The Playboy of Rome

Images of her curled up in bed just down the hall from him had him prowling around his study instead of sleeping. The only good news was that there was no filming tomorrow. But it wasn’t as if they had the next day off. It was Saturday, the busiest day of the week for the ristorante. The responsible side of him told him to go to bed this second or he’d pay for it in the morning. But he didn’t relish the idea of lying there in the dark while images of the alluring woman who now shared his apartment teased and danced through his mind.

He clenched his hands as a groan rose in his throat. Pacing around his study was not doing him a bit of good. At least if he went and lay down, his body would get some much-needed rest. If he was lucky, maybe sleep would finally claim him. But first he needed a drink.

In nothing but his boxers, he quietly padded to the darkened kitchen. When he rounded the corner, the door of the fridge swung open and he stopped in his tracks, thoroughly captivated with the sight before him.

Lizzie bent over to rummage through the contents of the fridge. A pair of peach lacy shorts rode up over her shapely thighs and backside. He swallowed hard, unable to pry his eyes away from her.

Then, realizing he was spying on her, he cleared his throat. His mouth suddenly went dry. He hoped when he spoke that his voice would come out clearly. “Something you need?”

Lizzie jumped and turned around. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t.”

She closed the fridge, shrouding them in darkness. Dante moved to switch on the light over the stove. He couldn’t get enough of her beauty.

She turned, casting him a questioning stare. “You couldn’t sleep either?”

“Too much on my mind.” He wasn’t about to admit that she was on his mind. Her image had been taunting him. But those images had been nothing compared to the real thing that was standing in front of him.

The spaghetti straps of her top rested on her ivory shoulders as her straight flaxen hair flowed down her back. He didn’t know that she could look even more beautiful, but he’d never be able to erase this enchanting image from his mind. He stifled a frustrated sigh and turned to the fridge. He pulled it open but nothing appealed to him. When he turned back around, her intent gaze met his.

Her fingers toyed with the lace edging of her top. “What are you worried about?”

“Nothing in particular.” He really didn’t want to discuss what was on his mind. “I just came out to get a snack.”

He was hungry but it wasn’t food he craved. When his gaze returned to her face, he noticed how she crossed her arms over her breasts. It was far too late for modesty.

“You know, you don’t have to be so uncomfortable around me.” He stepped forward. “I promise I just want to be your friend.”

“I think it’s more than that.” She arched a brow. “More like friends with benefits?”

“Hey, now, that’s not fair. I’ve kept my word. I haven’t touched you.” His voice grew deep as his imagination kicked into high gear. “I haven’t wrapped my arms around you and pulled you close.” He took another step toward her. “I haven’t run my fingers up your neck and over your cheeks or trailed my thumb over your pouty lips.”

Her gaze bored deep into his. The desire flared in her baby blues. He knew she wanted this moment as much as he did. He also knew that opening this door in their relationship would change things between them dramatically. But that didn’t stop him. He’d gotten a glimpse of life with Lizzie in it and he wanted more of her—no matter the cost.

Damn. Why had he given his word to keep his hands to himself? Now all he had to work with were his words. He wasn’t a poet, but suddenly he felt inspired.

“I...I thought you said you were going to be a gentleman?” Her gaze never left his.

“I said that I wouldn’t touch you—wouldn’t kiss you—not until you asked me to. But I never said anything about telling you how I feel.”

She took a step toward him until their bodies were almost touching. “And how do you feel?”

His heart slammed into his ribs. He swallowed hard. “I want you so much that it’s all I can think about. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. All I can think about is you. Do you have any idea how much I want to wrap my arms around you and pull you close? Then I’d press my mouth to yours. I’d leave no doubt in your mind about how good we can be. Together.”

She looked deep into his eyes as though she could see clear through to his soul. No one had ever looked at him that way before. The breath caught in his throat as he waited, hoping she’d cave. He wasn’t so sure how long his willpower would hold out.

Her head tilted to the left and her hair swished around her shoulder. “Do you really mean it?”

“Yes, I mean it.” Second by second he was losing his steadfast control. “You are driving me to distraction. It’s a miracle I haven’t accidentally burned the ristorante down.”

Her lips lifted. “You’re too much of a professional to do something like that.”

“We’ll have to wait and see. After tonight, I don’t know if I’ll ever get the image of you in that barely-there outfit out of my mind.” He groaned in frustration. “Talk about a major distraction.”

A sexy smile tugged at her lips as desire sparkled in her eyes. Her hands reached out to him, pressing against his bare chest. He sucked in an even breath as her touch sent tremors of excitement throughout his body. Did she have any idea what she was doing to him?

This was the sweetest torture he’d ever endured. It’d take every bit of willpower to walk away from her. But he had to keep his promise to her—he couldn’t be like those other people in her life who’d let her down. But he didn’t want it to end—not yet.