I let out a sigh of relief, collapsing down on the couch. Both the girls are finally asleep. They always manage to keep each other up in one way or another. But I've read them their stories, tucked them in, and played them whale sounds. It took a minute, but I don't expect either of them to wake up again anytime soon.

"Thanks for buying us dinner," I smile at Diego. He's sitting right beside me, already looking at me. "You're so good with the girls. They love you."

He doesn't just keep them entertained, he helps me out, too. He even chopped up Penny's noodles and fed her the last few bits on her plate.

"They're good kids," he tells me. "They make me feel young again, too,"

"It's nice seeing them have fun with someone else."

I don't get to see it often. They're always in daycare until late, and we don't get any guests around here. The only other person I get to see them engage with is Karla. She went home ages ago. She didn't even stay for dinner. I think she wanted me and Diego to spend more time alone, but that's impossible with two kids around.

"Hey, can I- Can I ask you something?"

"Uhm..." I furrow my brows. "Sure."

"Well, earlier today... when we were outside, at the car," he begins. "You said you were scared."

"Yeah," I nod. "I remember that."

"What did you mean by that?"

"Oh, I don't know," I look away. For a second I consider dismissing him and changing the subject, but that won't do us any good.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, it's okay," I say. "I guess I'm just... I'm not used to this — all this attention. It doesn't feel real."

"Ah," he glances down. "Is that what you're worried about? That I'm not genuine?"

"Well, it's part of it, yeah," I admit. "I mean... guys like you don't go for girls like me."

"Why do you say that? Because we're from different backgrounds?"

"Because you're... you. You can date any girl you'd like. People know your name. You can date models, actresses... anyone. And I'm just... me."

"You don't think you're good enough?"

"I just don't see why you would pick me over all those other girls."

"Because I don't like those other girls. I like you."

"But why would you?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he asks. "I don't care what your job is. I like you for you. Just because you're not in the spotlight, doesn't mean you're any less attractive. You don't have to be a model to be beautiful, Amelia."

"But my life is so complicated. I don't have a glamorous lifestyle. I can't afford to go on fun dates."

"You don't have to. I'll pay."

"That's not fair, though. We should be equals."

"Then we'll do things you can afford. Even if it's McDonald's or a trip to the grocery store, I don't mind," he chuckles. "I'm happy to meet you halfway."

"Are you?"

"Absolutely."

"Diego..." I shoot him a pointed look, not fully convinced by his words.

"Look, I can't promise that I'm not going to want to pay for you and do nice things for you but it's only because I want to treat you, and if I can... why shouldn't I?"

"Because I can't return the favour."

"You don't have to. I wouldn't want you to."

"But that's not fair."

"I think it is. I actually think it's the least I can do. I mean, you should be able to keep every cent you make. I don't want to spend any money on me when you could spend it on yourself or the girls."

"But I don't want to have to rely on you, and I don't want you to feel like I'm using you."

"I would never-."

"I just want us to be equals, just in case things turn sour between us."

"Alright," he purses his lips. "How about we split the bill when we go on dates, or take turns paying, and if I want to take you somewhere more expensive, it's on me?"

"I can accept that."

"Perfect," he smiles. "Does that make you feel better?"

"A little," I nod. "But there's more."

"Tell me," he places his hand on my knee.

"What if it doesn't work out between us?" I ask him. "What if I fall head over heels in love with you and I move into that apartment and the girls love you, but then you change your mind?"

"I'm not going to change my mind," he laughs.

"But what if you do? What if you get tired of dealing with the kids, or you decide you want to move somewhere? What if we just lose interest?"

"That's not going to happen."

"But what if it does?" I insist. "I don't want to go through a major heartbreak. I don't want the girls to go through that."

"Well," he sits up straight. "If it doesn't work out, we'll part ways respectfully. We're adults, aren't we? I'll do whatever's ever's best for you."

"What if you cheat on me?"

"What?" he scowls. "I'm not going to cheat on you. Why would you think that?"

"Because you're still going to be around all these stunning girls who don't have all these problems."

"Amelia..." he lets out a muffled laugh, shaking his head in surprise. He leans forward in his seat. "I don't think you understand how I feel about you."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean... I asked you out for a reason," he shifts his gaze to meet my eyes. "It wasn't just because I had the opportunity and I thought we'd get along. I've been interested in you for years now. Why do you think we keep coming in for lunch? It's not for the food, it's for you. We specifically ask for you as our waitress every time."

"What?" I raise my brows in surprise. "I don't understand."

"I never had the balls to ask you out. You were working, anyway, so it would've been a dick move, but fuck... I was attracted to you the moment I saw you and I've been hooked on your since."

"I don't..." I look away from him, struggling to process his words.

"You can ask anyone in my family. They've been holding this over my head since they figured it out," he chuckles hesitantly.

I don't understand. He's been crushing on me all this time? I've been working at Benny's for almost two years now. The corners of my lips pull into a pleased smile. It makes so much sense. That's why he's been so sweet to me. That's why he cares so much. It's not because he's faking it. It's because he's been waiting for this forever.

"You should've told me earlier!" I laugh. "I can't believe you kept it from me for so long."

"I wasn't ready before. I had to get my shit together so I could do right by you."

"Diego..." I nudge his arm. "You're so sweet."

"I just..." he puts his hand on my waist, running his thumb over my side. "I don't want to fuck this up."

"You won't. You're not. You've done everything right so far."

"I didn't mean for it to be so stressful for you, though."

"It's not," I respond. "I mean... my doubts are going to keep coming back up. I'm going to keep questioning whether this is the right thing because I'm not used to any of this. But that doesn't mean I'm not willing to try."

"And I'll be there every time to reassure you."

"Do you promise?"

"Of course," he nods. "I like you, Amelia. I really do, and I've already waited a year, so I think it's safe to say there isn't anything I wouldn't do to get you to feel the same way."

"You don't have to do anything else," I shift closer to him. "I already like you. I like you more than I probably should."

"Yeah?" he smiles.

"Why do you think I'm so scared?" I lean forward, bringing my hand up to his face. He glances down at my lips, reading me perfectly. We meet halfway, pressing our lips together in a soft kiss. I can't help but smile through it. He snakes his arm further around my waist, pulling me into him while our lips move against each other. The action catches me off guard, giving him the perfect chance to deepen the kiss. He slips his tongue between my lips, and I'm more than happy to welcome it. I wrestle against him gently, but I stop before I run out of air.

"I want you-," I breathe. "I want you to stay the night."

"Is that okay?"

"I don't have a bedroom, though. I sleep out here."

"On the couch?" he pulls away.

"It folds out."

"Oh, that's fine," he brings his lips back to mine. "I love sofa beds. They're my favourite."