CHAPTER 35
TRACY
Tracy gasped as Tammy went flying backward into the pool. Luca clearly wasn't interested in any explanation that Tammy was offering for her meltdown. He simply sent her swimming then left the deck. Tammy kicked to the surface and swam to the pool ladder. When she climbed out, she seemed thoroughly embarrassed. She stood soaking wet and shivering with her hair pasted to her face.
While everyone else was shocked into silence, Victoria and Natasha erupted into laughter. Tammy narrowed her eyes at her friends before storming away.
“Get a towel!” Victoria shot at Tammy’s back. “Don't be dripping on my floor!”
Tammy shot Victoria the middle finger and stomped inside the resort. More laughter rang out. That time, everyone was laughing, even Francis. Tracy would have probably joined them had she not had other things on her mind.
Francis’ family was scheduled to arrive on the island in time for the rehearsal dinner. Tracy was nervous at the thought of meeting his mother. She was a traditional old world Sicilian mother, and Tracy didn't know how she would welcome a woman that was so culturally different. She could only pray that Francis’ mom would react better than her own parents.
“Come, bella. It’s time to get ready for dinner.”
Tracy looked up at Francis. He was smiling, no doubt excited to see his family. Apparently, noticing that she wasn't as festive, his expression went from happy to concerned. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Tracy, feeling guilty for interrupting his good mood, smiled up at him. She placed her hand on his chiseled jaw, looked into his beautiful chestnut eyes, and told him the truth.
“Nothing is wrong, honey. I’m just nervous about meeting your family.”
Francis crouched down to her height and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“You have nothing to worry about. My family will love you.”
“Are you sure?” Tracy asked in a whisper.
Francis smiled and pressed his lips to hers and kissed her sweetly. Tracy snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss. She savored the sweet taste of his cigar as they loved each other with their tongues.
When the kiss ended, Francis looked her deep in the eyes. His own eyes were filled with emotion.
“Bella, you have something that my mamma has been wanting for a very long time. It won't be the only reason she’ll love you, but it will give you quite the advantage,” he said with a youthful smirk.
“Oh yeah?” Tracy chuckled.
“Yes. You have a little Savelli prince in there.”
“Or princess,” Tracy retorted.
“No matter. The point is, you've given us a wonderful gift, and who wouldn't love the gift giver?”
“Well, we shall see,” Tracy muttered.
“Si, you shall see.”
Tracy leaned in to kiss Francis again, but he pulled his head away. He was grinning from ear to ear as if he knew a secret.
“What?” Tammy questioned with narrowed eyes.
“You called me honey,” he pointed out.
“I did?”
“Si. You called me honey, and you rarely use such endearments.”
Tracy thought about it, and Francis was right. She had never been the type to use sugary pet names, not even with Steve. But now she had, and it apparently made Francis happy.
“Well, you're my honey. Is that okay with you?”
“Si, bella. It is okay with me,” he told her.
Tracy grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer. She wanted the feel of his lips. That time, Francis acquiesced without resistance and kissed her with a passion that accompanied them back to their suite.
