Page 66 of Empire of Temptation

I considered kicking him under the table. “Stop. Our Italian-American culture has become something that is ours, not yours. I’m sorry if that offends you, but take it up with the millions of immigrants who moved to this country in the 19thand 20thcenturies.”

Gianna began chuckling. “Oh, I like her. I have to remember that the next time I get a craving for spaghetti and meatballs.”

“Also not Italian,” I mimicked in a deep Italian-accented voice.

Gianna laughed loudly and even Enzo cracked a smile. Luca didn’t smile, but the warmth in his eyes wrapped around me like a soft blanket. I tried not to blush under his attention and wished that I could kiss him again.

The conversation flowed easily from there. I learned that Gianna was from Toronto, but split her time between Naples and New York. She had a sister who lived in Sicily and another in Siderno, and apack of nieces and nephews. And there was now a large diamond ring and wedding band on her ring finger, which I hadn’t noticed before.

“Were you wearing your rings earlier? I feel like I would have noticed them.”

She wiggled her fingers, admiring the giant stone. “No, I never wear them when I’m working. The stone gets caught on the fabric.”

“It’s absolutely gorgeous. But aren’t you worried you’ll, I don’t know, lose them or something?” I kept all my mom’s jewelry in a safety deposit box at the bank. My house was way too messy and I was never home to organize it.

Gianna shrugged. “If I did, I’d make him buy me another one, I guess. I never really worry about it.”

Oh. Wow, I felt stupid. Of course she wouldn’t worry. A man like Enzo could no doubt afford a hundred diamonds just like that one. This was a woman whodefinitelydidn’t buy her clothes from social media ads or live off ramen so she could afford to pay her staff during a lean week. She was gorgeous and stylish and rich—the complete opposite of me. What the hell was I even doing here?

Our food arrived, thank god, so at least I could focus on chicken parm instead of me. The portion was decent, though I could’ve used a bit more melted cheese on top. I tasted the sauce first. It was good, but a little sweet. I cut up a bit of chicken and ate it. It was the right thickness, but the breading was a tad soggy. My next bite I put all the components together and it wasn’t bad. Nowhere near as good as my grandfather’s recipe, though.

“Allora, Valentina,” Luca said, gesturing to my plate. “What is the verdict?”

I realized everyone was watching me and I tried for a careless shrug I definitely didn’t feel. “Nice. I wouldn’t order it again, but it’s not terrible. Mine is better.”

That made Gianna and Luca laugh, then Luca forked up a bite of pasta and held it up to me. “Try this.”

I opened my mouth and eased forward, scraping the tines withmy teeth. Heat and spices exploded on my tongue. “Wow, that’s really good.”

“Of course it is.”

“Not as good as the pasta dish you make, though.”

Gianna set down her wine glass with a thud. “Wait a minute. Lucacooks?” She glanced over at D’Agostino. “Wow. You better step up your game, marito.”

“Mygame,” D’Agostino replied smugly, “seemed to satisfy you enough on the ride down.”

Gianna laughed, then leaned over to kiss his cheek. These two were adorable, in a weird enemies-to-lovers kind of way. They probably fought all the time, but made up just as passionately.

I gave all my attention to my dinner. Gianna did the same, which made sense after the rings conversation. She probably thought I was a small-town bumpkin with no business on the arm of a man like Luca. The opinion wasn’t altogether wrong, either.

When I couldn’t eat any more, I decided to escape to the ladies’ room. I scooted my chair back. “Excuse me.”

Luca, because he was classy and older, also stood and helped me out of my chair. “Everything all right?”

“Yes. I just need to visit the ladies’ room.”

“Oh, good idea.” Gianna eased out of her chair, as well. “I’ll come with.”

I couldn’t very well refuse, so I started toward the back of the restaurant. I found the ladies’ room and went inside, then held the door for Gianna. We both used the toilet, flushed, and came out to wash our hands. Then she leaned against one of the sinks. “Okay, spill.”

“About what?”

“You and Luca. I need details. How long have you been together?”

I paused, paper towel in my hand. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to tell anyone the truth, but Luca hadn’t told me to lie, either. Besides, my lying skills were terrible. If Luca didn’t like it, too bad. “We’re not together. It’s true what I said. He came into the restaurant to eat a few nights ago. I’ve seen him a few times, but it’s not serious.”

Gianna’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose. “Please. That kiss when we first walked in? That was a we-are-very-serious type kiss.”

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