“Don’t lie, baby.” Caleb bundles his wife in his arms. “Second best,” he fake whispers in her ear.
Elisa giggles while Joshua rolls his eyes.
Caleb’s twin rises to his feet, and though he’s not quite as tall as Fiero or his brother, he still towers over me in my flat sandals. “It’s nice to meet you, Valentina.”
He shakes my hand, and I can’t stop the blush that heats my cheeks. Each twin is drop-dead gorgeous but seeing them together is something else entirely. I’m obsessed with my husband, but I’d have to be dead not to react to the Accardi dons when confronted by so much magnetic masculinity. “Likewise,” I croak, cringing a little when Fiero yanks my hand out of Joshua’s.
Caleb cracks up laughing as Fiero glowers at me, and I glower right back. He can’t pull his usual possessive maneuvers here today. He’ll give the game away in no time if he doesn’t cut it out.
We stare at one another, conducting a silent conversation, neither of us backing down.
A throat clearing finally breaks our stare off. “Thanks for sending over all these cupcakes for today,” Gia says, shooting me a knowing smile. “It was a really sweet, thoughtful gesture.”
My god, what must she think of me staring at her husband like I’ve never seen a hot made man before? I’ve seen their wedding photos, they were splashed all overThe New York Times,and while the pictures are incredible, they don’t do her beauty justice. Same for Elisa. Both women are completely stunning, glowing, and radiating happiness.
“You’re welcome. I wanted to contribute to today, and I’ve been going out of my mind with boredom stuck at Fiero’s house.”
“I’ll say,” Gia adds as Fiero bids her hello.
“You both are glowing,” he says, handing the gifts to Joshua before kissing Elisa on the cheek. “Pregnancy obviously suits you.”
“We’re lucky it’s been smooth sailing for both of us,” Gia says.
“And doing this with my best friend has been amazing,” Elisa adds.
“That would make it extra special,” I agree.
“Shoo.” Gia waves her hands in Joshua’s face when he returns after depositing our gifts on the table. “We want to talk to Valentina, and this is strictly a ladies-only convo.” It’s comical watching a heavily pregnant woman with her hands on her hips, glaring at all the men until they walk away.
Catarina comes up behind me, smiling. “I got you a drink,” she says, handing me a glass of champagne.
“Thanks.” I barely resist the urge to knock it back as I watch Gia and Elisa get settled on the couch.
“Come join us.” Elisa pats the seat beside her, and I sit down while Cat takes the seat beside Gia.
Gia leans across Elisa, her eyes glimmering brightly. “Spill the tea, girl. What’s going on with you and Fiero?”
I’m inwardly cringing again. I hate lying to these women, but it’s a necessity. “We’re just friends. He helped me out of a bad situation, and he’s protecting me until things have settled down in Miami.”
Elisa places her hand on mine, her earnest eyes shining with unshed tears. “Caleb told me a little. I’m so sorry you had to endure that, but I’m glad you are safe now. You should speak to my mom. She had a similar experience, and she might be able to help. She’s around somewhere.”
“I’m sorry for your pain too,” Gia adds, “but you can’t throw me off the scent. If I wasn’t already pregnant, I would be after the intensity of that stare down. Girl, I know chemistry when I see it, and you two are on fire!”
Cat smiles sympathetically at me.
“I’d have to be blind not to be attracted to him.” It’s pathetic, but it’s all I’ve got.
“He’s superhot for an older dude,” Elisa whispers, looking around to ensure her husband isn’t around, I’m guessing. “Don’t tell Caleb I said that. He’s got a wicked jealous streak.”
Cat breaks out laughing. “They all do. Even after all the years we’ve been together, Massimo still goes crazy if he thinks any other man is looking at me.”
“I love it when Joshua goes all crazy jealous possessive,” Gia admits. “It really turns me on.”
“Oh god, don’t talk about sex.” Elisa visibly presses her legs together. “I thought at this stage the insane sex hormones were supposed to be dormant, but I’m still jumping Caleb every chance I get.” She runs her hands over her neat baby bump. “Not literally, obvs. I can’t even tie the laces on my sneakers anymore.”
“That’s called being hot for your new husband, Elisa,” Cat says, standing and smiling. “Embrace it and have all the sex now because it’ll become challenging finding time with a newborn.” She tilts her head to the side. “I’m going to borrow Valentina. I want to introduce her around, and I see the other Maltese siblings have just arrived.” I glance behind her, spotting Zumo, Tullia, and Sofia making their way over here. Fiero has already warned his family to keep quiet today.
I kiss and hug Fiero’s brother and sisters, chatting for a few minutes before leaving them with the ladies of the moment. Cat leads me across the garden toward a table, tucked into a corner, where a few women are seated. I surreptitiously look around, pressing a hand over the tightness in my chest, relaxing when I don’t spothim. Maybe he isn’t coming after all.
