“Are you kidding? I can’t wait. I want the world to know you’re mine.”

    “I was just thinking maybe we should tread lightly. Get a feel for how Tatiana will take it.” I hate talking about my best friend this way, like I have a secret I’m keeping from her. It wouldn’t be the first time, though. I fought like hell to keep us a secret while she was away. She only ended up finding out, anyway.

    I’m still thinking it over as I dry off, and pull on a t–shirt and jeans. What if she sees this as a form of betrayal? I don’t know what’s going on in her head right now and I’m afraid I’ll only end up ruining our friendship if we blurt out the news all at once.

    “I’m ready to follow your lead on this,” Gianni decides once we’re finished getting dressed. “I want to take out a full–page ad announcing the news, but I don’t want you to be ufortable.” Every word sounds like he’s struggling to get it out. He’s trying so hard to make me happy.

    I can’t help but smile as I sit on the edge of the bed and watch him put himself together. Not a half hour ago, we were in this bed, and he was warm and naked and wrapped up in me. Now, he’s the stern,manding boss and all I want is to strip that suit off him and fall into bed again.

    Instead, we leave the bedroom together, walking hand in hand down the stairs. “Let’s feel Tatiana out on it,” I decide. “I mean, it doesn’t have to be a huge secret, but I don’t want to make it look like we’re rubbing it in her face. She’s been through enough and I don’t want her to think she’s losing me as a friend.”

    I wasn’t wrong about Roger. He’s pacing in tight circles at the foot of the stairs. I can’t help but giggle when he very obviously checks the time. There can’t be many people with the balls to boss Gianni Rossetti around.

    “Should I know better than to schedule morning calls from now on?” he asks, watching our progress.

    “I was distracted. Sue me.” Gianni slides an arm around my waist. “It’s something you’re going to have to get used to.”

    “I’m already doing my best.” He looks from one of us to the other with his brows drawn together. “ Wait a minute. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

    “What do you think I’m saying?”

    “It sounds a lot like you’re telling me you’re engaged.” There’s no hint of how he feels about it, though I guess in the end it doesn’t matter. Or it shouldn’t. I need to get better at ignoring what other people think. Maybe I’ll learn to breathe underwater while I’m at it, since the idea seems about as possible.

    “We’re trying to keep it quiet for now,” Gianni exins while beaming from ear to ear. “But yes. Caterina agreed to a lifetime of being driven crazy by me.”

    “Congrattions. Sincerely.” Roger offers me a genuine smile before shaking Gianni’s hand. “We could use all the good news possible. Do you have any idea when the wedding will be?”

    133

    “When what will be?”

    No. Not like this. Not while Tatiana stands open mouthed in the entry hall, so surprised she drops her muffin on the floor. All she was doing was getting breakfast, and now she has to deal with this.

    “Tell me I’m imagining this. Last I knew you just got together, now there’s a baby, and you’re getting married?” I never thought my own best friend could look at me with so much anger and even disgust. We might as well be strangers.

    Before I cane up with anything to say, Gianni lets go of my hand and gestures for Tatiana with a crooked finger. “In my office. Now. We have a few things we need to discuss.” All I can do is watch with a sinking heart while she marches off behind him, fists clenched like she’s ready to fight.

    “So much for trying to ease her into the idea,” I whisper, and all Roger can do is frown. Maybe he feels sorry for all of us.

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