Page 179 of My Italian Love Affair

She groans, tipping her head back against the car.

“Matteo -”

“That’sright.The fact that you still haven’t texted me."

"Not thisagain."

"Oh,definitelythis again," I say. "I gave you my number. I made it very easy for you. And yet?Silence. Pure, deafening silence."

I sigh dramatically, shaking my head.

"Do you know how that feels, Daphne?"

"Devastating?" she deadpans.

"Soul-crushing," I correct. "Borderlinetraumatic. Truly, I don’t know how I managed to play football tonight. It’s a miracle, really. I was seconds away from collapsing on the pitch, clutching my heart, whispering your name like some tragichero."

She lets out a reluctant laugh.

"You are such a drama queen."

"Am I?" I tilt my head, stepping closer, my voice dropping to a low murmur. "Or am I just a man trying to understand why a beautiful, intelligent,irresistiblewoman is denying herself the opportunity to talk to me?"

"Maybe because I don’t want to feed your ego?"

I press a hand to my chest.

"Ah,bella, you wound me." Then, I lean in, lowering my voice as if I’m about to tell her a great secret. "You say that, but webothknow you love my ego."

"You’re delusional."

"Andyou," I grin, "arebreathtaking. A vision. A true gift to mankind. And yet you continue to deprive me of your presence. It’s honestly very rude."

She huffs, but the smile is there, lurking at the corners of her mouth.

"Fine," she mutters. "One text."

I slap a hand over my heart, gasping.

"Finally! My suffering is over."

She rolls her eyes, but I see the smile she’s trying to fight back.

God, I love this game.

"But if it gets lost in the cloud again, I am showing up at your door."

"I mean it. You’re impossible."

"And you," I murmur, leaning in just enough for my breath to brush against her cheek, "are worth the trouble."

Before she can respond, I dip my head and press a quick, soft kiss to her lips.

It’s over too fast, but I want to leave her wanting more.

I pull back, meet her gaze, and give her one last lingering smile before I turn and walk away.

I don’t have to look back to know she’s still standing there, watching me.

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