by Anise Storm
When she finally moved off him, Mario grinned wickedly. “If biting gets me that sort of treatment, then I’ll make sure to nibble on you, morning, noon, and night.”
Chapter 23
THE NEXT MORNING, LANIA awoke in Mario’s arms. She’d never experienced that with anyone and never imagined that when she did, it would be with him. It was nice, though, and just a slight bit awkward. She’d tossed and turned the entire night, or at least what was left of the night when he finally allowed her to go to sleep, afraid to wake up, hoping everything wasn’t a dream. She soon found out that not only was his admission of love real, but it was the first thing he told her when she opened her eyes.
Even now, while sitting in the passenger side seat of his silver Maserati, Lania still got goosebumps as she remembered his “Good morning, beautiful. I love you.” Unfortunately, once they got dressed and went outside to survey the damage, everything took a turn for the worst. It was still raining rather heavily and her Porsche was destroyed. Three years of speed racing and road trips couldn’t do her Cayman in but a large coconut palm could. The sports car was so small that it stood no chance against Mother Nature and her weapons of destruction.
Her car wasn’t the only loss. When they looked out in the backyard, the clubhouse beside the pool as well as a gazebo in her father’s state-of-the-art grilling area, had also met the same fate as her Porsche. In addition, at least a dozen trees around the property had been downed. They finally left and went next door to check out his parents’ home and it was a similar scene of destruction. She didn’t think there was much that could be done on their end, but she was wrong.
Mario had spent the first hour lining up all the necessary culprits so he could file a claim on his parents’ behalf. She’d listened as he arranged for an insurance adjuster, and once he’d been by to survey the damage, a set of contractors would be dispatched to the estate. She’d called her own parents and her father told her that he’d handle everything on his end. Glad to not have to worry about all of that, she talked to Gorgio and Carlotta Barone for a few minutes before hanging up and handing his phone back to him so they could head back to Miami.
“You’re thinking awfully hard over something, Melania,” he stated in observation, and she flashed a meek smile at him.
It was still a lot to take in. Evidently, she and Mario were now an item and it would take some time for her to wrap her head around everything that had happened. This time yesterday, Lania never wanted to see him again, and today, she was now worried about what would happen when they got back in SoBe. “I’m still trying to process everything.”
His hand reached for hers, and he squeezed it tightly. “Nothing has to be decided today. We love each other and that’s all that matters.”
Lania knew he was right. Still, thoughts about their respective condos and restaurants swirled through her mind, until she started to feel the beginning of a headache. Finally, she tried to force those thoughts to one of the recesses of her brain and turned her attention to the scenery outside.
There were still only a small number of vehicles on the road and most that she did see were emergency personnel or first responders. It was very odd to see Interstate 95 so empty. It was obvious that most people took Stormageddon more seriously than she did. As she thought about what she’d actually done, Lania couldn’t help but drop her face into her palms.
“Is something wrong?” he asked from beside her, and she giggled.
“No, I’m just wondering what the hell possessed me to drive straight into a hurricane. Most people evacuate town because of them, but not me.” Lania shook her head wryly. “Are you sure you can handle someone as crazy as me?”
Mario chuckled. “Handle isn’t the word I’d use. Besides, I doubt anyone could ever tame your spirit, and to be honest, I wouldn’t want to. I love your spunk, Italian temper, and fire. I’d never do anything to change you.”
She smiled brightly at him. Mario was saying all the right things, and she hoped he was right. Leaning back in her seat, she turned her focus back to the scenery flying past them outside. There were numerous trees down and debris here and there, but she couldn’t tell what the extent of the damage was. Hopefully when back in Miami, she could assess her condo and Basilico for herself. She’d also want to make sure all of her girls were okay. Since the battery on her phone had died overnight, she hadn’t been able to talk to any of them. In fact, the first thing she did when she got in his car was to plug her phone to the USB port. Hoping that it at least had enough time to charge partway, Lania picked it up from the center console.
Thirty percent. She’d take it. Lania powered her phone on and then saw a slew of notifications, most from her girls and a few of her employees at the restaurant. She wanted to ease her friends’ minds, so she brought up a group text and typed her message.
Check in, girls. I’m good.
The car was silent until her notifications started going off like crazy. The beeps and pinging noises had him shaking his head. Lania giggled and then pulled each one up.
Niles, here. Same old shit, just another day for me.
It’s Jade. I’m good. Love you all.
Liv here. I’m good, but you need to check out Basilico. Haven’t had a chance to do it myself yet.
It’s Arielle. Kimara and I are great.
Lania waited, hoping to hear from Rachaela. She tapped her fingers on the dashboard until she finally heard another beep.
Sorry, service sucks here. It’s Rachaela. I’m good too.
Finally, Lania sighed in relief. She quickly texted the group one last time before plugging her phone back up to finish charging.
I’ve got big news. Will talk later. XOXOXOXO
“Checking in with your friends?” Mario asked.
Lania nodded before answering, “Yes, I had to make sure they were all alright.”
She wanted to talk to him about them and how close the group of women was, but as he’d said earlier, he didn’t want to change her. Lania just hoped he meant that. There was no way she’d ever put anyone ahead of her Golden Girls. They’d all made a pact years ago that no one or anything would ever come between their sisterhood. It’d been easy over the last few years because none of the women had ever been in a serious relationship. This would be the first time that pact would be put to the test.
The approaching highway sign was a familiar one, stating the Miami Beach exits were quickly approaching. Nervousness set in because she had no idea what she might find when they were once again back on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Lania tried to remain positive, especially when Mario told her the storm moved to Jupiter Island instead of South Beach. They’d survived the worst of it, so she was ready to witness the rest of Mother Nature’s wrath for herself.
The rain was still coming down, although not as heavily as it was north of them. At least she could now see everything out of the window, unlike her trip the day before. Mario merged onto the Mac Arthur Causeway, and she knew it would only be a matter of minutes before she was back at her current home. They crossed the final causeway bridge overlooking the bay, and then went down Fifth Avenue until they reached her street.
“I know you’re anxious to see what, if any, damage has been done to Basilico, and I’m the same regarding De Palmas, but I want you to wait for me. I’m going to drop you off at your place, and I want you to take a hot shower, change, and be ready when I come back in about an hour,” he told her in a voice that brooked no argument. “Okay?”
Lania almost wanted to argue with him, and it was still almost a reflexive action to do so, but knew she had to learn how to pick her battles. Thankfully, she still had some clothes at her parents’, but Mario hadn’t and ended up having to wear something of Gorgio’s. It made for a good laugh when she saw him emerge from the bedroom in her father’s clothing. She could definitely see why he’d want to go home and change.
“Sure,” she answered him as she pulled up in front of her building. So far so good where first impressions
were concerned. A scalding hot shower sounded divine right now, and she hoped the electricity here was working. “Just call me when you’re ready.”
He pulled her close and brushed his lips over hers. “I will, Melania.”
Lania pulled back and smiled before grabbing her purse and phone. She exited the car and hurried inside, breathing a sigh of relief when the lobby of her building was lit up. Leroy gave her a nod as she strode quickly to the elevator.
A few minutes later, she was back in her place and nothing looked out of place at all, unless you counted the scene on her balcony. Two of her potted plants had overturned, depositing their soil onto the concrete, but that was all. “You should’ve stayed home,” she chided herself as she headed to her bedroom.
The first thing she did when entering her master suite was to go to the bathroom and turn the water in her shower on to the highest temperature. She’d let it run for a few minutes, using the time to find something to wear for when she was finished. Since they’d be surveying possible storm damage, she grabbed a pair of yoga pants and tank top before stripping out of her current outfit.
Lania moaned in pleasure the second she felt the first drops of scalding water hit her skin. It was much better than the cold rain she’d been subjected to over the last twenty-four hours. Closing her eyes, she thought back to everything that had occurred and realized that something good did come from her reckless decision after all. She and Mario had been an item.
It was still surreal to think about how much time had passed and how neither had ever moved on from the other. She wasn’t thrilled when he’d mentioned dating extensively, but to know that none of those women ever mattered like she did filled her with a sense of joy. He wouldn’t get quite the ego boost, especially since she’d only dated a few guys over that same three-year span. It’d always been casual and now she knew why. Just as he’d wanted her, deep down she must’ve wanted him in the same way.
Eventually, the heat of the water began to lower, and she took it as her cue to get dressed. Lania exited the shower, got dried off and then dressed, and was in the middle of putting her tennis shoes on when Mario sent her a text message to let her know he was on his way. She kicked her actions into high gear, raking a brush through her long, wet hair and finally putting it into a ponytail, when she received another message from him.
She grabbed her phone, purse, and also an umbrella before locking up and going downstairs. Mario was waiting for her in the lobby, and she sighed. He’d gotten changed into a pair of loose-fitting jeans and a snug T-shirt that accented his muscular physique perfectly. When he pulled her into his arms, Lania inhaled the woodsy scent of his cologne. He looked damn good and smelled even better.
“Let’s go check out the damage,” he told her while leading her toward the exit. When they got outside, the rain had fizzled to a slow drizzle, but she’d keep her umbrella with her just in case. They got in the car and made the short trip onto Collins Avenue where both restaurants were located. “Ladies before gentlemen,” he told her as he drove past De Palmas.
Lania arched a brow at him. “You’re no more a gentleman as I am an angel. We both know that.” He chuckled loudly, and she grinned. Who said things have to change between us? “But thank you,” she quickly added.
When they pulled up to Basilico, there was a considerable amount of water in the parking lot. In fact, Mario actually parked in a neighboring lot because of the flooding. Lania hurried ahead of him after they got out of the car, already knowing what she’d find when she opened the door. A few months ago, South Beach had gotten an excess of rain, which had caused minor flooding to the front of her restaurant. She’d gotten it fixed temporarily but hadn’t had the chance to have a permanent solution put into place.
With shaky hands, she brought the key to the lock and felt Mario place his hand on her wrist. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together.”
She nodded and then turned the handle, feeling a sense of deflation when she opened the door and water pooled at her feet. Maybe I should’ve chosen rain boots instead. Stepping inside, she cringed as the moisture soaked into the bottom of her shoes. “It’s just as I suspected.”
“It looks like the entire dining room is flooded,” he stated, speaking in a low tone.
No shit, Einstein. Glad she didn’t actually take her frustrations out on him by voicing that aloud, she walked through the space. “I had some problems a few months ago but was able to correct the water damage. This is worse than it was back then.”
“There’s some foundation and irrigation work that needs to be done,” he said, once again stating the obvious as he waded through the ankle deep water.
“Yes, I know. I would’ve had to close Basilico for a week or two and didn’t want the interruption to business. Most likely, the flooring isn’t salvageable, and I’ll need to have a mold expert come in. I might as well take the time to have it done right now.” Lania hated to have her employees out of work, especially since most depended on the income they made there to support their entire families.
As she stood there debating on what to do, Lania finally made the decision to keep everyone on payroll, intending to give everyone a week or two of vacation pay. She’d need to tell them all so no one would show up.
“You’re making the right decision, Melania. Let’s go check out De Palmas, and we can get started on finding a reputable contractor.”
They exited the building and a few minutes later were inside of his restaurant. Of course his place was in full functioning order, and even open for business. That was why Mario had suggested they check out her place first. He must have known that his was fine.
Lania glared suspiciously at him, and he winked. “Take a seat, little girl. You haven’t eaten in a while, so I’ll have something thrown together for us. I take it that you’re still a big fan of lobster?”
“Yes,” she replied as she slid into one of the plush booths. A waiter appeared immediately, and Mario smiled at Melania before ordering for her.
“She’ll take the Lobster Risotto, and I’ll have the Frutti di Mare with squid ink pasta.” Lania wrinkled her nose up at his selection. It shouldn’t have been that surprising, considering he used to bring escargot to school. He’d always liked strange foods. She’d be perfectly fine with some fluffy lobster and rice.
The waiter took the order, including the wine selection, and then left them alone. “So my dish won’t have any weird crap in it, right?”
Mario smirked, and damn if it didn’t make her toes want to curl. “Fortunately for you, Melania, it is made with only Arborio rice, lobster, asparagus, black truffles, and topped with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.”
Her stomach growled at the run-down of ingredients. Maybe she was hungrier than she first thought. Lania was about to mention possibly adding an appetizer to their order when the waiter appeared with a sliced bread loaf and three plates of dipping sauces. This would do just fine. Reaching over, she tore a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth.
Their wine and food arrived shortly after, and they ate in companionable silence until he reached for her hand. “Since Basilico will be closed for the next week or two, I have an idea. Just hear me out on it, okay?”
Something told her that his choice of words was not thrown out there erroneously. Still, she’d at least consider whatever it was he had to suggest. “What is it?”
Mario grinned wickedly at her and her attention suddenly became more focused. “I’m sure you’ve not taken many vacations. What if the two of us leave town and go back to where whatever this is between us started?”
“To culinary school?” she asked, confused.
“Not there.” Mario shuddered, and she was sure he was thinking about all the rules the headmistress gave them upon arrival. “But I do want to take you back to Tuscany. We could rent a villa on the Italian hillside. It’ll be just you and me, and a hell of a lot of exploration for us.”
Lania smiled. She had to admit the thought of exploring every inch
of his naked body was very appealing. She really didn’t have a reason to stay here and supervise the work. Finally, she responded, “That sounds nice.”
Mario grinned even wider and leaned across the table to kiss her. “I’ll call and have the reservations set up. Now, eat, because once we get to Italy, food will be the last thing on the menu.”
Chapter 24
A FEW DAYS LATER, Mario and Lania made it to Tuscany, and having taken the lead and arranged every part of this trip himself, they arrived at the romantic villa, La Casa Di Amore. She’d almost rolled her eyes at the title, but the quaint little home had a very romantic vibe. It was a three-bedroom place constructed from original materials on the property that included stones and wood. Or at least, that was what Mario had told her.
She’d spent the first hour walking around the cottage, knowing she wouldn’t get many other opportunities with Mario around. It was private, rich with Italian heritage and had every amenity one could want. She’d already had plans for the hot tub off the master bedroom and the fire pit out on the back deck. The property boasted of a small vineyard and even had an infinity edge swimming pool nestled amongst it.
“Does it meet your approval?” Mario asked as he stepped up behind Lania. His arms wrapped around her as she leaned back against him.
“It’s a beautiful villa,” she answered, while trying to enjoy the view. Mario had other ideas, however, as his hands tugged at her clothing. Her earlier thought had been correct. “How’d you ever find this place at a last minute’s notice?”
“I might know the owner,” he told her and then pulled her shirt over her head. The small demi-bra she wore came off next and his hands moved to the waistband of her jeans.
“Is that so?” she inquired in a nearly breathless tone. His mouth was so close to the back of her neck that every word he spoke caused her to shiver. The prolonged anticipation she’d essentially felt since leaving South Beach had her body already on edge.
