Ann - SE7EN: A Single Dad Mafia Romance

Also, a lot of the characters in this story are first featured in Graveyard Girl. I would recommend reading that book first! You can read it here: GRAVEYARD GIRL.

Enjoy Seven, Isla, and Nias story. Thank you for reading!

Isla

Can you breathe for me, sweetie?

The little boy in front of me crosses his arms over his chest and glowers at me. Glowers. Gosh, hes so cute.

The dad sighs heavily. Sean, you have to listen to the doctor.

I dont want to! he protests through a lisp, slamming his booty down on the table.

Hey, Sean! I bend down and force excitement. My voice makes a small, curious smile start to play on his lips.

Can we play a game then?

He brightens. Game?

Mmm-hmmm. Im gonna put something super cold on your chest. Thats the bad guys ice ray. Youre the good dragon. You have to breathe your fire so the ice ray doesnt getcha.

His eyes go even wider.

Yeah! He smirks at his dad like he won. His dad chuckles and I feel his grateful gaze swing my way.

Okay, ready? One, two, three I place the stethoscope on his chest. He breathes his fire. Over and over until I get the information I need. Now that Ive gotten the boys trust, hes much more cooperative.

All done, Sean! You were so good today. Do you want a sticker or are you too cool for stickers?

Im too cool for them. He grins a smile that actually lets his two missing teeth show. Ugh, my heart!

Sean hugs me. I go over to the dad to discuss some things while Sean goes to the corner where I keep my small stash of toys.

Okay, Mr. Moore, so everything looks good. Hes a little bit underweight, but not enough for concern. Maybe just encourage him to eat a little more healthy food or add a couple of snacks in.

Will do. You were great with him today, Isla.

Oh. I blush awkwardly. Thanks, Mr. Moore.

Please, call me Ben.

Okay, Ben. If you go to the

He cuts me off. Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner sometime? I think youre amazing, Isla.

My blush grows from the base of my neck all the way up to my cheeks. I cant look at him. Oh my gosh. This never happens to me.

Thank you.

What do you think?

Um I Really dont have time. Im ready to say no when the other half of me kicks in. No, Isla. No! You have a nice, successful man here asking you out. Just say yes. For once, do something for yourself. With a silent nod to myself, I give Ben my most dashing smile. Or at least thats what Im aiming for.

Id love to.

Great! Whats your number?

I ramble it off, ignoring that odd feeling in my gut telling me to be professional and let him down easy.

Awesome, Isla. Ill text you so you have mine and well set something up!

Great, I look forward to it. I turn to Sean, who now is running to his dads side in the doorway. His head is down and hes staring at his feet. He looks sad all of a sudden.

Sean, Ill see you soon, okay buddy?

Yep, he says quietly with a shrug. I frown.

Come on, bud. Lets get lunch.

His dad loops his fingers through Seans and leads him out of the room. I frown at their retreating forms. Why the sudden mood change?

Im a little disturbed the whole time as I get my paperwork together for my next patient. I dont even think about my date. Im too worried about Sean and what I could have said to disturb him. Does he not want his dad to date? Should I not have mentioned the underweight thing in front of him?

Isla. A hand lands on my shoulder. I fly around with a gasp, having been so lost in my thoughts.

Hun, I didnt mean to scare you, Keisha apologizes. Your next patient is ready.

Right. I shake my head. Sorry, Im a spaz.

Youre fine. You okay?

Im good. Just thinking.

Keisha tsks. You think too much. You need to live a little.

I blush. That brings me back to the date I said Id go on. Was that a mistake?