11. Dante
DANTE
Ineed to find a way to control my reactions to Rose saying his name in my presence, which will be a testament to my skills after the information I found last night.
How did I miss their connection the first time?
I know that information wasn’t there before and must have only recently been released from being suppressed.
They weren’t just friends in high school.
They were each other’s only friends and inseparable from the looks of it.
They had practically every class together, and in the only photos I can find, they seem to be the only two people in them.
At the one dance they went to, they were each other’s dates.
I nearly threw my computer monitor across the room when I saw the picture of Luca kissing Rose’s cheek in their prom attire.
Rose looked so young but with a maturity that comes from having to grow up too fast. I had to force myself to look through all the new pictures available online of the two of them.
However, the pictures abruptly stop right before graduation.
From there, Luca doesn’t pop up again until his article in Architectural Digest, while the only pictures of Rose are from the Franklin & Sons website.
I hate that she spent all her time at work instead of making friends, but based on everything I know about her past, I can understand that she was protecting herself.
Selfishly, I’m glad she didn’t make time to date either, but I loathe the thought of her feeling alone or unwanted.
I want to change that for her. Maybe I can adjust my plans for this job and still accomplish what needs to be done. It’s worth a try.
As I walk into the sparse kitchen, I don’t turn to ensure Rose has followed me.
With only two stools around the expansive black-and-white marble kitchen island, there isn’t any other option for where we can sit.
At least I can put some space between us so I don’t have to be tempted by the sweet smell of hazelnut and cinnamon that is so perfectly Rose.
It’s a warm and cozy scent like cookies straight out of the oven, which is also mouthwatering, just like the vixen in my presence.
I know she hasn’t dated much, considering she didn’t go on a single date while I was watching her, but she must know men would fall at her feet if given the chance.