Touched by Angels Page 0,66

or four different appetizers - shrimp, eggplant, tiny meatballs - before a huge Caesar salad arrived. When Brynn was convinced she couldn't eat another bite, the pasta was brought to their table by Stefano, who insisted she would break Celeste's heart if she didn't take a large portion of the specialty of the house. From the envious looks being sent her way, Brynn had the feeling if she couldn't finish the clam spaghetti, any number of volunteers would gladly step in for her.

"More wine, more wine," Stefano insisted, replenishing their glasses when she'd finished the best pasta she'd ever tasted. Brynn wasn't given a chance to refuse the wine. Stefano filled her glass and carried away their empty plates.

"I've never had such good food in my life," she murmured, and scooted back her chair. She planted her hands on her stomach. "But if I don't stop eating now, I won't be able to walk."

"No dessert?" Roberto teased.

They finished with a cup of dark coffee. Stefano and Celeste visited their table before they left, and this time it was Brynn who was hugged and kissed. Mama's eyes watered, and she dabbed at their corners with the hem of her apron.

Once they were outside, Roberto headed for the car.

"Would you mind very much if we walked awhile?" Brynn asked. Physical movement would help ease the stuffed feeling. Besides, she didn't want the evening to end so soon.

"By all means, let's walk," Roberto agreed. He reached for her hand and set a slow, easy pace. The night was crisp and cold.

"It looks like it might snow."

Roberto glanced skyward. "Wishful thinking on your part," he murmured. "There's barely a cloud in the sky."

He was right. The image of them walking together, hand in hand through lightly falling snow, appealed to her.

Although she'd enjoyed their dinner, her one regret was that with all the food being served, and Stefano checking to be sure everything was to their liking, there hadn't been much of a chance for the two of them to talk.

"Thank you, Roberto, for a wonderful meal."

He released her hand and slipped his arm around her waist. "Thank you for coming with me."

Brynn pressed her head against his shoulder. "What made you decide to ask me out?" She wasn't sure what prompted the question, but she was curious.

"I wanted everything to be right for you."

"Be right?"

He exhaled slowly as though he weren't sure how to explain himself. "You aren't like other women I've known."

Brynn smiled to herself. "Is that a compliment?"

Roberto was taken aback by her question. "I meant it to be. Have I insulted you?"

"No," she assured him.

"You're special, Brynn. Not only to me, but to Emilio and his friends, too. They think a lot of you. I've heard the teens talk about you, and when they do, well, it's with respect. It takes a lot to impress kids these days."

"And how do you feel about me?" she asked. It would be far easier for her if Roberto came right out and told her. She'd never been so bold with a man, but this wasn't a normal relationship.

"Me?" He hesitated, taking some time to formulate his thoughts. "You're stubborn and strong-willed."

Brynn wouldn't deny it. "If you think I'm stubborn, you should meet my mother." She bit down on her lip when she realized what she'd said. Reminding him of the mother he'd lost was the last thing she wanted.

"So you inherited the trait." He sounded amused, and Brynn was relieved.

"I care for you, Roberto," she told him softly. "More than I care for anyone other than my family." If he wasn't willing to acknowledge his feelings for her, then she'd be the first one to say it. "Knowing you has blessed my life. When I have a problem, you're the person I want to share it with. When something good happens, you're the one I want to tell. I find myself thinking about you a lot, probably more than I should."

His arm tightened around her middle. "I feel the same way about you. I want very much to kiss you, Brynn," he said with a deep sigh that revealed his longing for her, "but I don't want to do it in public. Not again. I'll wait until we get back to your apartment."

Brynn's heart swelled with emotion as she looked to him. "We could leave now, don't you think?"

Roberto chuckled, and together they raced across the street and back to Mama Celeste's, where Roberto's car was parked.

As they neared Brynn's apartment their amusement