Page 11 of Fearless to Love

“It must be nice having so many friends who are so close,” he said with a genuine smile, but I also saw a flash of loneliness in his eyes. I had a strong feeling Dante didn’t have many friends.

“It is. I’m the third wheel of the group I guess you could say. They all have significant others and I’ve always been the lone wolf of the pack.”

“You’re not alone any longer, my siren.” He nuzzled his nose against mine.

I cupped his cheek and kissed him. “I should probably warn you about them. I don’t want you to be blindsided when they arrive.”

“Okay?” He furrowed his brows, probably thinking I was crazy.

“I don’t even know why they accepted me into their group, but they did. They’re very private.” Dante looked at me questioningly. I was sure it sounded strange and kind of high school. “One night at Rocco’s, they came in and I served them. Alex and I instantly hit it off. The next week she brought the rest of the gang and when the girls found out I was an author they’d read, they invited me to one of their dinners.”

His mouth turned down as he looked at me. “I don’t understand. Why are they so private? I can’t imagine them not wanting to be friends with you.”

“They really are nice people, but they have to be careful who they let into their circle. They knew I understood. Most of the people who live here have no idea I’m an author. Unfortunately, Alex’s husband doesn’t have that luxury.”

I knew I was being vague, and I wasn’t explaining it the right way. Dante seemed perturbed that they wouldn’t instantly enfold me into their circle of friends.

“Is he some local celebrity or something?”

“Or something.” I laced our fingers together. “Alex’s husband is Luke Sandström.”

“Why does that name sound familiar?” I could see him trying to place where he’d heard Luke’s name before.

“He has a show on H@T and had a blockbuster movie out this summer.” Next, I’d have to tell him about Gabi and see if he knew who she was.

“That Luke is coming here? Tonight?” I nodded with a smile as his eyes went big. “How?”

“He lives here in Fairlane for most of the year with his wife and her son. Their son.” Luke treated Mason as if he was his own and it was the sweetest thing in the world to see.

“I had no idea. Thanks for the heads up. I would have hated to make a fool of myself staring at him trying to figure out who he is. I’m sure he doesn’t want that when he’s at a friend’s house.”

“Do you know who Gabi Santina is?”

“I think so.” He looked adorably confused running his hand through his floppy hair. “Wasn’t she the lead singer for Shadowed Alley before they broke up?”

“She was.”

“Please don’t tell me she’s going to be here too.” He looked at me with wide eyes.

“No one really knows who she is here. It’s crazy. You’d think they never listened to the radio before or saw her on TV.”

“So, she’s going to be here too? Is anyone else famous coming? I have to say that I’m speechless. I knew you were incredible, but I never would have thought…not that I care. I mean it’s cool, but they’re people just like you and me.”

“Trust me when you see them, you’ll fully understand how normal they are. I mean Luke is the most low key and mellow dude I know. Jax has tamed Gabi. Some. I didn’t really know her when she first moved here.”

“Will your friend, Tillie, be here too?” He chuckled, probably remembering her walking in on us earlier.

“No, I keep them pretty separate. Like I said, they keep their circle small. Alex has had too many people try to become her friend to use her or get close to Luke.”

“That sucks. I understand why she wouldn’t be too trusting. Are you sure I should be here tonight? I don’t want to leave you, but I don’t want to put you in a bad situation with your friends.”

“I want you here with me. They’ll be fine. I was wondering how I should introduce you.”

Gathering me in his arms, I was as close to Dante as I could be without becoming a part of him. He looked down at me with a frown. “What do you mean? You introduce me as your boyfriend. Unless…” He frowned. “Do you plan to see anyone else?”

“No,” I whispered looking into his moss colored eyes.

“I don’t want to see anyone else either. After this weekend…”

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