Racing the Sun(103)

Tonight, I plan on trying my hand at soufflé. I want everything to be perfect for his arrival, including me, which is why I’m shaving my legs, rubbing body scrub all over, and deep conditioning my hair so the curls are soft and shiny instead of the texture of steel wool. We haven’t been with each other for a long time, and while I’m sure he’s not in the best shape for me to fuck his brains out, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to makes his eyes roll back and his toes curl. He doesn’t even have to lift a finger.

I’m in the middle of flipping through a cookbook and looking for the perfect recipe, while wondering if I should paint my nails, when I hear the front door open. We don’t lock our doors here during the day, but still, no neighbors or friends that I know of would just barge in the house without knocking first.

“Hello?” I call out, getting off the stool. My first instinct is to grab the nearest knife. I have a lot of choices in this kitchen.

“Amber?” I hear a woman’s voice.

Felisa!

I round the corner and see her at the door, dragging a suitcase. Behind her comes Derio on crutches and behind him is Lorenzo, also with a suitcase and duffel bag.

“Oh my God,” I say, completely shocked to see Derio, as well as them. “Let me help you.” I run over to Felisa to take the suitcase but she bats my hand away.

“Tend to your amore,” she says, nudging me toward Derio. “Lorenzo and I can take care of ourselves.”

I’m smiling at Derio and he’s grinning at me—looking sexy as hell with a full-on beard—but I’m still looking between Felisa and Lorenzo in surprise as Lorenzo shuffles past me and joins Felisa in the living room. “You’re here early,” I say to Derio. “Can I touch you or does it hurt?”

“Please touch me,” Derio practically wails, his eyes glinting. “I am going crazy without you and the only ones who have touched me lately are doctors and the man from the hotel down the street who had too much fun getting me into his luggage cart.” He nods in the direction of Via Tragara.

I laugh before I grab his face in my hands and kiss him hard. The minute my lips meet his it’s like the entire world, full of its worries and expectations and lies and truths and victories and losses, fades away. He tastes and feels like my dreams and I can’t help sighing and lean into him as my body shudders with relief.

Even on crutches, his body is strong and steady. I can hear his heart beating loudly in his chest and its rhythm brings me more peace. My love is home.

“You came home early,” I whisper.

“I couldn’t wait another minute,” he says, kissing the top of my head. “I needed to see you. Plus, the nurses were so tired of me talking about you all the time, showing them your picture. They told me if I don’t go home to see mia leonessa, they would personally put me on the boat and send me there. So I decided it was best for everyone’s health if I left.”

“Smart nurses,” I remark, wrapping my arm around his waist. “How did you happen to come with Felisa and Lorenzo? I thought Lorenzo was afraid of water.”

He nods. “He was. Still is, I think. But he did it for Felisa, much like I did it for you.”

“You did that for yourself. To get back your life.”

“And you are my life, Amber. Please don’t ever forget that.”

I pull away and look up at him. He’s gazing down at me with so much love and sincerity, it breaks my heart in the most beautiful way possible.

“Things are going to change now,” he says, clearing his throat. “For the better. Felisa and Lorenzo are here, not only to help me but to help you and the twins.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“Lorenzo was in a bad situation in Umbria. He lost the house he was renting and didn’t have enough money to support the two of them. Felisa came back, asking if she could be a nanny again. She said that Lorenzo can cook very well and would help out as the chef. I told them of course they can work here. She is my family, always has been. They will live in your old room now that you are with me.”

“They seriously want to work here?” I ask, feeling another weight rise off my shoulders.

He nods. “Yes. Is that okay with you?”

I rub my lips together. “Of course.”

He reaches out and brushes my hair off my face. “Good. I know it will be a full house, but think of what the time will give you. Now you can follow your dreams and passion . . . and hopefully they won’t lead you away from me.”

“I don’t really know my dreams,” I tell him. “But I know you’re in them.”