Trevor, without looking up from his sauce, called, “Don’t get up,amai. I’ll get it – ”
Natalia was already halfway down the hallway, waving him off.
“You just keep cooking, honey!”
Trevor smiled to himself. “Yes,ma’am.”
I burst into giggles.
Kali lifted her glass with a smirk, “I prefer my brother post-Natalia. He’s so well-trained.”
We all laughed, and a wave of chatter and laughter drifted in from the foyer a moment later.
Then in walked Maria – radiant in a white dress – with Zach by her side, holding a wrapped box under his arm.
My chest squeezed seeing Matteo’s younger brother; knowing everything Matteo told me, I saw him differently now. Softer. Fiercer.
Everyone chimed in greetings, hugs exchanged, warmth and noise filling the grand kitchen.
When the chatter finally died into a comfortable hum, I felt it – six sets of eyes settling on me and Matteo. We stood pressed close beside the island, Matteo caging me in with his arms, palms resting on the counter on either side of my hips. His heat at my back. His breath brushing my neck. It was intimate – undeniably so.
I cleared my throat, cheeks already warming.
“Matteo and I…”
Before I could finish, his arm slid around my waist and tugged me flush against him.
“We’re dating,” I breathed out, voice soft.
“Awwww,” Kali melted into her seat dramatically, and everyone started laughing.
Zane settled his hands on her shoulders, grinning. “That’s great news. Really.”
Natalia squealed again, practically glowing. “We’re so happy for you two!”
Trevor leaned against the counter with a smirk. “So we’re all coupled up now?”
More laughter.
Maria’s curious eyes sparkled. “You two! How did this happen? When?”
“Two weeks ago.”
“Don’t lie,” Matteo murmured behind me.
I twisted just enough to look up at him, smirking. “I’m not lying!”
He reached for the platter of grapes in front of us, popped one in his mouth, and addressed the room. “She’s lying.”
I swatted his shoulder and he only pulled me closer, nose brushing my temple as I pretended to glare.
“I’m not!”
He chewed leisurely, then with infuriating calm said, “Last summer.”
Every jaw dropped, the room erupting into laughter.
I rolled my eyes with a smirk, still locked in his arms. “He’s getting the dates confused! That’s just when he fell for me.”
