Page 23 of Diego

“Meaning?”

“He stood around and gave opinions.”

“That sounds accurate.”

Edoardo pushes away from the frame. “If you need more space, there’s storage downstairs.”

“I’m hoping I won’t be here long enough to need more space.”

He nods. “Probably smart.”

There is no teasing in the answer, which I appreciate. He knows as well as I do that an unexpected move is annoying enough.

“Thanks for handling it,” I tell him.

“Yeah.”

He starts away, then glances back. “And don’t worry about the house. We’re usually out more than we’re here.”

“That is almost exactly what I told Lorenzo this morning about myself.”

“Then you’ll be fine.”

“That remains to be seen.”

He laughs once and disappears down the hallway.

I unpack enough to make tomorrow morning easier, then give up when I reach the third box. My patience for folding clothing and deciding where to put cuff links expired hours ago. I take a shower, change into a T-shirt and dark pants, and head downstairs with my phone in one hand.

The house has settled somewhat by then. Matteo and Tomasso are in the living room watching something on television. Alessio has disappeared upstairs. Dante is on the back patio with a phone to his ear, and Edoardo is nowhere in sight.

I drop into an armchair and stretch my legs out.

Matteo looks over. “Comfortable?”

“Not particularly.”

“You look comfortable.”

“I’m exhausted.”

“That sounds old.”

I pick up the nearest throw pillow and toss it at him.

He catches it against his chest and grins.

My phone vibrates, and I pull it from my pocket and glance at the screen.

A message from my assistant.

Blair Owens from Meridian Group has been in contact. She’d like to arrange the meeting for tomorrow morning. What time works for you?

My focus narrows on it immediately.

Blair.

I picture black hair, green eyes, and the look she gave me when I winked at her on my way out of Meridian.