“There’s no need now the threat has passed.”
Dad spoke to me before I left Greenwich, explaining about the deal brokered with the Italians and how the threat has passed. He wanted me to keep my bodyguard, but I don’t see the need. All the kids have returned to school, and things are getting back to normal.
“What about fuckface? Has he contacted you?”
I shake my head as Caleb opens the passenger door for me. “Nope, and I saw him at school today, and he blatantly ignored me.” It was a huge relief because I was afraid he’d try to make me change my mind, but Seb seems to have accepted it.
“I know you like your privacy, but it’d put my mind at ease knowing you had someone shadowing you.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say, sliding into the luxury car.
“You look good in my car,” Caleb says after climbing behind the wheel. He leans over and kisses me passionately. “You look good in my life.”
“You’re so sweet.” I run my fingers along the bristle on his chin and cheeks.
“Lili,” he growls. “Do not ever call me sweet.” He playfully tickles me. “At least not in public.”
“But youaresweet, and you know I can’t lie.” I bat my eyelashes, and he chuckles.
“You’re trouble, Ms. Salerno.” He pecks my lips softly. “My favorite kind of trouble.”
“You make me so happy, Caleb.” I’ve got zero chill, but I don’t care. We don’t have to stand on ceremony around one another because we have known each other for years. There is a comfort and a familiarity that makes all of this so natural and seamless.
“I’m so gone for you, Lili. I love you so much, angel.”
My heart beats frantically every time he says those words. “I will never tire of hearing that.”
“I’ll never tire of saying it.” He takes my hand and brings it to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. “And happiness goes both ways. I’ve been acting like a lovesick goon all day. Joshua and Cristian are having a field day with it.”
“Well, Joshua cannot throw shade!”
“Damn straight.” Caleb starts the car and reverses out of the parking space.
Thirty minutes later, after a companiable ride where we talked about everything and anything, he pulls into a side street in Lower Manhattan, in the district known as Little Italy, parking in a small parking lot at the back of a quaint Italian restaurant. “Leo used to take Mom here back in the day,” he explains, helping me out of the car. “He told me the food is to die for and it’s old-school ambience.” He shrugs, looking a little vulnerable as he leads me to the front door with his arm around my back. “I thought you might like somewhere a little cozier than one of the trendier restaurants.”
“You thought right.” I link my fingers in his as we reach the front desk. “This place is gorgeous.” Lighting is low and romantic, and the circular tables are covered with pretty tablecloths and flickering candles. Unlike some more modern places, the tables are positioned well apart for privacy. A gray-haired man plays the piano in the corner, and the garlicky scents twirling through the air have me licking my lips in anticipation. My tummy rumbles appreciatively as a waiter leads us to a nice table tucked into the back.
After ordering, we sip our glasses of complimentary prosecco.
“To us.” Caleb clinks his glass against mine. “To forever.”
Be still my beating heart. Caleb is so romantic, and he’s everything I ever wanted. “Amen to that.” I agree, enjoying the bubbly liquid as it fizzes in my mouth.
He tips his head to one side.
“What?” I ask, knowing there’s a question.
“You don’t balk when I say stuff like that now.”
“We’re officially together, and I’ve been on that page way longer than you.” I shrug and sip my prosecco.
“You didn’t say anything when Mom mentioned a double wedding.” He scoots in closer, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Is that something you’d like?”
“I’ve been imagining marrying you since I was eight, Caleb.”
“I could get on one knee now.” His eyes twinkle with mirth.
“Don’t you dare.” I level him with a look. “You propose in Paris. I even drew it for you for one of your birthdays. I think I was eleven or?—”
