“I need you to close tonight. I’m leaving at seven.”
“I can definitely do that.” I heard the smile in Dominic’s voice before he moved away. My eyes were just as glued to Joe’s.
“Text me the address of the rental. I’ll pick you up about eight.”
“Didn’t you tell Dominic seven?” I leaned in closer, my heart hammering against my rib cage when Joe ran the tip of his finger along my jaw. Having had sex with Joe should have taken the power out of his touches, but it did the exact opposite. I knew his lips and his fingers and…other places. A tiny touch, even accidental, only made me want it all, all over again. Butterflies took flight in my stomach at the prospect of actually getting it, not talking myself out of it as I’d done for the past few days.
“I have a few things to do first.” His lips grazed my cheek, trailing a hot path to my ear. “If you want to take me out, Caterina, I’m all yours.” My breath hitched when he took my earlobe between his teeth and gave it a nip. Joe saying he was mine, however he’d meant it, made the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up as a chill rushed through me.
“While I have you here now, want some breakfast?” I relaxed at his easy smile. We were back. Only this time, I wasn’t putting anymore walls between us.
“Are you going to make it for me?” I leaned my elbow on the counter, resting my chin on my hand. His head fell as his shoulders shook with a laugh.
“Sure, if that’s what you want.” The heat in his eyes triggered a cold shiver down my spine.
“Yes,” I answered, without a drop of uncertainty. “It’s what I want.”
Along with you.
How this would end up, I didn’t know, but I had no choice but to go along for the ride.
16
Joe
“Is that a takeout order?That’s huge!” Maureen mused from behind me.
“Not exactly.” I flashed her and Jordan a smile over my shoulder. “I’m planning a picnic on the beach.”
I’d agonized over this all day long and was confident I’d picked a good menu for tonight. I included almost one of all the entree specials, but I owned this place and all the food in it, so I had all the means to go overboard. I remembered what she seemed to love the most from the festival and tried my best to build off of that.
Caterina had given me the impression that no one ever made a big deal over her. Even if this feast was overkill, I hoped she’d love it. My cheeks still ached from the huge grin planted on my face ever since her “confession” this morning. She’d shaken like a leaf but pulled no punches about what she wanted, and her bravery was sexy as hell. I had to summon a lot of restraint not to pull her over the counter by the waist and kiss the hell out of her. We actually had the chance I didn’t think she’d let us have, and there was no way I wasn’t pulling out every stop tonight.
“Special delivery from Maria’s!” Dominic sang as he came into the kitchen with a large white paper bag. The grease spotting the paper confirmed they’d sent over exactly what I ordered.
“Maria’s?” Jordan crinkled her nose. “Now? The bakery doesn’t deliver until tomorrow morning. I didn’t think they were even open after three.”
“Usually,” I said, stifling a smile. “And they aren’t; I made a special request.”
“Special request? How the hell did you do that?” Dominic’s jaw dropped. “I’m impressed, man.”
I shrugged as I stuffed the steaming hot paper bag into the thermal carrier. “I have a daily order and give them plenty of business and promotion. I called in a small favor. No big deal.”
“No big deal? You’venevercalled in any favors, especially over a woman. Ladies,” He glanced at Maureen and Jordan and jerked his head in my direction, “what you’re seeing right now is unprecedented and epic.”
“So dramatic.” I shook my head but wouldn’t look up, in too great of a mood to let anything get to me today. I peeked at my watch, noting I still had a little time to run to my apartment to change. Between the influx of customers and planning this picnic for Caterina tonight, adrenaline had kept me running non-stop. But, I wasn’t tired at all. Every part of me felt alive as if everything was falling into place exactly where I wanted it to.
I ambled back into the dining area to dig my buzzing phone out of my pocket.
Caterina:Can I ask where we’re going?
Joe:Nope.
Caterina:Seriously? Can I at least get a hint so I know how to dress?
Joe:Nope.
Caterina:Okay, but when I embarrass you for being dressed inappropriately, remember, it’s your fault.
