My hand becomes firm around Gina’s ankle as she again attempts to get away from me. From across the table, she threatens, “Santino, if you don’t give me back my foot.”
Gina’s shoulders jerk as I grant her wish.
Moments later, a seafood pizza wafts between us. “Piero, bring my Bella a plate, please.”
“I thought you were . . .” He reaches and grabs a plate from another table.
“Sharing, of course. I’m in love with her always. Still, I could eat this by myself, Bella.”
I take a slice; the gooey cheese extends from the pie as I place it onto a plate. I slide it over to Gina. “Go ahead, Bella, taste it.”
“You’re gonna stop calling me that name if . . . Mmmmm.” She moans.
I shift in my seat, harder than a jackhammer.
That gorgeous mouth of Gina’s is hidden behind manicured fingernails as she says, “So, where’s your plate? I’m not petite. I’ll take this whole pie.”
“My sentiments exactly.” I bring the entire pie before me. Gina fists the discarded silverware, namely the steak knife, into the palm of her hand.
“What’s your plan with that,Bella?” See now, I’m just digging under her luscious brown skin with the nickname that isn’t worthy for her. A word has yet to be invented for the goddess across from me. An innate craving to be near Gina has me up in a flash. I move to the chair next to her.
“What are you gonna do, Gina?” I ask, my fingers running down the slope of her shoulder as I eye the even greater slope of her breast.
Beneath the table, she’s attempting to kick me. Grinning, she murmurs, “Santino, I will fight you if I don’t get at least half of this pizza.”
“Half? Baby girl, marry me tonight, we can share half . . .”
“Hell, no! I’m an unapologetically, rich, greedy-ass woman.”
* * *
Much of the night,we talk about nothing, yet it means everything between us. She asks about my favorite movie. We agree to disagree. Then my Bella mutters that she’s gonna hit the road.
“You sure know how to ghost a man.”
“I need you to know I have all the power. Don’t you forget it, Santino.”
What I wouldn’t give for her to say my name octaves higher.
We argue and laugh and end up finishing off the bottle of wine.
“Bella, my place is around the corner.” I look into Gina’s eyes as we step into the warm night. The sky’s a concoction of colors as night fights against the light.
Her voice goes soft as if anticipating how one phase of our evening is over. “Well, it’s a nice summer evening.”
“And the sunrise around these parts—”
“Don’t push it, Santino.”
I step before her and murmur, “Say my name again, baby.”
5
GIna
“Santino,” I murmur. Exhaling, I lose myself in the warmth of his arms wrapped around me as we stand outside of the tiny pizzeria. The sweltering sun has plunged behind tall buildings and only soft rays peek through. Inspired by the warmth of his touch, I’m straddling him. Damn,straddling himand night has yet to conceal the lust radiating from us. Santino’s huge hands are grinding me into his erection, between our layers of clothes.
I’ve never felt like I belonged somewhere. I’ve spent nights at the airport or in random five-star hotels across the globe. But in Santino’s arms, I’m feverishly attached. Never had sex on the first night, either. With the life I lead, I tell myself that I need this quick, scandalous affair. Need to exhale for once in my life.