“Mom, everything looks amazing.” The two beauties hugged and then turned their identical gazes toward me. Luca’s mom gave me a once-over, a smile playing at her lips as her eyes landed on my neck.
“This must be Sasha.” Mrs. Moretti pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m so glad to meet you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.“
When she let go, I gave her my best smile. “Thank you for inviting me. You have a beautiful home.”
She gave a slow perusal of the room before bringing her focus back to me. “Thank you. I’ve beenthinkingit’s time for a facelift. I understand you’re an interior designer.”
I glanced at Luca, and he shrugged. “I am. My best friend Ashley and I started our own business two years ago.”
“Then we need to have a chat sometime. I’d love to hear what you think.” A woman waved at her from the end of the hallway, and Mrs. Moretti frowned. “Please, excuse me.”She patted Luca’s arm before gliding away.
“One down.”
“Come on. It’s not that bad.”
I glared at Luca and walked into a festive sitting room. Cream furniture was arranged to allow for foot traffic from the fireplace to the bar set up in the corner of the room. Offering me the very thing I’d need to survive the night, I made a beeline to the bar. The bartender’s bright blue eyes locked on me, and he shoved his wild blond curls behind his ears as he watched me walk across the room.
With a broad smile, he asked, “What can I get you?”
“Gin and tonic, please.”
Luca’s big hand spanned my back. “A Manhattan.”
While our drinks were being made, I surveyed the guests. The older gentlemen in the room sent appreciative glances my way while their spouses openly gawked at my short dress. The looks were curious, but there wasn’t an unkind face in the crowd until Adriana rounded the corner.
It was like she had Sasha-dar, and her eyes immediately landed on me, her neutral face falling into a slight frown. Before I could smile or wave, a little body hit my legs.
“Sasha! You’re here!”
“Hey, Dante!” I ruffled his dark hair.
“Dante! Don’t jump on people.” Adriana grabbed one of his little hands as she tried to smooth back the chaos I caused. This woman needed to take a chill pill.
I picked up my gin and tonic and took a sip. “It’s okay, Adriana. I have a soft spot for the little guy.”
Her lips pulled into that signature stick-up-the-ass smile. “Well, he needs to learn to behave accordingly.”
Dante was fucking seven, but he wasn’t my kid, so the frigid queen’s rule was law. I planned on sneaking him some extra candy canes later.
Luca pivoted, kissing Adriana on the cheek. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Her cheeks crimsoned as her eyes dropped to her floor-length red gown. She would’ve been an absolute vision if her face hadn’t given off an air of constipation.
“Thank you, Luca.” She placed a limp hand on his arm. “Can I steal you for a minute? Marco’s in the library and wanted a word.”
Luca looked at me, concern lining his face. “Will you be okay alone for a minute? I’ll be right back.”
Internally I was screaming no, but this wouldn’t be the first time I had to work a strange room alone. “I’m fine. I’ve got Sean here to chat with.”
Luca sent a stern look to the bartender and nodded. Adriana followed Luca out of the room, Dante in tow.
Standing in front of the bar only gave everyonea better vantage to stareat me. Finely dressed guests walked by the room, some stopping to take a peek before moving on to what must have been other rooms set up for entertaining. The funny thing was, every time I tried to catch their eyes, suddenly the floor was fascinating, or the ceiling held the secrets to the universe.
Cowards.
Downing my drink, I asked myAll-AmericanSweetie for another and then went in search of apps.After far too many pastry puffs, I turned down a hallway, searching for a bathroom to touch up my lipstick. An angry, feminine voice caught my attention. Leaning against the wall next to a set of cracked double doors, I let my nosey nature take over.
“Why is she here? What do you think you’re doing?”