“To new beginnings,” she whispers against my lips.
“No,cuore mio, to forever,” I whisper back before taking her lips once more.
∞∞∞
Ever since the night our secrets were revealed a month ago, Gio and I have been spending time together at his place or mine. We have slowed down our physical side, per his request.
I want to get to know you again, Iz. I want to earn your trust.
He’s as sweet and attentive as he was back then, and his memory is a vault. I swear the man doesn’t forget a thing. Add in the way he makes my body hum, and I’ve been in my own personal hell. Tonight, I worked late, and Gio had some things to take care of at Ivory, so we decided to spend the night apart.
I haven’t spent any time with Mia lately with her practically living with Lo. I shoot off a quick text to her, asking her if she will be home tonight. As I walk through the door and into the living room, I jump at the sight of her on the couch.
“Jesus, Mia! Give a girl a warning.” I clasp my chest, willing my heart to slow back down.
“I still live here too, you know,” she says as she reaches for the remote to pause the TV.
“Of course you do. You just surprised me is all. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“You literally just texted me. I thought I would come spend some time with you. It’s been too long,” she tells me as she sits up from lying down.
“Let me guess, Lo’s working,” I tease.
Mia cringes and slightly blushes. “He is, but I really did want to spend some time with you!”
“How about you order some food while I rinse off real quick, and then we can have a movie night and catch up?” I offer, trying to ease her guilt. I watch her instantly relax.
“Sounds good. Anything specific you want for dinner?”
“No, surprise me. You know what I like,” I tell her as I head toward my room.
Even if I wasn’t her first choice, I can’t help but be thankful that I was a choice at all. I miss my friend. I would not be turning down even a second of time we get to spend together.
After taking a quick shower and changing into lounging clothes, I make my way back into the living room. Laid out on the table is pulled pork nachos, salsa, guacamole, and chips.
“How did you get this delivered so quickly?” My stomach growls as the heavenly scent hits my nose.
“Dante ran down to Nacho to get it. It’s a new place Lo introduced me to.”
“It smells delicious.” I quickly make a plate then moan as the first bite hits my mouth. “Remind me to thank Lorenzo. This is the best nachos I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, I will make sure to thank him properly for us both later.”
I pretend to gag. “Gross, no thank you.”
She chuckles. “Aww, don’t be jealous that innocent Mia is finally getting some. Besides, I heard a rumor that you might be getting some on the side as well.”
I groan. “Who told?”
She stops, wide-eyed before squealing. “It’s true? Holy shit. It’s Giovanni, isn’t it? Please tell me it’s him and not some loser you picked up.”
I narrow my eyes as I realize I have been tricked. “So, you didn’t know?”
“I mean, I had my suspicions. You haven’t been texting me as much at night. Sof said you were actually leaving work on time. At Sunday dinner, I noticed that you have also taken more care in how you dress and do your makeup. You actually laughed at one of Giovanni’s jokes last week and well….” She shrugs like it was obvious.
“I guess I’m not as sly as I think, huh?”
“Nope. Why didn’t you tell us? This is great news.” She is bouncing with excitement.
