Page 24 of Secret Match
If only it was that easy. She swallowed and again whispered, “I’m scared to trust.”
His low, cultured voice belonged in this room that could be a showcase of Italian luxury with the tiled floors and modern fireplace in the corner. “Why?”
Hiswhyquestions were getting harder and harder. She’d soon have no answers if he continued digging. “I’m often let down when I do.”
This time he brushed her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps. “I won’t let you down, but we need to talk about our actions before we hurt each other. I understand you didn’t mean to put me in an awkward position, but next time can we talk first? It’s all I want.”
“Fair.” Talk. Okay. She shouldn’t have texted Victoria without checking and she knew her actions would cause problems today or tomorrow.
Sabotaging romance wasn’t something she’d intended to do. She nodded and ignored the thump in her heart. “I can do that. I should have told you I was texting my friends. It was automatic and I was wrong.”
He leaned closer, staring deeper into her eyes as he asked, “You’ll start opening up more?”
Every cell in her body ached for him. “I’ll try. I can’t promise to be perfect. I never have been that.”
He pressed against her arm and butterflies grew as her lips tingled for another kiss. It was stupid to hope for so much but she offered a small smile as he said, “Again, we’re alike more than you think. I’ve never been perfect and don’t want that expectation in my life.”
The man was modest. She licked her lips without moving, holding his gaze as she said, “I’m ready for that tour now.”
“Later.”
The tingles grew more potent in her body as her lashes fluttered. He was so close. Her lips parted as she teased, “Later? Whatever do you have in mind?”
His kiss tasted better than any sweet she’d ever had. She never wanted the kiss to end.
The fire inside her grew hotter and hotter with every second.
Her body softened and she curled into him. As they ended the kiss for air only he said, “You know exactly what I want right now.”
She lowered herself on the settee and pulled him on top of her. A laugh escaped her throat. Anything was possible. “Let’s both be more open from now on.”
But then his lips met hers and nothing else mattered. She needed his touch. She needed his hands pressed against her. Oh, she was just making excuses. The truth was, she just neededhim.
Chapter 9
At one time in her life, Kiwi Washington must have done something really good for someone else to earn such fantastic karmic points. How else had she wound up with such a strong, sexy, vibrant man, as Gio? He was everything she’d ever dreamed about and more.
As he held her hand, sparks flew all over her body like she internally had fire flies that ignited fireworks.
They walked down the stairs in sync, like they were destined to be together. As they made it to the bottom step, Gio’s gaze snapped to the windows that faced the driveway. “Your friends are arriving.”
She gently tapped his strong arm muscles and said, “I wouldn’t call your siblings my friends.”
His wink sent a tiny thrill that raced through her and sped up her heart as he lightly patted her lower back. “Well, you invited them early. We should head downstairs so I can protect my brother, Anthony.”
“Protect him?” Her stomach flipped. All he’d said about his brother earlier made her think they were at odds. “Will you take his side?”
“I understand Peter’s position.” Gio strode toward the front door as he said, “But Anthony’s still my blood.”
“I understand.” He swung open the double doors and on the front porch Anthony stood watching while Jennifer spoke to Peter on the lawn nearest the driveway. Kiwi whispered, “You don’t think they’ll fight, do you?”
Gio hugged her waist as he whispered back, “I don’t know what to expect. My mother always worried about Anthony and I need to honor her memory.”
Anthony’s entire gaze was focused on Jennifer and Peter.
Kiwi pushed her hair off her forehead as the wind gently pushed her curls. She asked quietly, “How did your mother die?”
“Heart attack,” Gio said. “It was unexpected—she died in her sleep.”
