Light from the hallway spilled in, then vanished again, cutting her off from him. Something in her heart snapped. She pulled her knees to her chest. If she hugged tight enough, maybe she could keep herself from falling apart.
Chapter Twenty-Five
THERE HAD BEEN AN EMPTYpit in Antonio’s chest since Justin left his house Monday afternoon. It filled in a bit when Emily saidyesto his offer.
She stood next to him now, finishing her conversation with Customs.
She intertwined her fingers with his, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. He’d been back to Italy several times since moving to the U.S.—holidays, birthdays, whenever he could find a free week—and it never felt like home until he left Customs.
This time was different. He led her toward baggage claim, and the permanence of the situation sank into his skin, easing the hollowness behind his ribs. He was home. He never expected the words to sound so good. They didn’t erase the defeat of leaving Justin behind, but everything else about it felt right.
He glanced at Emily, who was looking everywhere, eyes wide and a tiny smile playing on her lips.
“It’s an airport,passerotta.” He laughed. “Like every other in the world.”
She glanced back at him. “I know. But it’s what it represents. Outside these walls, there are things I’ve never seen before. Never even imagined I’d see in person.”
“And a lot that will look too familiar.”
She smacked him lightly on the arm. “Don’t steal my fun. You seduced me here with promises of seeing the world. Let me see it.”
The banter was nice. It blended and melted with the rightness of walking through familiar territory. They grabbed their bags from the carousel and headed outside. Most of their things were being shipped via freight—his now, and hers once she was sure she was comfortable here. He’d sold a lot of it or left it with the house, though.
His sister was waiting by the curb, as she promised. She hopped from the driver’s side of the car as they approached, and trotted to meet him. She shared a lot of features with Antonio—almost six feet tall, straight dark hair, and brown eyes—but instead of an olive complexion, she had the same pale skin as their mother. He swept her into a hug, sinking into the comfort of familiarity.
She stepped back and looked Emily over, then extended her hand in greeting. Emily shook it.
“Emily, my older sister Tara,” Antonio said. He spoke English, to make sure Emily wasn’t excluded. It came naturally. He and his sister were raised in a two-language household, so they’d always spoken both. On top of that, it was required in the office, because the company had a policy of hiring people from around the world. It kept communication straightforward. “She was the bane of my existence until I was about twenty.”
Tara smirked. “You loved it, and you know it. You didn’t tell me you were bringing a girlfriend. You didn’t tell me youhada girlfriend.”
Pink dotted Emily’s cheeks, and she ducked her head. It was such a simple response, but she was gorgeous.
He shook the thought aside. “She’s a friend.” The words felt wrong, but they were true. Weren’t they?
“Ma che bella.” Tara dragged her gaze over Emily again, taking her time.