Drea cocked her head at me. “It can’t have anything to do with sex.”
“I’m aware of that.”
She grinned. “Then bring it on.”
“Oh, you just wait.”
***
After making plans to meet up for dinner in a couple of days, we said goodbye and good luck to Rafe before departing the jet. Not only had Rafe taken one for the team by allowing Drea and I to consummate our marriage, but he’d also made reservations for us in Palermo. He’d gone so far as to arrange for the entirety of the hotel to be ours. I didn’t want to think about what strings he pulled to do that. He’d also arranged for bodyguards who belonged to our Sicilian relatives to meet us at the airport.
When we arrived, it was just before two in the morning. Although we’d taken a nap on the jet, Drea yawned as we walked through the lobby. As for myself, I was too wired to sleep yet. The adrenaline from the day hadn’t quite worn off yet.
“Are you hungry?” I asked as we walked to our room.
Shaking her head, she replied, “Not for food or sex. Just sleep.”
I laughed. “I’m going to see what’s available in the kitchen.”
“Okay,” she murmured sleepily.
Instead of the kitchen, I went to the front desk. To my surprise, the man introduced himself as the owner, not just the night manager. “It’s such an honor to have you in my hotel, Mr. Neretti.”
“It’s an honor to be here. Please call me Leandro.”
“I am Giuseppe,” he said, extending his hand.
Can I ask yet another favor of you?”
“Of course. Anything.”
“I need to speak to a jeweler. Preferably tonight.”
His eyes bulged at my request. “Tonight?”
Nodding, I replied, “As soon as possible.”
“Give me a moment.”
Getting a new wedding band and engagement ring for Drea had been top on my list since after the ceremony. How could we start a life together when she was wearing the band Rafe hadgotten for her along with the Neretti family ring that had been given to him by our father?
If there was one thing that drove me, it was competition. And the fact that Drea found me lacking in the romance department compared to Rafe set me on fire. There was no way I’d sleep one wink if I had to wait until tomorrow to get her ring and prepare for a romantic gesture.
Giuseppe returned. “There is a store two blocks away that is preparing to open for you.”
“Thank you so much. Your kindness will not be forgotten.”
He flustered a little at my remark. “Once again, you honor me.”
When I turned to start up the steps, I realized I needed one more thing from him. “I’m also going to need a priest here before dawn.”
He nervously fingered the collar of his shirt. “I’ll phone the church right now.”
“Please let them know I’ll be making a very sizable donation for the trouble.”
“I will.”
“You’re a good man, Giuseppe.”
