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I giggled. “Cute name.”
“Not as cute as you.” He opened the door and took a step back, letting me enter first.
The shop was lively. The hum of the customers and clanking dishes filled the cement, dome-shaped restaurant. Bells rang when orders were ready, then names were shouted. People lined up in front of the glass, pointing at the assortment of bread, pastries, and desserts behind the refrigerated rounded window as they waited to order and pay.
“Why don’t you go grab us a table, and I’ll order.”
“Sure.”
“Still like espresso con panna?”
“I do!”
“Great.” He lifted a chin toward the front window. “There’s a little table just outside on the corner.”
I spun around, spotting the empty bistro table outside as he said. Broad smile plastered on my face, I weaved between the tables, exiting the café and took a seat. I watched through the glass as the line moved forward and he placed our order.
As sweet as he was, I longed to be looking in at Vincenzo, getting drinks for a coffee date. He was all I could think about. The more I tried to forget what happened between us, the more I craved him. I’d only come here because I felt guilty about Mr. Bernardi losing his job, and I owed him this. Taking a deep breath, I watched the people passing by. It felt safe out here at night with all the tourists and locals hurrying by despite it not being the best area.
“Did you miss me?”
Startled, I jerked in my chair, glancing up as Mr. Bernardi set our drinks and two pastries down on the table. “You scared me.”
“You were zoned out.” He chortled, dragging his chair closer and sitting next to me. “I thought we could try these as well. They’re apparently new to the menu andto die for.”
“Ooh, they look so good.” I took a sip of my beverage.
“So, talk.”
I placed the disposable cup down on the table. “First, I’m sorry how it all ended.”
He offered a wave of dismissal. “I’m not even mad.”
“I am.” I sighed. “I didn’t even get to apologize. That’s all I’ve wanted to do since the incident.”
“We were both equally involved in that. We chose not to stop even though I was your professor and trust me when I say,” he leaned next to my ear, “I would do it all again if I could.”
A tremble went up my spine, though it did not turn me on. It made me uncomfortable. I didn’t understand why he wasn’t upset. “Where did you go?”
“After they kicked me off campus?” He took a sip of his coffee. “I went to stay with an old friend for a while.”
“Oh.” I was happy he was okay, but something didn’t feel right, and all alarms were going off in my head, though I did my best to ignore that sick feeling. I continued to grill him. “How can you not be mad about losing your job for sleeping with me? I mean, you—”
He laid his palm on my arm, softly squeezing it a few times. “You think too much. Let’s move forward.”
“Okay.” I sighed.
“So, tell me, bella,” he cocked his head, smiling that million-dollar smile, “have you replaced me yet?”
Replacedwas a strong word. I didn’t exactly know how to answer. My silence and awkward smile must have spoken a thousand words.
“Ah, I see.” He lowered a hand to my thigh. “Does he fuck you as good as I did?”
Better. Way better. I exhaled. “I…I’m actually not sure what’s going on with him.”
HONKKKKK! CRASH!
There was unexpectedly a car accident directly in front of us on the street. A crowd flocked over, standing between us and the vehicles. Some held up phones, filming the accident, while others shouted about it. Sirens soon sounded, and it overwhelmed me with the madness of him and now, the swarming sidewalk.
