Page 22 of Useless Love

“Well, you’re always dressed well. I only see you in a suit. It’s the first thing I noticed when we went for sandwiches. You look…handsome.”

My cock springs to life from her finally acknowledging me. She’s so coy, I haven’t been able to figure out what she thinks of me. I grab a seat next to her and reply, “At least I know the way I dress pleases you. It’s a start.”

She smiles while holding my gaze for the first time. It’s long enough for me to really study and appreciate her beautiful eyes.

She continues to stroke my ego and adds, “You’re, um, the best dressed man I’ve ever seen. Well, one not on TV or in a magazine.”

I freeze; I’m supposed to have her blushing, not the other way around. Without a mirror, I can’t fucking be sure, but my dang cheeks felt warm.

I laugh to myself, taking a swig of my drink. What is this woman doing to me?

“What’s funny?” she asks, looking too innocent.

“First, you have to tell me what you like about my suits.”

“So you can laugh at me more?”

“On my mother’s life, I’m laughing at myself, not you. Go ahead, tell me.”

Studying her confused expression, I set my drink down and reach for her hand. She tenses and almost lets go, but I hold on. “You've probably never been on a date, have you? So, to have me laughing might have you second-guessing your behavior. I’m sorry. I promise I wasn’t laughing at you.”

My kind words are rewarded with a sweet blush on Arianna’s cheeks. She bites her lip and it takes all of my willpower not to kiss her.

“Um, can you get me a glass of Pinot Grigio? “ she asks.

I lift a curious eyebrow. “You drink? You’re only twenty.”

“Age doesn’t matter in my family. My sisters and I have been drinking for years.”

“Guess going to that church hasn’t helped. Figured Saint Mary’s had you completely on the straight and narrow.”

She bats my shoulder playfully. “I’m not planning to be a nun.”

“No fucking chance in hell,” I said too firmly. Fuck, if I don’t end up between her legs in a couple of months, I’m going to lose my mind.

She looks a bit timid, glancing away.

Suddenly, the crowd’s loud cheering interrupts our moment. A player just scored an important shot. I walk to the bar and pour her the wine she requested, returning to hand it to her.

“Thanks,” she says, sipping her drink and gazing down at the court.

We watch the game for a bit, both silent. I used the private bathroom in the suite and, upon returning, notice our server has brought the appetizers. I grab another glass of wine and vodka on the rocks.

“Come on, Robinson. Are you blind?” Arianna yells, causing my head to snap in her direction. She’s now animated and sitting on the edge of her seat.

I return to her side, intrigued by this new Arianna I’m seeing. “He might be having a bad night,” I comment.

She rolls her eyes. “If he doesn’t get himself together, we’re screwed.”

“Who introduced you to basketball?”

His shoulders drop. “My older brothers.”

I shouldn’t have asked. Touchy subject. For the first time in a long time, I’m at a loss about what to say. Those brothers are dead. My organization killed them. Shit, I killed Franco personally. Doesn’t Ari know that? Fuck! I’m really here planning to marry a fucking Bencivenga?

“Sorry,” she says softly. “This just got awkward, huh?”

I relax on the couch and sip my drink. “Guess it’s inevitable. We were enemies; brothers on both sides are dead.”

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