Chapter Thirty Two
Gio
If I’d had any doubts that Carly was the woman for me, this morning erased them. Waking up next to her felt like the most natural, the most right, thing in the world. I knew I wanted her in my bed every morning. Her wit, her strength, her determination, even her stubbornness, they all pulled me in and made me want her more.
After breakfast, I drove Carly home so she could shower and change, then we headed back to Mama and Pop’s to get Eli. “Let’s have lunch together.”
“I can’t. I already have plans.”
“Another time then.”
We pulled up to the house and I went around to help her out. Yesterday, she’d not gotten to see the inside of the house since the party happened in the backyard. The gasp that escaped her when we entered the foyer had me turning to her.
“Your parents’ home is beautiful. It’s so...elegant.”
“Mama takes great pride in making it both beautiful and inviting to all who enter.”
“That I do,mio figlio.Ciao, Cara Mia. Come, sit. Thebambinosare changing from their swim suits.”
“Hello, Carmela. I hope Eli wasn’t any trouble.”
“He wasun angelo. You have a good boy, Carly. You should be very proud of him.”
“I am. He’s my world, you know?”
“Si. I know exactly what you mean.”
I watched Mama closely. She’d already developed feelings for Eli and if I was right, she already liked Carly, as well. Not that I could blame her. Both mother and son were easy to fall in love with.
That thought caused the breath to freeze in my lungs for a moment. Love? I didn’t love Carly. I wanted her, yes. I desired her, yes. But love?
“Gio. Your Papa would like to speak with you, later.”
“Sure thing, Mama. Let Pop know I’ll swing back by after I drop Carly and Eli off.”
No sooner had I said his name and Eli came running into the room.
“Mama!”
I watched as he flung himself into Carly’s arms. He was speaking a mile a minute about the sleepover and how much fun he’d had.
“Slow down, Vita Mia. You’re going to run out of oxygen.”
Carly’s soft laughter brought a smile to my own lips. “You two ready to go?”
“I think so. Thank you, Carmella, for letting Eli stay the night.”
“He is welcome here any time,Cara Mia.”
I watched my Mama’s eyes light up when Eli hugged her.
“Thank you, Ms. Carmella.”
“Anytime,Mio Angelo.”
“I’ll be back soon, Mama.” I kissed my mother’s cheek then escorted Carly and Eli out to the car.
The entire way back to their apartment. Eli rattled on about the sleepover. I wanted to tell Mama and Pop about him but I needed to talk with Carly, first.
