“No, I like that idea,” I said quickly. “I just needed a second to think about it.”
“You seem to like this house a lot more than my other one,” he said with slight amusement.
“Well, your other one is just…enormous.”
“And that doesn’t impress you?”
“A couple days ago, I literally got lost.”
He released a quick chuckle.
“I guess I prefer that cozy feeling. I like that your house is right in town. I like that the ceilings aren’t crazy high. When I walked in here, I felt like the walls gave me a big hug. It just feels more welcoming.”
“Then let’s live here,” he said. “The sea suits you.”
“Especially when I’m in a skimpy bikini?” I teased.
His smile widened. “Absolutely.”
“You seem like the kind of guy to break someone’s face if they look at me too long.”
“Do you want me to break someone’s face for looking at you?” he asked. “Because if so, that would be my full-time job.”
“I don’t think men stare at methatmuch.”
“They do. You just aren’t paying attention.” He grabbed the stem of his glass and swirled it before taking a drink. “The stares don’t bother me because it comes with the territory. If you have a hot woman, people are going to stare. Just how it goes.”
“I wish I could be that mature.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“When I see women stare at you, it drives me fucking nuts.”
He cocked his head slightly, his grin stretching. “It does?”
“Yep.”
“Huh, didn’t notice.”
“Didn’t notice that it drove me nuts? Or didn’t notice the women staring at you?”
“Both, I guess.”
I grabbed my glass and took a drink. “Now look who doesn’t pay attention…”
“I pay attention to men. Women are harmless.”
“I think all those guys I shot would disagree.”
A distinct look of affection moved into his gaze. “Fair point.”
The waiter returned to our table, and we ordered dinner. Wolfe chose the fresh catch of the day, while I got a big bowl of pasta. Menus were handed over, and we returned to enjoying our wine.
“So, that’s settled?” he asked. “We’re going to live in Palermo?”
“Yes, let’s do it.”
He didn’t smile outwardly, but there was a distinct joy to his gaze like that was exactly what he wanted. He almost looked boyish, excited to wake up on Christmas morning and see all the presents under the tree. He took another drink of his wine as he gazed at me, visibly high on happiness that removed the tension he normally carried in his shoulders and his arms.
