Page 55 of Game Changer

I’ve only had one-night stands since my last relationship ended. That wasn’t by chance. I wanted it that way because they provided me with no strings-attached-fun and the ability to forget the man within days of the encounter.

I’m not sure I’ll ever forget William, especially after what he just said to me.

“Done fucking you tonight,” he clarifies. “I’ll eventually let you leave, but that won’t happen for hours.”

This is the point where I should tell him that I need this to be a one time thing, but before I can get the words in order in my mind to say them to him, his fingers stroke my forearm. “I’ll top up your wine and get you a slice.”

I inch forward a touch on the stool as a silent signal that I want more than wine and pizza right now.

He reads my mind.

He leans down and brushes his lips against mine. “I’m glad you’re here, Opal.”

“Me too,” I whisper just as he pulls away. “Me too.”

33

Opal

I quickly atetwo slices of the delicious pepperoni pizza that William made for us. After watching him craft the dough from scratch right before he made his own tomato sauce, I told him that I thought there was a chance his pizza might rank a close second behind Franzini’s offerings. I was wrong. I’ve sampled both, and I can declare, without an ounce of hesitation, that William should launch his own pizza enterprise. The pizza he made me is the best I’ve ever tasted.

This apartment isn’t the ideal location because it’s too close to Franzini’s, and most New Yorkers will not change their minds about certain things, including their preferred neighborhood pizza.

There just so happens to be an empty storefront a block from Turquoise Crown, so I decide to point out the potential for a side hustle in a way that I hope won’t inflate his ego too much. “There’s a vacant space around the corner from my bar that could be transformed into a take-out pizza place if your current career doesn’t pan out.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” His eyes brighten as a slow smile spreads over his lips.

I eye him suspiciously, trying desperately not to crack a smile of my own. “What do you think I’m saying?”

“That this is the best pizza you’ve ever had.” He frames it as a statement. “You’re admitting that I’m better than Elio Franzini.”

“Better in what way?” I tease. “Are you talking about your pizza-making abilities, or is this strictly a looks thing?”

Even before Posey showed me a picture of her and her two brothers, I knew what Elio Franzini looked like. Many of the patrons of his restaurant ask for selfies with the dark-haired, tattooed chef. Those are all over social media, so it’s almost impossible not to notice how handsome he is.

William’s eyes narrow. “You think Elio is hot?”

I shrug a shoulder and sigh for added dramatic effect as I tap my index finger against my chin. “Everyone thinks Elio Franzini is hot.”

His lips twitch as he holds in a grin. “Good to know.”

I study him, shocked by his reaction. Many men would sulk after hearing the woman they’re having dinner with comment on how hot another guy is, but William is taking it all in stride.

His confidence level is off the charts.

He takes a sip from his glass of wine. “I’m glad you liked the pizza, Opal.”

“It was really good,” I admit, eyeing what’s left of my half. “What else can you cook?”

“If you can name it, I can cook it.” There’s not a hint of smugness in his tone.

The desire to list the names of a host of complicated dishes is there, but this dinner is a one time thing. I ate the pizza, I’ll sleep with the man, and then we’ll part ways. Falling into anything beyond that with him will only result in pain for me.

I can’t become attached to a man again, not after what happened the last time I served my heart to a guy on a silver platter. He handed it right back to me in a million broken pieces.

“For some reason, I believe you,” I say softly.

Something flashes across his expression. It’s quick, but it steals his grin away for a split second. When his gaze finds mine again, he’s regained his composure. “Good, because I would never lie about my abilities in the kitchen.”

---