Page 52 of Giovanni
Her eyebrows draw together, and a hand moves to block the sun from its glare.
“You were rather quiet during our workout, especially after all that sexy talk in the hallway.”
I look away at the jet fuel lines crisscrossing the sky. How do I admit I missed her last night after knowing her for a week? It screams of desperation and comes off as a little clingy. How do I tell her I had my hopes crushed at the last-minute cancellation that was not her fault and was far more important?
It all sounds selfish in my head when I go through the reasons. Not to mention my physical response to her, dealing with a raging hard on with every squat or walking lunge that she did, it took all my concentration to will it to go down, especially with other women around that quickly notice that kind of stuff.
“Giovanni?” Her hand is light on my arm, the cadence filled with worry. “Are we okay?”
I turn to her, meeting her worried gaze and drawing her close, not carrying what my boss might think or say.
“We’re more than okay, Kac. I’m just being a baby because I missed you,” I admit, putting my pride aside to douse her worries as they are more important than my idiotic feelings. “I know it’s all fast, and I shouldn’t feel this way, but . . .”
I shrug, hoping that communicates the rest. Her dazzling smile is fast and efficient in its delivery while her hand tightens on my arm, the nails pressing in slightly.
“Please don’t think that way. I was feeling the same last night. I’m sorry if my responses were brief, but the office was absolutely chaotic, and I was surrounded by people almost the entire evening. I was so exhausted when I finally got home that I collapsed into bed. I didn’t even have the energy to take off my makeup.”
I can’t decide if I dislike her explaining this to me because she shouldn’t have to justify herself to anyone. Or if I love that she’s so open and honest, feeling the same as I do.
I don’t know what to say, so I hug her instead. Her head tucks under my chin, her hair caressing my neck when she rests her cheek against my chest. I love the feeling of her in my arms. All those curves she worries about and frowns at are my absolute favorite, and I need to make it a point to demonstrate that more.
“Are you still spending the night?”
A wave of insecurities ripples through me. My confidence is a little shaken by the understandable but sudden cancellation. I’m cautiously eager for the surprise I have in store for her. The idea came to me when we were working on my business plan, which is entirely unrelated topic-wise. When she leaned back and stared at the large industry fan anchored to the ceiling, I knew exactly what I wanted to do to make our first sleepover memorable.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She shifts in my arms, breaking me out of my thoughts, and I lose my grip on her.
“Okay, I’ll pick you up at 7 pm.”
I dip my head to sneak a kiss in, which she doesn’t return since I’m in and out faster than she can respond.
“And dress casually.”
Her eyebrows furrow as if I told her to wear a ball gown or something.
“How casually?”
She looks down at her baggy t-shirt and sweatpants, which would be okay with what I have planned. However, knowing she worries about her appearance far more than she should, I provide her with the best answer possible.
“Hmm, trying to get a hint from me, are ya?”
I tickle her ribs, and the worried brow disappears into laughter as she attempts to dodge my fingers. When she grabs both hands to hold in hers, I’m enamored by the easygoing humor we share.
“Okay, okay. Um, it’s going to be outside, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll be doing some walking.”
Kacie tilts her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she contemplates this information. I squeeze her hands reassuringly before she lets go.
“Don’t waste your time guessing. You’ll never get it,” I taunt, knowing we both enjoy the little surprises I dole out for her. “I got to get back inside. See you in a little while.”
Leaning in, I give her a few more affectionate kisses, followed by a playful smack on her butt. Her reaction is immediate, howling with laughter, a sound I’m starting to like more and more. With a final chuckle, she starts to walk away. I watch her momentarily, appreciating her easygoing nature and how things are progressing with us.
The rest of the day flies by as my clients stream in and out at designated times. I accidentally cut my prep time short by saying 7 pm, which only gives me half an hour to drive home, get ready and be at her place. We trade texts the whole time, and when I mention being a few minutes late, she suggests meeting me at the curb. It’s not very chivalrous of me not to pick her up at her front door, but I don’t argue. After all, it’s about what makesher comfortable, and I appreciate her understanding of the time crunch.
“Is this okay?” Kacie asks when I greet her with a kiss on her cheek on the curb and take her overnight bag to put in the backseat of my truck.
She’s bundled in all black, even down to her boots—her red headband holds a hint of color aside from the nude shimmer on her lips, which immediately draws my attention.
