I sigh. “Ever the lawyer. You know the rules. No names.”
Addie narrows her eyes. “I’ll see if I can weasel the information out of Valentina. Rules or no rules, she’s my friend. It’s one thing to have a meet up at the club, but you gave him your personal cell? I honestly didn’t think I’d have to tell you not to do that.”
I stand. “On that note, Ms. Lawyer, I’m heading to bed. I get enough of the third degree about every second of my life at home, Addie.”
Her face falls and I regret the words instantly. “I’m sorry, it’s just it’s the first time I’ve felt like this in, well, ever honestly. It might just be a hookup but it’s an exciting, dangerous and seductive experience. Let me bask in my happiness. You can be all nosey and shit tomorrow.”
She laughs and shoos me away with a hand. “You know your way up to the guest suite. See you in the morning.”
The minute I’m snug in bed my finger traces over his message. I could see him again. All I have to do is say yes to Addie and ask him to meet me there. He said he’ll call. His message tonight wasn’t looking for a conversation. But every time I look at the word princessa the butterflies dance.
Still, maybe he was probably just trying to be polite. Maybe he calls everyone pet names that make females flutter. No matter what. I’m not about to be one of those clingy women. Surely someone so experienced can have his pick of anyone with far more sexual skills and prowess than me. But the words on the screen must mean he’s thinking about me.Right?I click the keyboard gently.
Message:Goodnight.
The length of the day, the emotional and pure physical toll of the day draw me under, pulling me into a deep sleep. When morning comes, I pat the silky comforter, looking for my phone, and am flat out amazed that for the first time in I can’t remember, I slept through the entire night.
No dreams, no waking up for a gazillion reasons that I never even understand. Just pure blissful sleep. I smile and stretch. I may need Mr. D and his special treatments more than I realized.
Addie and Andrew are talking downstairs when I reach the kitchen. “See you two later,” Andrew says. “I’m running late or I’d stay and harass you more about last night.”
I grin. “Go, have a great day. Don’t let the good guys win!” I say, settling into a chair and pouring a cup of coffee from the carafe on the table. “I slept all night long!”
Addie’s eyes raise as she munches a piece of English muffin. I butter one for myself and plate some fruit and scrambled eggs. She pushes the strawberry jam my way. “You needed a night out.”
After breakfast, Addie gives me a hug as Massimo’s driver pulls up outside the Dunlap estate. “See you next week if you decide to go. I’m hanging out here all week, so let me know.”
“I will,” I call back before walking outside to get into the back of the black limo. The driver holds my door open and then closes it before getting back into the driver’s seat. “Home Miss Anna?”
“Yes, please.”
Sophia and Massimo are soaked in sweaty running gear as I enter the dining room. “You two need a shower,” I tease, holding my nose.
Sophia rolls her eyes. “That’s exactly where I’m headed. “How’s Addie?”
“She’s great. She has a big case this week, second chair.”
Massimo nods. “She’s getting quite the reputation. Ferocious in the courtroom. Not many better in my opinion. Did she ask you about signing on with the firm again?”
“She did and I gave her my standard answer.”
Massimo laughs. “When are you going to give in and come work for us? The Rosellis aren’t so bad, I promise,” he says, hugging my sister tightly from behind.
I shrug and give him a grin. “I may be getting close. It’s the business I know, we’re all family, and it makes sense. But we’re going to have to talk about the living arrangements at some point. I can’t keep mooching on the two of you. You need your space as a newly married couple, and I definitely need my space.”
His dark eyes narrow. “In time, Anna. It hasn’t been that long. You can’t rush some things. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to shower before we begin offending the dogs.”
I laugh. “Yes, you do. And try to keep it quiet in there. You know I can hear you all the way on the other end of the house? Just one more reason I need my own place.”
“We’ll talk,” Massimo quips, but he’s already got his hands all over my sister and my living space is the last thing on that man’s mind right now.
I head down to the gym to release some pent-up energy, and in all honesty be one floor removed from the noise those two lovebirds make. An hour on the treadmill and a few rounds of weights and I’m ready for a shower myself. Then, I plan to dig into the business documents that Massimo gave me over a month ago. See if working with the numbers puts a spark of life back into my mind and sluffs the cobwebs from my brain. Six months. That’s all the time I’m giving myself, and that time is up.
Dinnerhere at Massimo’s estate is always an explosive occasion, depending on which brother comes for a meal and what trouble they’ve been in or caused. It’s definitely not dull, and it’s clear that they all have come to love my sister, which makes me feel good that she’s been able to put Papa and the past behind her. She deserves happiness and Massimo certainly gives her that.
My mouth waters as they pass the dish, steamed to perfection and drizzled with lemon and olive oil. The tastes of the handmade pasta, fresh San Marzano tomatoes and basil come through in the pasta al pomodoro, served with a small serving of veal scaloppine with white wine and sage, along with baby artichokes.
I’ve just finished dinner and reached for a second glass of wine imported from the Roselli vineyards in Italy when my phone buzzes with a message from Mr. D.