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“Can you be more specific?”
“You came over for a reason, so just tell me what it is.” She stomps over to a bench and sits down, crossing her arms. “There is no need to torture me and make me wait.”
“Where is the patient woman I’ve seen at the tables? The one who can outlast any of her opponents?”
“Gone.” She snaps her fingers. “Vanished.”
“I can see you’re going to be a lot of fun on birthdays and anniversaries.” I join her on a bench, unbutton my suit coat, and see her eyes lock onto the holster against my chest.
“Neither of which we’ll be celebrating together.”
“About that…I spoke with my cousin – the Don. To ask for his blessing.”
“For what?”
“To marry you?”
“Marry?” She stands abruptly and presses her hand to her mouth. “We haven’t had a date yet!”
“Men in my world don’t date. It’s either fucking around or standing at the altar.” I take her hand and pull her back down on the bench. “And you’re sure as hell not a side piece.”
“Why would he agree to it?”
“Your Nonno was a loyal man and valued member of the family.”
“Family?”
“Famiglia. Not blood related but bound by the oath he made.” Conflicting emotions cross her beautiful face. “So that future we never talked about is possible.”
“We don’t even know if we would get along.” Shifting away, she looks me over slowly. “Maybe we’re not compatible.”
“We’re compatible.” I take her hand. “In all the ways that matter.”
“What if you hog the remote, eat crackers in bed, and make me watch horror movies every Halloween?”
I shake my head. “You’re just grasping at straws.”
“Of course I am.” She looks around. “A man I barely know just suggested we should bind our lives together after only a few short weeks of acquaintance.”
“Do you love me?”
“What?”
“Forget logic.” I press my fingers against her chest. “What is your heart telling you in this moment?”
“I’m not listening to that unreliable organ.” Crossing her legs, she presses her mouth together. “It’s sending unrealistic messages about falling into your arms and making crazy promises.”
“I’ve fallen for you, Abby Mercer, and think we have what it takes to make an incredible future together.”
“Shouldn’t we go on a date before we say things like that?”
“Sure.” I pull her against my side. “Our first date will be my goddaughter’s christening. That way, every one can meet you.”
“I was thinking of dinner and a movie.”
“Dinner’s good, but the movie thing is a hard no.”
“Dark places with a door at your back, not a good idea?”
