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I fought back a smile, peeking up to see Elizabeth biting her nail with an eager grin. “It’s him, isn’t it?”
Pulling my bottom lip into my mouth, I nodded. I no longer wanted wine. I wanted to go home. It was too much to hide from her. Now I knew how she felt about not wanting to hurt the people she loved most. I’d already spent several hours with her. We’d laughed, talked, and gossiped about Aiden and his new girlfriend. He’d finally let Elizabeth go.
She let out a loud laugh. “Oh my God, just go to him!”
“I can’t just—”
“Maddie!” She shook her head, hanging on to the edge of the island. “It’s almost eleven, anyway. Vinny’s going to be home soon, and you know he’s going to have me thrown over his shoulder on the way to the bedroom before we even can say goodnight to you.”
I snickered.
“Go. To. Your. Man.”
If she only knew. “I’d rather just go home and write.”
“Then do that! God, write those spicy scenes and publish your fucking book already.”
I rolled my eyes. “Procrastination is my best friend.” I stepped over to my yellow Kate Spade handbag, dropping my phone in the deep front pocket. For now, I didn’t want to push it by replying to James. Not only was I riddled with guilt after tonight, but I wanted to be careful around her. “One of these days, you’re going to design me a fabulous Elizabeth Falzone bag!”
“Whoa!” she gasped as I held my bag in front of me. “That man is set in his ways. There’s no way I’ll ever be his wife any time soon. I’m lucky I even get to spend my life with the man I’ve crushed on for years. Every day I wake up with him next to me is a dream come true.”
Her words cut through my heart deeply. I knew exactly how she felt. As much as I wanted the happy ending she had, I’d never get that. Little did she know, my Falzone bag joke was about to be her reality. I was excited for her.
“But,” she continued overly-cheerfully, “You better finally let a man make you happy.”
“Men don’t make me happy.” I waved a hand at her, striding to the door. “I make myself happy.” I spun around in the large foyer, a naughty grin smeared on my face.
Before I could speak, she giggled. “Dicks before dildos.”
I turned back around to open the door and Vincenzo was standing in the doorway, his finger hovering over the keypad. “Maddie.” He nodded, his tone almost disapproving.
“Hi,” I rasped, taking several steps back.
He waltzed by me, sliding his arm around Elizabeth, and pulling her to his lips. “Ciao, princess.”
“Anddd on that note.” I backed toward the door. “I’m going to go.”
Eliza laughed quietly, her arms wrapped around Vincenzo from the side. He was still holding her close, but his eyes were trained on me. She stepped over, hugging me. I reluctantly glanced at him over her shoulder. He lifted a hand to his chin, his scrutiny constricting on me by the moment.
“Night to both of you.”
“Thanks for coming over,” she murmured. “I had fun.” She took a step back.
“Me too.” I hurried out the door, not wanting to give him time to say what was on his mind.
He’d been with James, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they’d talked about. I didn’t think he’d tell him. Maybe he thought I’d spill his secret to Elizabeth about the proposal. He was a man of mystery. I unlocked my car and got in. I didn’t dare look at the house as I started the engine and sped back to my apartment.
9
WHO I REALLY AM
MADDIE
The elevator doors parted on my floor, and I stepped out. Straightaway, I was met with James sitting on a faux-leather bench with his attention buried in his phone. I glanced at my watch. Oh, my God.
The moment he looked up, he stood, shoving his hands in his pockets. As I got closer, I could tell something wasn’t right. He appeared nervous. After Vincenzo’s reaction before I left his house, and now James, I braced myself.
“Hi.” He offered a tight-lipped grin. “Can I come in for a second?”
