One thing I noticed as well in that five-minute conversation was that she didn’t laugh. Not once. Not even a snicker. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but it bothered me.
“Well, sweet girl, I have to go.”
“Wait. You never told me what you do for a living.”
“I’m a psychologist.”
“So you’re Dr. Matteo Santos?”
A ripple of pleasure traveled over me. “Yes.”
“Oh,” she breathed.
I smiled. “Thursday.”
“Thursday.”
(Mae)
“Are you nervous?” Nika asked me, brushing my long dark hair into a ponytail.
“Yes.” But I knew I shouldn’t be.
“Cello has been watching him,” she said, looking at me in the mirror.
“I figured. My father and I are the only family he has left since his mom died.” It was like losing my mom all over again. It hurt. Every single day. And I couldn’t help but feel like I had to shut off my heart and feelings for fear of losing myself.
“We love you and if Matteo hurts you, we will take turns gutting him.” Nika smiled, kissing my head.
“I know, honey.” I gave her a hug because I knew it was the right thing to do. The moment called for a friendly embrace even though it felt forced.
She felt my body stiffen and held me at arm’s length. “It’s okay to feel what you feel.”
“I don’t know how I feel,” I muttered, stepping out of her embrace.
“I know.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and turned me towards the floor length mirror. “Beautiful.”
I was wearing black tights with a white racer back tank top. It was comfortable like Matteo had asked.
Nika handed me a grey sweater as the phone rang. She answered it, pressed a button and hung up. “He’s here.”
My heart gave a start. I could do this. I could be normal and go on dates. I could live a life where I was happy.
A hard knock sounded on the door a moment later.
“I’ll answer it.” She squeezed my hand. “Take your time.” She gave me one final look and left my bedroom.
I heard soft voices from the living room. Taking a breath, I braced myself and headed out to greet my date.
Matteo stood at the doorway, holding a single red rose. “For you.”
I closed the distance between us and accepted his gift, smelling the rose. “Thank you.” I inhaled the sweet scent of the flower, my heart warming that he remembered.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled softly.
We said goodbye to Nika and left the apartment, walking down the hall in silence.
“You look beautiful, Marketa.”
My cheeks heated. “Thank you. And you look handsome.” More like delicious. He was wearing beige pants with a light blue button down shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showcasing thick forearms. He was more than handsome. He was absolutely breathtaking. His tanned skin glowed under the contrast of the light colors.
“Can I hold your hand?” he asked, his dark eyes sparkling under my scrutiny.
I nodded, letting his fingers slip between mine. “You never asked me before.”
“But now I am.”
“Why?”
“Because, inquisitive one, I want you to know that you are in control. No matter what, you will always have the upper hand.” He took the rose from me as we reached the elevator.
The doors dinged open and I stepped inside.
He stood in front of me and leaned a hand against the wall by my head. “Do I make you nervous?”
Yes. “No.” I watched as he brought the rose up in front of my face.
“Tell me how you feel right now,” he demanded lightly, brushing the rose down my cheek.
“I don’t…I’m not sure.” The soft petals caressed my skin. The rose moved down the length of my jaw, over my collar bone and over the swell of my breasts.
“You are beautiful,” he said, his voice deep and husky.
My chest rose and fell with ragged breath.
He moved the budding flower over my mouth, the sweet scent wafting into my nose. “Can I kiss you, Marketa?”
Before I could think twice, I nodded. “Yes.”
The corners of his lips turned up into a small smile. He leaned down and pinched my chin. Tilting my head, he brushed his mouth along mine.
The shock that sparked between us snapped something inside of me. I needed to feel more. Standing on tip toes, I pushed my mouth against his. I had been craving him since I met him a week before. My body buzzed at the connection.
A soft growl rumbled from his chest but he didn’t deepen the kiss.
I frowned at the flutter of disappointment swimming through my belly.