Warmth filled my belly at his words and the way he was looking at me caused my heart to beat double-time.
“No, I don’t mind,” I said honestly, shifting so I was standing next to him and we were both looking at the group before us. “I only came here because Summer asked me to. I’m not really all that comfortable talking to strangers, so, you being here actually kinda helps me out.”
“Yeah?” he asked.
I nodded and glanced at his friend.
“But what about him? Are you making him chat up the lady who’s supposed to be mediating this thing?”
As if she just remembered her role, Dana stepped away from Luca’s friend and cleared her throat loudly. “We’re going to start with an icebreaker. If I could have everyone pair up with the person closest to you, I have some questions to get a conversation started, then I’ll blow the whistle and the ladies will go to the next man on their right and all the men will stay where they are, and we’ll do a new question. All right?”
There were murmurs of agreement as everyone moved to do as they were told.
Luca’s friend moved to stand next to Luca and I gave him a little wave.
“Whitney, this is my longtime friend, Damon. Damon, this is Whitney.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, holding out my hand.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Damon said smoothly, his grin wicked and his voice compellingly deep. “I always enjoy meeting beautiful women. Looks like we’re a threesome.”
“No,” Luca said sharply, causing Damon to chuckle and shoot me a wink.
“Well, the numbers are off,” Damon explained, undeterred.
“Okay, first question,” Dana began. “If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would you go? Money is no object. Discuss.”
“I have to say Saint-Tropez,” Damon told me.
“No one asked you,” Luca said. “Why don’t you go back to the table. I bet our beer’s getting warm.”
Damon took my hand in his and leaned down to kiss the back lightly, his eyes never leaving mine. “It was a pleasure, Whitney. Please don’t hold Luca’s rudeness against him. He really is a good guy, just a little insecure when I’m around.”
“Oh, for God’s sake,” Luca said, exasperated.
I laughed as Damon made a big show of waving goodbye to everyone as he sauntered out of the room.
“He seems like fun,” I said when Damon was gone.
“He’s the best guy I know.”
I looked thoughtfully at Luca and asked, “So the competitiveness between the two of you is just you guys playing around?”
“No, we’re pretty competitive, but right now he was messing with me.” At my pointed look he said hurriedly, “Not that he didn’t mean you were beautiful or any of that, but he knows I’m interested in you, so he was pressing my buttons.”
My breath caught.
“You told your best friend you’re interested in me?” I asked, biting my lower lip nervously. “Luca … you’re my boss. I don’t see how anything could ever really happen between us.”
“You are a striking woman. Smart, funny, gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to get to spend time with you. Yes, we work for the same company, but I’m not your supervisor, so there wouldn’t be a conflict of interest.” Luca reached for my hand and held it gently in his. “I understand your hesitation and with everything that happened with your ex, I’m sure you’re wary of getting involved with anyone. But I’d love the chance to get to know you better. We can go slow, date casually if you want.”
My mind went through all of the reasons why it was a bad idea, but the fact remained that his touch seemed to light a fire within me that had been snuffed out for a very, very long time. Plus, I actually liked him and wanted to get to know him better, too, so my heart told my mind to take a break.
“Okay. But, casual … slow.”
Luca’s answering smile nearly knocked me over with its brilliance.
“Wonderful. So, tell me, what’s your dream vacation destination?”
“Oh, they’ve moved on from that question. I think she’s blown the whistle twice,” I told him.
“That’s okay. Tell me, I’m curious.”
“Um, I guess Bali. I went there once when I was younger and loved it. I always said I’d go back but haven’t made it yet.”
“Bali is a beautiful destination. Good choice.”
“What about you?” I asked him.
“Anywhere with you,” Luca replied smoothly.
“Nice one, Mr. Russo.”
Twelve
Luca
After a fun, but way too short interlude at the True Love event, I’d convinced Whitney to meet me for brunch.
I’d agreed to meet her at the restaurant and to a low-key, casual approach to dating. I figured brunch was the perfect venue for that. It was daytime, there was booze available, and the popular spot would be teaming with people getting their brunch on.
It must have fit her idea of a date she was comfortable with, because she’d agreed … for the next day, no less.
I was feeling good. Confident. Yes, Whitney had put up roadblocks at every turn so far, but I could tell she was warming to the idea of seeing me a little more each time we interacted. I was sure after a few dates she’d no longer be immune to my charms and I could convince her we’d be great together.
Some may call me cocky, but I was simply the kind of person who knew what I wanted and went after it with a single-minded purpose. And I wanted Whitney Spaulding.
“Good morning, Mr. Russo,” the hostess greeted when I entered the restaurant.
“Good morning. I have a reservation for two by the window,” I informed her. I came here often with clients, so they knew me well and always made sure I was taken care of.
“Right this way,” she said, picking up two menus and leading me to the back by the windows.
Twenty-five stories high and overlooking the city, the view was spectacular.
“I’m waiting for a Ms. Whitney Spaulding,” I informed her once I was seated, and she placed the menus on the table.
“Yes, sir, I’ll send her right back.”
I took out my phone and started going through emails as I waited. I’d come early because I didn’t want her to end up waiting for me and, to be honest, I was excited about the date and couldn’t stay home pacing my living room any longer.
After a few minutes, I felt a presence at the table and looked up to see Whitney sliding into the seat across from me.
She looked beautiful in a baby-blue pantsuit with an eyelet top. Her face was flushed as she glanced at me shyly through her lashes. I was completely smitten.
“Hi, how are you? I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. I had a heck of a time finding parking.”
“You’re right on time,” I assured her, ignoring the way my hands itched to reach out and touch.
I waited until she was settled, and our drink orders were in before jumping in to get the conversation going.
“So, I know a little about your ex-husband, what about your kids … you said they’re both in high school. That must be challenging at times.”
Whitney’s lips turned up at the mention of her children.
“Oh, it can be. Stella is sixteen and Silas is fourteen. They are both pretty active with school and Stella has a job. Luckily, she has a license and can drive herself, and occasionally her brother, when I need her to. They’re good kids, but the divorce was an adjustment for them.”
“I’m sure it was. I can’t imagine how my siblings and I would have reacted if our parents had split.”
“How many siblings do you have?” she asked.
“Two. Giovanni and Charlotte. Vanni is married to Sara and they have two boys and Charlotte is married to Nigel. They just had a baby. I’m the youngest.”
“Are you all close?”
“Yes, very. My mom hosts Sunday dinners every week and we all try to make it. Well, they all usually do make it, but sometimes I get bogged down with wor
k. Drives my ma nuts. She loves to have us all together under her roof. And to feed us. She loves to feed us. Otherwise she doesn’t think we’re eating the way we should,” I said with a chuckle.
“That sounds lovely. So, I know your father owns the company, is your whole family in the business?”
I paused when the server came to take our order, then once he was done I replied, “We all started out that way. Dad had us start working when we were sixteen, at the lowest level. After college, Vanni found his passion was in teaching, not accounting, and Charlotte met her husband and got married. She makes things and sells them on Etsy.” I shrugged and picked up my bloody Mary. “It didn’t stick for either of them, much to my father’s dismay, so now it’s up to me to carry on his legacy and hopefully one of my kids will want to follow in my footsteps.”
“Well, they’ll be really lucky. Your father has built a great company.”
“Thanks. I always thought my brother and sister were crazy for not wanting to be a part of it, but it did bring my father and I closer together. I was admittedly mostly a mama’s boy all my life, but the last few years have helped me get to know my dad better, too.”
“That’s really nice. I was never super close with my parents. I went away to college and pretty much got married right away and we moved here. My parents are back in the Midwest, so I don’t see them very often. I always thought it was too bad my kids didn’t get to grow up with extended family. You’re lucky to get to have the relationship with yours that you do.”
“Yes, I am,” I agreed. “I couldn’t even imagine my mother’s reaction if one of us tried to move outside of the city, let alone to a different state. I honestly don’t think she’d allow it. She’d stage protests and bribe moving companies.”
I laughed because I could picture my ma sitting outside the front door and refusing to let any of us leave.
“Your mom sounds like a lot of fun,” Whitney said with an easy smile.
“She’s amazing. I’ll have to have you come with me to dinner one night. Her sauce is to die for. Seriously, you’ll never be able to stomach sauce from anywhere else after tasting hers.”
When Whitney’s eyes widened at my suggestion, I glossed over it by asking about her favorite types of food.
Too soon for talks of meeting my mother. Got it…
The date went smoothly. Better than I expected. The food was delicious, the conversation easy, and when Whitney said she had to go, I was surprised to see we’d been sitting there for two hours. I would have happily stayed there all day.
Once I paid, we left together and found ourselves alone in the elevator.
“I had a really lovely time. Thank you for inviting me,” Whitney said, her gaze soft on me.
Now, I prided myself on being a man of restraint, but I was riding high over our successful date, and that look in her eyes had my mouth watering for something other than the eggs benedict I’d consumed.
I moved toward her, slow enough so she could interpret my meaning. When Whitney watched and waited but didn’t move away or tell me to stop, I put my hands on her waist and lowered my lips to hers.
I tasted her slowly, testing the waters, and when she parted her lips I deepened the kiss.
Oranges and sugar seemed to fill my senses, and when I wanted desperately to push her against the wall and continue my exploration, I forced myself to pull back and break the kiss.
I’d barely taken a breath when I was shoved back against the wall and Whitney was on me. She kissed me fiercely as her hands roamed across my chest and around my back. When they cupped and squeezed my ass, I jerked with surprise, then, ignoring the bar digging into my lower back, I met her passion head on.
By the time the elevator reached the ground floor and dinged, signaling we should get off, I was as hard as oak and dying to rid Whitney of her pantsuit and take her right there on the elevator floor.
The dinging had Whitney stepping back, her hand shooting out to stop the door from closing.
I looked at her, half expecting mortification or regret to be written on her features, but all I saw was desire, which really did nothing to ease the ache in my slacks.
“This is us,” she said, her tone coming out quite breathless.
I nodded, unable to find my voice, and followed her out into the parking garage.
“I’m over there,” Whitney said, pointing in the opposite direction.
“I valeted,” I replied once I was able.
She nodded and gave me a soft smile. “Call you later?” she asked.
“Please,” I replied, not caring in the slightest if I sounded needy. She’d left me totally undone and I wasn’t embarrassed for her to know it.
Whitney looked pleased with her effect on me as she gave me a little wave then turned to walk toward her car. And damned if she wasn’t whistling while she walked.
Thirteen
Whitney
“I told him I wanted to take things slow … then I jumped him in the elevator.”
“Oh my God, yes!” Summer said excitedly, punching her fist in the air.
“Atta girl,” Margo added with a grin.
I chuckled and shook my head.
“I couldn’t believe I did it, but when he kissed me it was like he unlocked a secret compartment within me. Luca tried to pull away and the beast in me was like … No, I want more.”
“I bet you didn’t get any complaints from Luca,” Margo surmised.
“Was he shocked?” Summer asked.
“He did seem a little taken aback, but he definitely gave one-hundred percent participation.” I laughed again. “I surprised myself, but I didn’t regret it afterward. If you would have told me beforehand that I would react the way I did, I would have thought you were crazy, but it felt good. Great, actually.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Summer said, dipping her sushi into a wasabi and soy sauce mixture before popping it in her mouth.
“Me, too,” I replied. “Before, I was on the fence over whether or not I should see him, or anyone for that matter, but now that I’ve had a taste of what could be, I’m excited to see what happens next.”
I picked up my chopsticks and tried to get a piece of ahi tuna off of my plate and into my mouth. After three failed attempts, I put them down and picked up my fork.
“How’s the dating app going?” Margo asked Summer.
I watched her with envy as she wielded her chopsticks like an expert.
“Well, the happy hour thing was kind of a bust. I mean, it was fun and all … everyone was nice. But I didn’t feel sparks with any of the guys. Not like the ones that were flying off of Luca and Whit.”
“What about that one guy, Ron, I think?” I asked. “You two seemed to be hitting it off pretty well.”
Summer scrunched up her nose.
“He was cute, but it felt like I was talking to my cousin. We had a lot in common, but I wouldn’t feel the need to assault him in an elevator.”
I almost choked on my food as Margo let out a bark of laughter.
“Oh, no, is this going to be a thing now?” I groaned.
Margo nodded enthusiastically.
“Yup, at least until something else just as good happens.”
I sighed and asked, “How about you, Margo? Anything exciting, possibly embarrassing, happen since last we met?”
“Not unless you’d call having a twenty-minute orgasm embarrassing,” she quipped.
“Twenty minutes,” Summer said way too loudly.
I looked around the restaurant and leaned in to say in a quiet voice, “No, not embarrassing … impossible maybe, but not embarrassing.”
“Not impossible,” Margo said with a wave of her chopsticks. “One of the guys I see on the regular has this curve in his dick that hits the right spot every time. Honestly, it’s why I keep seeing him.”
“You only like him for sex?” Summer asked, her eyes wide as she hung on Margo’s every word.
“Yeah. He’s a total douche. Completely full of himse
lf, way too metrosexual, and the stuff that comes out of his mouth, ugh. If I hadn’t gotten drunk and hooked up with him one night, I never would have found out about his magic penis. He’s not someone I date or go out in public with, and he’s completely fine with that. Our relationship is purely sexual. In fact, I often put a gag in his mouth so he can’t ruin things by talking.”
“Wow,” I murmured.
“You’re my hero,” Summer cooed.
“I didn’t realize a curved penis would be such an asset in bed,” I said, my mind spinning. “I don’t think I’ve ever encountered one. Pretty much I always seem to end up in bed with men who are kinda small to average. Never a curved or big one.”
“I’ve had one that was too big,” Summer said. “Like, when he took off his pants I was like … oh, hell no. It wouldn’t have worked and frankly, it scared me.”
“It scared you?” Margo asked dryly. “So you didn’t give it a try?”
Summer shook her head rapidly. “Nope. I asked him to put his pants back on and skedaddle.”
“How big was it?” I asked.
Summer held out her hand, then placed her other hand about it and said, “About one and three-quarters hands.”
“No way,” I scoffed. Her hands weren’t huge, but two of them stacked were definitely larger than any one man’s member could be.
“Yes way,” Margo argued. “What’s the biggest one you’ve ever encountered?”
I held up my hand and pointed to the knuckle of my middle finger.
“About … there.”
“You poor thing,” Summer said, her voice laced with pity.
“I’m sure Luca’s packing more than that, and if not, we’ll have to get you out there and on a dick that will actually get you off.”
“You guys are acting like I’ve been missing out or something. I’ve had a good sex life, and despite the size, I got off.” The last I whispered and glanced around warily.
“Sister, there’s a whole world out there that you don’t know about. You may think you had a good sex life, but I promise you, there’s better out there.”
Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1) Page 5