by Jo Leigh
April wasn’t doing much better. In fact, it was a good thing they weren’t far from the apartment because he figured he might just have to carry her.
15
EVENTUALLY, THEY RECOVERED enough to walk home. Once in the elevator, she leaned back against him. “Oh, my God. That was amazing.”
“Yeah.” Luca’s breath on her cheek made her melt inside. “You’re gorgeous, you know that?”
“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.” She could actually feel his slow grin as he nuzzled her neck. When they got to his floor, she straightened. “Will you take me for a ride on your Harley sometime?”
“Of course I will. Anytime.” As he unlocked the front door, he said, “Hey, are you working this Saturday night?”
“I think so.”
“When will you know for sure?”
“Maybe tomorrow. Why?”
“I know those events are good money, but any chance I could convince you to go someplace with me?”
“Of course,” she said, careful not to sound too eager.
“Great. There’s this family dinner thing at my brother’s girlfriend’s house. I’d like it if you’d come with me.”
“I’d be happy to.” That she hadn’t expected. “When you say family dinner, it’s not just your brothers, but your parents, too?”
“Yep. And Nonna,” he said, reaching for her hand. “Listen, I know I’m asking a lot of you to give up an event, so I’ll make it a bonus night.”
“A what?”
“To be honest, there’ll be some interrogation involved, nothing too scary, but it’s only fair I give you triple.” Luca must’ve noticed her confusion. “You know, credit against your rent tab. I’m not trying to pull anything over on you. It’s not charity. I think I told you about how my mom and nonna are always trying to set me up. After meeting you they should ease up for a while.”
The butterflies in her stomach had frozen, as had her smile. This was just another trade-off. She wasn’t going with him as a real date. Which shouldn’t have been as devastating as it was. She knew the score. Hell, she’d made the rules. But for a moment there, she’d let her imagination run free. The idea of really being his date and meeting his family had thrilled her. Made her forget who and what they really were to each other. That was why she needed to move out, and quickly.
She cleared her throat, not wanting to reveal her reaction. “I’ll do my best to help. You’ll have to prep me, though.”
He shook his head. “All I told them was that I was seeing someone, and I wanted to see where it would go. We should probably give them the impression we’re exclusive.”
“Sure, that makes sense.”
“You’ll like Catherine. She works at the UN. And she’s cooking the whole dinner, which is a big deal. Italian food. Which is my mother’s territory. Which reminds me, I brought home leftovers from the other night.”
“I saw that.”
“You hungry?”
“Starved.” At least she had been a few minutes ago. She followed him to the kitchen.
“How about I put some lasagna in the microwave?”
“That sounds great, thanks.” It would be a huge mistake to think of the two of them as a real couple. She knew that. Would they even be sleeping with each other if she’d already moved out?
There was no doubt in her mind that Luca liked her. But that didn’t mean she was anything more than a convenience to him. The attraction was real, yes, but it was only that. A physical attraction. On her part, too.
Right? Was that all it was? Had she let his kindness fool her into thinking he was more than a friend with benefits?
She was fully prepared to create a business on her own, to find a place to live in the most expensive city she could imagine, to pay off her debts and be solely responsible for her future. And yet, when it came to Luca, she wasn’t quite so confident.
If she was going to continue to sleep with him while living under his roof, she’d have to be absolutely sure not to trick herself into thinking they were in a relationship. The last thing she needed was to let her heart fill up with impossible expectations.
The quickest way to remind herself to knock it off was to think of Wes.
His name alone made her shudder.
“Should we set up the card table?” Luca asked. “Or do you want to eat in the bedroom?”
They both knew what eating in bed would lead to. “I’ll set up the table,” she said, refusing to look for his reaction.
She pulled out the folding chairs, disturbing the rolled-up blueprints he’d stashed behind them. They fell over and she picked them up and leaned the rolls against the wall.
“Why do you want to be an architect?” she asked.
Luca laughed. “Where did that come from?” His gaze lowered to the blueprints. “I told you the other day.”
“Actually, you told me how you being licensed would help your family business get more jobs.”
Shrugging, he turned away to put the two plates of lasagna in the microwave. “Same thing.”
“Not really. It’s kind of hard to imagine you getting excited over building chain stores or public housing. Especially after seeing your amazing carpentry work.” She saw part of a resigned smile before he opened the fridge.
He brought out a couple of beers and handed one to her but said nothing.
April bit her lip. It was important to remember that Luca had a life here and his own priorities. Just because they were sleeping together didn’t make his job any of her business.
Still, the tightness in her stomach wouldn’t go away. She might not have known him a long time, but she could see where his heart lay when it came to his professional life. But it also made sense that he would set his personal desires aside in order to help his family.
Her phone signaled a text. She glanced at it and couldn’t be more grateful. “Hey, do I have time to make a call?”
“Sure, the lasagna won’t be ready for about seven minutes.”
“I’ll be quick. My friend Grace just texted me about that apartment in Perth Amboy. Wish me luck,” she called behind her as she raced up the stairs.
* * *
“SHIT.” LUCA STARED at the food going around in the microwave. He had the same reaction to her moving to Jersey as he’d had the other day. Moving to Perth Amboy was the first step to her going back to St. Louis. She’d hate it there. The commute would be unbearable. She’d quickly figure out that Jersey wasn’t all that much cheaper than New York. It would make her old hometown seem like a comfortable and sane alternative.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and hit speed dial. He hadn’t wanted to do this but...
Tony answered right away. “Hey, what’s up?”
“I wanted to let you and Catherine know that April is coming with me on Saturday.”
“Good. I look forward to meeting her.”
“Yeah, she’s great. Mom and Nonna should like her. Hopefully this’ll make them leave me alone for a while.”
“Ah.” Tony paused. “Is that the only reason you’re bringing her? Is there even anything going on between you two?”
“Yeah, sort of.” Luca walked over to make sure April wasn’t coming down the stairs. “I like her a lot. She’s responsible, ambitious, works hard even though she’s had a tough time. I think I mentioned she’s new to the city and she’s had a rocky start trying to get her business up and running. Having a long commute to Jersey might be the final straw. Although she’s very determined...” Luca couldn’t help smiling. “She’s got the kind of attitude that makes you root for her, you know what I mean?”
“Huh. I haven’t heard you talk about a woman like that in a long time,” Tony said. “Scratch that. You’ve never talked about a woman like that.”
Luca wi
shed he’d curbed his enthusiasm, at least a little. He didn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea. On the other hand... “Hey, let me ask you something.” He lowered his voice. “How much have you told Catherine about the Trust?”
“The Trust? Uh, everything now. But that’s because she’s going to be part of the family. Why? Are you and April that serious?”
“No, it’s not like that.”
“That’s good, because I think Mom would have a stroke, you getting serious with another non-Italian so soon after me.”
“She’s actually half Italian, on her mother’s side. But look, here’s what I need to know. Is that one-bedroom still vacant in the Hester Street building?”
“I think so, but I’d have to check.”
“If it is, would it be possible to rent it out to April without violating the terms of the Trust? I mean, you’re the executor now, since Dad passed on the business, so what do you think?”
Tony was silent for a few seconds. “Things have changed so much since the original language in the Trust, and it hasn’t been updated since before the gentrification began. We really need to take a new look at the whole thing, see how we can make it more relevant for the neighborhood as it is. That being said, I can’t see a reason why we couldn’t justify renting to April.”
“I don’t want anyone getting bent out of shape over it. If we need to, I’ll subsidize the rent, although if we do this, she can’t know I had anything to do with it.”
“How are you going to explain the price?”
“I’ll figure it out. She’s talked to some of the merchants and knows something is going on with controlled rents in the neighborhood, so I can use that.”
“What’s being said? Anything I should know about?”
“No.” Luca heard the microwave beep. “Nothing new. Nobody wants to make waves.”
“Good.”
“You want me to mention this to Pop?”
“I don’t see the point. Mom doesn’t want us involving him in the business. Same with the Trust. It’s not like we’re doing anything wrong or illegal. It’s all Paladino money and property.” Tony paused. “Although I’d like to hear you explain to him how it’s not like that with April.”
“Shut up.”
Tony laughed. “Look, I’m going to tell you something because I feel that I should,” he said, his tone serious. “And before you jump down my throat, I’m only going to say this once. Two weeks ago you told me you were looking forward to being on your own, that you wanted time to yourself, to be able to bring a woman home if you wanted. You haven’t had much time or personal space yet. So, I guess I’m just saying, be careful about jumping into anything too fast.”
Luca frowned, feeling some attitude creep in. Hell, he knew his brother had a point, but Tony didn’t understand the circumstances and Luca didn’t want to talk about it. He and April had something, a connection that was growing stronger every day. The last thing he wanted was for her to move hours away. If she had a huge commute, they’d hardly see each other.
“Grace’s roommate took the job,” April called out as she bounced down the stairs. “But I have to wait a week to see the place.”
Luca covered the phone. “Look, I’ve got to go but can you get back to me pretty quick?” he asked, then disconnected the moment he heard Tony say, “Sure.”
* * *
THREE DAYS LATER the yellow cab turned the corner of Catherine’s block. Luca was looking forward to getting his first look inside the finished interior.
He watched April’s reaction as her gaze caught on the beautiful stained glass, art deco front door, her eyes widening in appreciation. “Wow,” she said, her voice as reverent as a church whisper. “Did you do any of that?”
“No, Tony handled everything. I think I said, but that’s how he and Catherine met.” He paid the cabbie and they got out.
Damn. It was killing him not to tell April about the Hester Street apartment. Tony had called yesterday. Luca couldn’t risk her bringing it up at dinner, so he was waiting to surprise her later, after they’d left.
“All right.” April took a deep breath, not moving from the curb. “Um, one more time, please? Tony’s the oldest, and he runs Paladino & Sons ever since your father had his second heart attack. Your mother prides herself in her cooking, but I should still feel free to compliment Catherine although not go overboard. Dom is the youngest, and he’s something of a ladies’ man and flirts with everyone so don’t pay any attention to him. And are you sure I look all right?”
For the first time since he’d asked her to dinner, April sounded nervous. “You look beautiful. That dress is perfect. I’m not sure how you’re able to walk in those heels, but they look great.”
“Thank you,” she said, holding on tight to her clutch. “Oh, and Nonna speaks mostly Italian, and your father—”
“Quit worrying,” he said, teasing one hand away from her death grip on the purse so he could give it a reassuring squeeze. He hadn’t felt the need to prep her, but she’d insisted. April was outgoing and always upbeat—he hadn’t imagined this would be hard for her at all. “They’re nice people, I promise. But be warned. If you mention that you’re half Italian, my mother will have the church booked before dessert.”
April smiled. “Okay, I’ll keep that quiet.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” He gave her a one-armed hug before guiding her toward the porch. “I’m hoping you’ll have a good time this evening.”
“Oh, I will.” She stopped and faced him. “I’m sure of it. It’s just...well, this is important. I really want to be the kind of woman your family can picture you being with...” She blushed and lifted her shoulders in a small shrug. “Otherwise your mom and nonna will keep pestering you.”
“Is that all that’s making you nervous?”
She nodded, her gaze steady and solemn.
“I wish you would’ve said something.” Luca smiled and touched her cheek. “All that worry for nothing. You’re exactly the type of woman they’d want for me.”
April gave him a surprisingly shy smile. Her cheeks and lips were pink, and he figured he might just have to kiss her right there on the sidewalk.
Luca leaned forward as Tony opened the front door.
“Hey,” Tony said with a wry laugh. “Want me to come back?”
“Thanks, bro. Great timing.” Luca looked at April, hoping she wasn’t embarrassed.
She seemed fine, smiling at Tony as he opened the door wider and welcomed them into the beautiful foyer. Catherine joined them, and introductions were made.
“Come on,” Tony said. “Let me give you a quick tour, huh?”
“I’ll meet you down here when you’re done,” Catherine said, taking the bottle of chilled Prosecco that Luca had brought. “I’ve got to check the—” She waved in the general direction of the kitchen then disappeared.
From the staircase and the restored fireplaces, to the deco inlays and details on everything from the windows to the light switches, there wasn’t one misstep. Luca could see how much Tony enjoyed showing April all the little touches, watching as her eyes widened with wonder.
“Man, this is one of the best things you’ve ever done. I mean it,” Luca said as his brother showed them the new electric dumbwaiter.
“I have to admit,” Tony said, “I had no idea how much I missed the actual art of restoration. How amazing it is to look to the past instead of just the new and modern. The craftsmanship was remarkable back in the 30s and 40s. Look at that tile. The glass work.”
“Have you taken pictures of the detail work?” Luca asked. “If Catherine doesn’t mind, this should all be showcased in the new brochure Dom’s working on.”
“Huh.” Tony swept a considering gaze around the room. “You’re right. I think we might get some interest in more restoration w
ork with it.”
“Definitely.” Luca nodded. “Not everybody’s got the touch, though. We get too many of these types of jobs and you might have to get back out in the field.”
“I’d have no problem with that,” Tony said, and Luca thought of how great it was to hear the pride in his brother’s voice.
“Well, obviously I know nothing about any of this except that it’s all stunning,” April said. “Yet it still feels warm and comfortable in here.”
“Repeat that to Catherine, will you?” Tony asked. “She’ll like that. It’s what she was hoping for.”
“Did she help you do all this?” April’s eyes were just as wide as they were when they started the tour of the house.
“A lot of it, yes.”
It shouldn’t have mattered to Luca but he was pleased that April had an appreciation for the work, even the small details most people would miss. She’d asked lots of questions and wanted to see every nook and cranny.
Finally they arrived at the new chef’s kitchen, and Luca grinned at April’s reaction. The throaty moan had Catherine glancing over her shoulder.
“Totally swoon-worthy.” April was trying to look everywhere at once.
“I can see you meant that literally,” Catherine said with a laugh.
“Oh, I was making noises, huh? Wow, you’ve got so many things going on in here. How can I help?”
Catherine’s grin was equal parts relieved and panicked. “I’ll get you an apron.”
“Come on,” Tony said, nodding at Luca. “Let’s go open the rest of the wine.”
Luca followed him to the large dining room. The table looked like something out of a magazine, complete with an elegant centerpiece and enough wineglasses to make him glad they were going to take a cab home. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t know you had this in you. I’ve been so used to seeing you behind total remodels.”
“What can I say? Catherine inspired me. Now pour me some of that Prosecco.” He shot a glance toward the kitchen. “By the way, have you told her yet?”
Luca shook his head. “Tonight. After we get home.”
