33. Luca
LUCA
Lucy. That nickname from Ro’s lips could bring me to my knees. I don’t even know if she realizes the power she had over me all those years ago and apparently still does. With a single word from her, I would follow her into a burning building if it meant I could be in her presence.
I can tell she’s fighting what she feels between us, and I am okay with that for now, but I am not opposed to giving her a little push in the right direction.
I miss her and being around her, and not being able to talk to her or touch her like I used to is slowly killing me.
Not to mention, witnessing the looks between her and Dante makes my blood absolutely boil.
I can tell he is interested in her by the way he watches her when she isn’t looking.
I just need to ensure I keep a closer eye on things so it doesn’t go any further than looking.
Plus, I need Ro back in my life for good.
Nothing will get in my way of telling Ro how I really feel about her this time.
But I understand the damage I’ve done, and I’ll need to start by rebuilding our friendship first. And if I know Ro, the way to her heart is food and caffeine.
“Hey, so, I was going to grab some dinner at the diner in town now that I’m finished up for the day. Did you have plans for the evening or would you like to join me?” That was good, Luc—a very casual and friendly invitation.
“Oh, um, I’m not sure. Dante and I had discussed dinner, but I haven’t seen him since this morning to confirm plans.”
Stay calm, Luc, stay calm. Dinner? They are having dinner together now?
And what were they doing this morning? Did I miss something?
I will need to fill in the gaps on what is happening between the two of them, but that will have to wait.
Right now, I need to focus on acting like that information doesn’t bother me.
“He told me he had some business in the city he was handling today.” Did he tell me that?
No, but it’s not a complete fabrication.
I know Dante is in the city because that is where the tracker I placed on his vehicle is currently located.
I made sure to check his location before coming to see Ro, knowing she would be alone in the house.
“Oh, he didn’t mention anything to me.” Does she sound disappointed?
“So, dinner then?” I don’t want to waste any more time discussing Dante. And if the audible rumble from Ro’s stomach is any indication, I know she’s hungry.
“I guess I am pretty hungry. I didn’t have lunch now that I think about it. I guess I was, um, captivated by that paint longer than I thought.” She responds with a slight blush on her face. Was she really thinking about the paint or something else?
“Grab your coat. I can drive us.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I can drive myself.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ro. It’s not that far. I’ll drop you off back here afterward so you can grab your car.”
“Fine but only because I’m starving and need caffeine to function properly.”
“I’ll meet you outside.” I can’t contain my grin with her acquiescence and the fact that this is the first time she hasn’t corrected me to call her Rose instead of Ro. This day keeps getting better.