Page 37 of Giorgio

“What are the most popular sports in Italy?”

Lifting the silver covers, he sniffed appreciatively before responding. “Football, we are big about the game. Then there is basketball, volleyball, motor sports, tennis, rugby, and skiing, among others.”

“How many do you play?” She was enjoying the date and was hoping it would never end. It never occurred to her that she was slowly falling in love with him and even if she did, she was determined not to examine it too closely.

“Most.” He said briefly, handing her a plate of succulent looking pizza. “Tell me what you think?”

Tearing off a slice, she took a small bite, her eyes widening as she chewed and savored.

“Okay, I don’t remember what pizza tastes like in my country, but I am pretty sure it is nothing like this.” She peered at the deep dish with several slices. “I am afraid this is only for me.

You are going to have to call the kitchen and ask them to send up some more for you.” She pulled the bowl towards her and hugged it possessively, causing him to laugh.

“No need for that. I much prefer the risotto anyway.”

“Everything looks so good and the view!” She turned her head to stare out at the floodlights turning everything silver.

He poured the wine and handed her a glass, content to simply watch her. She had unfolded her napkin and spread it over her lap, but she ignored the utensils and was eating with her fingers. He loved that she was so unselfconscious around him. And he did not have to pretend with her.

“Tell me about growing up here.”

Picking up his wineglass, he studied her beautiful face before looking over to where the water from the stream was picking up the light from the moon.

“We have horses,” he murmured.

“So, I was told. I have no idea if I can ride.”

“As soon as the cast is off, we will find out.” He promised. “I love the outdoors. We also have tennis and a basketball court. I would invite friends over during spring and summer and we would avail ourselves of the pool and the courts.

Mother loved throwing parties in the gardens,” his eyes flickered over the flowers blooming everywhere. “She also loved the outdoors.” A smile touched his sensuous lips and sent heat shimmering inside her tummy. “She would insist on having tea inside the gazebo and dragged me along with her.”

“You miss her.”

He nodded. “She was beautiful and full of life and laughter.” He was about to say – ‘like you’ but stopped just in time. “She was the life of every party and was a whiz at entertaining. Papa would call at the last minute to tell her that he had some guests fromout of town and she would have no problem putting something together.”

“You look like her.”

“So, I am told.”

“She was an exceptionally beautiful woman.”

“Inside and out.” He pointed to her pizza. “It’s getting cold.”

“Oh.” She laughed softly. “It is your fault for making everything sound so interesting. What about friends?”

He dug into his meal. “What about them?”

“I am sure you were the most popular person in high school and college.”

“I don’t know about that, but yes, I was popular. My name is Russo, so naturally, people gravitated towards me.”

Her tapered brows lifted as she bit into her pizza. “Just your name? Not your face?”

“That too.” He grinned at her. “I don’t know if I can call them friends. We hung out together, I would have people over and a few times I would be invited over and be allowed to stay the night, but they mostly would come here.”

“Were your parents afraid you would be kidnapped?” She asked curiously.

“I guess that was part of it.”

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