“Maf— Wait a minute. Is this from one of those romance novels you’re always reading?”
He flinched when Dario’s elbow jolted into his side.
Dario shook his head and then quickly transitioned to a smile when he caught Celeste glaring at him.
He turned back to Rocco. “Dude, you know, she’s kind of right.”
“I am notkind of right,” Celeste said. “There is no such thing askind ofright. There’s only right and wrong. I am right.” She poked Rocco’s chest. “And you are wrong.”
Nodding, Dario wrapped his arm around her. “You are right.”
“And … ?” Celeste prompted.
“He is wrong,” he said, jerking his thumb at Rocco.
Dario was biting his lip, and his cheeks were beginning to crimson.
Asshole. He wants to laugh. Again.
There was a sudden stirring, confused utterances, and some catcall whistles and laughing.
Rocco turned his gaze toward the entrance.
“OMG!” Celeste exclaimed with a huge smile on her face.
A crowd of men were walking this way, wearing short black dresses with frilly white aprons. They were carrying pink boxes, pitchers, and paper bags.
What the—
Dario chuckled. “Celeste, did you do this?”
She shook her head. “I wish! I owe a thank-you to whoever did. I’m enjoying the show.”
Rocco could guess what Celeste was enjoying. They were all good-looking and extremely fit, with impressive chests, biceps, and tapered waists.
Probably exotic dancers, he thought. They had the bodies for it.
“What the hell are they wearing?” Rocco demanded.
Celeste rolled her eyes. “Don’t you recognize a French maid’s outfit when you see one?”
Just then a space opened between a couple of the men, and there was Nico Angelini, carrying a tray with what looked like a double espresso and a cappuccino on it.
She was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, which while not exactly tight was not exactly loose either.
She handed the espresso and cappuccino to two of the men.
One walked up to Rocco. “Your double espresso, Mr. Vittori.”
Rocco smiled. “Thank you. How do you manage those things?” he asked, pointing at the heels he was wearing.
“It ain’t easy. I have a lot more sympathy for my mother and sisters.”
Chuckling, Rocco nodded.
Dario, cappuccino in hand, joined Celeste and walked over to Nico while some of the team members helped themselves to doughnuts and pastries.
Celeste beamed. “This is just about the best breakfast I have ever had!” She held out her hand. “It’s a real pleasure to finally meet you, Nico. I’m Celeste. Dario’s girlfriend.”
