She nods. “Uncle Theo had to retire from the Army to be there for me full-time.” A sad smile passes over her lips. “He was the only family I had left. He and Uncle Owen got married soon after. I lived with them until I went away to college.”
Now I feel like an asshole for steering her away from the music boxes.
“I’m getting hungry,” Alyssia says, grabbing her stomach. “Are you in the mood for a home-cooked meal?” She holds up the bag of fresh vegetables and bread we’ve purchased.
“Nothing in the world sounds better.”
We walk to her apartment since it’s so close.
I help prepare the pasta, sauce made from the market tomatoes, and sausage she had on hand.
She also had all of the ingredients for garlic bread.
“How’s that?” I ask, holding out a small piece of bread topped with garlic, butter, and freshly grated parmesan.
“Mm,” she hums, closing her eyes.
Every muscle in my body tightens. The next thing I know, I lean in, pressing my lips to the corner of her mouth. I stick my tongue out, licking away a crumb.
“Perfect,” I say when she shivers in my hand that rests on her hip.
“You’re brave.” Her voice is low, almost a whisper.
I lift an eyebrow.
“Going in for a kiss after I’ve eaten garlic.”
We both laugh.
“Your uncles arrive soon, right?” I ask as we eat.
She nods. “They’re excited to visit. It’s Uncle Owen’s first time in France.”
“And Monaco,” I add.
She gives me a look.
“It’s so close, they have to come to Monaco. Actually,” I say, getting an idea, “why don’t they stay in Monaco?”
“I figured they could save money staying here. Plus, I like the idea of having them close,” she says.
“Not a problem since I have a four-bedroom apartment completely at their disposal.”
Alyssia blinks. “Your place.”
“You can stay with them, too. Would make it convenient for everyone.” I keep my tone casual but internally implore her to say yes.
“That’s nice of you,” she says, something straining in her voice.
I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. “If they want, I can get them tickets for the race, too. If they’re in town that long.”
There’s still a few weeks between now and the Monaco race.
“You’re going to be working during race weekend, right?”
She nods. “The kids are coming in to attend the race and will get to meet some of the staff.” Excitement replaces the strange look that had invaded her gaze.
“What about after work?”
