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Paul stepped forward, grinning. “How was that?”
My jaw dropped and I swiped his arm. “Oh, come on. That was amazing.” I bounced on the balls of my feet. Then I froze and dropped my hand.Oh my God.I hit Paul Crane.
“Hum, sorry,” I squeaked.
Paul chuckled. “Don’t be. She’s finally relaxing. Eh, Rocco?”
Rocco squeezed my arms. “Yep.”
They all laughed, and I joined in with them.
“My turn,” Nadia said tugging me into a tight hug. “You looked so surprised.”
“Oh my God, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Jacob wanted to see your reaction in real-time,” she explained when we let go.
I gestured towards my face, which probably had puffy eyes and tear streaks. “Look at me? I’m a mess.”
“You look beautiful.” Rocco murmured.
Paul’s expression turned serious. “Jacob’s so cool.”
I beamed at him, bobbing my head. “Yeah, he is.”
Jacob was so calm on screen, like he was hanging out with old friends. He didn’t debate whether he wanted an opportunity, he jumped right in and made a video. I still had so much of letting go to learn from my big brother. How I wished I could call him and congratulate him on his boldness and ask him how I could be just like him.
Paul gestured towards Rocco. “It was all him. He sent me a video of Jacob’s art, and it moved me. Nadia and I left to visit Jacob the next day.”
I turned to face Rocco; my heart swelled at the softness in his gaze.All him. “I love you, Adelina.”His words were still dancing beneath my skin, but now didn’t feel like the right time to say those words back to him. “You showing stuff again?”
Rocco gave me a sheepish grin. “I can’t help it. If I see something I like, I want the world to see it. That’s why I make films.” It was a good enough reason. But it meant so much more.
“Sono pazzo di te.Te adoro il mio dolce marito.”I’m crazy about you, my sweet husband. I adore you.
He wrapped his arms around me, and we kissed. It came so naturally, and I wasn’t shy about it, pressing back, and holding him tight.
Rocco’s eyes glimmered, and his smile grew broader when we parted. He noticed, too. “Mmm. I’m going to have to hear more Italian from your lips. But now, I’m back to Italy. Glad you’re able to join me Paul….” He chatted easily with our friends, but I stopped listening.
It was time for me to leave.Of course I understood he had to return to work and his busy schedule. Still, I couldn’t stop thatache in my chest that we’d be separated again. I didn’t want to spend a second without him.
“I know that look too well, Adelina,” Paul said, breaking my thoughts, his expression sympathetic. “Rocco will be back soon.”
My face warmed.God. I’m so embarrassed.
“Paul,” Nadia drawled out. “Don’t put her on the spot.”
Paul winced. “Sorry, Adelina.”
I waved dismissively. “It’s all right. I’ll be fine.”
Rocco rubbed my back soothingly. “It’ll only be for a few days.”
Paul blew out. “I hope so.” His tone wasn’t exactly sure. And I hated that Rocco’s future productions and studio depended on money from investors instead of using the money promised to him.
Nadia stepped over and came close, clasping my hands.
“I don’t know what’s wrong. I guess all the travel was too much for me.” We both knew I was lying, but Nadia was discreet.