“Did you like the movie?”
“Definitely.” Natalia picks her books up from the desk beside her. “Well, sorry to bug you. I just hoped you might know.”
We look up as Luca enters the room. He does not look even remotely amused to see his student talking to me.
“Is there something you need, Miss Romero?”
“No, sir. I was on my way out.” She looks at me and smiles. “Nice meeting you.”
“You as well.”
Natalia walks past the professor and out the door.
“What was that about?”
“She had a question for me.”
“For you?”
“Yes.”
“How so?”
“Well, apparently, a few of your students have a wager going and Natalia hoped I could provide the answer.”
Luca helps me into my coat. “Do tell.”
Putting it on, I grin and start to walk away as Luca quickly follows. “She wanted to know if I knew of your romantic preferences.”
“Say again.”
“She wanted to know if you were gay.” I glance up at him to gauge his reaction.
“Why on Earth would she want to know that?”
“Wager. She thinks you are because you’re too perfect. Perfect hair, perfect clothes, even your nails are well groomed. Her friends, apparently, think you are just metro.” I use my fingers to make quotation marks when I say the last word.
“What was your response?”
“I didn’t know how to respond. I know how you value your privacy, and although
amusing, it’s really none of her business. So I pretended to know nothing of your personal life.”
“You protected my privacy?”
“Of course.”
Luca holds the door leading outside and we begin our walk across campus.
“What did you want to say?”
Laughing, I reply, “My dear girl, Luca Di Roma is the furthest thing from being a gay man.”
Luca smiles in response. “It isn’t the first time people have thought that. You did, too.”
“I didn’t really think it because of your appearance. It was the interaction, I suppose. I’m rather embarrassed now that I know better.”
“You didn’t know.” He shoves his hands in the pockets of his coat. “I appreciate how you handled that.”
“I will always protect you, Luca. First and foremost.”
“Thank you.”
We walk on and get two coffees, then find a small table in the corner.
“I know you’ve seen the movie before, but was it still enjoyable to you?” Luca asks.
“Very much so. I do love the film.”
“So do I. I really forgot how much until today.” He takes a sip of coffee. “I think we should talk about the last time you came to my house.”
I immediately stiffen, not expecting that to come from his mouth.
“Okay,” I reply.
“I don’t want you to feel nervous about coming over again.”
“I don’t.”
“No?”
“No. You’ve made it clear what the boundaries of this relationship are and I respect that. There is nothing more to discuss.”
“I think there is more to discuss.”
I look up and sigh. “What?”
“This isn’t the right place.”
“You brought it up.”
“Yes, I did. You’re defensive.”
“No, I am not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Don’t tell me how I am. I know how I feel.”
“Do you?”
“Yes—what kind of question is that?”
Luca falls silent and stares down at his coffee. His index finger traces the rim of his coffee cup. He looks out the window, but continues not to talk. I sit back in my chair. This man frustrates the bloody hell out of me at times.
“I apologize, Londyn.”
“For what?”
“For upsetting you. Again.”
I look down at my watch. “You have a meeting in twenty minutes. We should get back.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
Walking back to the office, I have the sudden urge to just turn around and scream at him. I know how I feel. Does he know how he feels about anything? For a man who is so accomplished in life, he can be outright wishy-washy.
Back at my desk, I immerse myself in my work. Luca hovers nearby so I finally look up at him.
“Yes, Professor?”
“Are you okay?”
“Of course. I have a lot of work to do and so do you. Neither of us have time to chat about things that matter not. My feelings are immaterial at the moment.”
“Your feelings are important to me.”
“Shall we just get on with things, Professor? What happened before is in the past and I am fine.”
“Okay.” Luca frowns. “I’ll see you later this afternoon.”
“Okay.”
He walks out of the room and I slump down in my chair. I am not fine. Not at all.
THE DAY I’VE WAITED for all week is finally here and Londyn should be here any minute. I feel like an excited child on Christmas morning, full of anticipation for what’s to come. The work week was brutal. After my not so successful attempt to get her talking to me, she nearly all but shut down on me. I hope I can resolve that between us this evening.
Brushing my hair, I think about how I’m going to tell her how I feel. Perhaps over dinner is a good time. I’ll just calmly tell her that over the past several months my fondness for her has morphed into something more. I just hope she’s open to it. If not, I’ll ruin everything.
I grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and quickly dress. It’s a cold day outside and there is the threat of snow. I offered to pick her up, but she insisted on taking the T. The least I can do is make the house nice for her. I start a fire and light a few candles around the room for ambience. In the study, I set out two wine glasses and the bottle on my desk.
I decide to play some music and then head into the kitchen to finish off dinner. I am as nervous as a boy going on his first date. In looking around, I have to admit, the place is set up more for a romantic date and less for a working meeting. I wonder if she’ll notice.
I hear the doorbell ring and take a deep breath. Tonight, I’m going to tell Londyn that I’m in love with her. Lord, please let her feel the same about me.
I’M ALL AT ONCE nervous and excited for tonight. The rest of the work week was awkward between us, but he still wanted me here. Maybe tonight we can clear the air. After ringing the doorbell, I take a deep breath and wait for him to answer.
Luca appears at the door, rubbing his hands on a dishtowel. He’s wearing jeans and a black t-shirt and it’s almost as if I don’t recognize the man in front of me.
“Hi,” he says with a wide grin on his face. “Come on in. I’m just making supper.”
I set my bag down near the door. “What are you listening to?”
“Justin Timberlake. Do you like it?”
“Um, yes. I’m just surprised you do.”
“I have a wide variety of tastes,” he says, grinning.
“I see that.”
“Do you like lasagna?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I just put it in the oven and set the timer so it should be ready in about thirty minutes. In the meantime, shall we get to work?”
“Yes, of course.”
He leads me to the study and I can’t tear my eyes off how incredible his arse looks in jeans. I notice right away the candles casting a soft glow in the sitting room. A fire roars, generating a comfortable warmth. I find myself loving this house and am happy to be back in it. As tense as things have been between us, there is nowhere I’d rather be than in Luca’s presence.
I walk straight to the chair that I love sitting in. Luca leans against his desk directly across from me and crosses his arms over his chest. I can’t help but notice how toned they are and wish they wer
e wrapped around me right now.
“I took the liberty of pouring you a glass of wine,” he says, pointing to the glass of red wine sitting on the small table beside me.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
An awkward silence settles between us for a moment before I speak. “Where should we start?” I ask.
“The last time you were here, we were cataloguing the books.”
“Yes, we can pick up where we left off.”
“Can we?”
I look up at him and cock my head. “I don’t follow.”
“Can we pick up where we left off? Before I upset you.”
I purse my lips. Here we go again. “You didn’t upset me.”
“That isn’t true. Things have been strained between us since that night and I hate it.”
“It’s a bit awkward, I admit, but I wouldn’t be here right now if I couldn’t handle it.”
“I think we need to clear the air and talk about it.”
“Talk about it? It was never me who didn’t want to, I’ll remind you.” My tone is a bit harsh, but I’m not the one who shut down.
“I know. I didn’t know what to say.”
“Do you now?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then why are we talking about this? Do you find pleasure in making me feel foolish?” My voice breaks with the emotion that is rapidly rising to the surface. “It’s like you enjoy reminding me that you didn’t want to kiss me. I received that message loud and clear the first time!”
“No, Londyn, you’ve misunderstood.”
“I don’t see how.”
“Now I’ve upset you again.”
“Yes, you have. You always upset me!”
“Do I?” Luca’s tone sharpens.
“Yes. You confuse me.”
“I confuse you?”
“That’s what I said.”
Luca pauses and stares at me for a moment. “What happened between you and Nico?”
“What?”
“I saw you with him at the bar in Harvard Square.”
“You did?”
“He has a girlfriend.”
“I know!”
“So why were you with him?”
“He’s your bloody brother. Why don’t you ask him?”
Luca paces in front of me like a caged lion. “Because I’m asking you,” he says through clenched teeth. “Did you sleep with him? Tell me the truth.”
“For Christ’s sake, no! We were out as friends. I’ll have you know that he wanted to apologize to me and he wanted advice on his relationship with Candace. By the way, your brother flipping adores you and had nothing but kind words to say.”
“Friends?”
“Yes, friends. Who was the woman I saw you with after work a couple of months ago?”
“What?”
“Pretty blonde girl you met up with after work?”
“You saw me?”
“Yes, I saw you. If you have a girlfriend then you shouldn’t be batting your eyes at me and touching my bloody face.”
“Batting my eyes!” Luca raises his voice. “I don’t have a girlfriend. You know that.”
“You kissed her.”
“I kissed her cheek. She’s like a fucking sister to me. You don’t know anything about me!”
I stand up. “Because you won’t tell me! You’re so closed and secretive. How is anyone supposed to know anything about you at all? I’ve tried, Luca. Believe me, I’ve tried.”
“Well, you are just as secretive as I am with your damn boodle. You drive me crazy!”
“If it’s so difficult to keep me around, why do you then?” I yell.
“Isn’t it obvious, Londyn? You’re a smart girl. Haven’t you figured it out by now?”
“Clearly, I have not!”
Luca runs his hands through his hair, looking agitated as we stare each other down. Finally, he walks towards me and cups my face between his hands, causing my breath to catch.
“Because I’m in love with you,” he says softly.
“What?” I gasp as he pulls me close to him, our bodies pressing together.
“I couldn’t stay away from you if I tried.”
“Luca…” I whisper.
He pulls back and gazes into my eyes. “Do you have feelings for me?”
I don’t know how much times passes as we stand this way. I’m still in shock as his words replay over and over in my mind.
“Londyn?” he asks, softly.
Suddenly, my brain snaps into action. I can finally tell him my truth. “Yes,” I say softly. “I’m in love with you, too.”
Luca exhales as he pulls me close. “Thank God.”
I can’t believe I’m wrapped in his arms right now.
He gazes into my eyes again. “If you want me to let you go, tell me now. Otherwise, I’m going to kiss you and then I’m going to take you to my bed.”
Bed! Bloody hell!
“Londyn?”
My eyes lock on his. “I don’t want you to let me go.”
He smiles as he lowers his mouth and at first, brushes his lips softly against mine. Finally, his lips press firmly onto mine as our bodies sway to the sound of the music coming from the main room.
The feeling is…oh, how do I describe what is happening to me right now? It’s as though I’ve never been kissed before. All those ridiculous clichés I’ve heard a thousand times before run through my mind. Fireworks, electricity, earthquakes- all that. I swear the heavens have parted and the angels are singing. I want this kiss to last forever.
Luca’s tongue pushes against my lips, entering my mouth, slowly…so slowly. I feel his hands move up the back of my neck and tangle in my hair, holding me tightly against his body. My hands glide up his back, which I can now tell is far more muscular than I ever gave him credit for. He pushes me back gently and our bodies sink down into the armchair where I’ve spent many evenings imagining just how this moment would feel, but never thought would happen. My heart beats rapidly, threatening to pop straight out of my chest. Feelings of passion and desire flood my senses, alighting every nerve in my body.
Luca pulls back slightly and gazes into my eyes. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.”
Breathless, I simply nod my head and smile. I’ve wanted it, too.
Luca sighs and holds me tighter, burying my face in the curve of his neck. “You do something to me, Londyn. Something no one else ever has. Your presence calms me, your words nurture me. Your kiss heals me.”
His words leave me speechless. I quickly pinch my own arm. Luca looks down at me and smiles.
“You aren’t daydreaming this time.” Standing up, he pulls me upright by the arm. I’m caught by surprise when he scoops me off my feet. “Tonight, Londyn, your body and your kisses are mine.”
“Every night, Luca, if you want them,” I say, finally finding my voice.
Luca’s face fills with his dreamy smile. “I want them. You have no idea how much, but you are about to find out.”
I loop my arms around his neck, overjoyed with emotion over what is about to happen. I get Luca. Naked. Touching me. Bloody hell.
“What about dinner?” I ask.
“It will wait. I have no appetite for anything but you. You, my gorgeous girl, are about to be devoured.”
“I’m ready.”
Luca pushes his bedroom door open with his foot and, carrying me to the bed, gently lays me down. “Are you sure? Am I going too fast for you?”
“I’ve waited an eternity for this moment.”
Luca smiles and pulls his t-shirt over his head, causing me to gasp at the sight. I simply cannot believe my eyes. Lean muscles carve the most impressive curves through his arms and torso. I wonder when he has time to work out. The biggest surprise is the ornate tattoo that decorates his beautifully tanned skin. My eyes roam over the elaborate design as I take it in and I cannot fathom that elegant, sophisticated Harvard professor Luca is inked.
I reach out a
nd trace the tattoo covering his left shoulder.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” I say. “What is it?”
“It’s a scene I created with Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci discussing ancient works in an antique library.” He grins. “My two passions- literature and Italy.”
“I love the piles of books surrounding them.”
“Thank you. It’s something I always wanted. What do you think?”
“I think you are perfection defined.”
Luca moves towards me and kisses my neck, the soft stubble covering his cheeks brushing against my flesh. “I am very flawed, but your touch brings me closer to perfect.”
“Luca…” I throw my head back, enjoying the sensation of his lips moving across my skin. His fingers move to my blouse and slowly maneuver each button. Our eyes are locked together and it would take the end of the world to shake me out of this moment. Even then, I would die happily in his arms.
Luca pushes my top off my shoulders and gently kisses each one before moving back to my neck and mouth. As his tongue dips between my lips, I feel myself melting further into him.
“I love kissing you, Londyn. Your skin is as soft as I imagined it would be,” he whispers between kisses. “I am honored to explore every inch of you.”
“Mmm,” I murmur.
“You’re going to be here for a long time. Days, perhaps.”
“I’ll stay as long as you want me to.”
Luca finishes removing my blouse and I sit before him in the pink lacy bra I chose for tonight. He runs his hands over the material and my nipples respond by hardening at his touch. I moan quietly as he squeezes each one.
“I’ll be gentle with you, Londyn.”
“No, thank you,” I say firmly.
A smile spreads across his lips. “No?”
“No. Do with me as you please.”
Luca reaches behind me and unclasps my bra. As it falls in my lap, he stands back, taking me all in. “I’ve fantasized about touching you here. Your skin is so fucking pretty.”
“Thank you,” I say softly. I’ve never had a man make a comment like that before.
His hands cup and knead my breasts as the warmth of desire spreads through me. I close my eyes again as he explores my body with his hands and mouth. Finally, he sucks each nipple in his warm mouth, nibbling just hard enough. I bury my hands in his hair, realizing I can finally do what I’ve longed to since we met.
Londyn Falls Page 27
