Be good, I had to remind myself as she walked past me and I caught sight of the thin ties that zigzagged across her back and joined in a bow at the bottom.
Vinni mouthed a “wow” as I climbed in behind her.
“Hungry?” I nodded at Vinni to get moving.
“I am.” She smiled up at me, and memories started to flood my head. I had to chase them away so I could focus on the here and now.
My phone rang, and I saw it was Donatello again. I wondered if the news was good.
“Please don’t let me stop you from taking that.” She glanced at the ringing screen.
I tucked it away, not wanting any interruptions.
“He can wait.”
I noticed her lips twitched. She was happy with my comment.
“Andrea came by this morning.” She filled in the silence, which she was always so good at.
“Oh, did she?” I lifted my arm and rested it behind her, wanting to be closer.
“Yes, she asked me if I wanted to come stay up at the Hill House for a while.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at Mama’s attempt to make sure she had herdaughterback under our sole protection.
“And your response was…?”
“I can’t impose on your family again.” She kept her answer light, but I knew she was holding us all at arm’s length.
“You were never imposing, Sienna.” I curled her hair around my finger.
“Well, I still couldn’t. You have so many people there as it is.”
“We’re Italian.” I chuckled. “If the house wasn’t full of people we loved, we’d be lonely.”
“Still,” she shrugged, “her offer was kind, and I appreciated it.”
“It was.”
When we finally arrived at the restaurant, she reached for the door handle, and I quickly reached for her hand, holding it in a firm grip. I smiled, wanting to explain myself.
“Please wait a moment. Allow me to get out first.”
“Why?” she challenged me, and I blinked back at her words, still not used to a woman questioning me.
“Because I would want to take the first bullet.” I smiled to try to lighten the moment.
“What?” She laughed, but it trailed off when I didn’t join in on her laughter. “Um, all right.”
Vinni opened my door, and after his quick scan of the property, I joined him and did the same. I leaned down and offered my hand to her. Gracefully, she exited and glanced at both of us.
“Where are we?”
“One of my favorite restaurants.” I placed my hand on the small of her back and urged her inside as two other cars arrived.
“Mr. Capri,” the host greeted me and said a pleasant hello to Sienna. “We have your table ready for you.”
“Thank you.” I let Sienna walk in front of me, and I couldn’t help but drink in her curves as she moved. Some of the staff glanced her way in appreciation, and I fought the need to keep one hand on her.