Gianni holds me snugly to his side, like he’s afraid I’ll slip away if he doesn’t.


    “Yes! That sounds amazing.”


    Actually, it sounds heavenly. That’s the one thing we’ve missed: spending time together, just the two of us. Sure, there’s the sex, which is amazingly earth–shattering and only ever seems to get better. I didn’t know until now, though, what I truly craved was a night spent sharing dinner, a little impromptu dancing, and a hot bath together.


    Although the sex was a big bonus.


    Nobody would believe how much fun he is to spend time with. How funny he is, at least when he’s rxed, without the burden of work and the dangers involved weighing on him. I’m sure when people see us together- like the waitress at the restaurant, who at least did her best to hide it–they see a wealthy, middle–aged man and a much younger girl and immediately jump to all the wrong conclusions. They probably think there’s no way for us to find anymon ground with such a big age difference. And I’m sure the termgold diggergets thrown around.


    They don’t


    get it, and they never will. Not unless they find themselves in a simr situation, falling in love with a man who’s wrong for them in so many ways that go beyond age and ss. Gianni’s right for me in so many other ways, in all the ways that count, and he always wants what’s best for me.


    It’s not a long drive back to the house, though I do sort of wish the driver had taken the long way. I want to stay in this happy little bubble for as long as possible.


    After that fluke thunderstorm we hadst week, it seems like Mother Nature is finally getting her act together. There’s a slight chill in the air by the time we exit the car in the front courtyard, and I take a deep breath, savoring the crispness that signals the approach of the fall weather. I can’t wait for Christmas,” I confess as we walk hand in hand through the front door.


    “Why is that?”


    “Well, one, I can’t wait to decorate the house, and two cookies.”


    “It’s funny that you mentioned that. I haven’t really gone all out in years, not like the way I used to when you girls were younger.” Yes, I remember when Tatiana invited me to a Christmas party here. We were ten or eleven. The house was decorated, like something out of a dream, with giant trees in every room, and lights strung up everywhere, the whole nine yards.


    “I always remember that when I think of Christmas. We should do it again.”


    “We absolutely will. Whatever makes you happy.” He ces a kiss on my forehead as we enter the front hall. ” Besides, after this year, we’ll have a little one to decorate for.” And I swear a happy tingle runs through me at the thought. I can hardly wait to see Gianni holding a baby in his arms.


    Ie to a stop, forcing him to halt along with me, then take him by thepels of his suit jacket and pull him in for a kiss. “Thank you.”


    “For what?”


    “For giving me everything I ever wanted.”


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