“Really? Why?”
“Well, you’re kind of famous, and this sort of thing is a bit intimidating,” she said waving her hands, gesturing to the ballroom. “Other than dinner at my house, we’ve only seen each other at my office or in dressy functions like this. That’s not who I am. I’m usually in leggings and a t-shirt or cutoff shorts and a tank top,” she said timidly.
“And you think this is my comfort zone, my ‘scene’?” he asked, his fingers gesturing, his face amused.
Looking around, then back at him, she answered, “Yeah, I guess so.”
“You must’ve forgotten what I was wearing the day we met in the cafe,” he said teasingly.
“I, I don’t remember much from that day, honestly.”
“Oh, really?” he said teasingly, making her blush.
Leaning in close to her ear, so only she could hear him, Alex said, “Aria Bianchi, I want to get to know you. The you, barefoot in your kitchen. The you, at the market in leggings and a t-shirt. I want to get to know who you are, all the sides, all the colors of Aria.”
He could smell her exotic perfume and enjoyed the look of surprise on her face when he pulled away.
“When I said ‘unfortunately’ about the dress code tonight, it’s because this is not who I am either. Jeans, t-shirts and boots are more my style. This is so far out of my comfort zone. Remember I told you that I gave up the idea of a corporate job to run around in the jungle. I want to show you who I am, Aria. To know me, just as I am.”
He took great pleasure in the way her mouth gaped open, his words rendering her speechless. She finally closed her mouth, swallowed loudly, and nodded her head in acknowledgment.
“Good, we got that out of the way.”
Aria seemed to recover when she said demurely, “I, I want that too, Alex.”
There was something different in the way she spoke from their last conversation, but he wasn’t sure what it was. Their attraction was undeniable. He could only hope it would continue.
Alex knew he needed to bring her to speak to his family, but neither of them seemed to want to move. He felt like everything had drifted away and he was lost in her orbit.
Sofia walked up to the couple, her arms open to hug Aria, Leonardo following behind.
“Aria, I’m so glad you could make it,” Sofia said as she reached for a hug and a kiss to both cheeks. “I'd like you to meet our father, Leonardo Rossi.”
Aria reached for Leonardo's hand to shake it, but he brought her in for a hug instead.
“Aria, it’s so nice to see you. Forgive me, I'm a hugger. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.”
“Mr. Rossi, it's so nice to see you again. I think we may have met once back in school. I did meet your sweet wife several times, though. Please accept my sincerest condolences,” Aria said. “She always made me feel at home.”
“Please, call me Leonardo. And may I extend mine to you as well, Aria. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your husband,” he said as he reached for her hand.
A dark look crossed Aria’s face.
“Alex, why don't you show Aria where the refreshments are?” Sofia said, helping Alex lighten the heavy mood.
“Yes, let's get you something to drink, Aria.” He put his hand on the small of her back to guide her away. “Papa, we will catch up to you soon.”
Once at the bar, Aria asked him for a white wine spritzer.
“I love this venue. The decor reminds me of the Bancaccio theatre in Rome,” she said as she looked at the ornate ceiling.
“It’s very beautiful.”
When she looked back, Alex was staring at her, his eyes taking her in like he was memorizing all the details. She dipped her head and took a sip of her wine.
Peering over her glass, she said, “Alex Rossi, you’re making me nervous again.”
Alex laid his forearm on the bar top and leaned closer again.
