Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1) Bethany Lopez (phonics books TXT) 📖

I looked thoughtfully at Luca and asked, “So the competitiveness between the two of you is just you guys playing around?”

“No, we’re pretty competitive, but right now he was messing with me.” At my pointed look he said hurriedly, “Not that he didn’t mean you were beautiful or any of that, but he knows I’m interested in you, so he was pressing my buttons.”

My breath caught.

“You told your best friend you’re interested in me?” I asked, biting my lower lip nervously. “Luca … you’re my boss. I don’t see how anything could ever really happen between us.”

“You are a striking woman. Smart, funny, gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to get to spend time with you. Yes, we work for the same company, but I’m not your supervisor, so there wouldn’t be a conflict of interest.” Luca reached for my hand and held it gently in his. “I understand your hesitation and with everything that happened with your ex, I’m sure you’re wary of getting involved with anyone. But I’d love the chance to get to know you better. We can go slow, date casually if you want.”

My mind went through all of the reasons why it was a bad idea, but the fact remained that his touch seemed to light a fire within me that had been snuffed out for a very, very long time. Plus, I actually liked him and wanted to get to know him better, too, so my heart told my mind to take a break.

“Okay. But, casual … slow.”

Luca’s answering smile nearly knocked me over with its brilliance.

“Wonderful. So, tell me, what’s your dream vacation destination?”

“Oh, they’ve moved on from that question. I think she’s blown the whistle twice,” I told him.

“That’s okay. Tell me, I’m curious.”

“Um, I guess Bali. I went there once when I was younger and loved it. I always said I’d go back but haven’t made it yet.”

“Bali is a beautiful destination. Good choice.”

“What about you?” I asked him.

“Anywhere with you,” Luca replied smoothly.

“Nice one, Mr. Russo.”

Twelve

Luca

After a fun, but way too short interlude at the True Love event, I’d convinced Whitney to meet me for brunch.

I’d agreed to meet her at the restaurant and to a low-key, casual approach to dating. I figured brunch was the perfect venue for that. It was daytime, there was booze available, and the popular spot would be teaming with people getting their brunch on.

It must have fit her idea of a date she was comfortable with, because she’d agreed … for the next day, no less.

I was feeling good. Confident. Yes, Whitney had put up roadblocks at every turn so far, but I could tell she was warming to the idea of seeing me a little more each time we interacted. I was sure after a few dates she’d no longer be immune to my charms and I could convince her we’d be great together.

Some may call me cocky, but I was simply the kind of person who knew what I wanted and went after it with a single-minded purpose. And I wanted Whitney Spaulding.

“Good morning, Mr. Russo,” the hostess greeted when I entered the restaurant.

“Good morning. I have a reservation for two by the window,” I informed her. I came here often with clients, so they knew me well and always made sure I was taken care of.

“Right this way,” she said, picking up two menus and leading me to the back by the windows.

Twenty-five stories high and overlooking the city, the view was spectacular.

“I’m waiting for a Ms. Whitney Spaulding,” I informed her once I was seated, and she placed the menus on the table.

“Yes, sir, I’ll send her right back.”

I took out my phone and started going through emails as I waited. I’d come early because I didn’t want her to end up waiting for me and, to be honest, I was excited about the date and couldn’t stay home pacing my living room any longer.

After a few minutes, I felt a presence at the table and looked up to see Whitney sliding into the seat across from me.

She looked beautiful in a baby-blue pantsuit with an eyelet top. Her face was flushed as she glanced at me shyly through her lashes. I was completely smitten.

“Hi, how are you? I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. I had a heck of a time finding parking.”

“You’re right on time,” I assured her, ignoring the way my hands itched to reach out and touch.

I waited until she was settled, and our drink orders were in before jumping in to get the conversation going.

“So, I know a little about your ex-husband, what about your kids … you said they’re both in high school. That must be challenging at times.”

Whitney’s lips turned up at the mention of her children.

“Oh, it can be. Stella is sixteen and Silas is fourteen. They are both pretty active with school and Stella has a job. Luckily, she has a license and can drive herself, and occasionally her brother, when I need her to. They’re good kids, but the divorce was an adjustment for them.”

“I’m sure it was. I can’t imagine how my siblings and I would have reacted if our parents had split.”

“How many siblings do you have?” she asked.

“Two. Giovanni and Charlotte. Vanni is married to Sara and they have two boys and Charlotte is married to Nigel. They just had a baby. I’m the youngest.”

“Are you all close?”

“Yes, very. My mom hosts Sunday dinners every week and we all try to make it. Well, they all usually do make it, but sometimes I get bogged down with work. Drives my ma nuts. She loves to have us all together under her roof. And to feed us. She loves to feed us. Otherwise she doesn’t think we’re eating the way we should,” I said with a chuckle.

“That sounds lovely. So, I know your father owns the company, is your whole family in the business?”

I paused when the server came to take our order, then