“Dante, eh.” Che gestures to Matteo. Matteo giggles as he squeezes my neck tight.
My bad. “Dispiacente.”
Shaking his head, he calls for Alicia. “Little ears.”
Alicia takes Matteo, who whines as she kisses him. “Bad Uncle Dante with his potty mouth,” Alicia murmurs in English.
“I said I was sorry.” I kiss Matteo’s head. He throws his head back then sticks his bottom lip out as Alicia carries him out of the room.
***
Bethany
Alicia comes into the family room with a pouting Matteo. I kind of understand what she’s saying, something about a promise to play later. She offers Matteo an orange, and he takes it with glee.
“You’re looking well rested. What have you been up to?”
I shrug, keeping my eyes on Matteo. “Trying to learn Italian, napping, knitting, yoga, reading. Not much.”
“You haven’t taken the time to get to know Dante, your new brother?”
No, no, no. “He’s not my brother. Dante is my next-door neighbor and your brother-in-law.”
Alicia’s eyes go wide. “What did you do?”
My face is so red I feel faint as I shake my head. “Nothing. I didn’t do anything.” Deny, deny, deny. “I’m thirsty, do you want a water?”
“Bethany Marie Jeffries, get your ass back here.”
I keep going out of the family room in time to see the guys go outside. How in the world did genetics create such gorgeous men all in a row? A hand shoves my shoulder. “Ow. You’re going to leave a bruise. Love shouldn’t hurt, Alicia.”
She’s trying not to laugh, then gives up. “Explain yourself, right this instant.”
I’m shaking my head as I unscrew a Pellegrino. “No. Nothing to explain.”
“Liar, I saw your face. You are a sh—horrible liar.” She looks down at Matteo. “Don’t do it. I know he’s attractive, downright beautiful even, but it’s a road of hurt you’ll be traveling down. The worst idea you’ve ever had.”
“Oh my god, you are way too negative. This is why I’m not telling you crap. Nope, not saying a word.”
“Really, not a word? Even though I made you cheesecake, one for all of us and one to take with you? But if you aren’t going to tell me, then I’m keeping the one I made for you.”
“You can be such a—” Matteo pats my leg for me to pick him up. “a witch. Whatever. It’s better I don’t have cheesecake. I don’t want the calories.” All I can think of is the cellulite on my thighs.
A smack on my arm has me yelping. “Seriously? I don’t remember us being abused as kids. What is it with you and communicating with your fists, you witch?”
“You were thinking stupid crap about your weight, I could see it. Don’t go thinking it. I told you before, Dante likes women with curves.”
“Even curves with cellulite?”
Her brown eyes roll. “Even thin women have cellulite on their thighs. You didn’t know?”
“How would I? I’ve watched a few porn flicks, but I don’t really pay attention to the chicks. Really?”
“Yes, really.” Cesare comes in from outside.
“Came to get Matteo, Enzo’s talking kids again. I decided he needs a reality check. You doing okay, Bethany?”
“I’m good.”