Page 17 of Doll Face

“All asthma can be life threatening,” she said with a shrug. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s why my parents didn’t want me.”

He laid his hand palm up on the table. She glanced at it before placing her own on top. His fingers caressed her skin, sending jolts of pleasure up her arm. Butterflies fluttered from her belly to her heart, making it beat fast with excitement. She’d never met someone like him. His powerful aura took her breath away.

“I have something for you,” he murmured.

“What? You don’t have to get me anything.”

“I know.” He searched her eyes. “You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. So beautiful, inside and out.”

“Oh, Matteo. I don’t want this to sound like a cheesy line, but I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

“I don’t think that’s cheesy at all.” From his pocket he pulled out a small jewelry box and placed it in front of her. “As soon as I saw this, I had to get it for you, but I have no expectations. I would never do that to you. The gift is yours free and clear.”

Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the box and opened it. A gorgeous necklace twinkled up at her, the stone so rich in color it bordered between blue and green.

“Wow,” she breathed. “This is so beautiful.”

“It reminded me of you,” he murmured, reaching up to push some hair behind her ear. “It’s the exact color of your eyes, so I think it was made just for you.”

“This had to have cost you too much.” She bit her bottom lip. “I’m not worth this.”

“Believe me, I got it for a steal. Here, let me put it on you.”

He knelt by her chair and took the jewelry box, extracting the necklace and securing it around her neck. Macy reached up and touched it, staring him in the eyes.

“Thank you,” she said softly, then leaned forward to kiss him.

It was a completely impromptu reaction. Soft. Tantalizing. He cupped the back of her head to hold her against him. She opened her mouth on a gasp and he instantly took advantage. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, brushing against her own in an intoxicating caress. She lifted her hands to place on his shoulders, melting into the kiss, the entire world fading away.

When he finally pulled back, she still had her eyes closed, lost in the moment. Her limbs felt heavy, drugged out on pleasure. He ran his knuckles down her cheek and she lifted her eyelids.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” she replied, smiling.

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you for days.”

“That was my first.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’re first? Kiss?”

She nodded.

“Then I’m honored. How about I be your first and last kiss?”

She tilted her eyes in confusion. “What does that mean?”

“It means I want you to belong to me.”

“Like, as a girlfriend?”

“Exactly like that. If you’d like.”

Only sincerity reflected back in his gaze. It shocked her he wanted to be with a little nobody like her, but she couldn’t deny she wanted to be with him. She nodded, smiling shyly, and a grin spread over his face. He kissed the tip of her nose.

“Thank you, baby, for making me so happy. Now, let’s eat this delicious lunch.”

He winked at her and as soon as he sat back down, the server immediately placed the dishes in front of them. Matteo closed his eyes and bowed his head, saying a prayer under his breath. It surprised her he was religious. Once he was done and picked up his fork, Macy dug in, relishing the delicious flavors bursting over her tongue.

---