Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
I found a bag of my clothes, and I pulled on some sweats and a shirt, stopping for a moment to catch my breath. I headed downstairs slowly, marveling at the beautiful woodwork and old-fashioned charm of the house. In the kitchen, I found a pot of coffee and poured a cup, almost salivating at the scent. The first sip hit me just right, and I almost groaned in delight as I swallowed. I sat down on one of the stools at the large island and looked around with fresh eyes. It was a beautiful house. Decorated simply, but with great taste. But it looked like a hotel—nothing personal or out of place.
The front door opened, and Aldo headed toward the stairs, stopping in shock at seeing me sitting in the kitchen. He crossed the room, standing right in front of me. “You’re up. Out of bed.”
“Drinking coffee,” I added.
He cupped my face, cradling it in his hands. He bent forward and kissed me. It was his signature move whenever he greeted me, I realized. It was how he showed his deep affection. I savored the pressure of his mouth on mine, the way his tongue slid inside and tangled with mine. Gently, with great care, and yet so passionately, it stole my breath.
He eased back, resting his forehead on mine. “Hey, baby. It’s good to see you in my kitchen.”
“Hi, big man.” I turned and kissed his palm. “It’s a nice kitchen.”
He laughed and drew back. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. My head is clearer.”
“Good.”
“And I’m hungry.”
“Even better. I’ll make us breakfast.”
But he didn’t move, still holding my face and looking at me. His expression was tormented, his eyes saying so much.
“Don’t,” I whispered. “We have to move on, Aldo. Don’t blame yourself, and don’t dwell. I went to the parking lot alone. I shouldn’t have.”
“Because you were angry with me after I behaved like an asshole.”
“And I forgive you. You forgive me for going without an escort. Then we can move on.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
His hands tightened. “I want to progress, Vi. We do have a relationship.” He swallowed. “An important one.” He locked his eyes with mine. “I need to find the right words.”
I slipped my hands around his wrists. “I’ll wait.”
He nodded and pressed his lips to mine again, then stepped back. “Breakfast,” he said.
“And more coffee.”
His smile was wide. “Anything you want, baby.”
We had breakfast, and afterward, Aldo escorted me upstairs using the elevator since I refused to allow him to carry me. He took me to the top floor, showing me his favorite place in the house.
“This is what sold it to me,” he explained.
I looked around at the room in awe. Wood lined the floors, ceiling, and walls, making it cozy. Windows were on either end, showing the views. The front looked over the river. The back, his yard which led onto a field, the wild grasses blowing lazily in the breeze.
There was a small fireplace. A big TV hung on one wall. A large sofa sat across from it, and a huge chair was in the corner. It was warm and homey. Lived-in. Aldo had piles of books scattered everywhere. Some puzzles were on the shelf. A cozy rug made me curl my toes on the softness under my feet.
“The windows are treated,” he said. “I can see out, but even with the lights on, you can’t see in. I love to watch the river. Sit and see the storms in the summer. The snow in the winter. It’s a place I can unwind. Relax.”
“Do you do that enough?” I asked.
“No,” he admitted. “But I may have found a reason to do it more often.” He looped his arm around my waist, drawing me close. “You like it, Vi?”
“I love it.” I walked toward the back windows. “Your yard is large.”
“The couple who owned it loved to garden. I don’t have time, so they’re overgrown, but one day…”
“I always loved to garden,” I admitted. “I find it relaxing. You don’t get that in Toronto.”
He laughed. “Nope.”
“I always dreamed of a house with a garden. A place to grow. To have my own home, you know?” I said quietly. “A place to belong.”
“I hear you.”
“It’s lovely, Aldo. Thank you for showing it to me.”
“I want you to use it. Be up here with me. Come up on your own if I’m out. Enjoy it.”
“You must have to go to the casino.”
“Tomorrow.”
“Aldo, I’m fine. Much better.”
“Good. I’ll go tomorrow. Roman is covering. We’ll figure out a schedule for the next while.” He paused. “I don’t want you alone.”
I turned and faced him. “But you said he was dead.”
“He is. But you went through something awful. I need to stay close.”
His words touched me, and I decided not to argue. “All right.”
He touched my cheek. “Luca is getting married next Saturday. I would like you to come with me.”