Just then, servers began circulating the room, plates appearing like a rescue mission. The clink of silverware and the hum of conversation rose, pulling attention away from me at last as the girls moved to sit back with their boyfriends.
I released a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding and picked up my fork, grateful for the distraction – and for the fact that, for now, the questions had paused. For now.
Hours later, after dessert plates had been cleared and the room had settled into that warm, golden lull that comes with too much wine and good music, one of the men from the live band stepped forward with a microphone.
“May we have the bride and groom for their first dance?”
The room responded instantly – soft applause building, faces turning toward us.
Matteo stood first. He buttoned his suit jacket with easy confidence, then turned to me and extended his hand.
I placed my hand in his, and we walked together to the center of the ballroom, the polished floor reflecting the chandeliers above us. The band softened into something slow and classic, strings swelling gently as Matteo placed one hand at my waist and lifted my other into his.
He pulled me closer and we began to sway.
“You okay?” he asked quietly, his voice meant only for me.
I nodded, my gaze drifting briefly over his shoulder before returning to him. “I’m dealing with it. One step at a time.”
“Good.” A corner of his mouth lifted. “What did the girls want earlier?”
I exhaled, settling into the rhythm, into him. “They were interrogating me.”
“About?”
“You.”
Matteo let out a soft laugh. “And what did you tell them?”
“The truth.”
He groaned under his breath. “Oh, no.”
I smiled despite myself.
He spun me gently before pulling me back in. “The guys weren’t any better.”
I blinked. “Really?”
“They wanted to know what the deal was between you and me.”
My grip tightened just a little. “And?”
“I told them the truth.”
My heart stuttered. “Matteo.”
He laughed quietly, leaning closer. “Relax. I didn’t tell them your secret.”
I shot him a look. “I don’t have asecret.”
“So us hooking up in Vegas is not a secret?” He murmured, amusement dancing in his eyes.
I swallowed, heat rising fast. “You’re impossible…”
“Don’t worry,Donna. We’ll keep thatoursecret.” He just smiled, unbothered, steady as ever.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
