“We’re anchored in the Potomac, Simone.”
Like every other time, her name came out like a purr, but she had to push forward. “Nothing like making a total ass of myself,” she mumbled.
“Come.” He extended his hand. “We’ll finish eating, then we’ll return to the marina.”
“I… um…” She couldn’t come up with a strong enough counterargument.
He clasped her hand, the heat from his radiating through her. “No more questions.”
They returned to the table on the stern. Normally, she was a very even-keeled, composed woman. Being around him was a little intimidating.
It just was.
She forked the kale salad into her mouth and enjoyed a delicious medley of flavors. A touch of olive oil, the bite of lemon, and the crunch of almond slivers.
They ate in silence for a moment, the gentle breeze floating through her hair. She’d glance around, but within seconds, she’d find herself peering over at him. He was easy on the eyes and possessed an over-abundance of sex appeal and charisma.
He slid his attention to her before sipping his wine.
“Tell me about you,” she said.
“What did you learn?” he asked.
She shook her head, slid a piece of chicken into her mouth. As she chewed, her attention stayed anchored on his. “You talk.”
“I work seven days a week,” he said. “I adore my grandmother, my father’s mother. Elsa had a big hand in raising me. My father was too focused on the business, so he didn’t spend time with us. I’m close with my brothers Teddy, and Gabriel—who lives in Italy. My cousin, Carrera Santini is like a brother to me as well.”
She nodded in acknowledgment.
“After my father was murdered, my mother moved to Las Vegas. We aren’t close, but I keep in touch.”
Words were coming out of his mouth, but he was revealing nothing. She’d placed a wedge between them, and he’d left it there.
When they finished dinner, he said, “I’ll take you back.” Rather than invite her to join him on the bridge, he retreated inside. She sat alone on the stern, peering out at the black water. Within seconds, the anchor was raised into the vessel, then he motored toward the marina.
She liked being around him. He exuded power. And there was an undeniable connection that was constantly pulling her toward him. But she’d crossed a line and she didn’t want to cross it again. Her career meant everything to her and she didn’t want to get caught up in something that had no future.
There was no universe where Simone Redding ended up with Luciano Santini. That reality kept her grounded and she was determined to stay that way.
He pulled into the marina and backed into his slip. She grabbed one of the ropes from the pier and tied it to a cleat on the yacht. As she was tying another, he pulled up alongside her.
With a light touch, he collected the rope from her. “This is how you tie it.” He showed her, then untied it, and handed her the rope. She mimicked what he’d shown her. “You’re a fast learner.”
They stood. “Help me tie the rest of them.” Together, they worked to secure the vessel.
“Tonight was unexpected and fun.” She extended her hand.
He pulled her close, kissed her. “Simone, thank you for spending the evening with me.”
She melted from the way he held her so securely. She’d never felt so safe, so protected. His baseline scent was drawing her in. Her wildly fluttering heart was betraying her at every turn. Even so, she had to shut this down.
Breaking away, she said. “I’ll call for a ride?—”
“No.” His abrupt tone caught her ear. “You arenotgetting into a car with a stranger in the middle of the night.”
Gone was the charming lilt. Gone was the sparkle in his beautiful hazel eyes. This was a serious Luciano. But she didn’t work for him. She didn’t take orders from him either.
“I’ll be fine.” She grabbed her phone and toggled to a rideshare app.
