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I pulled him down to my level, pecking his lips several times. When he pulled away, he whispered in my ear, “Your real gift comes later.”
“Looking forward to it.” I grinned, handing him his family-appropriate gift. “A little token of my affection”
Luca lifted an eyebrow as he unwrapped the small box. He pulled out the apron and started laughing, shooting me a look that told me I’d be in trouble later.
“Mr. Sasha?” Frankie said from across the room. “Amazing.” His lips twitched, and I knew it was taking everything for him not to laugh. He went back to flipping through the dark romance novel I’d bought him. Little did he know, I’d talked to his mom, and it was the next read for the Gambini Girl Book Club. I couldn’t wait to see his face when I showed up to discuss the kidnapped nanny and her mafia don.
Karina smiled at Arturo. “You remember that apron I got you after you took over Moretti’s?”
“World’s worst chef,” Marco offered from the Christmas tree. “The restaurateur that can’t cook to save his life.”
Arturo threw his hands up with a good-natured smile. “Not all of us were born to slice and dice in the kitchen.” He smirked at Luca.
“I’m a man of many talents.” Luca leaned back in his chair smugly, hanging the apron around his neck that marked him as mine. And goddamn, did he look good wearing my name.
While our friends were out drinking and partying on New Year’s Eve, Luca and I had planned an elaborate night at home.
“You look just as beautiful as you did on your wedding day.” My mom dabbed a tissue under her eyes, trying not to ruin her makeup.
“Thanks for coming over to help me into my dress. I want it to be a surprise.”
Mom squeezed my hand and gathered her things from my bed, leaving behind a brown bag from the pharmacy. “You’re going to knock him dead.”
“You’re one to talk. Has dad seen this getup?” I smiled as she blushed, smoothing the silk on her hips.
“Not yet. I’m meeting him at the hotel.”
“Dirty.”
She pursed her lips, but her eyes sparkled with humor. “Stop it.” Her cheeks reddened as she slid on her jacket. Flipping her hair out of the collar, she said, “I better get out of here before my curls fall. Love you.” She air-kissed my cheeks and rushed out of the bedroom.
“Bye,” I called after her, happy that we were finally in a good place.
Checking my appearance, I was pleased that I’d come very close to matching my wedding day look.
“Sasha! Dinner’s ready!” Luca called from downstairs.
“Showtime,” I mumbled as I tossed the paper bag in my skin product drawer in the bathroom. My hands shook with nerves and excitement, but I promised myself I’d wait. I gathered my skirt and took my time descending the stairs.
Luca came out of the kitchen, his mouth open like he was about to yell for me again, and stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes roamed over me as he pulled the kitchen towel from his shoulder and wiped his hands. “Baby, you look—” He cleared his throat. “I never thought I’d get to see you in that dress again.”
“I thought it would be a nice way to ring in the new year. A third celebration of our marriage.”
Luca sauntered toward me, flipping the towel back over his shoulder. “Do you know what I made for dinner?” He met me at the bottom of the stairs and took my hand.
“No.”
His fingers were warm around mine, the callouses on his palm rough and comforting.
“The menu I choose for the wedding.”
I smiled, allowing him to lead me to the dining room. “I set the cake topper out to thaw.”
Luca pulled out my chair and helped me with my skirt as I sat. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“So have you.”
“I’ll be right back.” Luca left me in the candlelit room, soft music playing through the downstairs, creating the perfect ambiance.
