by Pamela Yaye
Surprised by Romeo’s public display of affection, she’d pressed herself flat against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Days earlier, while they were cooking dinner together in the gourmet kitchen at his penthouse, they’d agreed to keep their relationship quiet. Every day, her colleagues grilled her about her love life, but she skillfully evaded their questions. She knew Jiovanni was upset with her for not confiding in him, but Zoe wanted to honor Romeo’s request. After everything his ex-fiancée had put him through, he was leery about dating in the public eye, and Zoe didn’t blame him.
Reflecting on their marathon date, Zoe couldn’t recall ever having so much fun. The area was a popular hangout spot among millennials, and they’d spent the evening sampling popular Christmas desserts, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The Navigli district was known for its canals, and when Romeo suggested a boat ride, she’d agreed. Zoe would remember their trip to Lake Maggiore as long as she lived. Nestled in Romeo’s arms, staring at the star-filled sky, she’d felt as if she were in another era. Zoe didn’t know how it happened, but one minute they were snapping selfies together and the next Romeo was kissing her passionately. When Romeo drove her home at the end of the night, she invited him inside for a cup of coffee, and they’d wasted no time picking up where they’d left off on the boat.
Zoe ran her hands along the bodice of the snug-fitting, deep red gown she’d found in the back of her closet, then yanked it off the velvet hanger. If this doesn’t knock Romeo’s socks off, I don’t know what will! she thought, laughing to herself.
Chucking her satin bathrobe on the canopy bed, Zoe slipped on the dress and scrutinized her appearance. Feeling chic and sophisticated in the gown Jiovanni had made for her months earlier, she admired her profile in the floor-length mirror. The capped sleeves and cinched waist flattered her hourglass figure, but she worried about tripping on the long ruffled train. Romeo made her nervous, on edge, and when he touched her anything could happen.
Zoe wet her lips with her tongue. Last night in her living room, one sensuous kiss had led to another, and in the blink of an eye they were moaning and groaning, desperately pawing at each other’s clothes. Overcome with need, they’d made out on the couch for hours.
Her cell phone rang. Remembering the last place she’d seen it, she raced inside the bathroom and scooped it off the counter. Zoe read the name and number on the screen. It was her mom calling from New York. Even though she had a date to get ready for, she wanted to check in with her family. Wanting to “see” her mother, she pressed the Video button and laughed as her mom waved and blew kisses.
“Hi, baby girl. How are you doing?”
“Great. I’m just getting ready to go out for dinner.”
“With Jiovanni? Again? You spend way too much time with that boy.”
Laughing, Zoe picked up her favorite bottle of perfume off the counter and sprayed her neck and wrist. “Mom, I’ve told you a million times, we’re just friends.”
“Good, I don’t want Khalil to think he has any competition.”
Zoe was annoyed with her mom, but she spoke in a calm voice, didn’t let her frustration show. “Mom, you have to move on. Khalil and I are not getting back together—”
“He’s still crazy about you, you know.”
“Mom, we haven’t spoken to each other in months,” she pointed out.
“Together forever, never apart. Sometimes in distance, but never in heart.”
Zoe hated when her mother quoted inspirational sayings and wished her dad were around to help her talk some sense into her. Noticing the time on her cell phone, she propped it against the tissue box so she could finish getting ready for her date.
“When will you be home? Have you booked your flight? Are you staying for a month?”
Her body tensed. All week, she’d been dreading this moment. The last thing Zoe wanted to do was disappoint her parents, and she knew they’d be crushed when she told them the bad news, but she couldn’t keep putting it off. “Mom, I won’t be coming home for the holidays.”
The smile slid off her face. “Why not? Didn’t you get your Christmas bonus?”
“No, and my credit cards are all maxed out,” she explained. “I just can’t afford it.”
“I’m not surprised. Milan is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Even though your dad and I told you it was a bad idea, you just had to take a job there.”
Her dad peered over her mom’s shoulder, wearing a broad grin, and Zoe smiled. Her parents couldn’t be more different. Statuesque with burgundy locks, Collette Smith loved to socialize and make new friends. Not her husband of thirty-five years, whom she’d met in grade school in Trinidad. Slender with dark brown skin, Reuben Smith was a soft-spoken man who’d rather watch CNN than party. But their personalities complemented each other perfectly.
“Zoe, is that you, baby girl?” he asked. “How is life treating you in Milan?”
Before Zoe could respond to her dad’s question, her mom spoke up.
“It’s terrible. Our daughter can’t come home for Christmas because she’s flat broke.”
“Baby girl, don’t worry,” Reuben said in a soothing voice. “I’ll buy your ticket.”
“Dad, don’t. I have to work. There’s no way I’ll get the time off this late in the game.”
Her mom snapped her fingers. “Fine, then we’ll come see you.”
“Good idea, honey. We’re retired. Why not go see our hardworking daughter in Milan for a few weeks? Shelby is thinking of volunteering in Peru again this Christmas, so we might as well visit you, Zoe.” Reuben nodded so hard his eyeglasses slid down his thin nose. “I’ll call the travel agent first thing tomorrow to see what flights are available.”
Zoe missed her parents, but she didn’t want them flying to Milan during the holidays. The plane tickets would be ridiculously expensive; the airports would be a jam-packed. Zoe didn’t want her parents flying during the busiest time of the year. “No. Don’t. I’ll be home in February,” she explained, speaking in a cheery voice, though her heart was sad. “We can hang out then.”
“Christmas won’t be the same without you.”
The doorbell rang, and Zoe groaned. “Oh, no, Romeo’s early, and I’m not ready!”
“Who’s Romeo?” Reuben asked, furrowing his brow. “Is he one of your colleagues?”
No, Dad, he’s the guy I’ve fallen hard for, Zoe thought, but didn’t dare say. She had strong feelings for Romeo and wanted to tell her parents about him, but it was too soon. They’d only been seeing each other for a few weeks; there was no guarantee their red-hot relationship would last. “Mom, Dad, I have to go, but I’ll call you on the weekend.”
“Be safe, honey, and remember what I said about Jiovanni. He seems like a nice guy, but he’s not the right man for you so don’t let him charm you.”
Zoe laughed. “Okay, Mom, I won’t, and you remember what I said about Khalil.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course you’re going to get back together. You’re soul mates.”
The doorbell rang again, but Zoe couldn’t end the call until she set her mother straight.
“Mom, Khalil and I are over. He’s moved on with his life, and so have I.”
Her dad nodded his head in understanding, and Zoe was grateful for his support.
“Baby girl, as long as you’re happy we’re happy.”
“Like hell we are!” her mom said, puckering her thin lips. “Khalil’s practically family, and his mother and I have been dear friends for many years. You have to marry him.”
“No, I don’t, Mom. It’s my choice, not yours.”
“You’ve been in Milan for two years, but you still haven’t met anyone who lights your fire.” Collette wore a triumphant smile. “Face it. No one will ever be able to measure up to Khalil. He’s your first love and your only love. No
one can take his place in your heart.”
“I’m crazy about Romeo, and I want to have a future with him.”
Zoe cupped a hand over her mouth. She couldn’t believe she’d revealed her innermost thoughts and wished she could stuff the words back down her throat.
“Y-Y-You’re what?” Collette stammered. “Where did you meet this guy? Who is he? What does he do for a living?”
Her cell phone buzzed, cueing her that she had an incoming call, but Zoe didn’t answer it.
“Romeo is a successful businessman with real estate properties all over the world,” Zoe boasted. She tried to temper her excitement, but it seeped into her tone. “We haven’t know each other long, but he’s a good man, and I enjoy his company.”
“That’s wonderful, baby girl. We look forward to meeting him in the near future.”
Collette scoffed. “Speak for yourself. Khalil will always be my first and only choice.”
Zoe almost rolled her eyes, but since she didn’t want to do anything to set her mother off again, she said goodbye to her parents. “Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. I love you.”
“We love you, too. Have fun tonight, and give Romeo Morretti my regards,” her dad said cheerfully.
“You know who he is?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “How?”
“I just Googled him. His cousin Demetri is one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so be a good daughter and get an autograph for your old man. I’m a huge fan.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Her dad pumped his fist in the air. “That’s my girl!”
Shocked to see the time on her cell, Zoe ended the call and exited the bathroom. She hoped Romeo wasn’t mad at her for making him wait outside, and sent him a text message explaining why she was running behind schedule.
“There you are, bellissima. How are your parents?”
Zoe stopped. Glancing up from her cell, her eyes widened. Confused, she couldn’t make sense of what was going on. What is Romeo doing in my living room? How did he get in? The doors locked!
“I rang the buzzer several times, but you didn’t answer,” he explained, sliding his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “I tried the door and it opened, so I decided to wait for you in here. I hope that’s okay.”
Thinking back to the afternoon, Zoe slowly nodded her head. “I got home late from work, and I was in such a rush to get ready, I must have forgotten to lock it when I came in.”
“You have to be more careful. A stranger could waltz right in and catch you off guard.”
“Don’t worry about me. I kickbox, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll have to remember not to piss you off.”
He reached for her hand, and her heart swooned. It happened every time Romeo touched her. He’d mastered the art of looking suave and sophisticated, and being in his presence did a number on her libido. Short of breath, her erect nipples strained against her lace push-up bra, dying for release. It took supreme effort, but Zoe tore her eyes away from his mouth and forced herself to quit fantasizing about ripping the clothes off his muscled body.
Romeo whistled. “Wow, Zoe, you’re sensational.”
“You say that every time you see me.”
“That’s because it’s true. You never cease to amaze me. I love your elegant style.”
“Thanks, Romeo. You look great, too.” Admiring how handsome he was in his blue collared dress shirt and black pants.
“I’m almost ready. Just give me five minutes to do my makeup, and I’ll be good to go.”
“You don’t need any. You’re perfect just the way you are.” Stepping forward, he captured her around the waist and held her close to his chest. “You’re stunning, Zoe, and I’m in awe of your natural beauty.”
“Then imagine how much better I’d look with mascara and lipstick.”
“It’s impossible to improve perfection,” he whispered, brushing his lips against the curve of her ear. “Did you pack an overnight bag like I asked?”
Pulling out of his arms, she stared up at him in disbelief. “Was I supposed to?”
“Last night during the boat ride, I told you I wanted to spend the weekend with you.”
“I thought you were joking.”
Romeo gestured to the bedroom door. “I wasn’t. So go grab your stuff. I’ll wait.”
Zoe hesitated; she didn’t know how to put her feelings into words without offending him and took a moment to process her thoughts. She loved the idea of hanging out with Romeo at his countryside villa for a few days, but she didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. His past was a huge obstacle for her to overcome, and there were times she couldn’t help feeling that she was fighting a losing battle. “I don’t know if I’m ready for a sexual relationship.”
“I understand. I’m okay with that,” he said, tenderly rubbing her shoulders.
Zoe wondered if the word sucker was stamped on her forehead and shot him a you’re-not-fooling-me look. “Really? You don’t mind waiting a month? Or three? Or even six?”
“No. I don’t, and furthermore I’d never pressure you to have sex. Contrary to what the media thinks, I’m not that kind of guy. It’ll happen when we’re both ready, and I’m prepared to wait as long as it takes.”
Moved by his honesty, Zoe couldn’t stop a smile from curling the corners of her mouth.
“You’re special to me, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“Seriously? You’re not just saying that to impress me?”
“I don’t have to lie to impress you. I have adoring fans all over the city, remember?”
Romeo wiggled his eyebrows and Zoe cracked up, laughing long and hard.
“Okay, I’ll come, but don’t get any funny ideas. We’re not knockin’ boots this weekend.”
A mischievous expression covered his face. “Why not? That’s my favorite song!”
“Of course it is. You’re the quintessential ladies’ man.”
“Not anymore. I’m a one-woman man.” Romeo kissed her lips. “I’m your man.”
His confession blew her mind, and seconds passed before she regained her voice. “You’re serious?”
“Absolutely. And now that we’re a couple, you’ll have to make more room in your schedule for me. Ideally, I’d like to see you every day, but I know how busy you are at work, so I’m willing to compromise. Six dates a week sounds reasonable to me, don’t you think?”
He tightened his hold around her waist and spoke in a silky, smooth voice.
“We have an incredible connection, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”
Her pulse was pounding out of control and it hurt to swallow, but Zoe pushed the question in her mind out of her dry mouth. “You want us to be exclusive? You’re sure?”
“I’d love nothing more.” Romeo brushed his nose against hers. “I have feelings for you, Zoe, and I don’t want to compete with anyone else for your time and affection. It’s time to change the status on your social media pages from ‘single’ to ‘in a relationship.’”
Dumbstruck, Zoe couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was shocked by Romeo’s candor, his openness.
“And one more thing,” he continued, kissing the corners of her lips. “Tell Jiovanni and the other guys you work with who have the hots for you, you’re spoken for...”
Romeo was way off base, dead wrong about her colleagues, but she didn’t argue with him. Couldn’t when he was playing in her hair and stroking her arms and hips. Zoe liked what he was doing with his hands, enjoyed feeling them against her flesh. No one had ever spoken to her in that tone before, and his bold attitude was a turn-on. Made her wet. They’d only known each other for a few weeks, but it felt like months had passed since their fateful meeting in November, and Zoe was moved—and
aroused—by his words.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” she said, giving Romeo a peck on the lips. “Wait right here.”
Feeling on top of the world, Zoe hurried down the hall and into her bedroom at the rear of the apartment. After putting on mascara and some red lipstick, she tossed toiletries, clothes and her journal into her overnight bag and zipped it up.
Zoe put on her stilettos and adjusted her dress. Catching sight of Romeo in her peripheral vision, she only hoped that when they arrived at his villa at the end of the night, her hormones wouldn’t get her into any trouble. She desired him more than she’d ever wanted anyone, and liked the idea of breaking the rules with her dreamy crush.
Chapter 15
La Piastra Calda was known for its innovative cuisine, exceptional service and swank decor. Zoe knew from reading local newspapers that it routinely hosted diplomats, heads of state and British royalty. Like many of the best restaurants in the country, La Piastra Calda was family-owned with a devoted clientele and a six-month waiting list for reservations.
“I hope you brought your appetite, because I heard the dishes at La Piastra Calda are out of this world.” Romeo helped Zoe out of the passenger seat of his Spada Vetture Sport and draped an arm around her waist. “I’ve never been here before, but if the food’s even half as good as my brother Enrique says it is, then it’s going to be a very delicious night.”
The valet opened the front door and stepped aside to let them pass. “Godere!”
Zoe couldn’t believe her eyes. The employees were standing at attention in the waiting area and bowed in greeting as they entered the restaurant. Embarrassed that everyone in the room was staring at them, Zoe pretended to admire the colorful string art hanging on the walls.
A man with a bushy mustache stepped forward and introduced himself. “Welcome to La Piastra, Mr. Morretti,” he bellowed. “I’m the owner and head chef of this fine establishment. It’s an honor to have you here with us. If there is anything we can do to enhance your dining experience, please don’t hesitate to ask.”