Page 63 of Crazed

"That's a ton of money for a shirt!" I express.

"That's a relative statement," he asserts.

"How?"

He shrugs. "What makes something expensive?"

"Three hundred dollars for a blouse makes it expensive," I reply.

He grunts. "No. Expensive is determined by how much money you have. So, three hundred dollars for a blouse—and one I'm going to imagine removing it whenever you wear it—isn't anything I'll even notice missing in my account."

"Must be nice," I mumble, trying to imagine what it would be like to not notice a three-hundred-dollar dent in my bank account.

"Do you like the clothes?" Massimo asks.

"Yes! I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm just trying to process all this. They're beautiful."

"Good. I'd hate to think my fashion sense is off," he teases.

"Don't worry, Mr. Marino. You have great taste," I assure him. I reach around his shoulders and lace my fingers behind his neck. "Thank you for being so generous to me."

"You don't have to thank me."

"Yes, I do," I insist, then kiss him.

He retreats, and the vulnerable expression I love stares back at me. "I want to make you happy, Katiya."

My heart swells. "You do make me happy. In all ways."

He studies me for a moment then pecks me on the lips and steps back. "You better get ready for work. Want some eggs for breakfast? We didn't eat last night."

I suddenly realize I'm starving. "Sure. That would be great."

"Cappuccino or latte?" he asks.

"Are you going to the coffee shop?"

He grins. "Nope. I had them install a machine in the kitchen."

"Really?"

"Sure did. So, do you want a cappuccino or latte?" he repeats.

"Wow! I guess I'll take a latte, please."

"On it! Towels are in the bathroom on the heaters." He pats my ass and steps out of the closet.

I stare at the clothes in awe again. Then I follow in his footsteps and call out, "Hey, Massimo."

He turns in the doorway. "What's wrong, dolce?"

I throw my arms around him and respond, "Nothing's wrong. Thank you again."

Flecks of blue glimmer in his orbs. He softly smiles, replying, "I'm glad you like it. Now, go shower so you aren't late. You need to stay on your boss's good side so she can approve your vacation week."

My reality hits me again. I blurt out, "I need to read the handbook first."

Massimo's face drops. "Katiya, you can read it tonight. Put in your request for a week."

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