Page 52 of Pucking Tangled
Luca’s cheeks flushed. “Let me get this cleaned up, and I’ll bring out the crème brûlée.”
“Tell me you didn’t make that yourself, too.”
“I can’t take credit for that, MiaMoo. I did pick it up from your favorite place, though.”
Mia’s heart did a little backflip as she stood and picked up her plate.
He shook his head and took the dishes from her. “I’ve got this. Tonight’s about you. You do so much for everyone else. I want you to relax and let me take care of you for once.”
“Luca,” she put her hand on his arm. “I think we both know where this is going to lead tonight.”
His breath hitched, and he quickly sat things back on the table so he could take her hands in his. “I sure hope so.” He flashed that shy smile that burned a spot right into Mia’s soul.
“Remember when you told me that you wanted your first time to be special? For it to be with the right person. To mean something.”
“Haven’t stopped thinking about that night,” he confessed.
“I want that moment with you, Luca. If you’ll have me. That’s what I want. But, there’s somethingIneed to say first. Before this goes any further.”
“Sounds ominous,” he joked, though she could tell he was nervous. He moved his hands to her waist and pulled her closer. “Whatever you need to say, I’m listening.”
Mia sighed. This man was really too good to be true.
She hoped when she told him the truth that he wouldn’t change his mind or end up hating her.
“I want you to know that when I tell you this, it’s because I care about you. Because I want you to make an informed decision about what happens next. Okay?”
Luca nodded. “Okay.”
“I can’t promise you that this thing between us will only ever be just you and me, Luca. I feel something for the others, too. I don’t ever want to lie to you about that.”
His jaw clenched for a beat, something she couldn’t ever recall seeing him do before. “I know,” his voice cracked.
“You know?” she whispered.
“I’ve known from the very beginning. How could I not? I see the way they all look at you. The way you look at each of them.” He swallowed. “I never expected to be the only one you wanted. I just wanted a fair chance.”
Mia wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him, resting her head on his chest. He was so…so much more than she ever expected. It would be so easy to give her heart to him, completely.
“I’ve never done anything like this. The whole sharing part, I mean. I don’t know what that looks like or how that plays out. For all I know, they’re not interested anymore. Who can tell at this point?”
Luca smirked. “MiaMoo, they’re interested.”
“They are?” Her brows scrunched in confusion. “Could have fooled me. They’ve all been acting so weird lately. Well, weirder than usual.”
They both laughed, then he gave her a crooked smile. “I’ve obviously never shared anyone like that before either. You’d be the first for me in so many ways. But, Mia, I’m not willing to lose any chance to be with you. If that means that one day I have to share you with them…then I’ll deal with it when it happens. This moment right here,” he motioned between them, “this is ours.Mine.”
Emotions swelled in her chest, and tears threatened to fall. The way he looked at her right now, so vulnerable. Terrified and willing. Mia felt like a piece of her was about to shatter.
“Then I think it’s time you took me to bed, Luca.”
He quickly glanced at the mess left over from dinner.
“That will still be here in the morning,” Mia assured him.
“The morning, huh?” He raised a brow, his confidence seeming to rise.
“I plan on keeping you to myself for as long as I can.”
