“Yeah,” I said, putting an arm to each side of her, locking her in, back against the counter. She tilted her head back to look up at me. “You have nothing until tonight.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Correct.”
“I want you home.”
“I have Christmas shopping to do. It’s my only free time. Then I have to get ready for tonight.”
“We’ll go tomorrow.”
“Can’t,” she said.
“Tell me why.”
“We have a packed schedule.”
“We.” I lifted a brow.
“I’m going with the girls to get fitted for dresses for Romeo and Juliette’s wedding. You have to go with the guys for the tuxedos. I have brunch. You have lunch. After, it’s a boxing match, Madison Square Garden, for the men.”
“Tell me the plans for the women.” I was mentally preparing to send all of the men with her, and some from the other houses, too.
“Chiara is having something at her and Donato’s place. A chick flick and some wine, I think.”
“The day after.”
“I have rehearsal. After that we have to pick up Maggie Beautiful and Aberto from the airport. Then we have a family get together. Rocco arranged some kind of dinner party at one of the restaurants, in honor ofRomeo and Juliette.” By one of the restaurants, she meant one of our business investments.
I leaned in even closer, putting my mouth to her neck. “Stay home.”
“Why, Brando?” she whispered.
“I’m going with you.”
“But—”
“Enough.” I pulled away, giving her a stern look. “We’ll go together.”
Her eyes narrowed to almost slits. “What’s going on?”
“You need to sleep.”
“Sleep?”
“Yeah,” I said, backing away. I heard the chirp of Romeo’s car alarm. “Take a nap. Catch up on some rest. You need it. Or do some online shopping this year. Then get some sleep.”
“It’s too impersonal! I can’t see what I’m buying first! Not in the real sense. I like to touch things.”
“Tough titty said the fucking kitty—that’s one of your favorites so there should be no confusion. It’s safer. The crowds are only getting rougher and rougher.”
“Bullshit!” she shouted.
I paused going up the steps—I had to retrieve my gear.
She looked up at me from the lower level. “What’s going on, Fausti? Talk to me.”
A few beats passed before I responded. “You first.”
* * *
