Page 36 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“I wouldn’t dare,” he said, shaking his head, enjoying this banter much more than he thought he would. “But if there’s a sweater pile not neatly folded, I reserve the right to judge silently.”

“Thanks for the warning,” she said, shoving at his arm and almost pushing him off center...like she’d do with a friend. He had to keep reminding himself of that. “You can stay in the living room.”

He laughed. “Might be better.”

For both of them.

The thought of being in a woman’s bedroom—one he was feeling physically attracted to and she wasn’t returning it—might be too much of a leap for him.

Best to keep it light and friendly.

Seemed to be working for them both.

“You’re awfully agreeable today.”

“I’m enjoying myself,” he said easily. “Low expectations. No children blowing bodily fluids at me, no parents telling me how perfect junior is even as he’s punching their leg. You know, the fun days.”

“This is an upgrade for sure.”

“And you’re funny,” he added before he could stop himself. “But I told you that before.”

She smiled, softer this time. “I’m not even trying.”

“I know,” he said. “That’s the problem.”

She held his gaze in the elevator, as he’d let another set of words slip without control.

“Relax. You’ll survive and I’ll be fast.”

He watched her unlock the door a minute later, still smiling, and realized that somewhere between sweaters and jokes and walking beside her, that he already had.

12

MOST DANGEROUS KIND

“This was fun,” Gabriela said. “A lot more fun than I expected from swapping out clothes.”

Her car was still parked back at her condo, her suitcase tucked neatly in the trunk, so she and Luca had taken off on foot instead. She’d walked him through her corner of Boston, pointed out her favorite spots, and somehow it had turned into lunch without either of them questioning it.

“It really was,” he said. “I appreciate you chauffeuring me around today.”

“It makes you feel special again, doesn’t it?” she teased.

“It actually does. I’m usually the one doing all the driving.”

She arched a brow. “Is that a turnoff for men? I feel like I should know these things. Could just be one more mark against me.”

“Would you change it if I said yes?”

“Nope.”

“Then it doesn’t matter.”

His laugh told her he wasn’t going to answer. Not unless she pushed.

She probably would. Not because she needed validation, but because she wantedhisopinion. Not some generic answer about men.

Because he was the one standing beside her.