Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) by Maria Delaurentis

both agreed to come in a few hours, I decided a trip to the store was necessary. I grabbed enough ingredients to allow them to make a few different meals and made my way back. By the end of the night I was more than positive that my new chefs were the perfect fit.
    I was exhausted by the time I got back to the hotel, but eager for the next day. I collapsed on the couch and pulled my phone out, sending a text off to Brie.
    Is it tomorrow morning yet?
    Not even close.
    Sure you didn’t mean you wanted to have coffee at midnight?
    Yes I’m positive, Romeo. I’m very happily watching TV in my sweatpants. Damn if I didn’t miss seeing her cute little ass in those sweatpants. Fuck it was nice to talk to her this way… she was acting like herself again.
    I miss watching TV with you. I sent, though I knew it might be a little too much. I figured at this point I’ve been laying all the cards out and it’s been working, so why stop?
    I miss it too. Madonn, just let me see her now.
    You don't know how happy that just made me.
    I think I do. Don't look too much into it. I'm going to sleep. See you tomorrow.
    Sweet dreams, cara mia. God, this girl would be the death of me.
    When morning came I took a painstakingly long time to get ready. I don’t know why I was feeling so nervous, but I wanted everything to be perfect. After getting dressed I stopped at the florist next door and grabbed Brie a bouquet of yellow and pink roses. Was I overdoing it? Probably—but fuck, I didn’t care.
    I made my way to the bakery and waited for her in the front door. When she finally appeared I let my eyes take her in from head to toe. The girl was gorgeous in every fucking way. I held the flowers out to her, my eyes locked with hers.
    “They’re beautiful, Michael. Thank you.”
    “They couldn’t hold a candle to you.” Fuck I had gotten so corny. Jesus, what was this girl doing to me? I held the door for her and followed her in to a small but nice bakery. An older, cheerful woman stood behind the counter, offering us a wide smile. She seemed very excited to see Brie, and I imagined she came here often.
    “Bellissima!”
    “Good morning Mrs. Aldono, this is my friend Michael.” Not if I could help it. Friend, for fuck’s sake.
    “How handsome, Gabriella. Is this your boyfriend?” That’s more like it, Mrs. Aldono! She would be gettin’ a nice little tip.
    “I hope to be,” I smirked, watching as Brie’s eyes widened.
    “Ah, well you better be good to this sweet bambina.” She was sweet, and reminded me a lot of my parents’ older friends. Gabriella ordered for us and I quickly paid and told Mrs. Aldono to keep the change. She smiled thankfully and mumbled to Gabriella that she liked me. Team Michael - 1.
    "Tell me about everything.” I grinned, while I sipped at my drink, watching her.
    She told me about her job, her loft, and everything she had been up to since she’d moved on. She was happy, it was evident. I asked about little things here and there and found myself drinking in every word. I was completely infatuated.
    "What about you? What have you been doing?" I could hear the curiosity in her voice, as if she was expecting me to say I had been killing people and stealing cars in her absence.
    "I've been working on the restaurant. That's actually the other reason I wanted to see you. I wanted to let you know you inspired and motivated me to make that dream come true. I found a beautiful building by the water, and it's going to be opening at the end of the month. I've been teaching the new chefs my parent's recipes, and working on getting a liquor license. But—I was hoping you'd attend the grand opening.” I folded my hands on the table and watched her, hoping she wouldn’t disappoint me.
    "Michael that's... god that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you! I wouldn't miss it.” She smiled and I offered her a 100-watt grin back. I was right back on cloud nine again.
    "But that doesn't mean I'm your date.” She always had to