Page 27 of Unbridled Fire
“Then we’ll have a mimosa,” she said, tilting her head. “Please?”
Nodding, I resumed driving until I found a spot. I walked her to the apartment, promising myself I’d only stay for one mimosa. Spending time with Katia was becoming a habit. If I didn’texercise some self-control, I was going to end up forgetting all the reasons we weren’t right for each other.
And that was something I’d promised myself I’d never do. Katia had chosen another man over me once, and barely looked my way for years. She was embedded in the mafia, and although I liked her immensely, there was no world where a strait-laced Catholic FBI agent and a mafia former exotic dancer accountant belonged together.
I’d do well to remember that.
Chapter 11
Katia
Iled Leo inside, my body buzzing from his proximity and the excitement of the morning. I was terrible at exercising patience, but he had experience with situations like this, and I trusted him.
Grinning, I acknowledged the importance of the sentiment. Trust was the first step toward something more with Leo, and I was proud of myself for being open to the possibility.
“You seem really excited about mimosas,” Leo muttered, noticing my smile as we entered the foyer. “Are you usually a day drinker?”
“Good one!” I said, patting his chest. “You’re getting much better at teasing.”
Leo scoffed as I locked the door and urged him to follow me into the living room.
“I’m terrible at it, but I like it when you tease me.”
We stopped in front of the couch, facing each other as I arched a brow. “I like it too.”
His eyes darted around the room, and I inwardly kicked myself for making him uncomfortable.
“Have a seat and I’ll make the mimosas. It will only take me a minute. Be right back.”
I popped a bottle of nice prosecco and washed the champagne flutes before making the drinks. Carrying them to the living room, I sat beside him on the couch.
“Cheers to you for being amazing,” I said, grateful for all he’d done for me over the past week. “I’m not sure I deserve it, but I appreciate you, Leo.”
We clinked our glasses and took a sip, gazing into each other’s eyes. Latent desire swam in his light-blue orbs, and my body pulsed in tandem with the sizzling energy that flowed between us.
We chatted about random things, getting to know each other better as we drank. I playfully goaded him into having one more drink, and he reluctantly agreed.
After two mimosas, I felt a slight, warm buzz, and rested my temple against the back of the couch as I sat with my legs curled under me.
“Well, this has been my most exciting Saturday in a while,” I said softly. “I’m glad I spent it with you.”
“Me too.” Glancing at his watch, he pursed his lips. “I should head out. Thanks for the drinks. You make a mean mimosa.”
He rose and pointed toward the hallway. “Can I use your restroom before I go?”
“Sure. Down the hallway to the right.”
He sauntered out, and I gazed at his broad shoulders, knowing it was now or never. Standing, I waited for him to come back into the room, steeling myself to ensure he didn’t run away this time.
He returned, stopping short when he saw me standing just inside the entryway.
“You don’t have to walk me out, but I do want you to lock the doors behind me.”
I gazed up at him, loving that he was several inches taller than me. It made me feel protected somehow, like he could wrap his arms around me and block out the whole world.
“What if you didn’t go...quite yet?” I asked softly.
His eyes widened. “I don’t think I can have another drink and drive.”
