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My eyes widen in preparation for the incoming drama dump.

“He’s protecting you. It’s sweet, really,” Casey says.

Casey relays details of what’s transpired. Gio’s being offered all kinds of opportunities. The kink in the chain is that they want me too.

To them, we are a pretty package—the sexy food-porn chef and the virginal-ish bride. We are a hot product to be boxed, labeled, and consumed by the media. Even though we’ve been lying low and denying all involvement, the rumors continue to flourish.

Except now, they aren’t exactly rumors. I swallow.

“Oh.” My fingers tap the tile as I consider the scenarios.

“Gio said he would talk to you about it, but he needs some time to think it through,” Casey says.

“Nah.” Matt shakes his head. “I think he’s falling for her. He doesn’t want to share her with the world.”

“Matt!” Casey splashes him with her foot.

He holds up his hands. “What? Boss is sentimental. He’s in his feels, and I really love that for him, which makes this whole thing harder.” Matt taps his chest.

“That’s, that’s . . .” I’m at a loss for words, but then I ask, “Does Gio want the jobs?”

“The right opportunities, sure, but the restaurant? That’s his dream. He’s never come this close,” Casey says.

Looking between the two, their frowns, the defeat in the air, the sad songs Matt was singing, his tears, it suddenly makes sense. Gio is holding up his career and his entire team because of me.

To say I’m in shock would be an understatement. Bringing me in as a partner on any level would be a big commitment for both of us. And honestly, I’m not ready to talk about this either. We’re too new. Heck, I don’t even know what we are. If I were keeping my promise to Amelia, Gio would simply be my hot rebound fling. But now I’m considering if that’s the right label.

Am I really going to let the only man who’s made me come walk away? Am I going to let the only man who’s treated me as an equal go?

“Sparkles!” Gio calls, and I jump where I sit.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear him. None of us did. So now, we all look guilty of gossiping, which, of course, we were. I clear my throat.

From the house, Gio reaches out a hand. His fingers twiddle like I need to hurry.

I scurry to stand but covertly meet Casey’s gaze. She telegraphs a message with her eyes. Our chat is private. I give her a slight nod, agreeing.

Gio meets me in the middle of the deck, threads his fingers through mine, and leads me into the house. Leading turns to speedwalking, and speedwalking turns to running through the living room, past the kitchen, up the stairs, and onto the landing.

It’s only when I step inside our bedroom that I see what he’s been planning behind closed curtains.

39/

giovanni

A Glitter-Free Hoo-Ha

“You. This. How?” Sophia flaps her arms and then looks at me. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“I thought, what’s the most terrible thing I can do to you?” I sweep my hand across the bedroom. I’ve transformed everything.

The staff joined our queen beds with a connector. Then I removed the sheet fort and hung a handmade tent over both beds. It’s a patchwork of pastel-colored aloha prints, something I purchased from a local crafter. Beneath, luxurious new bed linens layer the mattress, creating a cloud of inviting fluff.

“I told you I was going to sleep in your bed,” I say, reminding her.

“At my feet!” Sophia giggles and falls into my arms.

“I’m counting on it.” I nip at her neck.