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I forced myself to make eye contact as I shook it. “Likewise, Mr. Caruso.”
“George,” he said, tilting his head. “Please don’t be embarrassed. There’s nothing more beautiful than passion. I had it with…Sonia. Remember her, Rocco?”
“I do. Sonia was lovely.”
George sighed wistfully. “She was, but not a Bella Fiori, a beautiful flower, like you’ve married. I should turn you down on that alone, Rocco. No one should be that lucky.”
Ah, a typical Italian flirt.But I’m no wallflower. I’m Rocco Marini’s wife.
I lifted my chin. “Thank you, George. It’s a pleasure to meet you. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve prepared something to eat.”
George’s smile broadened. “Sweet, too. I can’t blame you, Rocco, for being eager to start your honeymoon. Sorry, Adelina, I detained him an extra day.”
I lifted my shoulders. “That’s the nature of business.”
“Yes, and now we need to leave for the airport,” Rocco added his voice strained.
George chuckled. “So you’ve told me, Rocco. Hope to see you again soon.”
I shook his hand again. “Nice meeting you, George.”
“I’ll be right back,” Rocco said to me and walked George into the elevator. He sighed heavily when the door closed. “Sorry. He took me up on my offer to meet you and spontaneously boarded the plane.”
My brows rose. “Really?”
He sighed. “That’s George, and boy can he talk. He never shuts up.”
I laughed. “So, was L.A. a success?”
Rocco rubbed his jaw. “For the most part. George’s playing hardball.”
“Really?”
“Yep. He wants to be made a partner.”
I frowned. “So that means a no from him?”
“Not exactly. He’s doing what I’d do, but I’m sure we can come to an agreement that works for both of us. Are you all packed?”
“I am,” I blew out and hunched my shoulders. “But you just got back.”
He tugged me into a hug. “I’ll sleep on the flight.”
Zane walked up to us. “Planes ready whenever you are.”
Rocco lifted my hand and kissed the back. “Ready?”
We both decided to move forward from the past. No matter how Rocco came into my life, I wanted him there, and we had a chance to start over and build something real. So, I said the only answer I had. “Yes, I am.”
Knock, Knock. “Mr. Marini?”
I snuggled against Rocco’s chest on the bed, relaxing in his embrace.
“Yes, Alice.”
“The pilot would like a word with you.”
His chest rose and fell. “I’ll be right there.” He turned me over and straddled me, pinning my wrists to the mattress. “You awake, Mrs. Marini?”