Page 73 of Giorgio

“How do you feel about opening a second store in our building?” He asked her after spending an entire day at the store with her. Every female who came inside the store that day was so flustered, it took them some time to get over him being there.

And he charmed every one of them, but it was clear that he was completely devoted to his fiancée. He had a ring flown over from one of their stores, a stunning square cut diamond that he placed on her finger one night they were having dinner, with her brother in his dining room.

“It’s now official.” He told her emotionally.

“Don’t they have tons of bookstores in Rome?”

“Not like yours.” They were both naked and flushed from an hour of lovemaking. He was insatiable where she was concerned and kept asking her if it was too much for her.

“Don’t stop.”

“Not like yours.” He had spent days watching her operate her business and his admiration for her had increased to enormous proportions. She had made a name for herself, and her approach was unique and amazing. Her ideas did not merely bridge the generational gap, it gave the women a sense of belonging.

“It would make a wonderful difference.”

“I will think about it.” She touched his face. Every night she would wake up wondering if she was dreaming and if he was really here with her. “I saw Sandy flirting with you.”

“I have to tell you that I am completely enamored with her.” He grinned at her, his hand on her abdomen as usual. He wasn’t ashamed or self-conscious about touching her.

In the store, he would come to her aid, if she wanted anything lifted and would kiss her in front of everyone. He made no secret of his commitment and people were buzzing about their love affair.

“She might be eighty years old, but I am prepared to fight for my man,” she warned.

“I think she is aware of that. That foolish ex of yours- “

Jeremy had stopped by the store and apologized to her, scurrying out at the fierce look he received from Giorgio.

“What about him?” She asked laughingly.

“I owe him a debt of gratitude,” he whispered against her mouth. “For failing to see what a treasure you are.”

Chapter 16

The months leading up to the wedding were a blur of activities. She was not allowed to do anything regarding the planning, because he and his dad were taking care of everything. They had their first major argument when she insisted on at least paying for her own dress.

“I have more than enough money to take care of everything.”

“That’s not the point.” She had argued back. “You gave me two million dollars and there is still most of that money sitting in the bank. The store is doing very well, and I want to at least have some sort of independence.”

“There is no need for that.” His arrogance was not surprising. Her fiancé was used to getting his own way, no questions asked.

She had tried arguing, but it was not working. Next, she tried reasoning with him.

Placing a hand on his chest, she softened her expression, her lips curved slightly. “I love that you want to take care of all the details, but I am asking you to let me take care of this one thing. Just this one and you and your dad can do everything else.”

He had stared into her dark brown eyes and felt as if he was drowning. It was uncanny that there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

She tied him up into knots. Whenever she was near, he could scarcely breathe and staying away from her was a chore. He made love to her every night and even though he told himself that once a night was enough because of her condition, he was never able to keep that promise.

She had a hold over him that was confounding.

“Alright.” He had turned away from her abruptly and made his way to the front of the store. He stayed away for most of the day, as if he was avoiding her. She thought he was upset because she had insisted on paying for her own dress, but later that night, he confessed the real reason.

“It’s the same for me.” She told him softly, her hurt and confusion disappearing at his explanation.

“It’s new for me.” He sighed against her mouth. Holding her in his arms, her naked body flushed against his, would elicit any secrets he had inside his heart.

“I have never felt this way before, and it frightens me sometimes. I keep thinking that you will wake up one morning and realize you have made a mistake.”

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