Page 91 of Casanova LLC

The evening sun is fading now.

But her work is never done.

With waiting breath and open hands.

She daydreams he would be her man.

And take her far away to lands.

Where fires burn and flames are fanned. Then the chorus goes: Because I want to be with you forever.

Because I want to be with you right now. And on and on.”

“It’s lovely.”

He scooted forward and put his arms around me, reaching my back. “I don’t think I’ve ever said the words. It’s kind of strange.”

“Is there more?”

“One more verse… An open heart so full of joy.

And capable of caring for

A gentle man with gentle hands.

To hold her close and take her in.

If she could wake up in his arms.

And whisper words that never end.

There’d be no fear,

There’d be no shame.

Again my love, again, again.” He paused. “That’s mostly it. I mean, there’s more of the chorus, but that’s the heart of it.”

We were silent now as he ran the loofah over my back, as the lyrics spun around in my head. “Would you write it down for me?”

“The song?”

“No, the preamble to the constitution.”

He snorted. “I’ve never had anyone ask for it.” He set the sponge down and returned with his hands. I sighed. “Enjoying the bath?”

“Oh yes.”

One hand disappeared into the water between us. His fingers teased at me. “Let me make it right.”

“What?”

“Last night.” He began spreading me. “I owe you.”

I readjusted myself and gently moved his hand away. “No, you don’t, Alessandro.”

“I don’t want you to feel cheated.”

I put my arms around his neck and slid my legs around his waist, bringing us flush. He was soft. I made sure he was looking in my eyes when I said, “There is nothing for you to make up for. That was the hottest fucking night of my life.”

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