Page 223 of Come Back to Me

“Maybe we can visit Nonna this weekend?”

“Sounds good. I’ll text her and she can make sure there’s the special cannoli for you.”

“Now you’re just bribing me.”

“Is it working?”

“Yup.” With a quick kiss to my cheek, she murmurs, “Have a blast.”

“I will.”

She graces me with a wave before traipsing out of my room, Puddles following her. I smile at the sight, then pack my bag for the upcoming afternoon.

That done, I change my T-shirt to a blouse that has a deeper V-neck and spritz some perfume onto my pulse points.

Once I’m ready, I rush down the stairs at the back of the house because there are fewer chances of being spotted.

Though I see Rebecca, one of the housekeepers, she’s wearing earbuds so she doesn’t notice me.

When I’m outside, I round the building and find Cody waiting in his truck.

Slipping into the front seat isn’t an easy task because I could always use a leg up, but I manage it by launching myself into the passenger seat.

It doesn’t work.

“There has to be a more elegant way of doing that,” I grumble before I can fall out.

“Like waiting for me to hitch you up?” he teases, laughing as he grabs my arm and helps drag me deeper into the cab. “Jesus, Tee.”

I huff. “Let’s get out of here.” Then, I realize we’re alone. “Where’s Brogan?”

“Chilling with Floof.”

“Didn’t Colt ask why?”

“Nope.”

“Do you want to listen to my songs?” I query once we’re on the road.

“Sure.” He waves a hand at his dash. “Sync your phone when you’re ready.”

As we drive down the curving roads toward the city, I complete the sync then suck in a breath.

“What is it?”

“I’m nervous.”

He grabs my hand and tangles our fingers together on his knee. I shouldn’t like that as much as I do. “No need to be nervous.”

“Sure, there is.”

“No, there isn’t. I know I’ll love it.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Are we going to bicker about it the whole way there, or are you going to let me listen?”

I sniff but hit play.

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