Page 22 of Remember That Time

"No, I'm actually flying out to Seattle to see my family this weekend."

Disappointment weighed heavy on me, but I understood Gianni's desire to see his family. From what I could recall, they were a pretty close-knit family.

"When you get back then."

"Sounds like a plan," Gianni replied.

I certainly thought so.

I was going to keep pursuing Gianni until I figured out what fascinated me about him. It wasn't his looks, although he was exceptionally beautiful. And I wasn't sure it was his intellect either, although that was far superior to most people I'd met. There was just something about Gianni that grabbed my attention and held onto it with a vice grip.

"Why don't you give me a call when you get back and we can plan something?"

"I will," Gianni replied. "I'll only be gone for the weekend."

"Do you need a ride?" I asked. "I have my jet on standby."

I'd fly him out myself if I had to.

Yes, I had a pilot's license.

"No, but thank you for the offer. My father is sending a plane for me."

We talked until the sun had set before Gianni said he had to go so he could get some rest. I hated hanging up. I was enjoying our conversation, but I understood the need for a goodnight's sleep.

I needed some myself.

"I'd better let you go so you can get some sleep," I told Gianni. "Call me when you get back." Instant distaste filled me at the idea of not hearing from Gianni for so long. "Call me if you just want to talk."

Gianni's chuckle rumbled through the phone. "I will."

"Okay, goodnight, Gianni."

"Nite, Janos."

I loved hearing my name on his lips.

I reluctantly hung up, but it was for the best. Right now, Gianni thought of us as merely friends, and that was okay. A good solid friendship would give us a foundation to build something else on.

After eating dinner, I looked over a few files that I needed for tomorrow, took a shower, and then headed for bed.

Unfortunately, morning came way too quickly.

I tried not to groan in protest and toss the alarm clock across the room. Instead, I slapped it to give myself ten more minutes.

When it went off again, I slapped it again, this time shutting it off. I'd taken a shower the night before and I probably should again, but I was just too damn tired. If I didn't have an important merger meeting later this afternoon, I'd take the day off and go back to sleep.

I sighed as I rolled to the side of the bed and then sat up. I rubbed both hands over my face before briefly glancing around my room. I glanced at my bed with longing as I got up and went to the bathroom to start my day.

Vasso was waiting for me when I walked out of the bedroom, a cup of coffee and the morning's newspaper in his hand. "Lester called this morning, sir. He wished you to call him before you leave for work."

Damn.

"Thank you, Vasso," I stated as I grabbed the coffee cup and then took a big gulp. I grabbed the paper and made my way out to the patio. As soon as I sat down, I dialed Lester. He usually didn't call before I reached my office so it must be important.

"Good morning, sir," Lester said as soon as the line connected. "Sorry to bother you before you left for work, but I wanted to remind you to bring the De Luca file with you. It should be on your desk, sir."

I vaguely remembered going over it the night before. "Any reason?"

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