Cheering her up felt good, and we promised to make our lunches a weekly occurrence. Between dealing with Dad and the drivers, including my brother, my poor mom gets pushed off to the side.
The rest of the afternoon ticks by slowly, almost painfully. No word from Luca, but knowing him, he’ll wait till the very last second to tell me anything.
It’s after five, way later than I usually stay on a Friday, but I’m finishing upwith someof my paperwork. The last thing I want is to bring any home over the weekend.
My desk phone rings, and Gina’s name flashes. She hasn’t left yet? “Yes?” I press the answer button.
“Hey, Nev. I have LucaDeMellohere to see you?”
I freeze. He’s here? As in right now?
What the fuck?
Why couldn’t he give me his decision over the phone like a normal person?
“Nev? You there?”
Shit.I shake my head to clear my thoughts. “Yeah, yeah, sorry. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Send him in.”
“Okay, havea good weekend.”
“Thanks, you too,” I blurt out, hoping she doesn’t notice the panic in my voice. I quickly straighten up my desk, smooth over the wrinkles in my skirt and the frizz in my hair, while checking my makeup in the small compact mirror I keep in my drawer.
Fuck, why do I care so much?
Apparently, I care enough since I’m bouncing around like a teen getting ready for her first date. I quickly touch up my lipstick. It’s not that I care whathethinks. I just want to look good and give the impression I’ve got my shit together.
What is my problem?
A knock on my door makes me jump. Here goes nothing.
I stride over to the door with all the fake confidence I can muster. With a deep breath, I open the door and do my best to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor.
Holy fuck, can he be any fucking hotter?
Damn, it really should be illegal for him to look like walking sin.
My eyes dropdownhis form and take in his tight dark jeans and the black T-shirt he fills out in all the right spots.
He clears his throat and chuckles.Of course he notices.My cheeks flame red, and I step behind the door, hiding half my face from his view. “Like whatyou see,boss lady?” Luca asks, his voice dripping with cockiness as he walks farther into my office.
I slam the door shut behind him, the loud noise causing him to cringe. Good. Maybe he’ll quit with the ridiculous games. “Not really.” I shrug and cross my arms while leaning back on the wall behind me.
He stops in front of me and mimics my pose by crossing his arms.A huge arrogant smirk is plasteredacross his face, one I try so hard to ignore. “We both know that’s a lie.”
“I don’t have time for the games, Luca. Are you accepting or not? In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Friday night, and I want to get the hell out of here. And it would’ve been nice if you told me you were coming.”
I ignore the urge to jump at him, crawl my way up his tall built frame, and kiss him until we’re both dizzy with lust. At the same time, I ignore the urge to slap the cocky smirk right off his face. It’s like the angel and devil on each shoulder, and I want both of them to shut up.
“Eh,last-minutethings happen, boss lady. If I’m keeping you from something important, we can reschedule. I know how busy you must be.” He smirks again, and my blood boils. I bite down hard on my tongue, not caring about the pain, just wanting to keep my mouth shut before I say something I regret.
Fuck, what was I thinking? Maybe my dad was right. Maybe this entire thing was a bad idea. Is every meeting going to be like this?
How can I want to punch him and fuck him all at the same time? Shit! It’s maddening.
You’ve got this. Keep it strictly business. And go!
With a deep breath, I push off the wall and summon my inner strength wherever that may be. Holding my head up high, I walk by him, ignoring the sparks between us and the way it feels to have his eyes on me. When I reach my desk, I open my folder labeled LucaDeMello and pick up the closest pen. “Well? What will it be? Yes or no?”