CHAPTER TWELVE
It’s been hours andI still haven’t cooled down from what happened with Stone in his office, even after a hot, then cold, shower. I don’t understand how he can make me so angry one moment then turn me into a melted puddle of lust the next.
Not that I was angry at him for long. We had a fun night in his living room, as he called it, but really, it’s a theater. I talked through the movie and I’m pretty sure I annoyed him every minute of the way. Normally, I don’t talk that much, but I couldn’t help the enjoyment it gave me in aggravating him. He was such a good sport about it too. Had he been seriously mad he would have barked at me. The vein would have reared its ugly head. Okay, not ugly. Nothing on him is ugly. Rocco proved that tenfold when he stripped down during our run.
Rocco.
The first time I called him by his given name it was to push his buttons. This morning it was to show the priest that we’re close. I like his name. It suits him, at least when he isn’t being an ass. Stone fits him perfectly when he’s being, well, as friendly and stubborn as a rock.
I’m bored out of my mind. How ironic that I now have the freedom to roam about the estate but am scared to leave my room. I’m not scared of Stone. I’m scared of my reaction to him.
He has a right to be upset with me for overtaking the meeting with the priest. We agreed on our script. He would start off, introduce me, and explain how I’d won him over while tasting his wine. The fewer words spoken, the better, he’d said.
Last night, I had agreed with him. Today, however, something took over inside of me. Maybe it was our run, or seeing him shirtless, or the way he almost kissed me right before we realized we had company. I slowly let my guard down around him.
I snorted. Slowly. As if. I’ve known the man for less than a week. Five days ago, he drugged me and kidnapped me from my home, and I think I’ve slowly let my guard down? Yeah, I’ve seriously lost it. Or I’m seriously desperate. Both, I guess.
Dressed in designer jeans and a workout tank top—which is way too nice to sweat in—I venture out of my room. I’m surprised neither Tio or Lucca are outside my door. I hear deep voices behind Stone’s closed office door and scurry past it and into the kitchen.
“Hi Maria.” I pull out a stool and sit at the counter, watching her stir something on the stove.
“Miss Gia. What can I get for you?” She wipes her hands on her apron.
“Oh, nothing. I just came to hang out.”
“Hang...out?” She unties and re-ties the apron around her waist.
“Need any help with dinner?”
“Dinner?”
“It’s nearing that time, isn’t it? Honestly, I have no idea what time of day it is.” I glance at the clock on the wall oven. “Almost five. What’s on the menu tonight? A big salad with a side of asparagus?”
Maria chuckles. “I’m preparing the sauce for your wedding supper. Mr. Parlatore said you’d be going out for dinner tonight.”
“Hmpf. Well, Mr. Parlatore neglected to inform me.” I don’t want to let on that there is trouble with our relationship already, so I add, “You know Stone. He gets so wrapped up in work he forgets to tell me things.”
“He’s...” she seems hesitant to continue, as if she doesn’t want to disrespect her boss.
So I did it for her. “A stubborn ass.”
“Oh, Miss Gia.” Maria bites her lip in a poor attempt to contain her laugh. “You’re good for Mr. Parlatore.”
“I’m working on him.”
“Don’t give up.” She gives me a motherly pat on the back of my hand. “Would you like a glass of wine and an appetizer before you go to dinner?”
“I guess that depends what time we’re leaving.” My stomach decides now is a good time to grumble. “I skipped lunch so maybe a snack with my wine would be a good idea.”
I make small talk about the weather and the beautiful gardens while she pours me a glass of Chianti.
“Oh, this was my favorite from yesterday’s sampling.”
“Yes. Mr. Parlatore informed me.”
Well, shit. That’s why I let my body give in to him this morning. It’s those sneaky little niceties that make me hum for him.
Before I can take a second sip, she sets a plate of brie, grapes, and cantaloupe before me. “Pour yourself a glass of your favorite vino, Maria, and join me. First bottle is on the house.”