Forever With Me

  “That’s sweet.”

  “Out of morbid curiosity, what do you like about him?”

  I frown and ponder the question, running in step with him, our feet pounding the pavement. We pass an older man walking his dog, and a young mother with a baby in a stroller.

  “I respect him,” I begin. “When I first met him, I thought he was just a player. Some charming Italian who melts panties off women with just a few pretty words, and works his way from bed to bed.”

  “Wow, you got all of that from meeting him at family gatherings?”

  I shrug and keep talking. “But he’s not that person. He loves his family fiercely. He’s proud of his business. He’s so damn good to me.”

  “I’m glad.”

  I glance over to find Blake watching me with serious eyes.

  “You deserve to be happy too, you know.”

  I nod and then laugh. “And as ridiculous as this sounds, I think I’m in love with him.”

  “Oh, I could have told you that.”

  “What? How?”

  “You should see the look on your face when you talk about him,” he says with a grin. “You’re such a girl.”

  I shake my head as we turn back toward the condo.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been in love before, B.”

  “You’ve been married,” he says.

  “I’m learning that doesn’t mean much,” I reply honestly. “I mean, I think I thought I loved Jonathan when I married him; I hope I did, but it was nothing at all compared to this. And it’s going to sound silly, but I miss him.”

  “Why is that silly?”

  “I just saw him Monday morning. I’ve been too busy this week to see him, and I miss him.”

  “Why are you running with me on your one free night this week rather than spending it with Dom?”

  “Because he has an event at the vineyard, so he’s not free tonight.”

  “Have you told him you love him?”

  “Are you nuts?” I shriek. “No way.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’ve only been seeing him for a few weeks. It’s too soon.”

  “Women.” He rolls his eyes and speeds up more as my building comes into view, but I let him go ahead of me, and stay at my pace. When I approach my building, he’s panting, stretching his legs by the front door. I immediately begin to stretch with him.

  “You should go see Dom tonight, Alecia.”

  “He’s busy.”

  “Not too busy for you to show up and tell him you love him.”

  “I can tell him this weekend.”

  “Why wait? You miss him. You love him. Go see him. Seriously, life’s too short for this bullshit.”

  I let us into my condo, frowning at my friend. “When did you become a dating expert?”

  “Look.” He takes my shoulders in his hands and forces me to look him in the eye. This is very un-Blake. “What if you don’t get the chance to tell him? You’ll always regret it.”

  “Have you told Em you’re in love with her?”

  “Hell yes, I have.”

  I’m struck dumb. I stare up at him, and then fling my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Go be happy for you. He’ll love seeing you.”

  “Are you trying to kick me out of my own condo?”

  “Hell yes, I want to use your shower. The spray in there is fantastic.”

  I laugh and walk into my bedroom closet, blindly change my clothes, and then scowl when I realize I’m sweaty.

  “I should take a shower.”

  “Yeah, no man wants to hear his woman say I love you while she smells like a gym rat.”

  I stick my tongue out at him and march back into my bedroom, stripping out of my clothes on my way to the shower.

  What the hell am I going to do, just show up in his office and blurt out, “I love you! Surprise!”

  That’s lame.

  Maybe I should take him dinner or something. Except, he said he has to work tonight, so that won’t work.

  Why am I overthinking this so much? Just go tell the man you love him!

  But what if I do, and he just stares at me in confusion. Or worse yet, says thank you.

  Dear God, I would die of horror.

  Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I should wait. It’s still early in our relationship. There’s no need to rush this.

  You’re my treasure.

  Would a man say that to someone he doesn’t love?

  I don’t think so.

  I turn off the tap, and just as I reach for a towel, there’s a commotion in the living room, and I hear a very angry Dominic yell, “What the ever loving fuck is going on?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  ~Dominic~

  I miss her.

  It’s been less than three days since I last held her, tasted her, and I miss her as if she’s a part of me.

  Because she is.

  I’m tempted to say fuck it and just go to her tonight. Let Celeste handle the event. That’s what I pay her for, isn’t it?

  I reach for my cell to text Alecia when my office line rings.

  “Salvatore,” I answer briskly.

  “Ciao,” my cousin Gianna says in my ear, but I can hear an edge in her voice, with just that one word.

  “What’s wrong, bella?”

  “I need you here, Dom.”

  “You do this every three months like clockwork, Gianna. I can’t just pack up and come to Italy. I have a business here. A life.”

  “Marco has been robbing us blind.”

  I sit forward in my chair, frowning, sure I’ve heard her wrong.

  “Mi scusi?”

  “You heard me.” She sighs the sigh of one who is bone-tired. “The vineyard is broke, Dominic.”

  “How?”

  “A little at a time. I think he’s been gambling again.” I close my eyes and everything in me stills.

  That little motherfucker.

  “Where is Marco, Gianna?”

  “I can’t find him.”

  “Son of a bitch!” I pinch the bridge of my nose, already making plans to fly to Italy today.

  “Dom, you’re the one that knows figures. You’re the only one who can fix this. I need you here.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “Grazie,” she begins, but I cut her off.

  “And when I get there, we are going to have a long talk about why it took you so fucking long to call me.”

  “Just get here.”

  She hangs up, and I’m tempted to hurl my phone across the room, but instead I yell for Celeste.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks, as she comes into my office.

  “I have to leave for Italy this evening.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “No.” I swear and pace behind my desk. “I’ll need you to stay this evening for the event. I want someone here to supervise.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Good. I’m going up to pack.”

  “Do you want me to book the airline?”

  “No, I’ll do it. You’ll be able to reach me in Italy if you need anything.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “I don’t know.” I sigh, already sick to my stomach at the mess that awaits me there. “It could be a few weeks. A month at the most.”

  “Don’t worry about anything. Everything will be fine here.”

  “Thanks, Celeste.”

  I quickly gather my laptop, iPad, cords and pack my briefcase, pocket my phone and jog upstairs, taking two stairs at a time.

  I dial the airline as I unzip a suitcase and begin filling it with clothes and essentials.

  I’m an excellent multi-tasker.

  “I need to be on a plane to Italy tonight, from SeaTac, first class.”

  I can hear the agent get to work, her nails clicking on her keyboard as she works on finding me a flight, and I remember that Alecia tried to call while I was talking with Gianna.

&
nbsp; Alecia.

  Fuck, I have to tell her I’m leaving.

  “I have a flight available at eight this evening,” the agent says.

  I check my watch. That gives me an hour to finish up here before I have to leave for the airport.

  And I need to talk to Alecia, preferably in person.

  Or, I could just take her with me. She has a team of people who can manage her business without her for a few weeks.

  I grin as the idea forms in my head.

  “That works, but I’ll need two seats, please.”

  “I have that,” she responds. I give her the passenger information, pay with my credit card, and finish packing, suddenly excited at the spontaneous trip back home. I’ve been eager to show Alecia where I come from, to see her face light up when she sees my grandparent’s land, or when I take her shopping in Rome.

  With renewed energy, I check in once more with Celeste, then head out, driving toward Seattle.

  I can’t wait to see her, but first I place a call to Steven.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, it’s Dom. I wanted to let you know that I’m heading to Italy rather unexpectedly.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  The concern in Steven’s voice always makes me pause. The way he’s accepted me, so readily, always disarms me.

  “No, but it will be. There are issues at the vineyard, and I’m needed.”

  “Of course. Be safe, son, and let me know when you get there, and if there’s anything at all that you need.”

  “Thank you.” I nod and smile to myself. “I’m taking Alecia with me.”

  “Is that so?” I can hear the smile in his voice as well. “So, not completely a work trip, then?”

  “No, I want to show it to her.”

  “Good for you. Be safe.”

  I end the call and immediately call Matt, giving him the same information.

  “You’re taking her to Italy? Is she excited?”

  “She doesn’t know. It’s a surprise.”

  “Now, that’s one hell of a surprise.”

  “I know.” I laugh. “Chicks dig shit like this.”

  “You sound more American every day, brother. Have fun. Call if you need anything.”

  I end the call just as I leave the freeway, headed to Alecia’s condo. My Montgomery family is a special one, there’s no doubt about it.

  I walk quickly into Alecia’s building, checking my watch. We have just enough time for her to pack a bag and to drive to the airport. I hope I don’t have to get her naked to convince her to go with me.

  Not because I don’t want to get her naked, and sink inside her for the better part of the night, but because there’s simply no time.

  I check my watch again. Okay, maybe I’ll just get her half naked.

  I’m smiling at the prospect of taking her hard and fast in the kitchen when I approach her door, and open it without knocking, surprised that it’s unlocked.

  I glace down and frown when I see the shoes I gave her the night of Will’s wedding tossed just inside the front door. Then scowl more then I see her skirt wadded on the floor by the kitchen, and her top and bra flung in the living room.

  Sitting on the couch, with one ankle propped on the opposite knee, his arms stretched on the back of the sofa, sweaty and wearing only gym shorts is Blake.

  His shirt has been thrown on the arm of the couch. He’s sweaty, his hair a mess, and he looks…satisfied.

  And I’m going to fucking kill him.

  “Hey, man. Alecia is going to be surprised to see you.”

  “What in the ever loving fuck is going on?” I yell and advance on Blake. He immediately stands, frowning as if he’s confused, which only makes me want to punch him more.

  What? She didn’t see me for three days and decided to call Blake to scratch her itch?

  I’m so fucking stupid.

  “Dom?” Alecia says from her doorway. She’s wet, fresh from the shower, wearing only a towel, and the world falls out from under me.

  “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  “Hey, man, it’s not what you think—” Blake begins, but I advance, pressing my face close to his.

  “What I think is that I thought I could trust you. You fucking lied to me.”

  “No, Dominic,” Alecia says, as she lays her hand on my arm. I look down at her hand and then into her face, and she immediately pulls away.

  I glare at both of them and pace away, pushing my hands through my hair.

  “What, exactly, are you accusing me of?” Alecia asks angrily. Her brown eyes are on fire, her cheeks flushed, as she props her hands on her hips and glares at me.

  “You’re about to lose your towel,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm.

  “I don’t care. Just say it.”

  “That’s right.” I shake my head and laugh humorlessly, pacing her living room. “Why should you care if you lose your towel? We’ve all seen the goods, right?”

  “Hey,” Blake begins, but I turn on him, hands fisted at my side, and suddenly Alecia is between us, hands on both of our chests.

  “We didn’t—”

  “This isn’t my first rodeo, Alecia. I’ve walked into this before, only last time it was my fiancé and my cousin.”

  “What?” Her face pales as she stares up at me. “And you think I would do that?” Her face reddens with anger. I simply shrug as Blake swears under his breath and paces away.

  “You know what?” Alecia stomps to the door and opens it wide. “I think you should go.”

  “Say you didn’t fuck him,” I reply and advance on her.

  “Jesus, Dom—” Blake begins, but Alecia interrupts him.

  “I shouldn’t have to! I want you out of my condo. Now.”

  “This isn’t the end of this,” I say, staring down into her angry eyes. I’m just as pissed off. I want her to say no. Of course I didn’t sleep with him.

  And if she hadn’t, that shouldn’t be so fucking hard to say.

  “I’m not talking to you right now.” She shakes her head adamantly.

  “We will finish this later.”

  When I step out into the hallway, she slams the door behind me. I hurry to my car and drive blindly north, through Tacoma, to the airport, getting angrier with each mile. She fucking played me.

  I want to turn back and confront her again. Kick Blake’s ass. But there’s no time. I’m needed in Italy now. My family needs me.

  I need Alecia.

  Or I thought I did.

  She just practically admitted to fucking Blake by not denying it.

  Read the writing on the wall, man.

  My cell rings, showing Gianna’s name.

  “What.”

  “Gee, that’s a nice way to answer the phone.”

  “What do you want, Gianna? I’m on my way to the airport now.”

  “I want to say thank you again. I’m excited to see you, and I wish it were under different circumstances.”

  I sigh and rub my hand over my face.

  “I’ll be there by tomorrow night.”

  “Also, I just spoke with Liliana, and I might have mentioned that you’re coming.”

  I shake my head and swear under my breath at the mention of my former fiancé.

  “Gianna.”

  “She would love to see you.”

  “I’m not interested, Gianna.”

  “It’s been a long time, Dom. I’m not suggesting you marry her. Just talk to her. She’s missed you too.”

  She fucked Marco, is all I can think, but I’m too fucking pissed to argue.

  “Fine.” An idea begins to form. “Actually, Gianna, I will speak with Liliana. Invite her for dinner on Friday.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that! I already invited her.”

  “Good. I’ll see you when I get there.”

  I hang up and tap my lips with my fingers, thinking about the two women that I’ve ever been stupid enough to give my heart to. One betrayed me with my own cousin, not even bothering
to try to be discreet. I’m quite sure she intended for me to find them the night before our wedding.

  It worked.

  And thank Christ I discovered the truth before I married her.

  But when I think of Alecia, it’s a physical ache in my chest. How could she do this? Why?

  Chapter Eighteen

  ~Alecia~

  “I can’t fucking believe him!” I shriek and stomp into my bedroom to throw on clothes—any clothes, I don’t even bother to see what I’m throwing on—and march out to the living room where Blake has pulled his shirt on and is staring out the window. “I can’t believe I was going to tell him I love him!”

  “You do love him,” Blake says calmly, and turns to look at me. “And he obviously loves you.”

  “Loves me? He loves me and he accuses me of screwing around with my best friend?”

  “Look around, Leash.” His arm sweeps around the room. “Your clothes are everywhere. I was half naked, and you came out of the shower. If it had been me walking in on this, I would have killed him. I’m lucky my jaw isn’t broken right now.”

  “He should trust me!” I yell in response. “I would never do that to him!”

  “I agree, but did you know about the ex-fiance?”

  “No.” I shake my head and pace to the kitchen to open some wine. “And that’s another thing that pisses me off. He was freaking engaged? How has he never mentioned that little tidbit before?”

  And why in the hell does the thought of another woman wearing his ring make me homicidal?

  “Sounds like it’s not exactly a good memory for him,” he replies dryly. “Besides, did you ever ask him if he’d been engaged before?”

  “Why would I ask him that?” I turn and stare at Blake like he’s grown an extra head, but all he does is shrug.

  “You didn’t help things, you know.”

  “Are you saying this is my fault?” I demand.

  “Part of it, yes. He jumped to conclusions, but you refused to deny it, Alecia. Seriously, you were both pretty fucked up.”

  I sigh and hang my head as some of the mad leaves me. “What he accused us of is horrible.”

  “Definitely,” he agrees. “But you didn’t say, Dominic, I would never fuck Blake. He’s too good for me and the sex was too amazing and I can’t ever do that again.”

  I roll my eyes, but he just grins.