Page 103 of Valentino

“Your ears.”

A trace of a smile crosses his face as we turn the corner. “I’m looking forward to the concert.”

“Concert?” I squeak. “Val, trust me, this will not be a concert in any shape or form, I’m just learning and not very good.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” He pulls into my apartment parking lot.

“You’re judging me now?”

His eyebrows flick up. “Why not.” He parks the car. “You judge me.” Before he gets out and slams the door.

Ugh…of course he said that.

Idiot.

We get into the elevator, turn to stare at the doors and instantly I can feel it, the power in his body taking over mine. Second by second, breath by breath.

He’s such a force to be reckoned with and I don’t understand how every time I’m in a small space with him…. I feel the pull between us, the sensation that our bodies are already talking to each other. Sending messages that only they understand.

Does he feel it too?

The doors open, he storms out and down the corridor toward my apartment while I take my time and amble behind.

“Why do you always walk so fast?”

He puts the key in my door and glances over his shoulder. “Why do you walk so slow?”

“I take time to smell the roses.”

“Wasn’t aware there were roses in the hallway.” He rolls his eyes and pushes the door open.

“There are roses everywhere if you take the time to notice them, Valentino,” I reply and follow him inside. He disappears down the hall and I get set up for my lesson.

An hour later.

I concentrate as I play, slow and steady on the current song I’m learning.

Nicola, my teacher, is being extra kind and perhaps it’s because she knows I’m already nervous.

Valentino has sat on my couch and listened to my entire lesson, he’s so entranced that I don’t think he’s even blinked.

“That’s about all for today.” Nicola smiles. “You did well today, Anna.” She turns toward Val. “She’s a natural.”

His face breaks into a broad beautiful smile, the first real one I’ve seen in a while. “I can see.” His eyes find mine. “Exceptionally beautiful, Anna.”

My heart swells and I feel like a little girl again, proud and giddy. “Thank you.”

I walk Nicola out. “See you next week.”

“I will.”

I turn and walk into the kitchen and from my peripheral vision I can see him standing there watching me. “Do you want to go out for dinner?” I ask as I wash my hands, he doesn’t reply so I glance over. The way he’s looking at me could start a fire. “Oh.” I feel myself get all flustered by the heat coming off his gaze.

“I thought you hated me.” He pushes off the doorframe and walks into the kitchen.

“I do.”

“Why would you want to go out for dinner with someone you hate?”