I can’t help the hope swelling in my chest. If he feels this strongly for me, maybe this is more than a hookup. Maybe I’m breaking down those walls of his and showing him I can be the girl by his side. I feel hope rise up, but the logical side of me reminds me of earlier. I debate saying something to him but can’t figure out what to say.
“What are you thinking about so hard over there?” His voice causes me to jump.
“Nothing.”
“Come on, Mia. We’re friends. Just tell me.”
I let out the deep breath. “You can’t keep playing hot and cold with me. We’re friends. That means I shouldn’t feel bad asking you for a ride.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry for the way I responded. I’ll be more mindful next time.”
“I want you to show me respect, Lo. I’m not a child. I want to be treated like the woman I am. We can have our benefits, but don’t treat me poorly the next day.”
He squeezes my knee before responding. “I promise. I will treat you with the respect you deserve from now on.”
My heart races as I stare at him. I can see that he means the words he’s speaking. The hope from before is back full force. I don’t respond to him. Instead, I look out the window as the scenery passes by.
We fall into a comfortable silence as I bask in the newfound sunshine within me. It isn’t long before we pull up to Bash’s house. I’ve been here more times than I can count now. Ever since Sofia moved in here, we’ve had girls’ night here. It’s the safest place for us; plus it’s a palace. There are so many rooms in the place. I could get lost trying to find my way to the bathroom. Actually, I think Izzy actually did once.
Lo stops and talks to the guards for a moment as they sweep the outside of the vehicle. I asked Sofia why they did this once, and she told me they are sweeping for bombs. It’s highly unlikely that Lo would knowingly bring a bomb here, but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Once we’re parked, Lo comes to my side and helps me out of the SUV. I give him a smile as he helps me down, and his hand grips my ass briefly before grabbing my hand. I can’t help the smile spreading across my face as I watch his back as he leads me to the front door. He doesn’t bother knocking, walking right inside as he smiles to the guard standing inside the door.
“Hey, Carlo, how’re you doing?” I ask. I pull back on Lo as he attempts to continue walking while I wait for his response.
“Good, Miss Mia. You look as beautiful as ever. How are you doing?”
Lo growls, and I chuckle at his response. Carlo is around fifty and has always treated me with nothing but respect. He tells each of us how good we look. I asked him once why, and he said because a woman should always be told how pretty she is. It always makes me smile when he tells me now.
“I’m doing well, thank you.”
He winks at me as Lo begins to pull me again, and I roll my eyes. Lo’s acting like such a caveman, but instead of infuriating me, it just makes me smile as the hope keeps growing.
“Mia!” I look ahead and see Sofia coming down the stairs. She takes off in a run, and I pull my hand from Lo’s as I run to meet her. We crash into a hug.
“You girls act as if you never see each other.” Bash is walking down the stairs with an affectionate smile on his face. It calms the nerves I had coming over here.
“Shut up, Bash. I love my Mia Pia. It’s a girl thing. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Oh, I think I understand women just fine. Would you like another demonstration?”
Sofia blushes as she looks at me. “Maybe another time. Nonna is almost done with dinner. Come upstairs with me, Mia. I want to show you something.”
I chuckle at her enthusiasm as she pulls me back toward the stairs. I look back at Lo and find his eyes glued to my ass as I’m being drug up the stairs. My face heats at the look in his eyes. I watch him until I can no longer see him before looking forward as Sofia pulls me down the hall. She stops in front of a room I’ve never been in before.
“This is our bedroom. No one can listen into our conversation in here.”
A prick of worry fills me at her words, but her face is showing nothing but excitement as she pulls me through the door and shuts it behind me. She leads me over to two chairs as she pulls open the curtains covering what looks to be a balcony.
“Sit. Tell me everything.”
I feel relief fill me as I realize why she wanted to come in here.
“This is a beautiful view, Sof. I’m jealous you have never shared it before.”
“Stop changing the subject, Mia. Tell me. I’m dying here.”
I laugh at the comical look on her face. She looks like a kid waiting to open gifts on Christmas Day.
