“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Gina. I’ll snatch them out and keep them forever. But the honest answer is still no. I’m a poor man. I appreciate a good discount.”
“God, I really want to visit Italy with you right now and stay somewhere that’s not five stars. Doesn’t matter how much we spend, just as long as I see it through your eyes.”
“Let’s go tonight. I definitely can’t offer you five stars unless you count them while jumping my dick.”
“Santino!”
I shrug. “Gina,al povero mancano tante cose, all’avaro tutte.”
“The poor lack many. . .”
“It’s not a straightforward translation, Bella.The poor lack many things, but the greedy man lacks it all.”
She lets her head fall back, sighing.
“You want to tell me why you became so spontaneous for a split second, Gina?”
I wait a couple of beats, but she chews her lip, hardly shaking her head no. After I shared about my sister and Ma, I thought she’d open up more.
“Sorry, I got your hopes up, Santi.”
“Or did you let yourself down?”
More glitter seems to cloud her gaze. “Where are you?”
Gina brushes the back of her hand over her eyes. “At work still . . . I’ll be here all night, which is why Italy isn’t in the cards for me. Santa, I’m truly sorry for being a scrooge.”
“Never, Bella. I remember the address. Sit tight. I’ll let you know when I arrive.”
After sitting in traffic,I turn into a spot to park and pay. In jeans splotched with dirt after a hard day’s work and a white tee straining against my muscles, I move with a swagger. The glass doors of an even greater glass fortress of a building swoosh open. A guard watches me from afar, coming closer. I pull the blue bandana from my back pocket and rub the dirt off my fingers as best as I can.
He passes the secretary’s desk, asking, “Too late for messengers, sir. Most of the employees are already off.”
A secretary behind him glances me up and down. “There are a few managers upstairs, sir. I’ll help you out.”
I give her a little smile, but I don’t needthatmuch assistance. “I’m looking for Gina Galloway.”
“Ms . . . Grinch . . . Galloway, ahem?” She seems to be choking on drool.
“Yes, ma’am, Gina Galloway.” Now, I’m smiling harder; can’t say my future wife’s name without smiling.
The secretary runs a hand across her flushed throat. “Okay, well, she’s here many evenings. I’ll check.”
“Thanks.”
Minutes later, I hear the click of heels on the marble floors calling out to me, the distinct sounds swell my cock like no other. I turn around and smile at Gina. I last licked every warm brown curve of her body yesterday. My eyes bob up and down her frame as if this is our first encounter. She leans with one hip jutted further out, wearing a tight skirt that falls past her knees. Holy fucking cannoli.
“The pipes are on the top floor, Mr. Morelli.” Gina bites her bottom lip. It’s the only sign of warmth in her otherwise cold look. “They need a lot of work.”
“I work hard, Ms. Galloway.” I follow as she leads me further into the lobby. My boots leave residuals of cement as I follow after her.
“Good, I expect nothing but the best from you.” She turns without another word and presses the button of the elevator.
Not turning to acknowledge me, Gina whispers, “Isshestill watching?”
“Bella, I can’t just look over my . . .”
“Toss her ass a smile; I’m sure she’s looking.”