Page 97 of Valentino

“Over in the corner.”

Anna rushes over and she and Francesca hug, Francesca says something that I can’t quite hear.

“Oh my God.” Anna laughs. “Really?”

“Good morning, Val.” Cheska smiles. “Thanks for dropping her off.”

“Hi.”

“I love this dress.” Francesca looks down at her friend. “Is it new?”

“I know, and it’s so comfortable.” Anna beams. “I love it.”

We all love it.

My eyes linger on her face as she talks to Francesca, lit up and animated she’s undoubtedly the sunshine of any room she walks into. Her long dark hair is swept up into a high ponytail, revealing the most edible neck in all of history.

I snap my eyes away, annoyed at where my dick is taking my thoughts.

Stop.

“Anna, I’m going,” I tell her.

“Okay.” She fakes a smile. “Thanks for bringing me.”

“What are you doing after this?”

“I’m going to work.”

“Okay.” I nod. “Don’t leave the office.”

“Goodbye, Valentino.” She narrows her eyes.

“Goodbye, Anna.”

Our gaze stays locked a little longer than it should before I angrily snap my eyes away.

This woman is fucking infuriating.

ANNA

“So….” Francesca smiles across the table at me, coffee cup in hand.

“So what?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” She smirks. “I have one word for you.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Don’t start.”

“I need the goss on Valentino.”

“Nothing. He’s a jerk.”

“No, no, no.” She shakes her head. “You don’t look at jerks like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re about to eat him.”