rather than give in to the tears threatening to fall, Nico shoves me with all his might, and I wobble on my knees before regaining my balance. My kid has never been aggressive a single day in his life. Nico is a lover, not a fighter, so I’m floored by his reaction. Floored and heartbroken, although I ignore the ache in my chest as I try to reach for him. He steers clear of my open arms. “You told her to leave?” “Yes.” “Why? Why? Why?” He shoves me again,

“Use your words, not your hands.” He tries to pull himself free of my hold. “No.” “Nicolas,” I beg. “You know I couldn’t let her stay after what happened.” “She’s my best friend.” Desperation bleeds into his voice. “She was your nanny.” “No! You don’t understand!” He tries to break out of my hold and fails. “She wanted to tell you, but I told her not to.” A single tear rolls down his cheek.

“She’s the adult and you’re the kid. You might not have known better, but she did.” He shakes his head repeatedly. “You took my best friend away.” “I’ll find you someone better⁠—” “No! I want Ellie!” “That’s not possible.” “You always make everyone leave!” I let him go, too stunned by his killing blow to do anything but sit still while my son runs back to his room. He slams the door hard enough to make the frame shake. I’m not sure how much time passes, but I don’t get up until the ache in my knees matches the one in my chest. You always make everyone leave. Nico’s words haunt me. My mom. My ex-wife. Ellie. The list continues to grow, along with my trust issues.