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Maddie giggled. “I think that’s my cue to leave.”
“What?” I muttered. “Don’t you dare. Why?”
“You and him clearly have something you need to talk about. I’d offer to distract your dad b—” Her voice trailed off as she smirked his way. “I think I’m going to bail but if daddy lets you hang out later, call me, okay?”
“Fineee.”
I didn’t want her to go, but it was useless fighting her on it. She would’ve demanded reasons I wasn’t able to give. We stood, and I followed her toward the house.
“You leaving?” My father asked her as she passed.
Smiling, she came to a stop in front of them. “I am but might come back later.”
“Sounds good. You know you're welcome here any time you like.” He offered her a small smile and wave. “Goodnight, Maddie.”
“Night.” She blushed.
Vincenzo’s gaze narrowed on mine as if he were trying to have a silent conversation. Ignoring him, I followed Maddie to the front door with my head held high. As she slipped her cover-up over her head, she snickered.
“What?”
“Let him talk.”
“Huh?” I crinkled my brow.
Narrowing her gaze, she pursed her lips, laying a hand on my shoulder. “I’ve known you for a long ass time. I saw the woman in the room with him, then saw the look on his face when you stormed out. I haven’t quite figured out what’s going on, but I think there’s some serious chemistry happening.” She snickered. “Just don’t forget your promise to tell me if there’s any juicy details.”
“I—”
“Listen to me.” She withdrew her hand, balling her fists on her waist. “He likes you. You like him.” Shaking her head, she leaned in closer. “I know he’s your dad’s friend, but there’s a connection. Just talk to him and fix whatever happened earlier.”
I nodded, though I would not offer her any more information. The moment she was out the door, I closed it, leaning back on it.
“Dinner!” my mother called from the formal dining room. She wasn’t much of a cook unless we had company. The aroma of Swedish meatballs filled the air as I entered, taking a seat in my normal spot. Soon, Vincenzo and my father appeared in the doorway, with Lucas not far behind.
“Wow, Alicia.” Vincenzo announced, way too nice for his usual tone. He sounded almost sarcastic. “You’ve outdone yourself once again.” He gave her a side hug before sitting next to me. Stretching his arm out on the back of my chair, he grinned, scooting his chair just a little closer. “Since your boyfriend isn’t here, I’ll just take his spot.”
I gulped.
My mother gave a dismissive wave as she slid her chair under the table. “That’s perfectly fine.”
As we dined, my father asked my mother about her day. She offered vague details, changing topics multiple times, finally redirecting the focus to me. “How was today at the office?”
“Oh.” I felt a hand on my thigh. “Today? It was,” the hand crept higher, “fun.”
Vincenzo tapped on my skin with a finger, coaxing me to spread more. I wanted to swat his hand out of the way but couldn’t, or it would be obvious. I pressed my legs together even tighter.
“Eliza did great today,” my father chimed in, wiping his mouth with the cloth napkin. “Lots of boring filing, but it was nice to have her around and spend time with her.” He offered me a subtle wink. I knew it was to remind me to keep quiet about him letting me leave early.
“Eliza,” Lucas laughed. “I saw Aiden kissing Samantha today.”
“Oh God.” As Vincenzo slipped a finger under my dress and into my bikini bottoms, I inhaled a sharp breath.
“I know!” Lucas scoffed. “I wanted to kill him but—”
“Lucas!” my mother snapped. “That’s not a topic to bring up at the table.” She nodded at me. “Now you’ve made your sister upset.”
My eyes were watering, but I didn’t care what Lucas said or Aiden had been doing. I was happy he’d hopefully be leaving me alone from now on. I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth, biting back a moan that was begging to be released as Vincenzo teased my clit with his finger.
