Page 85 of Captivated

“You’re welcome,piccante.” My lips brush against hers with my words, and I plant soft kisses all along her bottom lip, from left to right. “Now, I’m almost done with dinner. Open a bottle of wine and relax until it’s ready.”

“Thank you.” She lifts up on her toes and fully wraps her arms around my neck, squeezing me in a tight hug.

She’s the most precious thing I’ll ever hold in my arms, and I reluctantly let her go when I hear my sauce bubbling and need to stir it.

After spending the rest of the weekend in the city, it wasn’t until I realized I had to drive her back home for classes that it hit me we live in two different fucking cities. So, I packed another suitcase and told her I’d be staying with her until she graduates, and that I’ll just travel back and forth for work when needed.

“How were your classes?”

She sighs. “Fine. I can’t wait to be done.”

“Me too. Then I can fuck you morning, noon, and night without worrying I’m too much of a distraction from your schoolwork.”

I was only semi-joking, but Cassie bursts out laughing. A beautiful sound that has me staring at her with a smile on my face. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.

“That’d be way too much, Nico.” She chuckles, taking a sip of wine. “But I like where your head is at.”

“My other head would like to be in the same place,” I quip, throwing her a wink before turning the stove off and covering the saucepan.

“Nico!” she squeals all cute, laughing. “You know, you’re really good at that. You can turn anything dirty, and I love it.”

I swoop in and kiss the side of her neck with an onslaught of pecks until she’s giggling and squirming away.

With the mess of her brother and the McLaughlins behind us, I just want to see her happy and free from the pressures of everything. I want to love her like she deserves.

“You’re playful tonight,” she says, smiling up at me.

“How could I not be? I’ve got everything I need right in front of me,” I tell her, and she gasps in a short breath right before my lips meet hers, and I give her the slow, take my time to savor her, kiss that has her eyes hazy and filled with wonder. “Let me finish dinner.”

Cassie gives me a small nod, and I go back to the stove to test if the pasta is soft yet. I drain it and take the meatballs from the oven.

I make the both of us a plate, and when I place one in front of Cassie, she smiles. “Spaghetti and meatballs. Isn’t this a cliché meal for you to make me?” she teases, twirling her pasta around her fork.

“A little, but it’s my nonna’s recipe and I wanted you well fed and happy when I ask you something.”

Her fork freezes midway to her mouth and she brings it back down to her plate. “What is it?”

“Nothing to panic about,piccante.”

“Then don’t phrase it like that. What is it?”

“I was wondering if you’d come to Sunday dinner with me next week to meet the rest of my family.”

“Really?” she asks, a look I haven’t seen in her eyes taking over.

“Yes, really. I want you to meet my mom. I know she’ll love you. My sister, too. If you can go up against Stef with your death glare and mouth off to Leo, then you’re golden, baby.”

“Oh,” she breathes, her cheeks staining pink like she’s retroactively embarrassed for both. “Then I…I’d love to meet your family.”

“And Lexi will be there too, I’m sure. So you’ll have her.”

She perks up immediately. “Okay. I can charm the shit out of everyone, don’t worry.”

“Not necessary. Just be yourself.”

Her smile falls. “Are you saying my usual self isn’t charming?”

“Fuck, I didn’t mean that,” I say quickly. “I meant, just be yourself. You don’t have to try and be someone you think they’ll like. You’re enough. You’re more than enough.”

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