Page 122 of Valentino

“Tell me what’s happened.”

“Nothing has happened.”

“Then why are you acting like this?” I take his hand. “I can tell something’s wrong.”

His eyes hold mine.

“Maybe I can help make it better.” I smile up at him. “I’m a good listener, you know?”

“Just had a bad day.” He runs his tongue over his teeth. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Okay.” I think for a second. “Can I ask you to do something for me?”

“Such as?”

“Can you try and leave your work problems at work?”

“Anna….”

“I mean it.” I get out of the car and stand, bringing us face-to-face. “After the beautiful night we had together, how can you possibly be in a bad mood, I haven’t wiped the smile from my face.” I lean up onto my toes and kiss his big, beautiful lips. “When we are at home, it’s all about us. Don’t let anything or anyone spoil our time together. Okay?”

He exhales, unconvinced.

With another quick kiss on his grumpy lips, I take his hand and drag him across the parking lot toward the elevator, we get in and face the front. He puts his hands into the pockets of his suit pants.

“Are you hungry?” I ask as I link my arm through his, completely ignoring his body language. Whatever is wrong with him, I’m determined to make him forget all about it.

“Not really.” He stares at the wall.

“Horny?”

He gives me the side-eye.

“Is that a yes?” I smirk.

A frown crosses his face and I know I’ve nearly got him.

“Well…I’m horny,” I continue matter-of-factly.

More side-eye. “You’re a fucking sex maniac.”

“Maybe.” I smile at the wall. “Although I think it has a lot to do with the hot naked man who was in my bed all night.”

“It’s my bed,” he mouths as he widens his eyes.

The elevator doors open and we step into the apartment. “Maybe you can cook tonight?”

“Not a chance,” he replies, deadpan.

We walk out into the living room and I see something that makes me stop dead in my tracks.

“Val…” I whisper, my eyes flick to him. “What is that?”

In the corner of the room is the most beautiful black grand piano that I’ve ever seen. A red velvet ribbon bow sits on top and there’s a matching stool.

“Valentino….” My mouth hangs open in surprise. “You bought yourself a piano?”

“I um…. It’s for you.” He frowns and gives a subtle shrug as if embarrassed. “I didn’t want you to miss your practice, I ordered it for you first thing this morning.”