Page 21 of Bella Rosa
I decide confidence is key in this situation. I need to stay focused, and not let some outrageously gorgeous man distract me from my goals. So, I strut back to the table and sit down as gracefully as I possibly can. I grab my notebook and camera from my bag, and begin my usual process. When I look up at Matteo after a few minutes of working he steals my breath once again. The fire in his eyes is unmistakable. I have to squeeze my legs together to get some relief from the ache he always manages to cause.
I tuck a stray hair behind my ear and lick my lips. He follows the movement. I watch as the fire in his eyes turns into an inferno that is sure to destroy me.
The waiter suddenly appears and places our salads in front of us. The sudden intrusion causes us both to jump and break eye contact. The waiter gives me an apologetic smile. I guess he knows he just interrupted something. I'm surprised the entire restaurant hasn't been consumed by fire and left in a pile of ashes around us.
After a few moments Matteo breaks the silence. "How is your article going?" We still haven't made eye contact. That's probably for the best. I don't know if I will survive it.
"Not as well as I would have hoped at this point." My blog has taken up far too much of my time if I'm being honest. "I just can't seem to find my voice. Whenever I reread my progress so far it sounds like someone else wrote it."
I feel horrible about it. Matteo has taken so much time away from his restaurant to help me with transportation. I know my experience wouldn't have been anywhere near as beneficial without him. I'm not just talking about transportation though. I've gotten to tour kitchens, meet amazing chefs, and ask so many questions because of him.
I expect to see anger on his face when I finally take a chance and make eye contact with him. But instead, I'm greeted with confidence and understanding. "You'll find your voice, Rosa."
I feel like a weight has been lifted from me with those simple words. I smile and look down at my hands in my lap. "Thank you." He didn't give me any advice, or tell me what to do about the situation. He just believes in me. That's a great feeling I don't know if I'll ever be able to go without again.
He just gives me a small nod before he motions to my camera on the table. "Go on. Take your photos so we can eat." His smile reaches his eyes.
I grab my camera and get to work. While I take photos, I lighten the conversation up a bit. "So, how did you and Luca meet?"
He laughs and shakes his head. "Let me tell you a story about two little boys, a swing set, and some apple slices."
I listen intently. Seeing the light in his eyes as he talks fills a void in my chest I wasn’t aware was there. I feel like I'm seeing the facade he has carefully constructed for everyone around him melt away. The true Matteo is being revealed.
I lean forward and raise my eyebrows. "Why didn't you just split your sandwich with him? That would have made way more sense."
He shakes his head, a grin firmly on his face. "I never said I was a nice person, Rosa."
"Yet here you are, offering to drive me all over for dinners and allowing me to take up all your time."
I take a sip of my drink, trying like hell to not show how much he affects me. My heart is racing as he stares back at me. Someone could drown in the depth of his sapphire gaze if they aren't careful.
"You forget, I'm getting something out of this too."
I sigh and move my gaze down to my lap. I should have known this was all only about ensuring his restaurant is mentioned in the article. "I know. The article."
He reaches out and grabs my hand with a feather light touch. A small gasp escapes me as I look up, startled by the contact. "No, Rosa. I get to spend time with you."
I feel a crease form between my brow as I open my mouth to speak. I am, however, interrupted by the waiter with our entree. He sets the food down in front of us. He gives us an aggravated look as he walks away, not even trying to hide his disdain. I glance at my phone to see we still have twenty minutes before closing.
Matteo pulls my attention back to the table as he pushes a plate to me with a small portion of his meal to try. "Don't forget to take your photos."
Right. Photos. I almost forgot. How silly of me.
I snap a few quick photos before I begin eating my meal. I doubt the photos will be usable since I can't seem to find the enthusiasm that normally comes with photography. For the first time in my life something else feels more important.
I put my camera away and look back up to find him watching me. "What's your favorite color, Rosa?"
I smile, "What? Is this twenty questions now?"
He leans forward and puts his elbows on the table, his chin resting on his folded hands. "If that's what it takes."
I tuck a stubborn strand of hair behind my ear. "Blue. What's your favorite season?"
"Summer. What's your favorite food?"
I answer quickly, "Bacon. What is your biggest pet peeve?"
"When parents let their kids run wild at a train station. If you could be an animal, what would you be?"
