41. Rose
ROSE
I’m lost in my work as I finalize all the pieces in the sitting room, which is why I almost jump out of my skin when there is a soft knock on the door.
“Jesus! You scared me!” My hand is clutching my chest, and I can feel my heart beating wildly as I turn to see Dante standing in the doorway. “I didn’t realize you’d be home early.”
“It’s almost seven o’clock. I was just seeing if you were hungry. I grabbed some takeout in the city before I headed back.”
“Oh, oh my god, I am so sorry, Dante. I meant to text you about dinner and must’ve lost track of time.
” Scrambling, I grab my phone to verify that it is, in fact, almost seven o’clock.
Shit, I can’t believe I forgot to respond to him.
He doesn’t seem upset, though, so maybe he was already planning on grabbing food for himself.
“Not a problem, Belladonna. I picked up enough for both of us if you are hungry.”
Belladonna? Huh? That’s a new one. Before I can respond, my stomach lets out the most unladylike rumble, answering his question for me.
“That would be amazing, actually. I got so caught up in work, I forgot to eat lunch, which seems to be a common occurrence these days. Let me just freshen up, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a few minutes.”
“I’ll open some wine while you do that. See you in a bit.” Dante gives me a brief nod and heads toward the kitchen.
I feel like I’ve entered an alternate reality.
Dante is being too calm and lowkey about everything.
And what was with him calling me Belladonna?
That feels too close to being a pet name and far too close to inching into domestic territory, considering I’m living here at the moment.
I know “bella” means beautiful, but I'm not sure what “donna” means. I would’ve expected him to give me a lecture on respect or something since I didn’t respond to his note and then something equally gruff about dinner, but definitely not this relaxed version I’m getting tonight.
It would make accepting his dinner invitation easier if he’d just order me to eat with him.
I kind of like it when he takes charge, but seeing this softer side of him is doing something tingly to my insides.
I need to get a grip before dinner. I’ll just quickly change and wash my face since I’ve been going nonstop today.
Then we can eat. I’ll have polite conversation with my client, then spend the night in my room preparing for the rest of the week.