Page 188 of Play of Love
"I didn't want to." He shook his head. "Why would you say that?"
"Because she's your type."
He looked annoyed by the comment. "I don't have a type."
"You forget who you're talking to." Although I smiled something inside me felt cautious and fought to protect my heart. It was crazy really when I thought of it. No one had hurt me more than Gage in my life but my heart, the most fragile part of me, sought after him as if it needed him.
"You don't trust me." He looked hurt. "I get it, and I guess you're right to be wary of me. Evie, women throw themselves at me all the time. In your case, they fly at me naked." He was trying to joke around.
"That was an exceptional case." I grimaced wishing he would forget about that.
"But it was good, for me." He nodded with a smile, but the serious expression returned to his face. He took my hand and brought it up to his lips kissing it. "I want you." He held my gaze again. "And I'll work hard to earn your trust, however long that may be."
My heart hung onto every word, drawing itself even closer to him. An uneasy look filled his eyes as he continued to gaze at me. "Please, will you go out with me?"
"Yes," I replied.
He looked so happy to hear my answer that he lifted me up and placed me to sit on the bench table. I giggled when he set me down and welcomed the sweet kiss he gave me.
"Where are we going?" I asked between kisses.
He set his hands around my waist while I pressed mine on the corded muscles of his chest.
"I thought you might like the opera."
I would love that, but him? "You want to go to the opera?" I giggled imagining him in an opera house.
"I haven't thought about the me part yet. I was trying to aim for something you'd like. Also, this isn't any old opera."
"Okay, tell me more. Where is the opera? God, it isn't you singing or something like that is it?" I laughed at the thought of that.
"No, I would never do something like that to you." That sexy smile lifted his mouth, and he leaned forward to give me a quick kiss. "We're going to Venice."
My eyes widened at the prospect. "What?"
"I thought we could do a day trip or two, and maybe head to Milan if we can."
I gasped. "Oh my gosh. That sounds amazing." I beamed thinking about all we could do. "Are you sure we can?"
"Yeah, we should. We could go tomorrow and be back on Thursday."
"Gage what about Lucy?"
"She'll be okay, and we'll just be at the other end of the phone if she needs us." He smiled.
"You think that would be okay?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "I know I'll be fine, but if you're worried, we could see how much we can fit in and just come back after the Opera. We could just see what happens."
I thought I'd be more comfortable with that.
"That sounds great. I can't wait." I really couldn't.
* * *
We started our journey to Venice very early the next morning, deciding to take the train because we thought it would be more fun. It truly was.
As much as we enjoyed our usual chatter, it was amazing to observe the view from outside the train and look at all the wonderful scenery we passed. It actually felt like we'd been here in Italy on vacation, as a couple. I allowed myself the break from everything and pushed all my troubles aside. I wanted to enjoy the experience, and I wanted to enjoy myself with Gage.
