Page 100 of Be Very Quiet

“I’m sorry about what happened to you,” Cassidy said.

“Thank you.”

“Luca told me all about your studio, and it sounded like it was a fabulous place. I pulled up your website and was impressed.”

“It was.”

“I own a dance academy that I’m getting off the ground. It’s way more work than I realized, plus I’m still dancing professionally. I’m being pulled in several directions. My husband complains I don’t spend enough time with him.”

“You don’t,” Mason rumbled.

She patted him again. “I could use someone with your business acumen. I’d love for you to come by the facility, look around, and see if it’s something you would be interested in pursuing.”

“You want me to help run it?”

“Well, yes, but I was thinking of a joint partnership. Co-owners. You would buy in. I have wanted to add fitness classes and martial arts for a while but haven’t had time to follow up.”

Luca watched Liliana’s face. She looked shell-shocked. Then she glanced suspiciously at him.

“Did Luca put you up to this?”

“No, when I heard about you, I came to him and asked if you would be receptive to the idea. I seriously need the help.”

“She does,” Mason concurred.

“It sounds . . .”

Exciting, wonderful, intriguing, Luca chanted in his head. He wanted this for her and, if he was being honest, for him too.

“Perfect.”

Luca’s knees weakened in relief. Cassidy smiled, and Mason nodded in satisfaction. They talked about a time to visit the facility.

Before he could revel in the minor victory, the group swallowed them up, engulfing them in friendship, laughter, and good times.

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Liliana was pleasantly exhausted after the two-day drive and then the party that lasted well into the night. She loved meeting Luca’s coworkers and their families. They welcomed her with open arms and made her feel as if she belonged.

As soon as they left the park, Luca practically dragged her to his apartment and made love to her. Having only one working arm didn’t slow him in the least.

She was lying across his chest, tracing the muscles of his abdomen, one of her favorite activities.

“What do you think of the compound?”

“I love it. It’s beautiful, and I can’t believe how friendly everyone is.”

She already had plans with several women for various activities, the most important being visiting Cassidy’s dance academy. The opportunity was too good to be true. Everything she wanted was here, including the man who held her heart.

“Does that mean you want to stay here? Stay with me?”

She thought about dragging her answer out, making him sweat. But his happiness was all that mattered. “Yes. I want it more than anything, Luca. I love you. You’ve made all my dreams come true.”

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