Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
She tilted up her head. “Why?”
“I can’t go cold turkey on the baked goods, Little Bee.”
She rolled her eyes, and I tapped her nose again. “I want you to come to the dinners with me.”
“Why?” she asked again.
“You handled Winters so well. Charmed Mario and Gia. Simona. Officer Rossi. Everyone who comes into contact with you adores you. I think you’d be a fabulous companion at these dull dinners.”
She furrowed her brow. “Really? But I’d have nothing in common with your art friends.”
“They talk about what they love. Art. Their families.” I grinned. “Themselves.”
“Are the dinners fancy?” she asked, sounding nervous.
“We’ll go see Simona and buy you a couple of pretty dresses. And you can wear your sundresses you already have. See some of Naples. It’s beautiful. I can show you around.”
“Could I see Mount Vesuvius?”
“Yes. I’ll take you to Piazza del Plebiscito. Lots of historic and artistic importance there. The Museo di Capodimonte. They have a great park right outside. Plus, the zoo. The city is bursting with things to see. Old and new. Great restaurants.”
“You’d have time?”
“I’ll make time.”
“I’d love that.”
“Then come with me.” Then because it was her, the word slipped out again easily. “Please.”
“I guess I should see some of Italy while I’m here.”
Her words bothered me. I wanted to tell her I would show her everything and we had all the time in the world, but I held back. I had set the time limit, and she thought it was still in place.
I wasn’t sure how she’d react if I told her I wanted more time with her.
I wasn’t sure I was ready to admit it.
“So, that’s a yes?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, tomorrow is shopping, and we’ll be leaving in the afternoon. It’s a short drive, and we’ll have dinner at a restaurant close to the gallery.”
“Okay.”
I pulled her to my lap, and she straddled me, most of her shyness gone. Not completely, which I adored, but she was braver. My cock swelled at her closeness, the feel of her his favorite place. “Now,” I said, sliding my hand over her back and cupping her ass. “I think we have a victory to celebrate?”
She draped her arms around my neck. “Yes, yes, we do.”
“That lap deserves a huge reward, baby. And I have just the trophy for you.”
She began to laugh.
That, too, was music to my ears.
BRIANNA
Naples was a wonder. Dante’s condo was a mix of contemporary and classic. High ceilings, beautiful wood, an old-fashioned claw-foot tub, but the kitchen and bathroom were modern. It was full of large furniture and antique pieces. There was a wraparound balcony with one side of city views, while the other looked out to the sea. The paintings and other pieces of art were a blend of styles. It had only one bedroom and a small office, but the bed was as big and comfortable as the one in his villa. He’d proved it as soon as we arrived. Twice.
He’d had me bring ingredients to make cookies when I assured him those would be simpler, but still a way to satisfy his sweet tooth. I also brought some of the frozen hummingbird cake with us. He loved that one.
I stared out the balcony at the sea surrounding the city. He had told me Naples was one of the busiest ports, and I could see the massive ships that came and went all day.
The sun was bright this morning. From his office, I could hear his voice speaking Italian to someone on the phone. He was going out for a while, then planned on coming back and taking me out sight-seeing. Later was one of the dinners he had to attend. He assured me it was a small group of his investors, but they were only in town for a few days, so he’d agreed to meet them tonight. Simona had helped me pick out a pretty dress, and I hoped I didn’t do anything to embarrass him. I wasn’t used to social situations involving investors and art. But somehow, when he was close, I wasn’t as shy. I felt bolder with him next to me, as if nothing could hurt or bother me. I liked the feeling.
He promised to take me to his gallery tomorrow and I could look around while he met with his staff.
He joined me on the terrace. “I have to go, but I’ll only be a few hours. You plan to go out?”
“No.”
“Okay. Tomorrow, you can look around. Lots of wonderful shops around the gallery. You could wander, and I’ll meet you for a coffee.”
I only nodded, and he sighed, wrapping his arms around me. “You have the card. I want you to use it. It would please me, Little Bee.”
“What should I buy?”
He cocked his head. “Why don’t you just buy anything you see that you like? Have you ever been able to do that?”