Page 18 of Summer Waves

“I’m… I’m not trying to scare you off. I swear,” I sighed heavily.

“Am I your girlfriend, Giovanni?” she teased, making me roll my eyes and laugh.

The look in her eyes and the tone in her voice gave me confidence and hope.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’d like you to be my girlfriend.”

“Are you sure?” I mean…” she took a deep breath. “You can have any woman you want, Giovanni.” Her words were faint and her eyes looked away from me.

“Hey,” I said softly and tipped her chin up gently with my fingers. When she finally looked at me, I smiled. “You’re the only woman I want and need. Okay?”

“But you can have--” I stopped her words with a quick kiss to her lips. She giggled. “I’m being serious. You can have--”

This time I placed one hand on the back of her neck and pulled her towards me. Then I kissed her with every ounce of my being.

Bethany’s arms wrapped around my waist. She pulled me closer to her. My tongue greedily explored her mouth. I needed her to feel my emotions. I needed her to know that I desired her and only her.

If time had allowed it, I would have kissed her forever. However, the oven’s timer going off reminded me of the chicken in the oven.

“Ugh,” I groaned as I ended our kiss and pressed my forehead against hers.

“Always something,” Bethany giggled.

“So it seems.” My voice was coated in annoyance. “Sorry. I’m not trying to ruin our date.” I sighed heavily.

“I know.” She looked up at me and smiled. “Now go check on the food before you burn your house down.”

“Fine,” I sighed dramatically. “But you’re coming with me.”

I held out my hand. She looked down at my hand and then smiled up at me before placing her hand in mine. She softly squeezed my hand.

“I’m really glad you invited me over,” she whispered.

“Me too,” I smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. “Me too”

Chapter Nine

Bethany

Giovanni had truly worked his magic and then some on dinner. Every bite had been perfection. Dessert was a cheesecake that made me melt on the inside.

“What are you thinking about, beautiful?” Giovanni’s question pulled me from my thoughts.

He set two glasses of wine on the coffee table and then sat next to me on the couch. He turned and faced me.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked. “Something wrong?”

“Heavens no,” I smiled. “Everything is perfect. So perfect.”

“But…” Giovanni prompted me. I turned slightly so that I was facing him and then I held his hand.

“There isn’t abut, Giovanni.”

“Are you sure?” he stroked his thumb across the top of my knuckles.

“A thousand percent.” I gave him a reassuring smile.

My heart raced as I debated on continuing with my words. A lot had been heavy on my mind. I wanted to be open and honest with Giovanni but fear had me questioning and doubting if I should tell him everything on my mind.

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