Page 115 of Highball and Chain

Shanna

The angerI’d expected to see in Enzo upstairs finally made an appearance. Unfortunately for me, I deserved it. I’d royally screwed up, but how was I supposed to know he’d refuse the offer to take over for Gabe?

Frustrated, and more than a little ashamed, I decided to play dumb. “I don’t get your reference. What do you mean, my cross?”

Enzo stood and walked around the desk. “I’m accusing you of pretending to be in love with another man to force my hand.”

Guilty as charged. “I didn’t want to force your hand. I wanted you to make your decision based on what was best for you.”

“You admit it, then?” He stopped inches in front of me but kept his arms at his sides. “You’re only pretending to be in love with Landry?”

I took a step back. “Why didn’t you agree to take Gabe’s position? He would have given it to you with or without you marrying Nico.”

“I don’t want it.” He pushed into my personal space again. “Don’t you get it? None of this means anything to me without you.”

“But…” My brain skipped like a broken record.

“No buts.” He cupped my cheek. “I’ve never said these words to a woman, besides my mother and Hildie…”

Oh my God. He’s freaking serious.

Staring into my eyes, Enzo whispered, “I love you.”

My entire body turned to warm goo. He loves me. A split second later, the reality of the situation barreled into me with the force of a cannon ball. He loves me.

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. “I’m no expert on the matter, but this is the part where you either break my heart or say it back.”

“I’m sorry.”

He lowered his hand and turned away.

Resting my hand on his arm, I waited until he met my gaze. “I’m sorry I lied to you about Jack. I thought I was making things easier for you.”

“By ripping my heart out through my balls?”

The mental image made me grin. “When you put it like that, I see your point. But Enzo, this will never work between us.”

His forehead wrinkled and smoothed and wrinkled again, as if he struggled to hold back his emotions.

“Your family will never accept me. I’m poor and short and Jewish.”

“Not that I give a damn what anyone thinks, but my brothers love you, and so does Hildie.” He cupped my cheek again. Rubbing his thumb over my lips, he whispered, “And so do I.”

“I love you, too.”

He tugged me to his chest and kissed me like he meant it. Wrapped in his arms, his lips on mine, I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry—so I did both.

Enzo pulled back enough to whisper, “Let’s get some sleep.”

“Let me get this straight. You tell me you love me, kiss me like it’s your job, and now you want to get me in bed so we can sleep?”

“I can think of a few hundred other things I’d like to do to you first.” He scooped me up into his arms.

Before I could reply, my phone rang.

Enzo frowned. “It’s past three. Ignore it.”

“No one calls at this time of night unless it’s important.”

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