Page 50 of Highball and Chain

“Two that I can think of, and I don’t mean Nicolina.” She glanced away.

Dahlia turned to me. “The Marchionnis aren’t like regular men. They’re complicated.”

Nodding, Jessie pressed her lips together.

“Understatement of the year.” I wanted the conversation to end.

Unfortunately, Dahlia had more to say. “Even if they aren’t involved with another woman, they aren’t exactly free to do what they want.”

Did Leo tell her about the family business?“I know, Dahl. Believe me, I know.” I stared, waiting and hoping she’d let something slip.

She waved her hand as if to erase the topic. “Don’t mind me. I’m worried about Leo and putting all my crap on you.”

A good friend would have comforted her, but I couldn’t do that. Not when it meant running the risk of saying more than I should or asking the wrong questions. I hated keeping secrets from her.

One more reason I should run far and fast from Enzo, but I can’t. Truth be told, I’m in way too deep.

As if on cue, he returned and took my bag. “We need to buckle in for takeoff. Come sit with me.”

Two things I hated about flying—leaving the ground and returning. I plopped down next to him and fastened my seatbelt, pulled the strap as tight as it would go, and double checked it.

He lifted a brow and grinned as if amused.

“I hate takeoffs and landings.” The plane rolled forward, and I gripped the armrests.

Enzo cupped my cheek and turned my face toward his. “It’s mind over matter.”

“You don’t mind and I don’t matter?”

As the plane picked up speed, he leaned in and kissed me like he meant it. Dahlia said something, but between Enzo’s tongue tangoing with mine, and the roar of the engines, I couldn’t hear her.

Enzo continued to lick and suck and nibble my lips until our ascent slowed. Grinning, he eased back. “Ready for bed?”

“Sure.” I could practically feel the heat of his stare boring into my backside as I walked to the master suite. One glance over my shoulder confirmed my suspicions. Not only did I catch him in the act, he gave me an unapologetic wink.

“There’s a private bathroom with a shower. You can go first.” He lowered his voice. “Or we could share.”

Is he propositioning me? Why, yes, I believe he is.My heart did a happy dance, but my brain turned off the music. “I think I’ll wait until we are on the ground to shower.”

Meeting my eyes, he said, “Why do I get the feeling you’re having second thoughts about being in here with me?”

“Because I’m not the only one who pays attention.” I itched to touch him, but Dahlia’s warning played through my head. “I don’t know what this is between us.”

“We’re friends, but a little sex never hurt anyone.”

“You might want to ask Maggie and Gabe the complications a little sex can cause.” I bypassed the bathroom. A bed wasn’t much better than a shower, but sleeping didn’t require nudity. “I need a nap.”

Enzo’s face fell.

He’d propositioned me all right, but he’d used friends in the same sentence. I should have felt relieved—after all, I was an unemployed wannabe PI. I didn’t have a lot to bring into a relationship. However, that didn’t stop me from teetering on the edge of seriously falling for him.

How awkward would that be?My best friend was married to his brother. It’s not like I could ghost him—like he had me.

I kicked off my shoes and flopped onto the bed.

“Would you like some company? Or should I go back into the main cabin?”

“Like I told Dahlia. I’m a grown woman. I can sleep beside you without accidentally rolling over and impaling myself on your penis.”

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