“Let me hold you for a bit, okay?” His voice comes out gruff, emotional even.
“Okay.” I press my nose into his neck.
We dance for an hour, or maybe five minutes.
And when he gently pulls away, I give him my biggest, widest,realestsmile.
“Let’s get back out there. They’ll be looking for us,” he says quietly, tugging on our joined hands and leading me into the garden.
A few hours later, everyone is tipsy and happy, including us; although, Gio is teetering on affectionately drunk. With every glass of wine, his affinity for physical touch intensifies. I sit sideways on his lap on the bench, and he lazily twirls a strand ofhair framing my face. His other hand comes up to tickle my side, and I squirm with silent laughter.
“I love your laugh,Tèssa.” His melodic accent is back in full force.
I snort. “You can’t even hear it.”
“It doesn’t matter,” he says solemnly.
The warm breeze washes over me and nudges my hair off my shoulders. I close my eyes and peacefully breathe it in.
“What would you do right now, if this was never pretend?” My voice is soft.
A long beat of silence, and then, “If I brought you here as my real girlfriend?”
My eyes flutter open and gaze into his. “Yeah.”
He swallows, eyes slightly glassy, still looping my hair around his finger.
“I’d be doing exactly this.” His voice comes out throaty. “Hand in your hair, you on my lap, talking and drinking with my family.”
I hoped he’d say that.
“Gio, I…”
“Tessa. Luca is leaving soon,” Maria says, walking up to our bench. “You know, he can really hold his alcohol. Not like my Gio. If you want to?—”
“Goodnight, Mother.” His words hold a healthy dose of sarcasm.
Maria winks at me, and I wink in return. I love it here. I love his family. I love…holy shit.
Do IloveGio?
I freeze, my back stiffening. All of a sudden, I’m itching to get up and sort out my feelings.
Gio cranes his neck in front of my face, garnering my attention.
“It’ll be okay, Cara. I’m with you, hmm?”
Cara.
It’s like a bucket of ice water is dumped over my head. Of course he’d call me another name when he’s not thinking straight. The realization that he might not like me in the bone-deep way I like him crushes me. Is he still hung up on his past?
I hop off his lap. “Alright, Gio. I think it’s time to turn in for the night.”
He gives me a curious look but allows me to lead him back into the house. When we arrive in the room, he shuts the door.
“You know I meant what I said… about being in this with you.”
“Yeah, but you’re also tipsy. It’s been a long night.”
