Page 10 of Bittersweet

“Ribollita. It’s Nonna’sspecialty.”

“How do you feel about adoption, Nonna?” I ask in all seriousness. Everyone laughs, but I would really like toknow.

“Romy, you crack me up,” Biancasays.

Coco frowns in consternation. “What’sadwoption?”

“It’s when you bring a child into your home and make them a part of your forever family,” Elio says, smiling at his littleniece.

“But Womy isn’t achild.”

Bianca pinches her daughter’s cheek. “That’s what makes it funny,piccola.” She spears her brother with a look. “Though there are other ways to make someonefamily.”

I purse my lips together to hide mysmile.

“B,” Elio warns, glaring at hissister.

“What? I’m justsaying.”

“Are you married, Romy?” Nonna’s gaze narrows on me. “Surely a beautiful, charming woman like you is not stillsingle?”

“Actually, I am single.” I stir my soup with my spoon. “I always thought I’d be well on my way by now, but it hasn’t happened yet. If you’re asking though, I prefer Tiffany, princess cut, at least a carat, and I want a June wedding, though my offer for adoption is still on thetable.”

Nonna gives a hearty laugh and glances pointedly at her grandson. “You hear that, Elio? Your friend Romy issingle.”

“My ears work just fine, Nonna.” Elio shovels another spoonful of food into his mouth and chews. I blush about fifty new shades of crimson and decide I’m going to pick up papers for the adoptiontomorrow.

After dinner, I stand and try to clear the dishes, but Nonna isn't having any of it. I'm ushered toward the door, along with Elio. He sweeps out a hand and gestures for me to gofirst.

I step into the cold Colorado Springs air and wonder if it will start snowing soon. It’s unusually cold for the beginning ofOctober.

I turn, because I’m not expecting him to walk me out, but he shoves his hands in his pockets and seems impervious to the cold in his short-sleeved T-shirt. “You should go inside. It's freezing outhere.”

“No, I’ll walk youhome.”

I laugh and point to the staircase. “You know it’s only ten feet that way,right?”

“I know. But it’s late. I want to make sure you get homesafe.”

“Okaythen.”

“Do you have your keys?” Elio holds out a hand, and I place them in his upturned palm. I’m almost giddy when my skin touches his. He opens the metal security gate and allows me toenter.

“So, thanks for having dinner withus.”

“Thanks for inviting me. It was the best meal I’ve evereaten.”

Elio slides my key in the lock. Of course, this means he brushes my shoulder as he does it, and when he leans in to turn on my foyer light, I think he might kiss me, so I tilt my head up. He glances down but moves just a fraction of an inchback.

My heart plummets. Oh my God. Did I just read this interaction all wrong?Why won’t he kissme?

“I’ll ask you kindly not to say that around my muffins.” A mischievous smile plays on hislips.

“Your muffins arejealous?”

“Only where your taste buds areconcerned.”

“Well, you can tell your muffin that I will gladly be back in the morning to eat him.” My eyes widen when I realize how suggestive that sounds and Elio laughs. It’s warm and deep, throaty, and it makes me wish I could just burrow in against his body. But that would be weird since he won't even kiss me.Reallyweird.

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