by Ciara Cole
Giovanni stood and leaned against the wall so he could look the men in the eye. “Okay, then we can clear this up. Tell me when and where my car was spotted and I’ll tell you what I was doing and who I was with.”
Paunch Belly laughed. “Yeah, right. So you can go and intimidate the witnesses into recanting? I don’t think so.”
“Careful, Detective, you’re getting really close to slander. What evidence do you have, other than my last name, that I’m a criminal?” He knew the answer because it was the one thing Vincenzo had kept his word about. There was never any link between Giovanni and the things he’d done in service to the Tucci crime family. He’d never been arrested and his seeming reluctance to hurt people had earned him a measure of loyalty from his victims.
“We all know what you are, Tucci.”
Giovanni nodded. “In that case, make your case and come after me. In the meantime, I suggest you find a good lawyer because I’ll be talking to mine the moment you two leave.”
“There’s no need for that, Mr. Tucci. We’re leaving.”
Gio nodded. “If you’re actually looking to question me, I’m happy to help. If you just want to insult me, contact my lawyer.” He escorted them to the door and shut it behind them. “Dammit!” Would his past never stay where the fuck it belonged? He should have known when Cristo showed up that trouble wouldn’t be far away.
Unable to concentrate on the paperwork he’d brought home, Giovanni packed up the files and slid on his shoes. There was only one thing that could help relax him when he was this wound up. Well, two things, but Talia had a meeting with her editor and she was meeting Tiana for lunch. So he went to his restaurant where he planned to lock himself in the kitchen.
~
“Sorry I’m late, the new editor-in-chief is driving me crazy!” Tiana let out a hurried breath and slid into the booth at the Cuban restaurant Talia had picked out. “Cuban? I don’t even know what Cuban food is.” She smiled at her friend.
“Don’t worry, you’ll like it. So how are you?”
Tiana shrugged. “I’m okay. I love my job even if I spend most of the time running around like a wild hyena.” She paused to drink down half the glass of ice water sitting in front of her. “I love it though. Don’t you want the legitimacy of a newspaper behind you?”
Talia sighed. It had been Tiana’s mission for the past few years to get her to join the paper and “go legit” despite her desire not to. “I’m not interested in creating extra stress for myself. Besides why do I need the Times when I have fifteen papers on my resume?” It was true. Over the years, her online column had garnered much more press than the print version, thanks to the dwindling number of magazine subscribers in the digital age. Soon newspapers and blogs around the country approached her for syndication deals. Talia would never be the billionaire Giovanni was, but she had plenty of money for a rainy day.
“Damn, woman, you’ve been holding out on me. Who else sends you checks?”
Talia laughed and gave her a few names that made her brown eyes bulge out. “So you see, I thank you for your concern but I get to do what I love, I have legitimacy and I don’t have to pretend it’s still the 1970s and run around all day.” She heard her words and fought the desire to cringe. “No offense, but why should you run around all day when your focus right now is human interest?” She just didn’t believe in running around for the sake of running around.
“Okay, fine, stay where you are. I’ll keep the Pulitzers for myself.” Tiana lifted her nose in the air and did her best haughty expression. She couldn’t hold it without breaking down in laughter though. “I wish I could get a story that would get me within smelling distance of a Pulitzer Prize. It doesn’t matter that I did that amazing story on property developers relocating homeless people or that expose on “restaurants” delivering food cooked in their apartments. That fucker won’t give me another shot. Whenever a thrilling piece comes up, he gives it to one of the guys.”
Talia hated to hear that. “What do you want to do, Tiana, in your heart of hearts? Do you want to be a hard-hitting reporter or do you want to be Carrie Bradshaw?”
Tiana lifted her hand to flag down a waitress. “I can’t answer that question without a drink. We’ll circle back to me, tell me what’s going on with you and Gio.”
Talia let out a long sigh, trying to figure out exactly how to describe what was happening with her and Giovanni. “I don’t know.”
“Oh no, that wasn’t the sigh of a woman who doesn’t know. That’s the sigh of a woman who knows exactly what’s going on but is unhappy about it.” Tiana wagged her finger with a smile.
Talia leaned back, sipping the blood-orange mimosa the waiter had just set down. “Well, I guess we have our answer about your career goals. Anyway I guess you’re right. We had a weird talk a few nights ago and I realized that Giovanni is that guy. You know, the one who will never commit. I mean, it’s not like I want him to commit to me right now, but I’m glad I know it’s not an option so I can protect myself.”
Tiana’s brown eyes went wide. “Oh. My. God. You like him!”
Talia’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Yes. I do, dammit.” She had no problem admitting her growing feelings for Giovanni, but she didn’t have to like it. Because she didn’t. Not at all. “But now it doesn’t matter. It has nowhere to go.”
“But you’re still seeing him now?”
Talia nodded, brushing a stray curl from her face. “Yep. In fact, we have a date tonight. Midnight gnocchi at his place.”
Tiana’s eyebrows did a strange squiggly snake thing before she straightened, ever conscious of wrinkles. “So you’re content to stay with him for now even though there isn’t going to be a then?”
Talia nodded. “I like him. He’s funny and smart, and the sex is unbelievable. You were right, I needed to enjoy myself and Giovanni gives me that.” She smiled at the thought of how happy she was with him. “So I’m going to ride this out, protecting my heart so I can walk away with minimal damage when this is all done.”
“I think you’re being naïve about how easy it will be when it’s done. Other than that, I’m happy for you, Talia. You haven’t let anyone in for a while and that’s progress. Maybe the next guy will have staying power.”
“Yeah, maybe, but I’m not holding my breath.” Talia was looking forward to their date tonight, but she had to keep reminding herself not to get too excited about it. Well, she could get excited about the sex, she was downright giddy about the sex, but about everything else she was cool as a chilled cucumber.
“That’s the way to be optimistic about it,” Tiana grumbled and refilled their mimosas.
“I can’t be too optimistic or I might forget that there is no future between us.” It was her biggest fear now that she knew there was nothing but fun between them.
“Or,” Tiana took a sip and glanced down at the menu, “you can just let yourself fall and see what happens.”
Not that she hadn’t thought about just that idea this morning, but growing up the way she had, Talia was far too practical to indulge in those kinds of fairy tales. “Not my style. Sorry.”
“You are not, but I’m going to let it pass because you’re going to order us something so fantastic I’m going to come on this bench.”
A slow smile spread over Talia’s face followed by a laugh. “That I can do.”
~
Tonight had to be special. He didn’t know why, but Giovanni was determined to make this midnight gnocchi a night for the record books. The gnocchi was rolled and the red wine reduction sauce was still reducing. The baby Portobello mushrooms were sautéed with a proper crisp on the edges, the salad chilled in the refrigerator along with a chocolate mousse cake with amaretto whipped cream. It was a veritable feast, and guaranteed for seduction.
He’d already showered and the wine was chilled and ready for consumption. Candles were lit and soft jazz played throughout the house. He smiled and looked around. Yep, the place was ready.
He was de
termined to get things back to how they were. He’d spent many nights with Talia over the past five weeks, but the past few days had been different. She’d put up walls so he could never get too close to her. It was his own damn fault, he acknowledged, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. He wanted her open and affectionate like she’d been before. He didn’t know if she would ever be that way with him again, and it tore him up inside. She was a spectacular woman, fascinating and sexy, smart and talented. He wanted her, for longer than a few nights. He knew that now, but he also knew she would never believe it if he said anything to her.
So he would just have to show her.
When the bell rang, he let out a long breath and wiped his moist hands on his pants leg. Opening the door he met her with a killer smile. “Good evening, lover.”
She smiled up at him but it wasn’t quite as bright as it used to be. “Happy midnight, sexy.”
He would rather have heard a word like sweetheart or darling, but for now sexy would have to do. “Come on in. I hope you brought your appetite.”
She looked at him over her shoulder as he grabbed the jacket at her shoulders. “Oh I’ve brought many appetites, Giovanni. Which will we satisfy first?”
He groaned and leaned in to kiss her behind her ear. “If I didn’t have a red wine reduction going, I would take you right now in this hall.” He pulled the jacket off her shoulders and sucked in a gasp. “My god, woman. You take my breath away!”
She twirled to face him, showing off the sexy lingerie she’d purchased special for tonight. It was black lace with red trim but he didn’t know quite what it was, maybe a negligee or a merry widow. Maybe it was both. She wore a sheer gown over a sexy corset with tiny underwear, garters and belts. “You like?”
He nodded, finding it difficult to swallow the lump in his throat. “Um, I more than like it. How in the hell am I supposed to do anything other than make love to you in that sexy little number?”
Talia pressed her body up against his, one finger outlining his lips. “You are going to try very, very hard. And if you succeed, you will get a special treat.”
All thoughts of her possible pregnancy, the dim light in her eyes and his desire to commit or not, all fled his mind at the sight of her in sexy black and red lingerie. “I like treats.”
“Then here’s a small one,” she said seconds before she kissed him.
Giovanni pulled back, hazel eyes glazed over with lust and chest heaving as it struggled to pull in oxygen. “That was a big treat, but mine is bigger.” He gave her a cocky grin and pulled her down the hall and into the kitchen.
“Oh, that smells heavenly.” Her gaze slanted to the stove where things bubbled and steamed, making her tummy grumble at the scent. “Tell me you have something for me.”
He looked down at those pleading eyes and smiled. “Yes, I have sausage stuffed mushrooms with lemongrass and balsamic crème. You’re going to love them.” He pulled a platter from the oven and motioned for her to sit. “Close your eyes.” She did and stole a kiss first, because those pink lips were too luscious to resist. “Bite,” he instructed when half the mushroom was in her mouth.
Talia’s moan was so loud it made Giovanni moan and look away. “Damn that’s delicious!” She licked a stray drop of crème and smiled at him. “You’re an excellent chef, you should consider doing it for a living.”
Giovanni chuckled. Her sense of humor only made her more appealing to him. She gave smiles generously and freely laughed when she was amused. He didn’t have to work hard to show her a good time and that made him want to work even harder at it. “I’ll definitely consider it.”
“Another please,” she opened her mouth wide, winking at him and waiting. She groaned again when he fed her another bite. “Yes,” she sighed and gave him a dreamy eyed look. Talia stood and walked around the counter. “Now your turn. Close your eyes and take a seat.”
“Bossy,” he murmured, but he smiled because she was cute when she was being bossy.
“You love it,” she said and slid the bite between his lips before he could respond.
“You’re right, these are tasty. I should be a chef!”
“Hey I know a guy.” She winked and sat beside him, laying her head on his shoulder. “Seriously Giovanni, your talent is amazing. I never would have thought that combination of flavors would taste so good, but I could eat those every day for the rest of my life.”
“Can I quote you on that?” He leaned in a gave her sweet but satisfying kiss. “Are you ready to eat?”
“More than ready.” She looked around. “What do you need me to do?”
~
“That was the best gnocchi I’d ever eaten, I swear!” Talia patted her belly and leaned back in the chair on the back deck of Giovanni’s home. “I guess maybe I should have worn real clothes now that I’ve got this food baby.”
Giovanni looked at her for a beat and then exploded with laughter. “Food baby?” In all my years manning a kitchen, I’ve never heard that one before.”
She smiled at him again, a sheepish expression on her face. So maybe she shouldn’t have been so exuberant with her praise, but dammit there was something so appealing about Giovanni. He was an excellent chef, a sexy and caring man and he had a great sense of humor. “Now you have and you should know,” she told him with a serious expression, “a food baby is very high praise.”
He chuckled again. “Then how come I’ve never seen you write about these elusive food babies?”
Talia lifted a shoulder. “It is a compliment best served in person.”
“Speaking of things best served. Dessert.” He stood and went into the kitchen, making noise as he shuffled about.
Talia released a long breath and closed her eyes, listening to the symphony of sounds Giovanni created in the kitchen. She should be more guarded around him, she knew that. It was so easy to forget things she knew she should remember, like why letting her heart get attached to him was a bad idea. She couldn’t remember why exactly, but she knew it had disaster written all over it. She had felt like one half of a couple from the moment she’d stepped through the doorway, dressed in nothing but sexy lingerie. They’d flirted and laughed, fed each other food and talked like old friends. It was as intoxicating as it was addictive and she needed to get a handle on her emotions. If for no other reason than the fact that she might—at this very moment—be pregnant with Giovanni’s child. That made her groan.
“Surely you’re not that impatient for my dessert? I mean it’s delicious but you have to taste it first.”
She looked up at his teasing eyes and smiled. “I don’t know, Giovanni. I mean I’ve tasted gnocchi crafted with those hands and stuffed mushrooms that almost brought me to tears. I think I could do more than groan about dessert.”
Those words made him groan. “You’re killing me, Talia. So. Bad.”
She smiled up at him and pushed her chair back. “Why don’t we postpone dessert, you know until we’ve burn enough calories to get hungry again.” A single finger blazed a trail from his mouth to the button on his jeans. Giovanni’s eyes were sparkling emeralds when he sat the cake on the table. “Oh chocolate,” she exclaimed but he captured her mouth before she could say more. The kiss was…everything. His mouth was at turns gentle and insistent, the kiss growing hotter and hotter until her skin began to burn.
“Yes, mmmm, chocolate.” Their mouths fused together again, exploring and tasting, licking and loving until neither of them could stand it. The temperature in the room went up several degrees as hands began to roam, caress and feel.
Talia’s feet left the ground and she couldn’t be sure if she was actually floating or if Giovanni had lifted her up. When her back touched the cool hardness of the table, she knew it was his doing. The other end of the ten person table was empty, well now it was filled with Talia. “Gio,” she moaned when his hands gently skated up and down her body.
“You look so beautiful all spread out like this. More delicious than anything I could ever cook.”
He kissed his way up her legs, licking her hipbones and ribs, removing her sexy lingerie as he went. By the time he took another taste of her lips, Talia was in nothing but her garters and heels. “Mmm, now that’s much better.”
She gasped when he held two fingers to her mouth, but she pulled them in and sucked them hard until he groaned and pulled free. “Giovanni,” she moaned as he weaved a moist trail down her chest and between her legs and through her folds. She knew what he would find down there, she was dripping with arousal. “Oh god!” She cried out when he thrust two fingers deep inside her. He kept up the torture, occasionally dipping his tongue into her damp heat to tongue her clit. She was on the brink of orgasm when everything stopped. “What the hell?”
He chuckled. “Patience, sweetheart.”
“I’m all out of that, Giovanni. I need you. Please.” This was one time she had no problem begging a man for anything.
He smiled down at her while his hands make quick work of his jeans, pushing them down his legs impatiently.
“Oh yes,” she sat up and tugged on the waistband of his boxer briefs, taking his steel rod in her hands and tugging until he grasped her wrist to stop her.
Giovanni gazed affectionately into her deep brown eyes, licking at her mouth while he slowly eased inside of her. “Oh god, you feel so good Talia.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist, leaning back on her hands for a better angle and her hips began to move in a rhythm they seemed to already know. Her chest thrust out and Giovanni took advantage, pulling the dark chocolate peak into his mouth and sucking hard as he pounded into her. “Gio. Vanni.” She panted as the rough thrusts jolted her in the most delicious way. When her body began to tighten she pulled him down for a kiss and sucked his tongue into her mouth.
“Yeah, baby,” he moaned when she tightened around him, letting his hands roam all over her body until he found the bundle of nerves he sought. Thumb and forefinger pressed tight on either side of her clit, Giovanni let himself go when she fell apart, pulsing around him until she collapsed on the table.
