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He walks by and continues to the kitchen island before placing the items down. Is that the gift Caleb’s been working on? “What’s all of this?”
“I wanted to bring your birthday gift.”
“My birthday is over a week away.”
Luca comes closer, dropping his arms around my waist and giving me a sweet, chaste kiss. “I couldn’t wait, Cucciolotta.”
“Oh. I thought this was what you and Caleb had been working on.” He’d be upset if I opened that without him.
“No. He’s very excited to give that to you. I’d never steal his thunder. This is from me.” He beams down at me. There’s a glint in his beautiful blue-green eyes. “I still want to take you to dinner, to make your birthday special. But I couldn’t wait to give you this. Is that okay?” He nuzzles his face into my neck and my body practically melts into him.
“Okay? What girl’s going to refuse an early birthday gift knowing there’s more to come?” Wow. He’s willing to take me out. This is far more promising than I’d hoped.
“Good.” He claps. His face is radiating joy, and it’s contagious. I’m practically shaky with anticipation. What on earth could this be to give him such an expression? He gestures toward the large, wrapped package, and I almost dance in delight. It could literally be the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen, but to have him so excited to give it to me… well, it’s already the best present I’ve ever gotten.
Tearing the pretty paper, I start to giggle. The way Luca’s watching me, he looks practically giddy. “You’re making me nervous.” I wipe a tear from my eye. This moment is bigger than anything in this box.
After the paper’s removed, I find a nondescript cardboard box beneath. I examine the edges but can’t determine the best place to open it. “Help me, Luca,” I plead.
He quickly moves to stand behind me, his strong, tattooed arms wrapping around my waist as he reaches for the end of the box. I can’t help but lean into him as he unfolds one end of the sturdy container. “Here. You hold this, and I’ll slide the box off.” He places my hands on the bottom of something metal. As he removes the box and the gift comes into full view, I let out a gasp.
“Oh, Luca. It’s magnificent.” It’s the most exquisite mirror I’ve ever seen. It honestly looks like something I’d imagine Cinderella peering into. That he’d create something so intricately beautiful for me. My eyes well with tears, and it’s not long before they’re spilling onto my cheeks.
Turning, I bury my face in his chest. “Thank you.”
“You like it?”
“I love it, Luca. It’s gorgeous.”
As I look up at his handsome face, he swipes my tears away before kissing my forehead. “Here, let me hang it for you. I thought it would look nice in this spot.” He points toward a blank space in the foyer I’d never given much notice. It’s like it was waiting for this piece to take up residency there.
“Oh yes. It’s perfect.”
Leaning on the opposite wall, I gaze at him as he gets to work hanging his masterpiece. It’s a bit overwhelming to observe. Not only his craftsmanship on display, but the way his rugged body moves as he goes about hanging the mirror.
I’ve never had the opportunity to do this before. Languidly watch someone I have feelings for do handyman things. Dillon saved those activities for his job. The times at home were more relaxed. Mom had Roger complete whatever tasks she needed at home or hired someone.
However, there’s something infinitely personal about watching a man perform items from a ‘honey-do’ list when it’s in service of someone they care for. And regardless of what he says,I can feel it. His actions betray him. He does care for me. I know it. And there’s no doubt I’m falling for Luca.
As he finishes, he steps back, turns, and comes to stand behind me so we can both peer into the mirror together. His arms are wrapped tightly around me, his chin on my shoulder.
“It’s beautiful, Luca.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as the woman in it.” Light kisses trail down my neck, and I swoon.
“This looks like something a princess would have.”
He places his lips on the shell of my ear. “You’re my Principessa.”
My lower belly flutters at his words. But this is more than the impact of that erotic Italian accent rolling off of his tongue. That undeniable electrical charge between us is back. Yet I’ve grown tired of this game. Because this is much more than a platonic gift or friendly banter. “Luca, we need to talk.”
Spinning to face him, I decide to use my newfound adrenalin to get some answers. “I can’t do the playdates with benefits thing.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I continue. “I’m… well, I’m starting to have feelings for you. And I’m certain my kids already do. If you aren’t interested in a relationship with me,and them, we shouldn’t do this anymore.”
Great timing, Jillian.
I expect him to get defensive. Feel backed into a corner, after such a lavish gesture, and take a step away. However, he shocks me when he does the opposite.
Cupping my face, Luca leans in for a possessive kiss. His big, soft lips engulf mine, and his hungry tongue dips in to play. I’m so caught up in the taste and feel of his mouth on mine, I don’t notice when he moves to grab my ass in his hands and pull me into him. The sensation of his hardening length against my belly is making me wet. This is either the most delicious way possible to signal the beginning of a relationship.Or is he deflecting?
