I look up at the wet hair that now falls to the side in front of his eyes. There’s trepidation in them.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask.
His tongue darts out and licks his lower lip. I watch it glide across and sneak back in as his teeth bite down hard.
I let out a panted breath.
“I need to get in there.” He smiles as he motions to the drawer that my butt is resting against.
I move to the side, and he laughs lightly as he takes a pair of black boxer briefs and socks out.
At the foot of the bed, he glances back at me with raised brows. I raise mine back in question.
He spins a pointed-down finger. “Privacy, please.”
I oblige.
“I’m kidding. You’ve already seen me naked.”
I turn back around. “Still, changing in front of someone is kind of intimate.”
He nods as he drops the towel, showing his full masculinity. “Good thing I like being intimate with you.” He slides on his boxers. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“Why did you date that guy for so long?”
“Expectation, I guess. I liked him a lot when we started dating. I loved him actually. At least, I told myself it was love. We got along, and we enjoyed each other’s company.”
Jesse grimaces as he pulls his pants on. “You didn’t seem that happy.”
“Do I ever?” I joke, knowing I’m the serious one in the family.
“Yes,” he states, and my head pops up. “When you’re talking about work or art, when you take that first sip of a drink, and when you’re joking with Sienna.”
I smash my lips together. “I can think of one more.” He quirks a brow, and I add, “When I’m talking to you. At the bar, those are some of my favorite times. I looked forward to that more than you know.”
His shirt is still on the bed, but he ditches getting dressed and strolls over to me, just as he did before. This time, he doesn’t hesitate in sliding a hand around my waist, leaning down and kissing my lips.
We make out like this for a long time. My hands find his ass, and his explore the curves of my waist and hips until he pulls away and rests his forehead against mine.
The air in my lungs is thick. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to kiss me again.”
“I’m trying to do the right thing.”
“I’ve waited months to kiss you. I’m not missing out on any more chances.”
He stares down at me in shock. “Months?”
My hand flies to my mouth. I’m embarrassed—no, mortified at my confession. He removes my hand and goes back for another kiss. I fall into it and then playfully push him away.
“You’re gonna be late for work.”
He shakes his head and leans back down, claiming my mouth one more time. “Fuck that. I’ve waited a year to kiss you. I’m not missing out on any more chances.”
My mouth parts from his admission, and he swallows my surprise with his tongue.
Then, he bites my lower lip, pulling it gently before kissing the tip of my nose. “Glad we’re on the same page.”
He walks to the bed and puts his shirt on, buttoning it as he goes to the dresser. His wallet, pocketknife, and some of the cash are slid into his pockets. He tucks the shirt in and then slides a belt on.
In the bathroom, he combs his hair and applies some product, and then he washes his hands. He puts a few items into a small duffel and leaves the room. A minute later, we’re at the front door, him patting his pockets to make sure he has everything, including his keys.
He walks me to my car and closes the door behind me, and then he gets in his.
I follow him to Villa Russo. When we get there, he goes to the employee lot, and I turn into the main entrance.
“Good evening, Miss Sorrentino.” The valet holds my door open.
“Evening,” I reply then walk up the path and into the restaurant. The hostess greets me with a warm welcome.
“Miss Sorrentino, we are so happy to see you. You’re early for your reservation,” she says, looking down at the book in front of her.
I notice she doesn’t mention the events of Friday evening. Looks like the don’t ask, don’t tell policy is more than a family motto. It’s a lifestyle.
“Long day at work, so I thought I’d come early for a drink to unwind.”
“Excellent idea. Please have a seat at the Oak Bar.” She walks me into the bar area.
The room is filled with many of my uncles. They are conversing in the back room. When they see me, Uncle Enzo and Uncle Joey come to my side.
“Check out who the cat dragged in,” Enzo says with his arms out. He’s wearing his signature sunglasses indoors. Yes, he’s the kind of guy who covers his eyes, so no one knows where he’s looking. “You okay, kiddo?”
“I’m good. Are you guys all right? How’s Uncle Vic?”
He waves me off like nothing big happened. “Don’t worry about any of that. Everything’s fine. As long as the women and children are good, we’re good.”
Uncle Joey leans in for a kiss and a hug. “I want you to know that we are doing everything to find out who caused this trouble.”
“Do you have any idea who it might be?”
“No, no,” both men say, not even looking at each other.
I know they’re full of it. Jesse told me everyone knows. With their easy lies, I can see how effortless it was to keep me in my bubble for so long.
“Nothing for you to worry about anyway,” Enzo adds as he pats my shoulder. “I trust you haven’t talked about it to anyone. Makes for a difficult time for Villa Russo. We wouldn’t want anyone shutting the place down. Plus, the family can handle this.”
I nod, understanding the Sorrentino way. The family way. Which I now
