“No, I did you one better. I brought this to your doorstep. What’s up, Gio?”
“How you doing, Ny?”
I tip my head to the side and raise my voice with my answer. “I’m about to get real stupid in a second because I know I said leave,” I say without looking away from him.
He lifts a hand and waves the two to leave. Just then Nonno comes over. I turn to him and smile like nothing is going on.
“Nonno,” I squeal and throw my arms around his neck.
“My Ny. Look at you. Such a beautiful woman now. I’m so happy to see you.”
I beam at him as he releases me. “I’m happy to be here and to see you too,” I say in Italian.
“You’re Italian is still beautiful as ever. Come, come. Let me feed you. Where’s your friend?”
“She can be a bit shy. She’s unpacking and getting herself together. She’ll be out soon.”
I roll my eyes at Gio as I follow Nonno. He grabs my wrist and leans in my ear again.
“This isn’t over. You’re gorgeous, by the way. I can’t wait until tonight.” His gaze drops to my lips. The hum that passes between us is undeniable.
I snort and snatch away from him. I don’t know what the hell he’s expecting tonight, but it won’t be what I think he’s talking about.
“Damn,” he breathes as I start to walk away.
I look over my shoulder to find his gaze on my ass. I don’t have the hugest butt, but I’m doing well enough for my frame. It’s going to grab your attention.
Gio has nothing but lust in his eyes as he bites his lip. I grin and turn back to focus on Nonno, but I don’t miss the opportunity to sway my hips.
CHAPTER 16
Always Be Here
Nyla
I might be a little tipsy from the wine Nonno broke out to celebrate. I’m definitely avoiding Gio. My heart hurts.
At the end of the day, I think I’m over my childhood crush. He hurt me too deeply when he left me. Now, I don’t need Gio the way I used to. However, wanting him is something else.
I’ve been sitting under the stars with Ming in the sunroom. It’s such a beautiful night. I stare into a glass of wine, pondering my feelings.
I look up and catch a glimpse of Jace through the side doors. He’s heading toward the guesthouse.
“Hey, I’ll be right back.”
“Where you going?” Ming asks.
“Shh,” I put my finger to my lips as if I have some secret. “I’ll be right back.”
I get up and run outside to follow Jace. He and Gio disappeared on me and Ming a while ago, right after Nonno turned in for the night. I have so many questions for Jace.
The guesthouse is lit up when it comes into view. I wonder if Jace plans to sleep out here tonight. It’s not like he had to give up his room for Ming. I think of the girls from earlier and ball my fists as I tiptoe forward.
When I get to the front door, I peek my head in. “Jace,” I whisper-call and giggle to myself. Yup, I’m tipsy.
My curiosity is piqued as I see the candlelight all around. I slip inside to find out what he’s up to. I’ve never thought about Jace moving on to date someone else.
“Jace,” I whisper again.
I frown and wrap my arms around my middle. My drunken mind begins to clear, and my heart starts to ache. Faced with the possibility that he’s here with someone else burns as much as finding Gio with those girls at the pool did. I blink back tears as it sets in that I’ve lost both my boyfriends—even if Jace and I never made anything official. I played with fire and got burned.
I’m going back home in the morning. There’s nothing for me here. I’ll be okay with that. It’s time I figure out what I’m going to do with my life.
It was never realistic to think I could ride off into the sunset with my childhood friends and make some happy family. It was childish. That couple I met was nice, but they were living in some fantasy, I should have known better.
Suddenly, someone comes up behind me. I duck, turn, and swing for their midsection. My fist is met with solid muscle.
The sound of a deep grunt greets my ears. I lift my gaze to find Gio with a towel wrapped around his waist. Faster than I can react, he grabs me by the neck and spins me into him, pressing his body to my back.
My head clears and I take in the music playing as he breathes in my ear. I close my eyes. I can’t take being this close to him. His body heat is like fire against my back. My chest heaves as I reach for his wrist.