A Humble Heart (Hollywood Hearts #1)(74)

“Here,” Dana said, pulling him gently back until he was sitting between her legs with his back to her. “We have a few minutes, why don’t you let me give you a back rub?”

“Okay,” he said, trying to sound casual. A smile tugged at his lips. No woman had ever rubbed his back. They wanted him to do things for them, take them out, buy them things, help them when they needed it, and sleep with them when they wanted something. Dana was something else. Not only did she do things for him, but she did them without wanting something in return.

He closed his eyes and hunched over while she worked the tension out of his neck, shoulders and back muscles. She worked every muscle in his back until he was completely relaxed.

A buzzing sound made them both jump. “Ooops, I guess the pizza’s here.”Edward pulled himself out of the tub and grabbed his pants pulling them up his wet legs. “Meet me at the table,” he said as he made his way out of the bathroom.

He opened the door to a very stunned pizza boy. “Er……” The young man took in his wet appearance and smirked. “Dana’s order. My Dad told me to tell her he put enough pineapple in the container to keep her happy until tomorrow night.”

“Thank you.” Edward pulled out his wallet and paid him with a generous tip. The kid had saved him from a trip to the all night grocery store after all.

“Wow, thank you, sir!” the kid said. “Oh, before I forget, my mom wanted me to tell Dana that Monday night we’re having a BBQ and she’s expected and to bring and I quote ‘those two adorable babies of hers and her fiancé so she can check him out to make sure he’s good enough for her.’” He gave Edward a sheepish look. “Sorry, man, I’m just the messenger.”

Edward chuckled. “I’ll tell her.”

“Alright, see you Monday then.” The teenager took off.

Dana was already getting things ready at the table when Edward placed the food down. “Before I forget the pizza boy said Monday night we’re all invited to a BBQ at their house.”

Her eyes shot up. “Ah, I guess they want to check you out. Make sure you pass inspection.”

He cocked his head to the side and studied her for a long moment. “Yes, how did you know?”

“I’ve been friends with the family for a year now. I know how Daniel works.” Her eyes locked on the plastic container on top of the pizza. “Is that the pineapple?” She picked up the container and grabbed a large chunk and began to nibble on it.

Edward chuckled in disbelief as he set two plates. He placed a slice of pizza on her plate and prepared her salad for her before he grabbed himself any food.

The sound of small feet slapping against the wood floor caught their attention. Cole walked into the room, dragging the teddy bear Edward bought him. Without a word he pulled a chair out and sat down. He yawned as he reached into the box and pulled out a slice of pizza.

Dana and Edward watched with great amusement as the little boy devoured the entire slice. When the crust was the only thing that remained he handed it to his mother and without a word stood up, pushed his chair in, and turned to leave only to pause. He turned around and grabbed the huge brownie that was wrapped in plastic wrap and left the room.

“So much for dessert.” Edward chuckled.

“Taking junk food from a pregnant woman, that boy is brave,” Dana said in mock disgust.

“I’ll go get it,” Edward said, standing up.

She grabbed his arm to stop him. “Edward, he’s a three year old boy that has ill gotten chocolate. The brownie is already gone and most of it is on his face and in his bed. The battle is lost.”

Edward gave her a doubting look and decided to go look for himself. Sure enough Cole was already passed out. He was covered in brownie and so were his sheets and pillow. He walked back to the kitchen stunned.

“I’ll clean him up in the morning,” she said, nibbling on her pizza.

“Damn,” Edward gasped as he sat down.

********

“Baby, wake up.”

Edward slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. He felt something placed on his lap. The aroma of eggs and bacon teased his senses. He opened his eyes to see a breakfast tray on his lap with a plate filled with sliced fruit, toast, eggs and bacon. Dana placed a large cup of orange juice on the tray for him.

She leaned in and kissed him. “I wanted to make you breakfast before I had to go.”

“What time is it?”

“A little after ten.”

“You let me sleep in?” He was touched. He knew there was a lot to do in the morning with the kids.

“Of course. Elizabeth has already come and gone. She’s at school. Deana is off for the morning until Elizabeth needs to be picked up from school, but she’s going to drop Elizabeth off with me and then she’s free for the weekend. I have the little man all day. We have a thousand and one things to do today so I’m taking my little man with me as my personal bodyguard as he likes to put it.” She grinned. “The security team is here. Tyler is assigned to me. He seems good with kids. He let Cole beat him twice this morning at Mario Kart.”

Edward nodded, taking a sip of juice. “And you, sir, have a completely free day. I checked with Amy, she said you have nothing but some regular errands to run and Cole and I have volunteered to handle those. I believe we are picking up your dry cleaning, dropping your mail at the post office, picking up a package from UPS and we’re stopping by your Mom’s to help pick berries so you my dear have a completely free day to spend as you wish.”