Page 22 of Unbridled Fire
“That’s perfect. See you then and thanks, Leo.”
The phone cut off and I relaxed in my chair, glancing toward the ceiling. Inhaling a few deep breaths, I finally acknowledged the truth that I’d been toying with: IwantedLeo Stabler. I wanted to spend time with him, and get to know him, and feel those firm lips against mine...and lord help me, I wanted to sleep with him.
I sat with the admission for a few moments, allowing myself to digest it. And then, I made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t lethim continue to push me away. Next time we were together, if I felt the timing was right, I was going to ask him to kiss me...
And maybe abitmore...
Clutching onto my inner confidence, I made peace with my choice.
One day soon, I was going to seduce the sexy, stoic Agent Stabler, no matter how hard he tried to resist...
On Friday night, I showed up at Michael’s huge Brooklyn home with a nice bottle of cabernet. Burns ushered me inside, and a beaming Alexis rushed toward me. Throwing her arms around me, she squeezed tight.
“I just need to hug you,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “I can’t believe that guy jumped you. Thank God you’re okay.”
Drawing back, I rubbed her arms. “I’m fine, and it’s sweet of you to be concerned.”
Bianca entered the foyer and drew me into a hug as well.
“Jesus, Katia, you really scared us,” she said, releasing me and gripping my hand. “Please don’t be like Alexis and go searching for trouble. Nothing goodeverhappens in that scenario.”
“Well, I found the bomb, didn’t I?” Alexis asked, lifting her hands in a frustrated shrug. “And Chris got some amazing dinners out of you, so he’s fine too.”
Chris stood at the end of the hallway, his hands resting on his belt. I saw his nostrils flare before he muttered. “Yep, just great. You Rossi women are just great.”
Alexis rolled her eyes and placed her hand to her mouth, as if she were telling me a secret. “He loves us. He just pretends not to so Mom will keep cooking for him.”
Chris’s lips twitched, and I laughed, realizing she was probably half-right.
“Well, I’m glad we’re all okay,” I said. “And I’m safe thanks to Leo, who really saved my ass.”
“Yes, that’s something we’reveryinterested in,” Bianca said, clutching my hand as she drew me toward the kitchen. “You and Alexis have a seat at the island and pour a glass of wine while I finish up.”
I sat on one of the tall island chairs beside Alexis and said hello to Carmen and Leticia, both of whom were helping Bianca cook.
“We’re having lasagna, broiled potatoes, garlic bread and green beans,” Bianca said.
“Wow, I feel spoiled,” I said, swirling the wine Alexis poured in my glass before taking a sip. “And this wine is fantastic.”
“Michael loves that one,” Bianca said. “It’s almost three hundred dollars a bottle, so I’ll have to be extra nice to him tonight after everyone leaves. We have a deal that I’mveryagreeable on nights I open his expensive bottles.”
“Um, okay, good for you, but gross, Mom,” Alexis said, sipping a glass of what I assumed was non-alcoholic sparkling wine. “TMI.”
“Well, honey, you’re pregnant, so I assume you understand what happens between a husband and wife.”
“Anyway,” Alexis droned, turning to face me. “We’ve got the invites ready. The wedding will be here in the back yard on September twelfth. I didn’t want to wait that long because I didn’t want to look like a whale, but the summer is too hot, so that’s what we’re going with.”
“You’ll look absolutely beautiful,” I said, resting my chin on my fist. “And I’m honored to be invited.”
“You and a plus one,” she said, excitement entering her dark green eyes. “Maybe Leo? I’d like to have him come, but if he’s your plus one, I’ll save the invite.”
“Wow, so we’re going there,” I said, gliding a hand through my hair.
“Oh, we’re going there,” Bianca said, leaning on the other side of the island and grinning. “Spill. We need details.”
“Well, I don’t know if there are any detailsyet, but I’m leaning toward...” I pursed my lips. “I think I might try and seduce him. And that sounds really weird to say out loud.”
Alexis and Bianca both squealed, and I shook my head.
