Page 98 of Disarming Caine

Was I reading too much into the tone? “Fantastico! We can go to Russo’s together, like our first date.”

The mention of our first date should have elicited a laugh from her. But she grunted. “No, just a chat. In the office. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

She hung up without another word, leaving me staring at my phone. What was bothering her? And how could I make it better?

Not enough time to run to Russo’s or even enough time to make her an espresso. Only enough time to tidy my office, fluff the decorative pillows on the leather couch, and ensure the paintings and my diplomas were straight. Pull the navy half-zip sweater back on—she loved me in blue almost as much as black. And brush my teeth.

Maybe a hint of cologne.

Five minutes later, the front door opened and closed, and the click of Sofia’s stilettos came from Papa’s office.

“I have it,” I said, hurrying to the door. My heart leapt into my throat as I rounded the reception wall and saw her hanging her heavy winter jacket on the coat rack near the door. Beautiful. So beautiful. She’d worn a robin’s egg blue blouse under a black suit with slim pants, her glorious hair cascading down her back.

Her smile was tight, so I crossed the lobby and scooped up her hand to kiss it gently.

I looked up from where my lips hovered over her hand. “Have I told you yet today that you’re the most stunning sight in all the world?”

The smile changed. From tight to sad. A devolution instead of an evolution. “Yeah, you said that this morning.”

But I could thaw her frosty exterior. I’d always been an expert in that. “Apparently, I’m becoming too predictable for my clever girlfriend.”

She inclined her head toward the huge front windows. “Those were fixed quickly.”

“Papa has connections.”

“Is your office free?”

“For you? Always.” I leaned in to kiss her, but she presented a cheek. “You know, it’s not a public display of affection if there’s no public.”

“Sorry.” She gave me a peck on the lips and took my hand, her free one swiping along her jaw. “It’s been a rough morning.”

“Then my job is to smooth it over.” I brought the hand to my lips again as we walked into the studio, passing Papa’s office where he and Sofia were arguing in Italian.

Samantha didn’t even look in.

Once we were both in my office, I closed the door behind me and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her back against my chest. Her body remained rigid.

I leaned in close, nudging the hair away from her ear with my nose, and lowered my voice. “What’s the matter, bella?”

Her eyelids fell and her head dipped forward. There were words she needed to share.

My lips grazed her jaw. “You can tell me. I’m here for you.”

“Stop,” she whispered, a hand clasping one of mine. For a moment, she sank against me and relaxed. But she quickly straightened and slid out of my grasp, turning to face me. “I need to talk to you. With words.”

One of her hands extended between us, making it clear she didn’t want me to touch her. Creating an ocean of distance. The food in my stomach churned, and I swallowed hard, searching for moisture in my dry throat. The minty taste of the toothpaste taunted me. So much for my charm fixing her mood.

She rubbed the hand across her face, unable to speak or look at me.

Surely she was not breaking up with me? Telling me she would move out? Marone, had I been right about Nathan Miller all along? I flew all this way and—I shoved my fists into my pockets. I was being ridiculous.

“So talk, Samantha, and I’ll listen.”

“Samantha?” Her nose scrunched with the word, eyes flicking back and forth between mine, searching for something. Searching forbellaoramore. Until realization spread across her face and she took a half-step toward me, but no more. “Antonio, no. Not cheating, no other man, not leaving you, none of that.”

That was something, at least.

“Of course. Why would I think any of that?” I waved a dismissive hand and crossed to the couch, sitting lightly, resting an arm across the back. Perhaps I could convince her I was not worried and it would make whatever weighed on her easier. It was unlikely I could convince myself of it.