39 #4
“Thanks,” she whispered, her heart leaping and thumping against her chest. He shrugged indicating it was nothing and she felt unbelievably thrilled that he’d remembered she couldn’t drink out of bottles.
He leaned over and opened up the bottle, then poured half the contents into the glass and handed it to her. Taking it, she proceeded to drain it.
“Thirsty?” he chuckled.
“Nerves.”
Jerome emptied the rest of the bottle into the glass as she held it, scooting even closer and leaning into her so he could hear her over the music. Dani took in a deep breath, breathing in that intoxicating mix of his chosen cologne, a hint of smoke and the distinctive, seductive, scent of Jerome.
“You sing beautifully.” His eyes locked on hers as he spoke. “I haven’t heard that song for a while.”
“Thanks. It’s one of my favourites.” She felt her throat close up; the intense way he was gazing at her was making her flustered. She took another sip of water, then added, “You have a great voice too, though I didn’t understand a word.” She huffed trying to defuse the highly charge atmosphere.
Jerome smiled widely. “So Capo’s and my mother’s Italian lessons haven’t advanced you enough to translate Eros’s songs, then?”
Dani laughed. “No. I can barely handle small talk in Italian. I think I need an intensive crash course to get to that standard. Capo teases me all the time. Both he and Gia told me the best way to learn Italian is to have an Italian boyfriend.” Grinning, Dani shook her head and placed her glass on the table.
Jerome took in a deep sharp breath and licked his lips. The thought of Dani with anyone disturbed him intensely.
“They’re right.”
Dani’s eyes shot up to his. His expression was deadly serious, all humour gone.
She swallowed convulsively. Why did he always make her feel like there was something else going on between them?
He was always so intense with her. She took a deep breath.
Was he talking about him? No. That was ridiculous.
She needed to stop fantasising! The tequila was playing havoc with her perception, reading far too much into everything.
“Well, I’m not sure I’m ready yet,” muttered Dani.
Jerome slightly tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, then nodded. Oh crap, had she offended him?
“Are you sure?” he asked softly.
“Are you ready to go?” Rosa’s voice jolted them and they both instinctively pulled back.
“Er, sure,” mumbled Dani, then darted her eyes back to Jerome.
Jerome stood up as Dani pushed to her feet. Jerome furrowed his brow unsure whether her answer was directed at him or Rosa.
Suddenly feeling very tired and extremely confused Dani felt the need to get away from him. If they’d have continued talking she really didn’t know what she might have done or said. Why was he so damned sexy?
In a hurry to get out from the bar they quickly said their goodbyes and got into Rosa’s car.
“I could’ve got a taxi Rosa. I’m taking you out of your way.”
“Don’t be silly. We arranged it and it’s only a few extra miles. Did you have fun, then?”
“Yeah, I did. Who’d have thought I’d be singing in a karaoke bar eh?
And all of you! Wow you can all sing so well.
” Dani focused on their conversation trying to rid herself of the riot of emotions she was feeling.
What did he mean by, ‘Was she sure?’ Dani shook her head and concentrated on what Rosa was saying.
“Kuch is great. His Elvis was hysterical! He’s a born performer.”
Dani smiled and looked out of the window. “He is. And Nicole. Wow, what a voice. And you too. Who would have thought it?”
Rosa grinned turning onto the dual carriageway. “What did you think of Jerome? I bet that was a surprise.”
Dani shifted in her seat. “Yes, that was unexpected. They sang really well together.” Dani could hear the nervousness in her voice and hoped Rosa didn’t pick up on it.
“He likes you.”
Dani furrowed her brow for a second wondering if she’d heard her correctly. “Who?” she turned to look at Rosa’s smiling profile.
“Jerome. He’s got a soft spot for you,” she grinned.
“I don’t think so. He’s just…” she couldn’t find the right word or at least she couldn’t admit the right word… being nice? No that wasn’t what she was thinking… intense, sexy, so incredibly yummy… Dani felt herself heat up as more and more improper superlatives popped into her head.
Rosa thankfully interrupted her internal ramblings, “I don’t mean it in an inappropriate way. But he definitely likes you.”
Dani sat still for a moment not exactly sure what to say. Rosa carried on unaware of Dani’s increasing discomfort.
“Apart from Silvanna, Vanessa, Richard, Kuch and you, the rest of us a related to him in some way or another. He treats you differently, like you’re part of the family. And as for Seni!” Rosa laughed. “He’s got the serious hots for you!”
Dani chuckled. “He’s just being flirty. He’s harmless.
” Dani looked out of the window again as Rosa babbled on about the evening.
She was going to have to keep a distance from Arsenio.
He’d unnerved her tonight and she didn’t want to send him the wrong signals.
She still wasn’t sure what to make of Jerome but Rosa’s comments had warmed her.
He liked her.