I arrived at the solarium for my private dinner with Giovanna, early as I planned. Since this meal was my mother’s idea so we could get to know each other better without an audience, I didn’t want to be surprised.
My mother tended to overdo stuff when it came to parties and such. She enjoyed decorating our home and making flower arrangements. She was all about romance and amore.
As expected, she’d outdone herself…
A table for two was surrounded by flowers and dozens of candles set aglow. Romantic instrumental music played. Prosecco was on ice, instead of champagne. Not that Italians didn’t enjoy a good French champagne, but we were proud people. And for an intimate dinner like this, we traditionally served Prosecco, which my family produced. We had many income streams in Italy, but my dream was to own luxury casinos around the world.
“I’m without words.” The soft feminine voice came from behind me.
“I hope in a good way.” I turned around and tried not to drink her in from head to two. Her plain appearance from earlier had been replaced by an elegant dress that made me hold my breath.
“In a very good way. Did you plan all this?” She smiled as she approached me.
“Of course,” I lied. Not sure why I had done that, but it was too late to take it back. “Are you impressed?”
“Very.” Her piercing brown eyes bounced from left to right as she took in the room. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I didn’t take you for a romantic. I must say, I’m pleasantly surprises.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“But you didn’t have to go through all this trouble for me. I’m marrying you regardless.”
“It was no trouble at all.” I hadn’t done a damn thing for this dinner, and oddly, I felt guilty now. “It was my pleasure.” I pulled out her chair. Chivalry was not lost in the Remotti household.
“Thank you.” She sat down and exhaled a soft breath.
As I sat across from her, I noticed her cheeks had turned pink. She couldn’t be warm. The solarium maintained the perfect temperature year-round. In fact, it might be a little cold for her in that orange strapless dress.
“I want to apologize for earlier,” she said, as I poured the Prosecco.
“What for?” As if I didn’t know. Then again, it was possible I didn’t know. Giovanna hadn’t been predictable like other women I knew. It was rather refreshing to feel something different with my wife-to-be. However, was that a good or a bad thing?
“Stop teasing me. I was rude and outspoken earlier, and we both know it.” The pink in her cheeks darkened as she held my gaze. Most women would have looked away, but not Giovanna.
“And you’re not normally rude and outspoken?”
She smiled sheepishly. “Outspoken yes. Rude, only sometimes.”
“I appreciate your honesty. But I wasn’t on my best behavior either,” I replied, honestly.
“What? You don’t normally grope women to intimidate them?” She covered her mouth, feigning shock.
“No, I do.” I winked and put the bottle in the ice bucket.
“Bummer, and here I thought that performance was only for me.” She twisted her full lips, and I couldn’t help but stare at her mouth. “Guess you needed to exam the goods before sealing the deal. But I’ll tell you this much, I won’t have them enhanced.”
“Excuse me?” What was she talking about? Enhanced what?
“Good, Lord. I didn’t think I’d have to explain my meaning. But make these bigger.” She put her hands on her chest. “I won’t have surgery just to please you.”
“Don’t I feel like an idiot.”
“You should.”
“I would never make you do something so extreme.” I raised my glass. “Shall we make toast and change the subject?”
“Yes, please do.” She raised her flute.
“To you, Giovanna. May you find the Remotti family tolerable and pleasing.”
