Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)
Page 81
“Super seriously,” I toss back. “I’m meeting her sometime this week. Rocco arranged it.”
She waits for a beat before she says a word. “He’s good for you, Dex.”
“He’s good to me,” I correct her with a smile. “He’s looking out for my best interests.”
“Nicholas was the same way with me.” She leans her head back on the couch. “He did everything in his power to make me happy. He still does.”
I’ve never felt envious about Sophia’s relationship with Nicholas. I was there when they navigated their way through the beginning of their love story. She wanted nothing to do with him. He wouldn’t give up.
He won her heart and now that smile on her face is permanent.
“Rocco doesn’t want me to make the wrong decision about who to partner with.” I pick up the glass of iced tea. “Suzanne’s path is the one I want to follow, so I think talking to her will put things into perspective for me.”
“It will.” She nods. “You’ll tell me everything she says, right?”
“You know I will,” I say as I hand her the glass. “I need you to help me with something today.”
“Anything.” She takes a long sip of the cool tea. “This is so good.”
I point at Marti’s handbag on the wingback chair. “That is a treasure, and I want to do something extra special for the woman it belongs to.”
Sophia’s gaze follows my finger. “That’s a treasure?”
“It is.” I pat her knee. “I have an idea of what I want to do with it. I’m hoping you can add your two cents because your opinion is priceless to me.”
“I’m in.” She takes another swallow. “Let’s get to it.”
***
The warm breeze blowing over my back is distracting. The sight of Rocco in a pair of black running shorts and no shirt is mind-numbing.
He’s sweaty and listening to something with a catchy beat judging by the way he’s hoppi
ng in place on the sidewalk in front of his building.
His phone is strapped to his bicep. Ear buds are settled in place.
The man is turning the head of every person who passes by him.
I can count myself among them.
It’s late afternoon and I’m on my way home from Sophia’s apartment.
After we brainstormed about Marti’s purse, we took the subway to Sophia’s place.
She ordered me to put on this beautiful backless pink shirt.
It’s made of the softest material and the tie around the bottom is knotted at waist level.
It’s sexy, flirty and a perfect match for my white shorts and red heels.
I smooth my hand over my hair.
Just as I’m about to tap Rocco on the shoulder, he pivots in his running shoes to face me.
He tugs his ear buds out and flashes me a killer smile. “I knew you were close. Sweet summer roses. That’s what you smell like.”
He smells like every fantasy I’ve ever had.