That could be six months from now, or a year? Can you handle being with her every day without crossing the line?
Emilio was pondering the question, when Sharleen opened her eyes and smiled sheepishly at him. “I drank too much wine on the flight, and it’s all your fault. I told you one glass was enough, but you just wouldn’t listen...”
“I like spoiling you. Is that a crime?”
Sharleen glanced outside the window. “I thought you were taking me home.”
“I want you to spend the night.”
She raised an eyebrow, and he did, too.
“Get your mind out of the gutter,” he joked, faking a scowl. “I just want to hold you in my arms tonight. I might steal a couple kisses when you fall asleep, but that’s it, I promise.”
“Then I accept, but don’t snore. I’m a light sleeper!”
Emilio slid out of his seat, came around to the passenger-side door and helped Sharleen out of his Escalade. He led her up the walkway and into his estate. “Are you hungry?” he asked, flipping on the lights in the foyer. “I could throw some steaks on the grill if you’d like.”
“Sounds good to me,” she said, flashing a cheeky smile. “I worked up quite an appetite making out with you in your private jet and I could use a good, hearty meal.”
Emilio kissed her forehead. “I figured as much. Two T-bone steaks coming right up!”
Minutes later, he unlocked the French doors and stepped onto the deck. He turned on the grill, the fire pit and the stereo. Soft music played, and lights twinkled in the distance, creating a romantic mood. It was the perfect evening for stargazing, and Emilio was glad Sharleen was spending the night. Tomorrow was Memorial Day, and after his practice at the speedway, he was going to cook her an authentic Italian meal to celebrate his favorite American holiday.
“What do you want me to do?” Sharleen asked, sidling up beside him.
“Nothing. Just sit down and relax.”
“But I want to help.”
“Then get out of my way!” Chuckling good-naturedly, he steered her over to the couch, dropped a kiss on her cheek and returned to the grill. While he cooked, Sharleen read online reviews to him about the car show. According to Sports.com, the event had been a hit, and everyone was still buzzing about his surprise appearance on Saturday afternoon.
“Listen to this,” she said, in a loud, animated voice. “‘Emilio Morretti wowed the crowd with his dashing good looks and dreamy accent, and long after he left the stage his fans were still screaming and cheering...’”
It was a challenge, but Emilio kept one eye on the steaks and the other on Sharleen. He couldn’t go five minutes without looking at her, admiring her. Being with her was easy, as natural as breathing, and he knew he could never be happy with anyone else.
“Dinner is served!” Emilio put the food on the table and sat down beside Sharleen on the couch. As they ate, they talked about their weekend in Miami, the car show and how much fun they’d had last night at Nicco and Jariah’s estate. They moved comfortably from one subject to the next, and when Emilio glanced at his watch he was shocked to discover it was midnight. “I can’t believe we’ve been sitting here for three hours,” he said. “We should turn in. I have practice in the morning, and you have to be at the office by noon.”
“Can we stay out here a little bit longer? I’m not tired, and I’m having a great time.”
Emilio couldn’t take his eyes off of her, and the sound of her voice turned him on. She had the most amazing personality, and her smile was a thing of beauty. He wanted to kiss her, to stroke and caress her shapely body, but feared that if he did he wouldn’t be able to stop.
“I love this song.” Sharleen snapped her fingers and swayed to the beat of the music. “Mariah Carey is my favorite singer, and I listened to this song so much my freshman year that my roommate confiscated the CD!”
“Dance with me.” Emilio swept her up in his arms and spun her around the deck. They danced in the moonlight, talking and laughing. “I’ve given a lot of thought to what you said on Saturday, and I’ve decided not to sign with Ferrari.”
“But they’re offering you millions of dollars and the opportunity to resurrect your career.”
“I’ll compete in the All-Star race, but I won’t be their celebrity spokesman. I want to be with you, not thousands of miles away doing interviews and photo shoots.”
She stared at him in amazement, as if she didn’t understand what he was saying. “Emilio, are you sure about this? You’re turning down a lot of money.”