We reached the river path and walked north along the water. The view was beautiful—lights reflecting off the Hudson, the New Jersey shoreline twinkling across the water. Peaceful in a way the rest of Manhattan never was.
"I've never walked here at night," Valentino said. "Usually I'm too busy or too tired or too focused on work."
"We should do it more often. There's a bench up ahead with a perfect view. I come here sometimes when I need to think."
We found the bench and sat together, still holding hands, looking out at the water. Valentino leaned against me and I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. Domestic and perfect and so far from where we'd started.
"Luca?" His voice was quiet.
"Yeah?"
"I mean it. About falling for you. This isn't just physical."
"I know. I feel it too." I kissed the top of his head. "Scared the hell out of me when I realized. I don't do feelings. Don't do vulnerability. But with you—I can't help it."
"Because I see through the performance?"
"Because you make me want to stop performing."
We sat there for a while longer, just existing together. Eventually the temperature dropped enough that Valentino shivered against me.
"Come on," I said. "Let's get you warm."
We walked the remaining blocks to my building, still holding hands, both quiet with anticipation. In the lobby, the security guard nodded at us. In the elevator, we stood close but not touching, both hyperaware of what was about to happen.
The doors opened directly into my penthouse and we stepped inside. I'd left lights on low, music playing softly. The space looked warm and welcoming instead of sterile.
Valentino moved to the windows, looking out at the view. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this."
"You could. If you wanted to." I came to stand behind him, hands on his hips. "If you moved in."
He leaned back against me. "You're really stuck on that idea."
"I really am. But I'll wait. Give you time to decide."
"What if I never want to?"
"Then you never want to. I'll take whatever you're willing to give me."
He turned in my arms to face me. "What are we doing, Luca?"
"What do you mean?"
"This. Us. Where is this going?"
I cupped his face in my hands. "Wherever we want it to go. I know where I want it to go. But that's up to you too."
"Where do you want it to go?"
"Forward. Together. You and me building something real." I traced my thumb over his cheekbone. "I want mornings together and dinner dates and eventually—when we're ready—something permanent. But we don't have to figure it all out tonight."
"What do we have to figure out tonight?"
"Whether you're staying."
"I'm staying." No hesitation. "I want to stay."
"Good." I leaned in slowly, giving him time to pull away. "Because I really want to kiss you right now."
