Page 359 of Valentino

“Umm…” I swallow the bucket of sand in my throat, “I’m American.”

“From what part?”

“New York.”

“What are you doing in Milan?”

“My friend and I are here on a work exchange for twelve months.”

His finger is steepled up to his temple, his elbow resting on the table as he listens. “How long have you been here?” He asks.

“Two weeks.”

“So I have eleven months and two weeks to corrupt you.” He smirks.

“Yes.” I smile dreamily, start tonight.

He takes out his phone, “What is your number?”

“Oh…” I glance around, is that what we are supposed to do.

“The bell is going to go very soon Halle, and I’m not leaving here without your number.” He passes his phone to me.

“Right.” I smile as I type it in.

“Friday night, I’m taking you out.”

“You are?”

“I am.”

“You don’t waste time.”

“I know what I want.” His eyes darken before dropping back down to my lips. “And what I want is you.”

“That sounds…..” I cut myself off before I say something really fan girly and pathetic.

The bell sounds, “I cannot stay afterwards, I have to work.” He tells me.

“Okay.”

“Do not give anyone else your number.” He demands.

“Do not ask for anyone else’s number.” I fire back.

He bends and kisses my cheek, the scent of his aftershave dances around me, “Friday night.”

“Friday night.” I whisper, drunk on his pheromones.

He gets up and walks to the next table and I sit back in my chair shocked my visceral reaction to him.

Holy shit…..

* * *

Every time my phone rings I scramble to answer it, and every time I do I get disappointed that it’s not him.

It’s been twenty four hours since I gave him my number and like a little kid at Christmas I’m over the moon with excitement.