Christmas with the Boss (The Fiore Family 2)

“You’re being silly.”

“Am I?”

“You’re being jealous over nothing. You’ve had tons of dinner dates with celebrities and rich people vying for your attention,” I remind him.

“I was never on a date with them. It was always business. This prick could have taken my place. He wanted to be with you, challenging me to back down, but I’d never give in.”

“Whatever. Are you going to finish dinner or let me starve?”

“I’ll feed you, but I’m still considering having your pussy for dinner. You have no idea how often I’ve imagined you naked and my tongue fucking your slit.”

“Often?”

“Every damn day. Now, sit your pretty ass down and relax while I set up dinner.” I do as he says, sitting at the kitchen table and watching him work his magic. A strange feeling comes over me while I think about a future with him. Did he want Isabelle?

He fills two plates and sets them on the table while bringing over a bowl of garlic bread. I didn’t even know we had the ingredients to make it. I bring us a couple of drinks from the fridge and we sit down to eat, but I can’t find the will to take a bite.

“What’s wrong? Does it not smell good?”

“No. It smells great.” If it wasn’t for my sudden shift in mood and his presence, I might have scarfed it all up.

“Then what is it? You’re upset, but I don’t know why.” He reaches out, holding my hand in his across the table.

“Were you interested in my sister?” I blurt out.

He sets down his fork. “No. I’m not saying she’s not beautiful; after all, you two are twins, but I’ve never been attracted to her. If you want me to be honest, it took me by surprise that I wanted you like I couldn’t breathe if I didn’t make you mine when I’d never thought of Isabelle like that.”

“It’s strange to me. When we were growing up, guys would flirt with both of us, and then we’d never trust if they wanted us or the other. Most people can’t tell us apart.”

“I can, and so can Franco,” he says. “Because it’s more than looks. My heart pounds out of control when I look at you. My nerve endings electrify when I even think of touching you. It’s insane the power your presence has over me. Now, please eat because I promised you a movie night.”

“Okay.” I blush and then dig into my meal. Damn, okay. He’s a great chef too. No wonder everyone around the world admires this man. We finish our dinner in silence because he’s got me tongue tied.

“I’ll wash the dishes.” The wind howls through the house. “Oh goodness. The weather doesn’t seem to be getting better.”

“Let me check my app.” He digs his phone out of his pocket and looks at the weather. “It’s supposed to stop in an hour.”

“That’s good. Maybe we’ll get to see them tomorrow.”

“That would be nice. My parents and the rest of the family would love to see Franco happy.”

“I’m sorry for all that he’s suffered.” I couldn’t imagine being in their position. If something like that had happened to Isabelle, I’d be destroyed.

“Thank you. Now go ahead and sit down. I won’t be too long.”

“I can wash the dishes,” I insist.

“I’m sure you can, but since I made the mess and we should have been on our way to Franco’s home, I will take charge and with pleasure, clean the dishes.”

I press my hand to my chest, batting my eyes. “Such gallantry. What shall I do to ever repay you?”

“Take my last name.” I look at him to see if he’s teasing, but his eyes are all seriousness. It’s not that I don’t want to marry him because of course I do, but I’m still scarred by the stories and my heart might not survive if he decides to change his mind.

I swallow hard. “Um… that’s a steep price for dishes. How about a kiss?”

“I believe we have an accord, my lady.” He reaches out for me but I pull away quickly, dashing back toward the door.

“Yes, but after the dishes are done.” I turn on my heels and walk out of the room. A deep rumble of laughter comes from his chest.

A few minutes later, he comes into the living room, drying his hands on a towel. “So let’s do this.” He plops on the sofa next to me and immediately pulls me to his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I don’t fight it or flinch; instead, I snuggle in and press play.

It feels so good to be in his arms. Maybe a little too good because I let out a yawn and close my eyes.

Chapter Six

Fabio

I don’t know when we fell asleep, but as I open my eyes, the sun is gently coming through the front window. My neck is stiff and my arm is numb, and yet, I wouldn’t trade it for the world—although it would be nice to hold Anabelle in bed.