Page 24 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
“Okay.”
“I met a nice man last night. He was part of Candi’s shoot and he came out with us. We got to know each other a little and…”
“I like the sound of this already.”
“Mom, focus please. He’s an Italian actor and he’s looking to transition his career here and move here. I’d like to help him out. Is it okay for me to give him your number so you can help him get a few connections?”
“Oh.” Her excitement shifts to disappointment. “That’s it?”
“Yes, that’s it,” I say, dousing her hopes that there was anything more between us.
“Of course I’ll help him.”
“Thanks Mom. I gotta go. I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”
When I get home, I get my phone out to text Nicco. My heart pounds in my chest.Relax, you’re not talking to him, you’re texting him.I send the text with Mom’s number and let him know she’s expecting his call. I also wish him luck.
Before I can put down my phone, it rings in my hand. “Nicco” lights on the screen. My heart resumes its pounding and my phone nearly slips out of my clammy hand. I take a deep breath, exhale, and slide the bar on my phone.
“Hi, Nicco. I thought you’d be calling my mom.”
“Hi. Yes, I will. I’ll call her soon. Thank you so much for giving me her number. Now I’m ready to fulfill my part of our deal.” Hearing his deep voice again triggers the flash of his face lingering inches from mine last night.
“You know, I was thinking about that. You really don’t need to. I wasn’t thinking clearly last night when we made our deal. I want to earn my audience based on my writing and my marketing efforts, not sponge off of you and everything you’ve worked so hard for. Besides, I can do research online. It’ll be fine. But thank you for being willing. I’m sure you’re very busy. Iwouldlike my pages back though.” Words sputter out of me and I have to remind myself to take a breath.
“Research online? Why would you waste your time researching online when I can give you exactly what you want?” The way he phrases it shoots a shiver run up my spine to the base of my neck.
“It’s okay, really. I’m sure you have a very busy schedule.”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t right now. I’m staying here in L.A. for two weeks and taking some time off. I was actually calling to see what you’re doing this afternoon.”
Blood runs hot through my veins. “This afternoon? I’m — I’m planning to do some writing.” What would possibly interest him about my afternoon?
“I have an idea. How about we get together so I can give you back your pages and you can show me a good place to have lunch? I want to spend some time getting to know my way around here. And, I can buy you lunch to thank you for connecting me to your mom.”
“That’s really not necessary, especially after everything you did last night.”
“Last night was for your birthday. This is different.” He pauses. “You’re not comfortable with people doing things for you.” While he’s not wrong, his bluntness surprises me.
“No, it’s not that. I just don’t want to be a burden on people. I can take care of myself.” I straighten my posture.
“Yes, that’s very clear. Let me put it to you this way, I’d like your help in familiarizing myself with L.A. and I would enjoy your company over lunch. I can also give you back your pages.” As he says, “your pages,” heat rushes to my face. “Will you help me?”
Oh my gosh. The gorgeous man I’ve been fantasizing about for months is inviting me to lunch with him. This is crazy.
“Um, I suppose I have time. And I do need those pages to continue my writing.”
“Perfect. Tell me when and where to meet you.”
“I just came back from a late breakfast with Candi. Do you mind meeting around one?”
“That works for me.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Well, I’m Italian so I’d love some good Italian food.” He chuckles.
“Okay, I’ll text you the address of Pane Carasau and see you there at one.”
“Great. I’ll see you then.” He pauses. “Ciao, mia dolce ragazza.” The timbre of his soft, deep voice is so damn sexy.
I have no idea what he said, but goose bumps pop all over my body. “Bye. Ciao.”
I hop in the shower and get ready for my lunch with Niccolo Mancini.
Oh boy.
