“Insalata is next,” Mr. Belluci said as the waiter took our plates.
“How many courses are there?” I asked again. I was getting stuffed.
“Insalata. Then we have formaggi e frutta, and then dolce, caffe, and finally digestivo.”
Holy smokes.
“Signor LaMont wants you to have the full Italian meal experience. You’re on your honeymoon, no?” Mr. Belluci asked.
“Yes,” Ryan said, his jaw going a little tight. It bummed me that the idea of us being on a honeymoon seemed to bother him. “The food is delicious. Thank you so much for doing this for us.”
“It is my pleasure to serve you, Signor Strong.”
I did my best to pace myself through the insalata and the formaggi e frutta, cheese and fruit. But the dessert, well, all bets were off with that.
“I’ve had gelato at home, but I bet it’s better here,” I said, when Mr. Belluci said he’d be bringing both gelato and tiramisu.
“I’m sure it is,” Ryan said, as he sipped his wine. I’d lost count on the amount of wine we had. It seemed like each course had its own wine selection.
“Do you suppose it’s better because we’re here or is it really better?” I asked.
His brows drew together as if he wasn’t sure what I was asking. “I imagine it’s both. The source is almost always the best, and of course, the atmosphere plays into the enjoyment.”
“I’m surprised you get that,” I said before I could think on my words.
“You still think I’m an automaton?”
Darn it. I needed to stop drinking the wine. “No. But you’re so singularly focused on work, I’m sometimes surprised to learn that you stop and smell the roses too.”
He looked down, his fingers playing with the stem of his wine glass. “When in Rome…”
At least he was allowing himself to enjoy the moment.
When we finished and returned to the apartment, I went straight to my room and put on my swimsuit. I didn’t bother with a robe this time because I figured it didn’t matter. Ryan allowed himself to indulge in the cuisine, but he wouldn’t indulge with me. That I was sure of, so I didn’t need to worry about being modest.
“I’m going swimming.”
He stopped loosening his tie when he saw me. His gaze drifted over my body, and I tried not to shiver. My nipples however, did respond, aching as they distended. For some reason, it was worse to know he was affected by me, but could ignore it. I crossed my arms over my chest and hurried to the terrace.
The night was warm. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I was about to swim under the stars in Italy. God, I wished Nat could be here.
I dove in, loving the cool water on my heated skin. I came up, and went to the far edge of the pool overlooking the city.
“Can I join you?”
I whipped my head around and saw Ryan. He was bare chested and all I could think about was wanting to run my tongue over each sculpted pec. He wore swim trunks making me wonder why he hadn’t joined me earlier.
“Sure.” I turned back to look at the view, not wanting to risk jumping him.
I heard the splash and seconds later, his head popped up next to me. He shook his head, spraying me with water.
“Oh, sorry,” he said with a grin that suggested he wasn’t sorry.
I splashed him back. “Oh, sorry.”
His eyes shone with mischief as he splashed me again. I fought back by trying to push him under the water. He responded by grabbing me around the waist. Before I knew it, our lips were locked in a passionate kiss that made my skin heat and my muscles melt into him.
His hand slid down over my ass and pulled me against him. His dick was long and hard against my belly.