Page 13 of The Lucky One
She tilts her head and gives me a soft smile. “I know that you don’t want to hear this, but missing your family is lovely. It means they’re worth it.”
“I suppose this is true.”
She touches my hand briefly. “By the way, Christmas Eve is also the big party day for us. And it’s why I'm so annoyed at my uncle—it is our turn to host the big day for all the Romanos and Bianchis. And I wanted to cancel, but he says he can’t break with tradition.”
“So…” I do the math. “Stefano will be at your house all day?”
“That's right. I’d prefer not to see his little weasel face on Christmas Eve. He might even bring his girlfriend.” She rolls her eyes.
The kettle is hot, so I pour water into two mugs. “I am going to make a suggestion, but you should feel no pressure. You are welcome to spend Christmas Eve with me. You can see that my mother has sent all this food. And my team has a party in this building. It is very casual—players and their families. Some card games. Catered food that I do not have to cook. And Rebecca has said she is making her famous margaritas.”
“Rebecca Rowley Kattenberger?” Chiara’s eyes grow wide. “And the whole team will be there?”
I shrug. “I do not know which players. Do you need to see a list?”
She laughs wickedly. “Of course not. Just got a little intimidated there for a second. Are you sure I should go? I don’t want to be a gatecrasher.”
“Gatecrasher. That is a fun expression.”
“Isn't it? But not so fun to actually be one.”
“I promise you will crash no gates. But I would be honored to have you as my guest.”
She laughs. “You are too good to be true, Ivo.”
“Then say yes. If you need convincing, try the Finnish spoon cookies.” I fix a tray and carry it over to the sofa.
But inside, I am doing cartwheels.
Which is another excellent English expression.
* * *
“IloveFinnish spoon cookies,”she says after we’ve eaten several. “Is that raspberry jam?”
“Yes. There’s also apple.” I push the plate closer to her.
She takes a sip of tea and smiles at me. “Do you really mean it about spending Christmas Eve here?”
“I really meant it.” Our eyes meet, and I feel the same way I did my first week in Brooklyn—like I could look at those pretty brown eyes forever. “I have never been more sure of anything. It’s you who should think it over. You will have to put up with me and my rowdy friends.”
She puts a hand on my knee. “That doesn’t sound like a hardship.”
“One more warning, then. There might also be more of this.”
“More of what?” she asks.
I lean in and kiss her sweet mouth, very slowly. Just once. But it’s a good one. And then I make myself retreat. “More of that.”
She blinks at me with unfocused eyes. “I see. Well.” She blinks again. “That doesn’t seem like a hardship.”
I cup her smooth face, as I’ve been wanting to do for so long. “It would be my pleasure to have your company for the holiday,hani.” It meanshoney. “But no pressure.”
“Ivo, I don’t deserve you,” she whispers. “I’ve wanted to spend more time with you since the first month we met. And I didn’t follow my instincts.”
I stroke a thumb over her soft cheek. “You’re here now. It is enough.”
She leans her head against my shoulder for a half second, and then sighs. “I should get home now. It’s late. You’re probably exhausted from your game.”
