My eyes snap to hers.
“Thanks for treating them like this,” she murmurs.
I lace my fingers with hers and give her hand a squeeze. God, I needed that. “You’re welcome,” I say, voice tight.
This kind of intimacy in a room full of people? It’s like an oasis in the damn desert.
And I want it to be real. I want to hold her hand in public, kiss the inside of her palm like I used to.
A few minutes later, the food arrives, and everyone dives in.
Sam’s definitely the bridge between their world and mine—dude keeps trying to loop me into their conversation. Karen does too, but I think she just wants my attention more than anything else. By dessert, everyone’s full and finally relaxed.
Emma excuses herself to the bathroom. A few minutes later, I follow suit, pretending I’ve got a call.
As soon as I’m out of sight, I slip my phone into my jacket and head for her.
I catch her just as she’s stepping out of the restroom—and without thinking, I kiss her. Hard.
God, I needed that. I needed her.
“Come home with me tonight,” I whisper against her neck as I trail kisses along her skin.
“It’s Wednesday, Luca. We have work tomorrow.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“So?”
“So I have to be atGreat Ideasin the morning. Plus, I’ve got a meeting with Chad first thing.”
I stop kissing her and lock eyes with her. Her lids are heavy, her breath short. Lust is written all over her face. “I’ll drive you to work myself. But I need you in my bed tonight, lamb.”
She’s already convinced—I can see it in the way she bites back her smile. I grin and kiss her again.
“Get back to the table before I lose my damn mind. I’ll be there in a few. Told them I had a call.”
“So bossy…”
“Go.”
She laughs, carefree and reckless, and walks away.
I stay frozen in place, eyes trailing her hips and that ridiculous sway she does when she walks.
Yeah…
I need a minute.
“What are you thinking about?” Luca asks as he drives through the now-awake streets of Miami.
I inhale deeply before answering. “About how the first meal you ever bought me was a Sonic burger. Remember that day?”
“Of course I do,” he smiles. “But why think about that now?” His hands grip the wheel, eyes shifting between the road and me.
“Because now you treated me to lobster.” I laugh. “Your life has changed a lot.”
Luca places his hand gently on my thigh, mimicking what I did at the restaurant earlier, giving it an affectionate squeeze. “Let me guess… You enjoyed the Sonic burger more than the lobster?”
“Yes!” A laugh bursts from my chest. “How did you know?”
