60. Rose
ROSE
I’m pacing back and forth in the kitchen waiting for the sound of Dante returning home, and I can’t sit still because I am so excited to show him how his primary suite turned out.
It’s the last room of the house that needed to be finished, other than a few art pieces that are being delivered in the next day or two.
I also drank a vat of caffeine today between several cups of coffee and multiple sodas.
I don’t know if my body is buzzing from excitement or all the sugar coursing through my veins.
I can’t believe my first solo project under my own company, Lusso Designs, is almost complete.
It’s surreal to think I was at such a loss a little over a month ago, thinking I would never land a client, but the pride I feel right now is overflowing.
I know the work I did with his home is exceptional, and I put my heart and soul into this project, and I think it shows.
Plus, now that my contract with him is almost complete, I can set aside my professional dilemma about having a relationship with Dante and go all in.
I’m clearly lost in thought because my heart starts beating wildly in my chest when two strong arms wrap around my waist from behind, and a deep voice speaks directly in my right ear over my shoulder, “How was your day, Belladonna?”
Dante. I would know him by touch alone, but his voice is what both soothes my racing thoughts and adds to my racing heart.
Turning in his charcoal suit-covered arms to face him, I take a second to see the smirk on his face that is also laced with exhaustion. The dark circles under his eyes are just further evidence that he must not be getting enough sleep, or maybe something else is weighing on him—work perhaps?
“You look tired.” Well, I didn’t mean to blurt that out. “Sorry, I just meant, well, you look tired.” I laugh a little, knowing I said what I was thinking and unfortunately couldn’t come up with a softer way to deliver my worry.
“Aw, just what every man wants to hear when he has the most beautiful woman in his arms.” I know Dante is needling me, but that still doesn’t change the fact that something is definitely bothering him.
“Sorry, I’m sure you’ve had a long day. But I have a surprise for you. And it’s something that might help with your exhaustion since I’m sure it hasn’t been the most comfortable for you to be sleeping in the basement still.”
“I didn’t sleep in the basement last night.” Dante punctuates his statement with a wink as he leans slightly back to see my face while still keeping me held close to his broad chest.
“You know what I mean!” I swat at his chest playfully to cover the pink that must surely be covering my cheeks. Just thinking about everything we did last night makes me want a repeat performance, but I need to focus.
“What’s this surprise you mentioned?”
“Come with me. It’s something I have to show you.”
“Hmm…I like the sound of that.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Dante. This is about work, not pleasure. Now, close your eyes.”
“Sounds kinky.” He adds another wink and swats my butt, and then Dante does as he is told and closes his eyes once we reach the top of the stairs.
I grab his hand to lead him down the hallway toward his suite, making sure to go slowly so he doesn’t stumble, but it’s like he is used to walking around in the dark because his steps are sure and deliberate.
Reaching his closed bedroom door, I take a breath. “Okay, you can open your eyes.”
I gently turn the doorknob and push open the door, taking a step to the side so that Dante has a full view of the final product. I’m doing my best not to fidget, and I must not be doing a good job because Dante turns and places his hands on mine, looking me deep in the eyes.
“Have I ever told you how captivating your eyes are?” Not the response I expected from Dante after seeing his completed room for the first time, but I swoon nonetheless under his praise.
“Oh, um, no, I don’t think so.” Smooth, Ro.
“Then let me apologize for not telling you every day how ravishing you are. You truly take my breath away. And not just your unique eyes or gorgeous hair or delectable body but also your intelligence.” Dante’s hands skate up my bare arms, leaving goose bumps in their wake.
His hands trail up my shoulders and land on either side of my neck, the pads of his thumbs slowly rubbing up and down the front of my throat, causing chills to pass over my entire body.
“Dante.” I don’t know if I’m asking a question or just making a statement, but it’s hard to form thoughts, let alone words, with the feel of him on my skin.
“Yes, Rose? What do you need?”
“More.”
“More what?”
“More everything. More…you.”
And Dante delivers. Tonight will be the first night he spends in his new bedroom, but I don’t think he’ll be getting much sleep. Not if I have anything to say about it.