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“Scandalous, Marin James.”

“If you think this is scandalous, you ain’t seen nothing yet, Slade Sheridan De Luca.”

“Will this involve bathing suits and a hot tub? I’m not sure I can handle the humiliation again. My ego is dead. I’m planning the funeral and shocked by the expense. Regardless, I’m in mourning. Like wear-black-all-day mourning. Like rip-my-shirt mourning. Like buy-me-flowers mourning. Like filled-with-grief mourning. Like I’m-lamenting-inside mourning. Like I’m-wailing mourning…”

He goes on. All I can do is giggle, egging him on. Until I met Slade, pretty sure I hadn’t giggled since I was twelve.

chapter twenty-five

MATTEO MEETS USat eleven in the morning outside of our hotel, dark sunglasses covering his eyes, his hair perfectly styled. He’s leaning against a wall, his hands in his pockets. He looks like a model posing for a photo shoot. He smells obscenely good too. Whatever cologne he’s wearing is divine.

I’m wearing one of my flowery sundresses, ready for a day of sightseeing with a local.

Matteo hugs Slade and it lasts for at least a minute. I snap a quick picture of them in their embrace. Matteo is still visibly overwhelmed by the existence of a son from his precious Laurie. After the hug, he pats Slade’s cheeks. “Ah, my boy,” he says proudly.

Slade lets out his breath heavily, speechless. He’s overcome with happiness, yet mentally exhausted.

Last night our romantic evening was falling asleep together on the couch while watching TV, dead to the world.

Secretly, I loved it. Slade apologized profusely this morning. He’s adorable. I don’t tell him that, though. You know, because of his lost man card.

“Ah, Marin, you much beautiful this morning. My eyes like-ah you. My son lucky man.”

There goes the charm Italian men are known for. I’m a sucker for it.

“Sorry late start. No more work while you here. All fixed,” Matteo explains, gesticulating with his hands.

Slade shakes his head. “This wasn’t planned. Sorry you’ve had to rearrange your schedule at the last minute.”

“No worry. This important. Okay, first food. I know best place for lunch. Come, Marin.” Matteo offers me his arm and escorts me as we walk.

Oh my. “There’s a new man in my life, Slade. Watch out,” I kid. Matteo laughs heartily at my words.

Slade moves to my other side and offers his arm. “I’m your man,” he whispers in my ear. “When I’m a man again.”

I flash him a knowing smile, holding in the laugh that’s begging to be unleashed. Slade rivals and outshines any man on the street. He’s casually elegant today in perfectly fitting jeans, loafers, and a white linen button-up, loosely tucked in.

I’m now being escorted by two very handsome Italian men, making me feel like a princess. How did I get here? I don’t know, but I’m loving life. Love has tiptoed into my heart through the back door, surprising me in the best way possible.

Matteo takes us by boat to a small restaurant calledLa Zucca.The door of the restaurant opens up to the canal. We exit the boat to enter the eatery, which I find incredibly cool. This is the true Venetian experience.

The restaurant doesn’t seat many people. They normally require reservations, but Matteo gets us a coveted outdoor table overlooking the canal immediately. Guess he has connections.

“Order many things and, ah…noi condividiamo…we share. Then try all. You don’t want to miss,” Matteo insists.

We choose pumpkin lasagna, gorgonzola pear and walnut pasta, a savory pumpkin flan, leek terrine, tagliatelle (a thick fettucine) with artichokes and pecorino, pumpkin torte, and pear cake with ginger. It’s the most amazing food I’ve ever had in my life. The restaurant boasts vegetarian dishes and uses the freshest ingredients available, although they serve meat dishes too.

“La Zucca mean The Pumpkin. You could guess, eh? What you think, beautiful Marin?” Matteo is excited, watching as we take each bite.

“Food heaven.” I’m pretty sure my eyes roll back in my head.

Matteo laughs, again reminding me of Slade’s laugh. He seems pleased we’re enjoying the food in his unique city. “A rare place. Different menu every day. Nice break from seafood.” He splays his hands. “Main source of food because obvious reasons.” He sits back and pats his belly. “Okay. Feel good?”

“Feelin’ great.” Slade finishes the last of his meal. “Didn’t know I liked pumpkin. Who knew it was my soulmate?” He grins at me. “Sorry, Marin.”

I sock his shoulder playfully. You know, because that’s soulmate behavior.

“Tell more about my Laurie. How she is now?” Did the term soulmate inspire Matteo’s question? Probably.

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