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“I can’t wait to see it,” I said as we got out.
He grabbed our bags and held out his hand to me.
The house was a two-story with a large wraparound porch. I’d already fallen in love with it, and I hadn’t seen the view from the back or anything inside. I loved that he had a respite from the resort. A place he could go and be quiet.
Inside, he dropped our bags and led the way through the large family room and kitchen, through French doors to the deck. It was more of a covered porch with steps leading to the backyard and the water.
We stopped at the railing, looking over the lake. “This is gorgeous. I’d never leave if this was my place.”
There was a moment of silence, and then Silas moved behind me, surrounding me from behind and kissing my neck. “One more reason to keep you here.”
I leaned back into his chest as he straightened, wishing we never had to leave.
He sighed. “As much as I love this view, I promised you a home-cooked meal.”
“You don’t have to. We had a long day. We could just order in.”
“I never do that here. The point of being here is that I’m off the grid. Room service isn’t a call away, and there’s no one rushing to do my bidding.”
“Life is so tough for you,” I teased, though I respected him even more for it.
He led the way inside, opening a bottle of wine and pouring me a glass. “Have a seat while I whip something up.”
I sat at the island with the windows displaying the water behind him. “I have the best view.”
He cocked a brow. “Watching me cook?”
I laughed. “The water.”
“Hmm. I don’t know if I like the competition.”
“I love both.” Every minute with him made it easier to stay. I forgot the reasons why I should be at home, working on my next big project.
He pulled out some chicken, adding seasoning before putting it in the oven, and then boiled a pot of water for the pasta. While everything was cooking, he cut up tomatoes.
“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” I asked, feeling lazy for sipping wine while he did all the work.
Silas glanced up at me and winked. “I love cooking, and I want you to relax and have a good time. You can help next time.”
Warmth spread unheeded through my body at his sweet words. “I’d like that.”
“I assume you know how to cook?”
“It was a requirement for everyone in the family. It wasn’t anonly girls cookkind of family. Mamma always said she wanted her boys to be able to impress their women.”
Silas barked out a laugh. “I like your mom. She’s practical.”
I smiled, enjoying sharing about my family. “She never let the boys get away with a messy room or not putting away their dishes. And I think they turned out okay. They’re respectful of women.”
Silas tipped his head. “Matteo?”
I laughed. “He seems like a player, but he has a huge heart. I was always the one he’d talk to after one of his dates.” Then I stopped, thinking I shouldn’t be spilling Matteo’s secrets to his friend.
Silas lifted his head from the chopping. “I won’t tell him you said anything. He can keep his street cred.”
“Matteo would make a good boyfriend. If only he’d be willing to show who he is underneath all the bluster.” He had been hurt by his first girlfriend, and I watched as he pretended everything was okay. He put on this persona, one that said he was a good time. But he was so much more than that.
“I think that’s true of all the Giovanni kids.”
