Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

I know I can trust him. What I don’t know is whether I can trust myself not to climb into his bed.

***

I had no idea.

I had no clue that Rocco could see everything in my apartment so clearly. I left the overhead lights on when I slid my feet into the red heels in my rush to catch Sophia.

My entire living space is fully illuminated.

I glance at the half-eaten bowl of popcorn and the empty glasses next to it on the kitchen counter. My wallet and phone are right where I dropped them on my bed when I got home from work.

“You have a clear view into my life,” I say under my breath.

I know he can’t hear me. I’m alone in his living room.

I’ve seen this space before from my vantage point across the street. When we first walked in, Rocco directed me down a short corridor that leads to this room. A small kitchen is on left, and what I assume to be two bedrooms and a bathroom are to the right.

His furnishings are understated. The large brown leather couch against the far wall looks comfortable. A chair in the corner with a lamp perched above it would make an ideal reading nook.

The poker table and the folding metal chairs around it crowd the rest of the room.

I tug on the back of one of the chairs to bring it closer to the window. I sit so I can face my apartment.

“I see that you’re already on surveillance duty,” Rocco says as he rounds the corner.

I straighten and glance back to catch a wide grin on his face. He’s changed his clothes. Dark sweatpants hang low on his hips and a white T-shirt covers his muscular chest.

I kick off my shoes and plant my feet on the windowsill. “I thought I should get comfortable since I’ll be spending all night glued to this window.”

He moves to stand next to me, his hands falling to his hips. “Are you hungry? Did you eat anything besides popcorn for dinner?”

It should bother me that he knows what I was snacking on earlier, but it’s mildly endearing. “I’m good.”

“There are some sandwiches in the fridge.” He motions toward the kitchen. “Leftover pizza too. Everyone brings something to poker night.”

I glance back at the table. It’s littered with empty glasses, plates and poker chips. “You won, didn’t you?”

“I always do.”

I gaze up into his blue eyes. “I play.”

“Poker?” A smile teases his mouth.

I nod, trying to hide the grin on my lips. “I’m good.”

“I believe you.” He reaches for the back of my chair. “Maybe one night when you’re not staking out your apartment, you can join me for a game.”

I bite back a laugh. “Maybe.”

“I’ll be right back.” His fingers trail over my shoulder sending goose bumps crawling up my neck.

I hadn’t thought about what it would be like when I accepted his invitation to spend the night here. I’m already squirming in my seat from his touch and we’re just getting started.

Chapter 28

Rocco

I walk into my living room to the vision of a blonde-haired beauty staring out my window.