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“Because—” Annie starts, but Enzo comes up behind her and distracts her with his mouth at her ear.
He whispers something, and she melts back into his strong chest. His hands fall to her hips and squeeze.
“You two are in public,” Carm says.
I laugh because I was thinking the same thing. Our eyes catch for a moment, and it takes more of my willpower than it should to look away.
Enzo swivels Annie around and captures her lips in a move that’s so damn sexy, I’m jealous. Not that I want Enzo, but a man like that has moves I can’t fathom.
“Showoff,” Carm mumbles, shaking his head. Directing his attention to me, he motions toward the lane. “Ladies first.”
“I’ve never done this before.” I stand, and he follows me to the row of small balls.
He picks up one and hands it to me. “This is my first time too. Put it in your palm and act like you know what you’re doing. That’s the best advice I have for you.”
I smile.
He smiles.
Where is the cocky, arrogant flirt? This isn’t the man I’m familiar with.
“Okay.” He steps back, giving me some space.
I walk up to the lane pretending as if I have some clue how to do this. I swing my arm back then forward, and the ball flies halfway down the lane before landing on the wooden straightaway, barreling toward pins. Three go down on the right side.
“It’s a start,” I say.
Carm scribbles on the scoresheet. “Now get a spare.” He smiles, his eyebrows raising.
“Come on, Bella!” Annie claps behind me. Obviously, her lip lock is done. “Ouch! What? I don’t really care who wins,” she says to who I suspect must be Enzo.
“If you’re going to be a Mancini, you need to try to win at all costs,” Enzo says.
“I’m not a Mancini,” she says.
“Yet, babe. Yet.”
I pick up another ball, that rush of jealousy over what Annie and Enzo share hitting me once again. I wonder how long they’ve been dating and how they got together?
What am I talking about? I don’t have time for a relationship. My new business needs to be my priority for the foreseeable future.
I throw the ball down the lane and only get three more pins down.
Oh well. It’s just a game.
I turn around, and Annie’s already stepping up with her hand up. “Way to go.”
“Spare would have been better,” Carm says under his breath.
I narrow my eyes. Just when I thought we were on our way to a civilized coexistence.
Annie rolls her eyes. “It’s just a friendly game, Carm.”
He taps the pencil on the paper. “Said no one ever.”
I sit behind him and grab my wine before remembering I’ve finished it. I’m going to need another glass after all to get through the next couple hours.
As Annie goes to bowl, Carm swings around, his hand landing on my knee. A million jolts of electricity zip up my leg to my center. “Sorry. I’m just really competitive.”
I nod. “It’s fine.”
Our eyes lock, and he almost looks as if he’s trying to figure me out. Exhilaration swims in my stomach. Would I even be able to turn down Carmelo Mancini if he focused his charm my way? I hate that I don’t know the answer to that.
“Strike! Yay, baby,” Enzo booms.
Carm blinks, and the moment is over. I knew he was trouble, but I’m not sure I knew how much trouble.
