“I like hearing that.”
We were quiet for a moment, then Kelly looked up, meeting my eyes.
“Why did you come here tonight, Brett?”
“To ask you to come to lunch tomorrow.”
“Why are we sharing our stories?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. Maybe if we’d talked more, understood each other a little better, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“You mean you hating me?”
“I don’t hate you, Kelly. I hate how we ended. But I think I understand a little more now.” I stood. “Thanks for the water and the talk.” I paused. “Will you come tomorrow?”
“I’ll think about it.”
I nodded. That was all I could ask.
I headed to the door, stepping outside. Kelly followed, laying her hand on my arm. “Thanks,” she murmured.
“For what?”
“For making me feel seen. Talking to me. Inviting me.”
I looked down at her. “I’ve always seen you, Kelly. The moment I met you, my eyes were glued to you.”
I laid my hand on hers. “And I want you to come tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
I smiled. “Great.”
Our eyes locked and held. Around us, the air grew warm, pulsating with a steady beat that grew the longer we stared. My pulse picked up, and Kelly’s breathing deepened. I dropped my gaze to her mouth, memories assaulting me. Her warmth. The feel of her soft lips underneath mine. How she tasted. I felt the pull I always experienced when we were alone and this close. All I had to do was drop my head, and our lips would mold together. Our bodies would connect. Chances were, in a few moments, we’d be in her room, naked and joined in a passionate coupling that would leave us breathless and sated.
And completely ruined.
I stepped back before I could act on my impulse.
“Goodnight.”
She blinked, stepping back. “Goodnight.”
This time, it was me who ran.
CHAPTER NINE
Brett
I picked up Dad in the morning, smiling as he came out the door. Dressed in a sport coat, a dress shirt, and dark slacks, he looked well-groomed and put together. He carried a bunch of flowers, setting them on the back seat as he climbed in beside me.
“You look very dapper,” I said as I eased out of the driveway.
He shook his head. “I think you’re pulling my leg.”
“No, honest, Pops. You look good.”
“I feel a bit overdressed now I see you,” he confessed.
“Rosa is used to my T-shirts and jeans. I dress better if it’s dinner. The flowers are a nice touch,” I added. “She’ll love them.”
“You always bring a lady some flowers when she invites you to dine at her home.”
“Noted,” I said, hiding my smile.
“She host this often?”
I checked my shoulder and merged onto the highway. “She has her family every Sunday. At least once a month, she extends the invite to me, Chase, Maxx, and his family. Mary. She feeds us all and sends home leftovers.”
“That’s kind.”
I chuckled. “Rosa is a phenomenal cook, Pops. Her lasagna is kissed by the angels, I swear.”
He hummed. “I haven’t had a good lasagna in ages.”
Guilt hit me, and I shifted in my seat. “Ah…”
He waved me off. “Nope. We’re not going down that road.” He pointed out the windshield. “We’re headed forward. Toward the lasagna.”
I laughed. “Toward the lasagna, then.”
He nodded. “I hope there’s meatballs.”
“Pretty certain you won’t be disappointed.”
“Excellent,” he murmured. “Well worth upgrading the flowers.”
Despite his nerves, Pops did well. He was welcomed by Stefano’s family and all my friends warmly. He accepted a glass of wine from Rosa, made me smile widely as he presented her with the large bouquet of flowers he’d brought, thanking her sincerely for her gracious invitation and friendly welcome.
“He good boy,” she insisted, indicating me. “Should have brought you sooner, though,” she scolded gently.
“I’m here now, that is all that matters.”
“Such beautiful flowers,” she murmured. “I no get those much.”
“You should,” he insisted. “Lovely flowers for a lovely lady.”
I coughed into my hand, but he ignored me.
It was a large and boisterous bunch that sat down for lunch. Rosa served the food in the kitchen, but we all found places to sit outside in the sun. There was a large glass-topped table and a couple of smaller picnic tables, as well as chairs to sit in. I sat with Stefano and Gabby, Charly, Maxx, and Kelly. I noticed she took the seat farthest from me, not doubt to give me space. I wasn’t sure I liked it. Chase joined us, and we watched as Rosa and my dad laughed and shared stories at the table. Grandkids ran around, babies were held, and siblings teased and enjoyed the sun.
“Shame Mary couldn’t come,” I said. “She’d love this.”
Charly nodded. “Her hip is really bad. She couldn’t do the drive today. Rosa is going to send her leftovers.”
I chuckled as I watched my father accept more lasagna. “If Pops leaves any,” I said. “I haven’t seen him eat like this in a long time.”