34
The warmth of the sun filtered through the large windows of Luca's mansion about to set as I stood in the kitchen, sipping the coffee he had prepared for me.
He's making me a coffee person lately. It was a perfect kind of Sunday evening, one that felt so strangely normal yet extraordinary because of him.
"Are you nervous?" Luca's deep voice broke through my thoughts as he walked in, effortlessly commanding the space.
I turned to see him leaning casually against the doorway, his dark eyes locked on me with that intensity that always left me feeling like the only person in the world. He looked devastatingly handsome in a fitted black shirt and dark jeans, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms.
How can someone be so sexy?
"A little," I admitted, setting the mug down on the counter. "Your mum was kind to me last time, but... I've never been to a family dinner like this before."
His lips curved into a smirk as he crossed the room in a few strides, stopping just inches from me. "You'll be fine," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "They're going to love you."
"Are you sure?" I asked, my eyes meeting his. "What if I embarrass myself?"
Luca chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "Lenora, you could trip over your own feet and spill wine on my brothers, and they'd still think you're perfect."
I rolled my eyes. "You're exaggerating."
"I'm not," he said, his tone firm. His hand brushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering. "You've already won my mom over. And my brothers... well, they'll probably tease you, but that just means they like you."
I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "What about you?"
His eyes darkened, and the corner of his mouth lifted in a sinful smirk. "You already know how I feel about you."
Before I could respond, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead, his lips warm and lingering. "Go get ready. I'll drive."
The drive to his mum's house was quiet but comfortable. Luca rested one hand on the wheel while the other reached over to hold mine. His thumb traced lazy circles over the back of my hand, a small gesture that felt more intimate than words.
When we arrived, I was greeted by the sight of the beautiful, sprawling villa with lush gardens and a welcoming aura. Luca parked the car and walked around to open my door, always the gentleman.
The moment we stepped inside, the warmth of his family enveloped me. Mariana, elegant and poised as always, greeted me with a kiss on both cheeks and a smile that felt genuine.
"Lenora, you look lovely," she said, her eyes sparkling.
"Thank you, Mariana," I replied, feeling a little shy under her kind gaze.
"You're family now." She said as she pulled back from her little hug.
Family. The word tugged at something deep inside me, and I had to blink back the sudden rush of emotion.
Before I could dwell on it, Luca's brothers entered the room, their presence larger-than-life.
"Finally, the infamous Lenora!" One exclaimed, grinning as he approached. I had already forgotten which one was Nico and Arlo.
"I'm Nico, the better looking twin," he grinned.
"Don't lie to her, Nico," the other one said, rolling his eyes whom I assumed was Arlo. "I'm Arlo, the charming one."
I couldn't help but laugh at their playful banter. They were both tall and broad-shouldered like Luca, but their personalities were so much lighter and mischievous.
"Stop scaring her," Luca said, stepping protectively beside me. "And don't you dare embarrass her."
"Embarrass her?" Nico repeated, feigning innocence. "Us? Never."
"We're delightful," Arlo added, winking at me.
Luca sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "God help me."
The twins grinned and turned their attention back to me. "Don't worry, Lenora," Nico said, leaning in conspiratorially. "He acts all tough, but he's really a softie."
"Nico," Luca growled warningly, but there was no real malice in his tone.
"See what we mean?" Nico said, laughing. "He's so easy to wind up."
"Is it like this all the time?" I asked, looking at Luca.
"Unfortunately," he muttered, though the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.
Just then, a small whirlwind of energy burst into the room. A little girl with dark curls and wide, curious eyes ran straight to Arlo, clutching his leg.
Mia!
"This is my daughter, Mia, I showed you yesterday" Arlo said proudly, picking her up and placing a kiss on her cheek.
Mia looked at me with shy curiosity before giving me a small wave.
"Hi Mia, aren't you a lovely little lady," I said, smiling at her.
"She gets it from me," Arlo said, puffing out his chest.
"Delusional," Nico muttered under his breath.
The room erupted into laughter, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was part of something bigger—a family.
Dinner was a lively affair. The twins kept up their banter, teasing Luca mercilessly and making everyone laugh. Mariana watched on with a fond smile, occasionally stepping in to defend Luca.
At one point, Mia tugged on my sleeve and handed me a drawing she had made. It was a messy but sweet picture of a house surrounded by flowers.
"Thank you, Mia," I said, genuinely touched. "It's beautiful."
This kid is wholesome.
She beamed and went back to her seat, leaving me with a warm feeling in my chest.
Luca leaned over, his voice low so only I could hear. "You're good with her."
I glanced at him, surprised. "She's a sweet kid."
He nodded, his gaze lingering on me. "You'd make a wonderful mother someday."
The words hit me like a lightning bolt, and I turned away, unsure how to respond.
As the evening came down, the twins said their goodbyes, and Mariana hugged me tightly before we left.
"You're welcome here anytime, Lenora," she said softly.
"Thank you," I replied, my heart full.
On the drive back, Luca was quiet, his hand once again resting on mine. The silence between us felt heavy but comfortable, like there were things left unsaid but understood.
When we arrived back at his mansion, he took me to his room.
"Thank you for coming tonight," he said, his voice soft as I started getting ready for bed.
"Thank you for inviting me," I replied, smiling up at him.
For a moment, he just looked at me, his dark eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place. Then, without a word, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead.
"I'll be back after changing," he murmured, his lips brushing against my skin as he disappeared into the bathroom leaving me with a heart that felt fuller than it had in years.