Page 38 of Giovanni
Her voice pulls me back from my thoughts, and I realize I’ve been lost in reflection.
“Yeah, I’m more than okay. Just thinking about how nice it is to have you here to share this evening.”
Kacie returns the smile, a look of warmth in her emerald eyes as she sits at the table.
“It’s lovely to be here,” she says. “Your place always feels so welcoming, like a haven from everything else.”
“You called it a cocoon.”
“I did. It is.”
I light the candles again before serving the dinner, plating it for us. The aroma of the food, the candlelight flickers between us, and the soft music adds to the cozy atmosphere.
“As for work,” I continue, answering her earlier question. “I spent the day training clients and got in a good workout myself. I want to compile a list of competitions to enter leading up to Mr. Olympia in the fall. It’s something I’ve been putting off, but with you needing to work, we can do it on the couch together.”
The relief that coats her expression says it all.
“That would be lovely. You’re the most handsome colleague I’ve ever had.”
The jealous streak from before is back when she says it.
“Tell me about this Ethan guy. I sense some competition.”
Her loud laughter bursts from her, reminding me of Seb. She clutches her chest while shaking her head.
“Ethan? Oh, Giovanni, there’s no competition there. He’s married,with kids.”
Married with kids doesn’t stop some guys I see at the gym bragging about their side pieces. But I appreciate her naiveté that marriage vows are always honored. Her reassurance eases the irrational flicker of jealousy that momentarily flares up in me. I realize how silly my concern must seem to her.
“I guess I don’t have to flex my muscles to scare him off then.”
“No flexing necessary. You’re the only one I’m interested in.”
“Good. I have to say, planning this evening for us was the highlight of my day.”
“This is just wonderful. No one has ever done anything like this for me. And the flowers . . . those were lovely too. Thank you, Giovanni.”
Her hand finds mine on the table, giving it a light squeeze before releasing it. My heart leaps in my chest. She appreciates all the little things I do for her, bringing me a sense of pride and fulfillment that’s hard to describe.
“You’re welcome, Kacie. It’s really nothing compared to how I feel about you.”
I mean every word—doing something special for her feels as rewarding for me as it does for her.
“How do you feel?”
She sets her fork on her plate and leans forward. The softness in her expression makes me want to blurb it out.
“Well, I guess I’m trying to say that you’ve become a very important part of my life quicker than I expected. I feel this strong connection with you, something that’s hard to put into words.”
“It’s like every time we’re together, everything just feels right. You understand me in a way that no one else does. It’s more than just attraction. It’s like we’re in tune with each other.”
I fight the urge to drag her chair over to mine and set her on my lap.
“I feel the same way, Giovanni. It’s not just about the fun times we have. It’s the conversations, the way we can be ourselves around each other. It’s rare to find someone you can connect with on so many levels.”
“Exactly. And it’s happening so fast. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. But then, that’s why I wanted to make tonight special. To show you how much I appreciate you and enjoy being with you.”
“It has been quick. However, that doesn’t diminish your feelings. You’ve already shown me in so many ways, Giovanni.Just being here with you, sharing these moments, it’s special to me too.”
