Page 150 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

‘Yes,’ Susie said, only her voice sounded strange...as if her throat was inflamed. Actually, it felt a little as if it was. ‘Go gently on him.’

He frowned and then, still holding her hand, he lifted his head and met her eyes. She knew from both Gio and Mimi a little of this fractured family’s history, and that Dante’s arrogance tonight was because he was scared for his grandfather. Gio had been right when he’d said that that Sev would turn up, or Dante. She hadn’t really believed him—had privately thought that one dressing gown day wouldn’t have his grandsons come running—yet here Dante was.

‘He’s a bit fragile,’ Susie said.

‘Yes.’ He gave a nod. ‘I’ll go gently.’

‘Good.’

‘I’d better put a plaster on you, or he’ll notice.’

‘Indeed,’ she agreed, because Gio was as sharp as a tack.

And so she stood, her heart thumping loudly, as those long-fingered hands peeled the backing off a little plaster.

He looked at her pale hands, as if considering where to place it. Then he chose her palm and positioned it over her life line. And as he lightly pressed it into her flesh he unknowingly answered a question that had perplexed her for months...

Why had she ended a seemingly fine two-year relationship?

Something had been missing.

She simply hadn’t known what.

It had been okay...

But never had she felt this level of attraction.

Pure, unadulterated, physical attraction.

Attraction so immediate and intense that were he to kiss her now it would seem almost appropriate.

She looked to his mouth, and then down to her hand, still held by his, and somehow, rather than kiss his face off, she reclaimed it.

‘Thank you,’ she said.

‘No problem.’

He, of course, seemed entirely unaware of the seismic shift taking place inside her.

‘The sauce!’ she yelped, certain it must have burnt dry. And yet as she dashed over she saw it was barely close to a simmer. ‘I’ll put the pasta on and then...’ She was trying to recall Cucou’s orders. ‘Wine...’ she said. ‘A Sauvignon will pair nicely with...’

‘Thank you,’ he said, with a slightly wry edge.

He left the kitchen then.

Thank goodness!

Soon she was bringing out plates. They were both seated at the very large dining table and that pleased her, because before Gio had been eating on the sofa. He looked brighter for the company, Susie thought.

Dante must have been to the main kitchen, and was now pouring wine.

‘Thank you,’ he said as she put down the plates. As she went to offer cheese, he took the grater. ‘I’ve got it,’ he said, and grated cheese over Gio’s dinner.

She tidied up the kitchen and filled the sink with hot soapy water, as she did every time, then fetched her coat, pleased to hear the low hum of conversation and even the sound of Gio’s laughter as she pulled it on.

‘I’d better get back...’ she told them. ‘The restaurant’s really busy.’

‘Is your hand okay?’ Gio checked.