Chapter 5
I bought an apartment here—I’m not really into hotels, and since I’m going to be in the city for a while, I figured I’d just buy a place right away.
I like to keep a close eye on everything, and when I travel to check on my restaurants, I stay for days.
I wake up in the morning and throw on some casual clothes—after all, I’m visiting a construction site.
I grab the keys to the rental car and head straight to the restaurant, which isn’t far.
Out of nowhere she stands up, starts talking, then suddenly stops.
She takes a step back, almost falling, but I’m quick enough to catch her by the waist, and time freezes—as if only the two of us exist, suspended in this sweet harmony where the world has stopped.
We lock eyes, and only now do I notice she has beautiful green eyes, her face covered in freckles that give her a certain charm and transport me somewhere unfamiliar yet incredibly comfortable, a place I’d like to stay for a long time. But then someone appears to ruin it.
Carter arrives and starts coughing to get our attention, breaking the spell. I let go of Emma, making sure she doesn’t trip again, and then he starts in.
“So our Italian finally showed up—an honor to have you here. We’re almost finished.” He makes a disdainful face.
“I didn’t come earlier, and you know why.”
“Ah, of course, the problem with one of your restaurants. From what I can see, you two have already met, right?”
“We haven’t been formally introduced yet, but I’m Emma, Mr. Matteo.”
“Hello, Emma, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I look directly into her eyes.
“Well, now that you’re properly introduced, let’s take a walk around the place. I’m sure you want to see how everything turned out.”
“Of course, but it looks like the ragazza is having trouble with the paint color,” I say, and she looks at me.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you were the construction foreman. I just wanted to change that color—I thought it was the best choice for the walls, but I want it a shade lighter. I’ll sort that out with the person in charge. Excuse me.”
With that, she turns and walks out the door, probably looking for the construction foreman. I take a walk around to see everything that’s been done so far, and I have to admit, I’m liking what I see.
“I wasn’t expecting this kind of design.”
“But you approved everything, Matteo, I even spo—”
“It’s perfect, Carter, really. It turned out beautiful—a rustic tone with a touch of sophistication, the landscaping, and this glass wall that gives it all its charm.”
“Emma surprised me. She nailed it with all these touches. I know you wanted a more family-oriented environment but with a New York feel, so she put in larger tables to accommodate families, plus the intimate section for a business meeting or even a couple’s dinner. Everything turned out perfect.”
“Yes, I was really thinking of a more Italian look, but New York calls for this,” I say, pointing around the place, “and we nailed it.”
“Here we have the bar, set a bit apart, for those who just want to enjoy a good drink and eat something light.”
“I saw this bar in the design. At first I didn’t want it, but then I thought it over and realized that yeah, a lot of people go out alone just to have a drink. And seeing it here now, it turned out perfect.”
“I’m glad you’re satisfied. And where are you staying? I know you don’t like hotels—if you need a place, you can stay at my apartment.”
“Actually, I bought one here—in fact, it’s really close to the restaurant. Since I’m staying until everything’s finished, I figured I’d buy. That way I don’t cramp anyone’s style.” Laughter.
“Did I interrupt something when I arrived? What was that about?”
“You mean Emma? She tripped and I just caught her so she wouldn’t fall.”
“That’s not what I saw. You two were having such an intense moment, I almost turned around and left.”
“Don’t be an idiot. You know I don’t go for young girls, and she looks like a kid.”
“Girls have sex too, my friend,” he says, giving me a pat on the shoulder.
Well, I know that, and I really was enchanted by those beautiful green eyes, that delicate, sweet face. But no—I’d rather keep things the way they are. And if I’m going to have sex, let it be with someone more experienced who won’t be waiting by the phone the next day.
I look around and see the construction is going well, nearing the final phase.
With so much still left to do, I figure I’ll be here another month or two.
I want to see the restaurant up and running before I leave.
Since it’s my first day here and it’s Saturday, I decide to ask Carter to hang out tonight.
“What are you doing today?”
“A friend of mine opened a bar and invited me. Actually, since we designed the place for him, almost the whole office will be there. You’re welcome to come if you want.”
“Actually, I don’t have anything going on, so I’ll take you up on that.”
I wonder if she’ll be there too, I think, watching Emma across the room as she talks to a man I assume is the foreman. This ragazza is going to give me a lot of trouble. She’s beautiful, but I need to keep my dick in check. She’s way too young, and I don’t want any marmocchio[17] chasing after me.
It’s starting to get dark when I decide to head back to my apartment.
Carter will text me the bar’s address, and we’ll figure out a time to meet up.
Hours later, I’m parking in front of the place my friend told me about.
I get out, lock the car, and head to the entrance, where a hostess greets me.
I give my friend’s name and she escorts me to the VIP floor.
I sit down at the table and take in the place when a redhead walks in—loose curls, black dress with a thigh-high slit, thin straps, very elegant, and heels.
She’s with a blonde who’s also stunning.
The hostess escorts them to where I’m sitting.
Tonight is going to be tough. This bella ragazza is bewitching me.
I’ll try to keep my eyes off her tonight.
Impossible, I know, but I’ll do my best because I can’t get involved.
At that moment, she approaches the table, and those eyes captivate me again as I imagine her in my bed, lying there with those red curls spread across my pillow, her body beneath mine.
My cock stirs inside my boxers, and I shake my head, snapping out of my daydream as she comes over to greet me.
This girl is going to fuck up my life. I need to stop thinking about her, or I’m screwed.