Chapter Thirteen– Invitation

They broke apart and turned to the woman who was standing by the door, a cat-who-ate-the-canary-smile upon her face. Jeanette took in the bold and bright color of her dress that only seemed to enhance the color of her skin and up to her black but curly hair and finally to those sharp, piercing and gorgeous eyes. There was no doubt this stunning woman belonged to the Capillini family; and it was shocking to Jeanette, that yet again, she was going to meet his family.

      "Esme, what brings you by?" Ramon asked, his gaze narrowing slightly on his sister.

      "Ramon, where are your manners? Mama would have your hide." The woman strolled over to them and Jeanette stood up, taking the hand she offered. "I am Esmeralda."

      "Jeanette."

      "Washington. My sister is a huge fan, so I know who are."

      "So I keep hearing."

      "Ah, so Bobby meeting you is true."

      "What do you mean?" Ramon asked. Esmeralda walked over to her brother and kissed his cheek, that Cheshire cat smile still upon her face; there was no doubt in either of their minds that she was enjoying this way too much. 

      "Bobby stopped by for breakfast and told mom he saw you on a date. And you know how mom is, asking question after question since none of us ever get to meet the women you, um, associate with. She found it curious that Bobby did. And, well now me."

      I glanced between the two siblings, rather enjoying their interactions. Although, it did make me long for something like that with the ones I had. Of course, I knew that was never going to happen, so pinning for it wasn't going to help me at all.

      "What do you need Esme?"

      "Oh, nothing that can not wait until later, sorry for waltzing in. By the way, Ramon, mom did want me to remind you about dinner. And," Esme turned her eyes to Jeanette and smiled brightly, "she wanted me to extend the invite to your friend. Bye guys." With a little wave, she walked back out as quietly as she came and Ramon turned to Jeanette.

      "Guess you will not be eating alone come Sunday night. No one turns down my mom." She blinked at him and then paled. Shit, that was his whole family. Ramon chuckled at her reaction and led her out of his office.

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      She looked out over the water; the ocean was such a different color than the one back home. It she could live anywhere, Italy might just be taking the cake. She honestly thought she could never tire of this beauty, although, she wasn't sure she'd make Rome home; there were so many other gorgeous parts, and she even knew that on this trip she wouldn't be making it too far into southern Italy. 

      "What are you thinking of?" Jeanette flushed as she took a sip of wine and finally tore her gaze from the picturesque water to Ramon, the flush she had brought out the smile on him. He liked seeing her like that, perhaps a bit too much in fact.

      "I'm thinking how magical Italy is and really thinking about how I would love to call it home."

      "You would leave everything?"

      "There's nothing tying me back there. And I can work from anywhere. I don't even have a cat or a dog waiting for me when I go home. So, I get the joy of picking anywhere. Again, New York really was just easier. As for my family, I really only see them once a year and at least I could fly back if I needed to. As sad as it maybe, I'm the least likely person for any emergency contact." She took another sip and sat her glass down. 

Ramon watched her with a pang in his heart. She really had such a lonely existence. He reached over and took her hand, causing her to look up at him. He tugged slightly and she stood up, walking to him. He tugged again and she fell on his lap, where he wrapped his arms around her.

      "I do not think I would mind you living closer." He lightly kissed along her neck and her eyes fluttered closed. No, if it means being closer to this man, she didn't think she would mind either.

      Her hands rested gently on his arms and she felt his muscles bunch, almost as if he was restraining himself, but she couldn't understand why. Well, other than they were in a public restaurant, even if it was just them outside on the balcony, and she sure didn't want to be charged with indecent exposure.

      "Cara mia," Ramon ground out against her neck.

      "Yes?" God, when did that endearment make heat pool between her legs? Oh, yeah, when that deep gravelly voice came with it.

      "You do dangerous things to me."

      "As do you." And with that, her hands flew up to cup his cheeks and her lips attacked his. She knew very well things couldn't go very far here, but a little bruising kisses wouldn't be a bad thing, right?

      She moaned against his lips as she pushed her body even more against his, fitting every curve along curve. She slide her hands from his cheeks into his hair as her tongue worked with his. His hands moved from her waist to her hips, clutching them tightly.

      He knew damn good and well where he was but all his mind could focus on was her. And how good she felt against him; and how good she tasted and how he fucking wanted more than he was getting at this moment. He could try to take the chance of doing something here; her body was ready. But he knew she would only hate him afterward and he was not okay with that. They finally broke apart as someone cleared their throat and both parties looked up at the waiter, who only lifted a brow.

      "Uh, I believe that will be all, can you please bring me the check?' The waiter nodded and left, but when Jeanette made a move to leave, Ramon held her tighter. "No, I like you being here." Jeanette blushed and glanced at Ramon's phone as it started buzzing on the table, the caller ID flashing the name 'Sapphire'.