Page 92 of Ice To Meet You

“Hang on,” she said.

I heard a rustle of sheets, a man’s mumble and a softly closing door.

“What’s up?”

I steadied my breath. “I think I’m in love.”

“You think?”

“Okay. I’m pretty sure.”

I heard her muffled laugh. “Sure?”

I rubbed my eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. I thought I was in love with Didier, but when he left, I felt more relieved than anything. Like being with him was more of a habit, you know?”

“So, tell me how it feels this time? I assume we’re talking about Matteo?”

“Of course it’s Matteo. What do you take me for?”

She giggled. “Well, after tonight I’m surprised you haven’t been fighting off propositions. Your bottom looked majestic up there on the wall.”

I groaned.

“So, back to your sordid love life. How does being withMatteofeel?”

A smile crept onto my lips. “He makes me feel alive. I know he's younger than me and a bit crazy, but he’s sweet and thoughtful. He looks after me and makes amazing pasta.”

Iris chuckled. “Well, if he can make pasta, he has my vote. What else?”

My heart warmed as I thought of him. “He makes me laugh. I look forward to seeing him and when he’s not around, I lookforhim. I want to be with him all the time.”

She sighed. “Well, I think he’s fun. I’ve seen the way you look at him. He makes you glow. I’ve only met him a few times, but I couldn’t say the same about Didier. You looked more like you were spending Christmas with an elderly relative rather than a hot, slightly younger Italian love god.”

I giggled. “Oh, you’ve met him, then?”

“It’s hard not to notice.”

I paced in a circle on the gallery floor, trying not to trip over Claudette. “I know you’re right, but …”

“Let me guess. You’re worried a casual fling will ruin your reputation? That people will think he’s too young?”

“Am I that obvious? If we’re laying it all out, then yes. I’dhate anyone to think I took advantage of him for his grandfather’s investment.”

“Well, the people who count won’t see it that way, and I think you’d regret not taking the chance. Not every risk ends in failure, you know.”

I chewed on the side of my lip. “What about Papa? What would he think?”

“Oh, you mean when you tell him you're madly in love with someone who can cook, makes you feel amazing, and treats you like a princess? I think he’ll be just fine. But if you think it's necessary, I’ll talk to him, just to soften the blow.” She paused. “Though don’t worry, I won’t show him the forest footage.”

“Oh God, I hadn’t thought of that. What if he saw my …”

“Relax. When does your dad use a cell phone or a computer? And what would he be doing searching for videos of hot French women’s bottoms?”

My laugh rang around the gallery. “True.”

I thought of Matteo again. Matteo in my arms, Matteo’s smile and Matteo's hands on me. At the memories, my skin prickled, and a pressure built in my chest. “You’re right. Why can’t I live a little? Thank you, Iris.”

"You’re very welcome," she giggled. "Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off to wrap myself around my gorgeous husband. You get some sleep, then go forth and enjoy yourself. You only get one shot at life—don’t waste it firing duds."

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