“I didn’t go in the end.”
“Youwhat?” The shocked words fell from my lips before I could check them. I searched Luca’s face for an explanation.
“Why not?” The journalist leaned in, eager to get the next exclusive.
“Because there was something more important for me here.” Luca’s arm tightened on my waist for a moment, his words and touch sending waves of sensation coursing throughme.
But my mind couldn’t catchup.
“And what’s that?”
“ ‘Who’s that?’ would be a better question.” He spoke the words as his gaze met mine. “This event is important to Matilda, so it’s important to me. I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life, but the biggest one by a mile would be allowing the most beautiful, kind, and compassionate woman to slip through my fingers.”
“Oh my god,” the journalist gushed as her bottom lip jutted outat Luca’s words. I scanned his face. Had something gone wrong at the audition that he now had to make up for? No, Luca wouldn’t say this for publicity.
“Luca,” I gasped softly.
“I should never have considered not attending tonight on Matilda’s arm,” he told the camera. “I mean, look at her.” He stepped back, gesturing at me. His gaze smoldered with heat and admiration as he surveyed my entire outfit.
My emotions tormented my body as they swarmed in and out, from disbelief to hope, confusion to desire and…love.
“I’ve genuinely only ever seen Matilda speechless one other time, and it was the first time I fucked up.” He looked toward me, eyes shining, and then back to the camera before smiling, filling the air with warmth. The journalist’s head swiveled between us, mouth slightly parted. She was also at a loss for words.
“I’m going to steal her away from you now.” He squeezed my hip one more time before releasing it. I didn’t have time to miss the lack of contact as his hand slipped into mine, interlacing our fingers.
“Luca, what are you doing here?” I gripped the arm of his tailored suit jacket with my free hand, leaning in as we moved away from the journalist. “What happened to the audition?”
My mind raced at a million miles per hour, trying to piece together the puzzle of what had happened since I’d seen Luca that morning.
“I’ll explain.” He swept one side of my curls over my shoulder, brushing his hand along my bare skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. “You look completely breathtaking, Stevens.”
“Thank you, Luca. You look incredible, too.”
He grabbed two glasses of prosecco from a passing waiter, replacing my empty glass with a fullone.
“Let’s mingle for a minute and then I’ll explain.”
After an hourof distracted mingling, we were in a car, the city’s evening lights blurring into one as we headed into the countryside. I had enjoyed the evening, but relief had washed over me when Luca had whispered that a car was waiting for us outside.
Lucastillhadn’t explained what was going on, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that he was so relaxed, I would have spiraled into panic mode.
Luca held my hand in hislap.
“Where are we going?” I asked, my eyes scanning the unfamiliar roads and trees.
“To my house.” I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him right. We’d always spent time at mine because it was close to the studio.
He’s taking me to his house.
“Oh my god, do I get to see a real-life mansion?” I joked, hoping for a distraction.
He smiled mockingly at me but answered with a simple “Yes.”
The car stopped in front of high wooden gates. Thick trees and bushes lined either side, obscuring any glimpse of what lay beyond. The driver tapped a key fob against the intercom, and as the gates swung open, my eyes widened in disbelief.
Luca’s house was not what I’d expected.
Although darkness had settled over the evening, the driveway was illuminated by glowing lights leading up to the house. As we approached, the grandeur of the Georgian country mansion came into full view, its massive pillars standing proudly amid walls adorned with cascading green foliage. Garden spotlights lit up the house, casting shadows across the building.
