Spectral

by Duffy, Shannon

  A wave of happiness rushed through me and I jumped from my perch on the top step to my feet decked out in black ballet flats, and began my descent downstairs to join the party. Jayden’s gaze caught mine mid-way down. He lifted his half-built boat into the air for me to see with a triumphant grin and I just managed a thumbs-up before my view was obscured by pressing bodies that began to surround me.

  Angelina’s dark hair, swept into a fancy ponytail, bounced across the room. She stopped halfway across, shimmied into a small cluster of people, and tugged someone out into my clear line of vision.

  I stumbled on the last step and caught myself on the railing. It was unmistakably Roman; looking so hot he took me off guard. His hair was gelled into a sexy, ‘I did this on purpose’ look, and his black button down shirt was left untucked.

  Angelina leaned over and gave him a hug with a pat on his back. Roman looked up from the embrace and waved at me, his lips lifting into a smile. He whispered something into Angelina’s ear and she twisted around, caught my gaze, and beamed an exuberant smile before dashing over to me.

  “Amore mio!” she said, hugging me. “You look so pretty. And everyone is dying to meet the birthday girl.” She leaned back, holding me by the shoulders. “Including your friend over there.” She winked.

  Roman stayed back, giving us a moment, but I felt his gaze sweeping over me, making my skin tingle.

  Focusing back on Angelina, I said, “This is so amazing. I can’t believe you put this all together for me. You didn’t need to go to so much trouble, you know.”

  “Oh, it’s no trouble, Jewel. It has been seventeen years in the making. Just think of all your birthdays we’ve missed.” She wrapped her warm hand around mine. “And your sweet little brother helped me. He fits in perfectly here, honey, and he’ll be fine with time. I don’t want you to worry anymore. We’re family now. All of us.” She gave my hand a squeeze. “And as for you, my daughter, I’m so glad to have you home!”

  I smiled. “Thanks, Mom.” The moment I called her ‘Mom,’ I felt myself blush, feeling dumb. I mean, I knew she really was my mother, but I’d only met her days before. But the word came tumbling out without thinking. I knew I’d grow to love her, and that I could love Juliano—Dad, too. This is where I belonged.

  Her eyes lit up, and her face softened. She leaned down, kissing both of my cheeks. “I love you, too, amore mio. Happy birthday.”

  Roman cleared his throat as the music broke off between tracks and Mom leaned in as if to whisper a secret. “He’s kind of cute, you know,” she teased.

  I laughed. “Yeah, he’s not too bad, huh?” I glanced over at Roman and he jerked his head, and widened his eyes in a ‘hurry up, let’s go,’ kind of way.

  “We’re just gonna step outside for a sec, okay?”

  “Sure, just don’t be too long. Dinner’s cooking and everyone will want a chance to talk to you.”

  “That’ll be awesome,” I said, happy that I’d finally get to meet everyone.

  But not before a little alone time with my guy.

  I slipped my hand into Roman’s and stretched on tip-toes to whisper in his ear. “Let’s get some air.”

  He twirled a finger around a lock of my hair. “With the way you look, I couldn’t deny anything you asked of me.”

  “Anything?” I asked, waggling my eyebrows.

  “Ahem.” Stefano strolled over with his girlfriend, meeting Roman with a fist bump. Stefano glanced at me. Sliding his arm around his girlfriend’s waist, he turned her in my direction.

  “Hey, Jewel,” he said. “This is my girlfriend, Rachel.”

  Rachel’s hazel eyes turned up at the edges in a smile. Leaning in to kiss both my cheeks Italian style, she whispered, “I hear you really cast a spell on that boy.” She jerked her thumb toward Roman.

  I laughed. “I promise there were no spells used in the making of, well this.” I fanned my hands between Roman and me. We laughed.

  “Hey, Rach,” Trish said, jumping in to hug her. “Wait ‘til you see Jewel’s mad Spectral skills.”

  “Nah, I don’t want to be using those any time soon, Houdini,” I said with a laugh, happy to see my cousin again.

  “Decided you’ve caused enough trouble for a lifetime, huh, Armageddon?” Stefano chuckled and raked his hand through his shaggy dark blond hair.

  I rolled my eyes. “Funny, Stefano. Ha. Ha.”

  Looping my arms through Rachel’s and Trish’s, I leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper, “What do ya think, guys? Maybe I could make an exception and use a little power of persuasion on that bad boy of Rachel’s. Get him to drop the sarcasm and like, put on a frilly apron, and help out in the kitchen or something?” I winked and we all burst out laughing.

  Rachel slid her arm around Stefano’s waist and kissed his cheek. “Now that’s something I’d like to see,” she said with a grin.

  Roman slipped his hand in mine, tugging me away. “We’ll see you guys in a few minutes,” he said to the others. “I need some alone time with my birthday girl.”

  Laughing, the stress of the previous days fading away, we dashed out of the house into the fresh afternoon Venice air. The kiss of the warm sun embraced me, soft as fleece. I inhaled a deep breath.

  “We’re free!” I said, spinning around, before jumping into Roman’s arms.

  “Forever.” Roman’s face lit up into a smoldering smile, and then he playfully nipped at my neck. His warm breath fanned across my ear, sending tingles down my arms as he whispered, “Where would you like to go after the party, Bella?”

  My chest fluttered. I’d be happy to go anywhere with Roman just as long as we were together. As an idea came to mind, I felt a giant smile cross my face. “Gondola ride!” I said with a laugh.

  Roman smiled back, igniting the dimple in his cheek that I’d grown to love. Lacing his fingers into my hair, he bent his face toward mine, and cupped the back of my neck. “Anything for my butterfly,” he whispered, and then softly pressed his lips against mine. I melted into him, sinking into his kisses that I hoped would never end.