We spread towels out over the sand, and Evelina had brought a couple of umbrellas. Matteo had brought an ice chest full of ice-coldbirra(beer), and Evelina made us cold drinks with whatever alcohol she brought. It was nice to lounge around, but at the same time, I enjoyed the day with family.
When the sun got too hot, Saverio and I took a dip in the water. We swam around each other like two unknown species, getting close but keeping our distance. I splashed him like I did years ago when he wasn’t expecting it. He shook his head like a dog and came after me. I dove under, but he caught me before I could get too far. He hauled me up, keeping my back pressed against his front, and kissed me on the side of the neck.
I squeezed his hand and then we let go again, swimming around.
After a couple of hours, the beach was starting to mellow, and the men took out a soccer ball and started kicking it back and forth.
That was when a bunch of American girls, about my age, walked past, their eyes wide and mouths hanging open. My husband and his brothers, along with my brothers and cousin, had gotten their attention. It seemed like it was stuck to the men like glue. One of the women stumbled into another because she couldn’t walk and stare at the same time.
Evelina and I looked at each other and busted out laughing.
“Can’t blame them,” I said, taking another sip of my fruity drink. “I’d stare, too.”
“True that,” she said, and we clanked glasses. She set hers down in the sand. The bottom was covered in it.
Her hair was pulled back by her sunglasses, and she was watching my brothers, along with my cousin Massimo, as they ran around kicking the ball or running after it. All their impressive muscles and smooth tan skin were on display.
She sighed.
“Evelina,” I said.
“Yeah?”
“Are you...interested in one of them?”
“Who?”
I grinned. She knewwho. I chucked my chin towards them. “Do you need names? Or are you straight with those? I mean, they all start with M—”
“Straight,” she said. “I’m too old for them.”
“They’re only a little younger than you.”
She shrugged. “That makes a difference.”
“Not with them. They’re not your average men. They mature when they’re born.”
She laughed. “Saverio, Tore, and Renzo, too.”
“So…?”
“So…? Nothing.”
I didn’t believe it, but I let it go. I just hoped that if she did have feelings for one, it didn’t matter to the other two. I hadn’t noticed it before, but during the day, Matteo, Mariano, and Massimo were all being attentive to her. Sometimes at the same time. And we were talking about three massive, gorgeous Italians who had a thing for romance, when they weren’t being ruthless. It all boiled down to honor for them.
It took a while to seep into my skin, but the situation made me somewhat uncomfortable. I didn’t want my brothers fighting. I knew how bad it could get. I didn’t want them fighting with Massimo either. His brothers might get involved then. If that happened,nonnowould get involved, and…someone might end up married while the other two never got over it.
I sighed, plopping back on the towel and using Saverio’s to make a pillow under my head. I closed my eyes and took a nap, letting the sun dry me.
By dinner, I had a slight buzz from the drinks and too many rays. We’d had pizza and fresh fruit throughout the day, but I wanted a full meal. I was starved for it. Saverio checked the bathroom before I went in and changed. When I came out, he looked me up and down, then met my eyes.
“Sei bellissima,” he said.
My hair was windblown, but my skin was glowing and felt softer. More tender with the fading light. The sundress I wore hugged all my curves and showed off my legs. I’d added a few gold and diamond bangle bracelets to dress it up. My feet felt free in the same sandals from earlier.
“Grazie mille,” I whispered, absorbing him like I’d done the warm sun.
He’d changed into a pair of relaxed jeans and a casual shirt that hugged his chest. He’d slicked his hair back, and his eyes were the same gold as the setting sun. He smelled so good that he upped my buzz.
