Page 33 of Wild Ace

I may be crazy for thinking this, but Lexi is my girl. I want her to be the one who breaks the mold and defies normalcy with me.

She’s had my attention, my every waking thought, and even some of my dreams, since that first night.

I have this deep-seated need to help her, protect her, and be the one she comes to when she needs anything. But before she can put her trust in me to be that for her, I have to get her to come to me. Which has me needing to put my next part of the plan in motion. It’s going to be way past my level of crazy over-stepping because I want to see her again.

Me going to her and trying to convince her to give me any sort of chance isn’t the same as her coming to me.

Her coming to me is her entering my space willingly.

It’s her choice to look past what she thinks she knows to hopefully see the man I am.

Taking my phone out, I make a call and arrange what I need for my next step.

Lexi is going to hate it, which means I’ll finally see my girl again. And soon.

Chapter 12

Lexi

Pulling up to the deli, I smile at the new look. The windows are gleaming and clear, and the new black awning and white wooden sign above it with Manzato’s Delicatessen written in black script across it makes the whole place look like new.

I can’t lie and say I hate it like I want to because they were all ploys from Vinny, and I hate that he’s won a little of my good graces because of it. Especially when I saw how much nonno loved it.

I’m sure as hell not telling him it’s all courtesy of Vinny, though. I don’t want him getting any ideas with whatever Vinny and I are, or aren’t. I have too many ideas of my own already.

I keep reliving our kiss in his office with his hands on me, and I keep imagining what it would’ve been like if I didn’t stop him and run away. What it would’ve felt like to have his hands all over me, with his mouth not far behind.

I’ve only been with a handful of guys, but none of them were memorable enough to keep me up at night replaying what we did and dreaming of when I’d see them next. And I slept with those guys. I’ve only kissed Vinny. That just has me knowing sex with Vinny would wreck me, and I’ve never wanted to be destroyed more than I do by Vinny Carfano.

I drive around the building and park in the rear lot next to my nonno’s old pickup.

I walk inside and stop short when I see him sitting at one of the tables with a woman who has a binder out between them. She’s quite beautiful, with her light brown hair tied in a low ponytail with a few pieces kept out to frame her face, and very put together in navy dress pants and a white blouse.

“Morning, nonno,” I greet, and he looks up with a big grin.

“Morning, Alexis. I’ve been talking with Lindsay here about updates. Have a seat.”

“Hi, Alexis.” She stands and shakes my hand. “I’m Lindsay. I’m here to discuss the interior.”

“Of?”

“The deli.”

“Did you not set this up, Alexis?” Nonno asks, eyeing me.

“No, I didn’t. Did he send you?” I direct at Lindsay.

“Did who send her?” Nonno inquires, looking between Lindsay and I.

“Yes, Mr. Carfano set this up. Is there a problem?” Worry etches her face, not understanding my hesitance.

“Why would Vincenzo send you to talk about updates to my deli?”

Dammit.

“He’s trying to get my attention, nonno. That’s it.”

He studies me for a beat. “Oh, I see. I told you he was a good man, Alexis.”

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