Page 56 of Lucian

“We’re kind of strange, you and me,” Jordyn said.

Like the fact she couldn’t deny how her insides were mush when he was around, or that she felt him near even when he didn’t speak a word. Some people might call that chemistry, and others might call it destiny.

Jordyn called it frightening.

“Maybe we’re normal for us,” Lucian replied. “And so far, I like the way it’s going.”

“On fast forward, knocking me on my ass at every turn.”

“If it works …”

Jordyn chewed on the inside of her cheek. “Are you going to tell people that’s what I am to you?”

Lucian shrugged. “Not yet.”

“Why?”

Better yet, why did it matter if he didn’t, something inside demanded.

Jordyn ignored her inner voice.

“Because, I need you to want it, too.”

Jordyn didn’t have the time to respond. Cecelia called from the downstairs, telling anyone who wasn’t in the dining room that dinner was ready to be served.

“Come on,” Lucian said, offering his hand. “There are more people for you to meet.”

Jordyn didn’t hesitate to take it.

• • •

Antony dabbed a roll into the sauce he’d poured over his pasta, taking a bite. Instantly, his brow furrowed and he looked to where his wife sat waiting down the long table. “Something’s different, Tesoro.”

“Is it good?” Cecelia asked.

Jordyn hid her grin with her wine glass. Lucian took notice of that immediately, shaking his head with a knowing wink.

How in love was a man with his wife that he noticed something as simple as her sauce recipe changing even a little bit from what it had always been?

It was cute, really, even if Jordyn was the one who added the spices.

In that moment, Jordyn realized she wanted what these two people had. A love like this with a man who noticed everything about her, even if it was silly and ridiculous. Jordyn’s heart sped up when Lucian’s hand found her knee under the table, squeezing gently.

“You okay?” Lucian asked quietly. “It’s been crazy today, I know.”

“More than okay,” Jordyn said, truthfully.

Antony continued staring at his wife like the rest of the people at the table weren’t watching their exchange with rapt attention. “I didn’t say it wasn’t good. It’s very good. I said it was different. It is, isn’t it?”

Cecelia nodded. “It is.”

“Is that all you’re going to give me? I’d like to know why the sudden change.”

“Eat your food, Antony. I can’t give anyone specifics unless it’s a Marcello woman, you know this. Change is good.”

“It’s just an old family recipe. You should get over this secrecy thing. I’m your husband, and even I can’t know?” Cecelia still refused to say a thing. Antony shook his head, sighing. “I love you, but sometimes you’re so difficult to understand, Tesoro.”

“And you didn’t say grace, either,” Cecelia added with a smile, ignoring his remark. “Be quick about it. The rest of us are hungry.”