What he’s doing here is amazing. If he hadn’t told me, I never would have known about the work he does outside of baseball. He’s done too good a job of portraying himself as a cocky, womanizing baseball player all these years.
I’m not a fan of the persona, but the real man? I’m falling for him in every imaginable way.
“Grazie, cara mia.”Thank you, my dear.The way he whispers Italian into my ear ashedraws circles on my back sends shivers racing down my spine and heat pooling between my legs.
“You can’t do that,” I whisper, squeezing my things together.
“Do what?” He arches his black brow at me.
“Speak Italian to me in public.” I sound like a whimpering mess, and all he’s done is thank me. I haven’t told Nico I’m learning Italian yet, but the Italian lessons I signed up for are helping me understand him. They do not help how hot and needy they make me.
Nico barks a laugh, and gosh does the sound fill me with happiness. He steps closer and with his tattooed finger pushes my hair behind my ear and purrs, “Does it turn you on,gattina?”
My mouth runs dry, forcing me to take a sip of champagne before I answer, “Yes.”
We’re in the middle of a crowded room, and it feels like it’s just the two of us here. As if I’m his singular focus. Our faces inch closer just as someone shouts his name.
“Mr. Romero! Finally, you’re here.” An exasperated-looking young woman with red hair, deep green eyes, and a matching green dress rushes in our direction.
“Delaney, how many times have I asked you to stop calling me that? Just Nico is fine.”
She winces. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. Delaney, this is my girlfriend, Dr. Savannah Winters. She’s the head of the pediatrics department at Mercy Hospital. Delaney runs the foster portion of our non-profit,” Nico states proudly, introducing me to his colleague.
Girlfriend?
When did that happen? And why does it feel like I might float away like a balloon from joy at being called his girlfriend?
Nico’s hand drifts lower, grazing the top of my ass, making my breath hitch.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Delaney,” I squeak.
“Nice to meet you too.” Delaney shakes my hand as she grins at Nico. “Oh, my goddess in heaven. I can’t believe it. You have a girlfriend.”
“For fuck’s sake, Delaney,” Nico grunts, and I can’t help but laugh. Nico pierces me with his gray eyes. “Watch it, Doc.”
My knees wobble at the storm brewing in Nico’s eyes.
“Oh, I love this,” Delaney says, rubbing her hands together. I get the sense that this woman is as genuine as she seems and knows Nico a decent amount to be giving him crap about his relationship status.
“You’re fired,” Nico grumbles.
“You can’t fire me. You need me to do all the work,” Delaney sings as she dances side to side like any little sister would, teasing her big brother.
Nico’s lips twitch, and for the first time it appears he’s not as easily able to hide behind his grumpy mask of indifference. I love this version of Nico.
For the next couple of hours, Nico introduces me to so many people that I can’t keep their names straight. It would be overwhelming if not for all the reassuring touches he’s spoiled me with. Nico hasn’t left my side or had a conversation he didn’t include me in.
It’s the opposite of how Bradley treated me at events like this. Everything was about him, and while you would think that’s how Nico would be, he’s not. Every conversation, Nico has made it about the charity and the children who need help.
Listening to him talk so passionately about how his organization helps children makes my uterus scream for him to put a baby in it.Seriously, finding out Nico’s heart is as beautiful as his outsides is making me extremely hot and bothered.
I’m dying to rip open his shirt, lick his tattoos, and ride his dick until I come.
As if he can read my mind, Nico kisses my cheek and holds out his hand. “Dance with me.”
“Of course.” I place my palm in his and let him lead me from the dinner table to the dance floor.
