The Italian

It seems so bizarre, and is yet another tradition I don’t understand.

The service ends and people begin to leave the church. Bianca turns and smiles. “Hello.”

“Hi,” I reply nervously. I grip my bag tightly.

The priest walks down to us and shakes Enrico’s hand. “Hello, my child.”

“Father, this is Olivia. The one I told you about.”

“Ah, yes.” He smiles as he shakes my hand. “You are right, Enrico, she looks like an angel.”

I fake a smile. What the hell? He has his priest on speed dial?

“Friday night?” Enrico asks.

“Yes.” The priest bows his head. “Our first meeting will be on Friday night.” He looks over at me. “We will start your communion then, Olivia.”

“Okay.”

“Lovely meeting you.” He disappears from the church, and I look up into Enrico’s proud eyes. He gives me a sexy wink, and I bite my bottom lip to hide my smile.

I think I passed.

* * *

Enrico pulls into the parking space and turns the car off. His eyes come to me.

“You’re quiet.”

I clench my hands together on my lap. “I’m okay.” I shrug casually, as if going to Nonna Ferrara’s house with the entire family on a Sunday afternoon is an everyday occurrence. “A little nervous, perhaps.”

He leans over and kisses me. “You’ll be fine.”

“I know.” I drag my hands though my hair. “But, just to warn you, your grandma is probably going to hate me. I’m not much of a cook.”

He gives me

a slow, sexy smile.

“What?” I ask, confused by his amusement.

“I beg to differ. You cook very well… just not necessarily food.”

“What have I cooked that isn’t food?”

“My balls. My brain.” He leans in to kiss me again, and his tongue sweeps through my open lips. “My heart.”

I smirk. “Stop being cute.”

“I can’t help it.” His hands rise to fasten the top button of my shirt.

I roll my eyes. Control freak.

He gets out of the car, opens my door, and takes my hand before he leads me up the stairs. The house is a huge mansion, made of marble and sandstone. Guards dressed in black suits are scattered everywhere.

It screams Mafiosi

Hell. I lied before. I’m not a little nervous. I’m fucking terrified.