“While you shower, I’ll phone to reserve a special table at Gilberto’s.”
He got the message and followed her up the stairs to their suite. “How special?”
“The one you arranged for us the night before we were married.”
“Why is it so unique?”
“You’ll find out.” She flashed him an impish smile before heading into his study.
Rini rushed to shower and shave, excited at the thought of holding her in his arms while they danced. He pulled the pale blue suit from his closet and chose a darker blue shirt. As he was fastening it, Luna came into the bedroom.
“The bathroom is free, mi biscottina.”
She chuckled. “So now you’re calling me a cookie?”
“Didn’t I before?”
“No. Your Italian vocabulary has increased. Bravo.”
“Are we set for tonight?”
“We are.”
He spun around. “Do I need a tie?”
“Not if you don’t want to wear one.”
“I don’t.”
“You look perfect to me.” She disappeared into the bathroom.
CHAPTER EIGHT
LUNA’S COMPLIMENT CAME so easily, but did she say that to him when in reality he probably should wear one? Because Rini was royal, was there a different standard of dress for him? Every time when things seemed to be going so well, he found himself second-guessing her responses. He needed Dr. Tullia’s help. Tomorrow he’d ask Luna to phone the hospital and get Rini in to see him before the day was out.
He went into the study to put his valise away and work on his Italian to give her privacy. Before long he’d be able to call Dr. Tullia on his own and talk. That day couldn’t come soon enough for him.
“Rini?”
He looked up and almost fell out of the chair. Tonight she wore a stunning black dress with spaghetti straps. The black high heels made her taller. She’d put on small diamond earrings that sparkled through her gilt hair.
“Incantevole—” He blurted another new word.
Her smile filled his universe. “What do you mean you don’t speak Italian? For my husband to call me ravishing has made my day. I’m ready to go.”
“We will in a minute. I can see I’m going to need a tie after all.” He raced past her to get a silver striped tie out of the drawer and put it on. She waited for him at the top of the stairs. “Have you called for a limo?”
“No. We’ll take our other car. It’s the dark green sedan you saw parked in back next to Mateo’s car. Here are the keys.” She handed them to him, and they went down to the foyer.
Viola wished them good-night and they went out the back entrance to the car. Rini helped her into the car, loving the strawberry fragrance he now associated with her. Her skin looked like porcelain in the night light. It felt like velvet as he ran his hand down her arm before letting go, unable to stop himself.
Once ensconced in the elegant interior, Rini turned on the GPS to guide them to Gilberto’s. Once they reached the street, he opened up and they took off.
She put a hand on his arm. “Just remember your bodyguards aren’t race car drivers like you. Give them a little slack.”
“Was I such a terror?”
“Yes.”