Page 121 of Out of Control

I glance at my brother. “Thanks. I guess.”

“He’ll come around, Sof. I know he will. And if he doesn’t, then I’ll just have to help him along until he does.” He smiles and glances at Rossi and then back to me. “I told you. I have your back. Always.”

“That makes two of us,” Rossi says before pressing a kiss to my cheek, giving me a wink, and then walking away to blend in seamlessly in my life like he’s always been there.

Funny how fast life changes from one truth to the next.

From one misconception to the next.

And to one untouchable rival becoming your whole entire world.

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Sofia

“That was . . . incredible.”

“Exhilarating,” Rossi adds.

“Unbelievable.” I lean back on the lounge chair, my back to his front, and welcome his arms sliding around me.

“Perfection.”

“I couldn’t have done any of it without you,” I say as the moon reflects off the water. The waves and their ripples dance in its shimmer.

“I disagree. You were already doing it and I just helped get you there a little faster.”

“Mm.” I snuggle into the feel of him. To the notion that I nearly failed to stand up for this—this man, this feeling, this chance at something I’ve never felt before—and I don’t think I’ll ever let myself live that down. I have to make it up to him, I just don’t know how. “I’m so glad I let you stalk me at the festival, Ollie.”

He chuckles and presses a kiss to my shoulder. “And I’m so happy you made me wait.”

“What?” I shift so I can look at him.

He nods. “You made me wait. You made me work for you.” He brushes his lips against mine. “You made me realize from just a small taste, that you were worth chasing. Worth trying.”

“A taste? Is that so?” My grin’s wide and my heart’s full, but it’s the look in his eyes that gives me pause. “What is it?”

He smiles sheepishly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before.”

“Even footing?” I say, as if I’m asking as a quid pro quo.

“Even footing.” He nods.

“Neither have I.”

And if I never remember another thing in my life, the utter joy and contentment on his face right now will be it.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

Rossi

“I could do this all day.” I smack a hand firmly on Sofia’s bikini-clad ass, enjoying the sound of the connection and the feel of her sunbathed skin beneath my hand.

“What’s that? Smack my ass? Lounge in the sun? Be with me forever and always?” She lifts a lone brow. “Be careful what your answer is, Ollie, because your reward might just hinge on it.”

“My reward?”

“Yep.”