Page 40 of Dante

“What’s that?” I ask.

“Lingerie,” says Angie. “Sexy stuff.”

“I hope that was okay,” Antoine says. “If you like, we can visit the fourth floor and you can select items you like for yourself.”

“That’s okay,” I say. “I’m sure you have excellent taste, Antoine.”

But even as I speak the words, my core tingles in anticipation of Dante seeing me in all that scanty silk and lace.

I imagine myself lying on top of my bed later in anticipation of Dante’s evening visit. Maybe he’ll take one look and be so overcome with lust he’ll rip the expensive lingerie right off my body.

“Gina, are you okay?” says Angie.

“Yes,” I manage. “I’m just wondering if I should have taken Antoine up on his offer of selecting the lingerie myself.”

Angie snorts as Antoine moves ahead to call the elevator.

“One thing about Antoine is that his taste in lingerie is opposite to his preferences for outerwear.”

“What does that mean?” I ask.

She seems a little tipsy as she leans in and whispers in my ear.

“You thought Antoine was too conservative, right? Well, when it comes to lingerie, the wilder the better. You’ll see what I mean soon enough.”

“Come, ladies,” Antoine calls. “Lunch is waiting.”

CHAPTER 15

GINA

“Lunch was so fun,” I tell Angie as we finally leave Saks. “And this weather is gorgeous! Instead of a cab, let’s walk home. It can’t be that far. And we won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic.”

Angie shrugs. “Sure. Why not.”

“Antoine’s a great guy. Has he ever chosen anything for you?”

“Me? I don’t count,” Angie says.

“Count? You’re Dante’s second cousin. Your husband works for Dante. You’re part of the family. Why wouldn’t you count?”

“Long story. Maybe someday I’ll tell you.”

I sense a note of finality in her voice. I want to press further, but then my phone buzzes.

“Ha!” I laugh as I look at the screen.

“What is it?” Angie asks.

“Oh, just a text from my friend Alice back home.”

“What does it say? I could use a laugh.”

“It will make more sense if I text you a link to her YouTube channel.”

“You mentioned that at the reception,” she says as she pulls out her phone. “What kind of a show does she have on YouTube?”

“A romance book review show. All the flavors. Sometimes rockstars. Other times billionaires. It depends on her mood.”