Kate
I wake up secure in Tony’s arms. I know by his steady breathing and heart rate that he’s still asleep. I quietly sneak out of bed and run to the bathroom. My bladder feels as though it’s going to explode. When I’m done, I crawl back into bed and reach for the phone on the nightstand. I’m eager to text Kendall and inform her of my new relationship status. Much to my dismay, she already knows. There’s a message clearly stating how unhappy she is that she had to find out from the news instead of me calling her right away.
My heart pounds as I desperately search the internet to find out what information has been spilled. It doesn’t take too long to find it. It seems every local news agency has my picture plastered over their website. Crap! This means my parents know too.
I read one of the articles that summarizes the events in Times Square. They even have a picture of Tony placing the ring on my finger. I gasp, reading Tony’s name in the news. We’ve tried to keep our relationship private to prevent people from finding us. Now, it’s out there for God knows who, including the green-eyed monster, if he chooses to surface.
My parents. What about them? This is a horrible way to find out about the engagement. I need to call them. As it was, they weren’t very excited when Tony came back. They initially wanted to blame him for what happened. It took a lot to convince them it wasn’t his fault. Tony also met with my dad privately on a few occasions to ensure that my safety was his top priority. Since then, my dad has been okay with him, but I don’t think this will go over well.
I climb back out of bed to make the necessary phone calls without waking Tony up. I dial my parents first. This has got to be killing them. I can’t believe they haven’t already tried to get ahold of me. My mom answers the phone after only two rings.
“Katherine, I’m so glad you called.” She sounds ecstatic. “I think congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you?” I’m surprised by mom’s reaction. Why isn’t she angry she didn’t hear the news from me? What’s going on?
“So, were you surprised? Was it everything you wanted it to be? Where’s that future son-in-law of mine?”
I’m perplexed. This is definitely not the reaction I expected. I’m still hesitant, but I’m going to go along with this. “Yeah, I didn’t expect it. Tony gave me the most romantic proposal ever.” I’m gushing now. “It was like a fairytale. He’s so amazing.”
“Oh, I’m so happy for you. I know that we were concerned about him at first, but when he came over and asked Daddy for your hand…”
“He did what?” I’m floored. I can’t believe Tony did that. When did he do it?
“Tony didn’t tell you? He came over last week and asked Dad for your hand in marriage. He was very respectful; he’s such a considerate young man. You know Mike never did that.”
I have a smile beaming across my face. I fight the urge to jump for joy. I’m so proud of Tony and couldn’t be happier we’ve garnered my parents’ approval. All the stars are aligning. I’m very optimistic about our future. “I had no idea. Everything came out of left field.”
“You’ve got a great guy. I can see why you fell in love with him. I want to throw an engagement party. It’s time the world meets my daughter’s fiancé.”
Oh Lord. I should’ve known this was coming. I really don’t want a party, but I spend the next ten minutes listening to all of her plans. Clearly she’s been thinking about this since Tony’s visit. I stare out the window at the people walking below while she continues to ramble on about this elaborate party with a guest list that easily adds up to four hundred people. I’m pleasantly surprised when Tony comes from behind and wraps his arms around my waist. He kisses my neck, causing goose bumps on my arms and neck. He moves his hands up to my breasts and begins to fondle my nipples. I want to giggle, but at the same time, I’m becoming aroused.
“Mom, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later.” I hang up the phone without waiting for her to respond. I throw the phone down, turn around, and jump on Tony, wrapping my legs around his waist. I plant my lips to his and take control of his mouth. Somehow knowing that he won over my parents has made me happy and really turned on. This man is mine, and I’m never letting go. Never. I hold on for dear life.
Tony pushes me up against the window and pulls up my nightie. I use my feet to pull down the shorts he slept in, springing loose the part of him I want most at this moment. I wrap my legs around his waist again and hold on as Tony pushes inside of me. He pins me against the window and takes his time thrusting in and out. I squirm in an attempt to get more and to find that spot that makes my world spin out of control.
He takes his fingers and applies pressure to the bundle of nerves that can unwind me. Our lips are locked and I feverishly search for the gratification only Tony can provide. Just when I think I have control, Tony takes over my mind, body, and soul. I’m his again and will do whatever he asks or wants. I’m completely wrapped around his finger.
Tony pulls away from my mouth and bites down on one of my nipples. It drives me insane, and I spiral into ecstasy as Tony finds his own release. I throw my head back against the window in an attempt to catch my breath. The hold this man has over me is beyond comprehension. All I know is there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t want to be with him, and every moment we spend together, I love him that much more. Oh, yeah. I made the right decision. If I had any doubts about marrying him before, I don’t now. This man owns every part of my being, and I love it.
When we’ve both recovered, Tony sits me down. He holds on a few seconds extra to let me get my bearings. It’s a good thing because I’m a little light-headed, and when he finally lets go, I’m weak in the knees.
“Why didn’t you tell me you asked my dad?”
“I don’t know. It’s not something I thought about last night. I was just so happy you said yes. For a minute there, I wasn’t sure what you were going to do. It looked as though you might run for the hills. I’m glad you chose otherwise.” Tony brushes the hair off my face.
“I was just reflecting on everything we’ve gone through since the first day on that train. Who knew then I’d be standing here engaged to you? The handsome man with the emerald green eyes I was drooling over.”
Tony flaunts that gorgeous crooked smile. “Drooling? I must’ve missed that.”
I laugh. “Okay, maybe not, but you definitely caught my eye.”
Tony glances at his watch. “What would you like to do today?”
I remember that I haven’t told Kendall yet. She’s probably chomping at the bit and waiting by the phone for me to call. I’m sure she’s chewed on every one of her manicured fingernails. She’s not going to be nearly as receptive as my parents were about hearing about my engagement from the news. “I need to call Kendall. Maybe we can all go out and have a celebratory dinner.”
“I’d like that. I’m sure Jasper would be happy to give me some crap for finally throwing in the towel and settling down.”
“Why is that?”
“When we were in college, we were serial daters. We always joked that neither one of us would ever get married. Until I met you, I’d never even had a serious relationship. I don’t think Jasper has either. The single life was a lot of fun, and we were fine with it.”
A pang forms in my gut as I think about all the women they must’ve gone through. “So, what changed?”
Tony wraps his arms around my waist and looks into my eyes. “You—you changed everything. Until we met, there wasn’t anyone who could strike my fancy. I’m not sure how you did it, but you had me wrapped around your finger after only a few days. That night at the Duomo in Florence, I knew that I was hooked. There was no going back; you owned my heart. I’m a much better person for it.”
Tony’s words are kind, but I want to make sure he has no doubts. The last thing I need is to find him messing around with some tramp. “No regrets?”
Tony kisses my nose. “Not a single one. Nobody compares to you. You’ve got me hook, line, and sinker. I hope you’re okay with that.”
How could I not be? What woman doesn’t want her man to be head over heels in love with her? Yes please, I’ll take it.
“I’m going to go take a shower. Would you care to join me?” The devilish grin tempts me, but I still have calls to make.
“I’ll have to pass just this once, but I’ll have your coffee waiting when you get out.” It’s amazing the man can sleep. I had to buy an espresso machine when he moved in because he prefers to drink about four shots of it straight just to get going in the morning. I’m not sure how much he drinks throughout the day, but if I consumed what he does, I’d be up for a month.
“Your loss, sweetheart.” Tony feigns disappointment.
I wave him off before picking my phone up and dialing Kendall. She answers on the first ring.
“Oh my God! I can’t believe this. You got engaged and I don’t hear from you for almost twenty-four hours? What kind of friend are you torturing me like that? No, just tell me how he did it. I want to hear all the juicy details!”
Clearly Kendall has had her coffee already. She’s talking a million miles a minute. I walk into the kitchen and start to prepare Tony’s espresso. I realize that we’re out of beans. I throw on some clothes and head to the Starbucks around the corner.
“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it! He planned out the entire day. It was so magical and unexpected.” I continue to fill Kendall in on the details as I grab my keys and wallet and head out the door.
“I might lose you. I’m getting into the elevator,” I say halfway through the story. Fortunately, the connection was never lost, and I continued to go over every magical minute even as I was stepping into the coffee shop.
“Hold on, I’ve got to get our drinks.” I order Tony an espresso and an iced green tea for myself and pay the barista before picking back up on the conversation.
“Tony and I thought it would be fun to go out tonight with you and Jasper to celebrate. Are you up for it?” She squeals in the background. Obviously she was waiting for an invitation. I’m surprised she didn’t invite herself.
“Yes! Yes! Yes! What time?”
I look at the time on my phone and note that it’s about noon. “How about we meet at five? We can get dinner and then go out for drinks afterwards.”
“That sounds great! I can’t wait to see the rock he gave you. I also wouldn’t mind checking out some more of Jasper’s tattoos.” I look down at my ring as soon as she mentions it.
“Hmm. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re a bit smitten.”
“You could say that. I don’t see wedding bells anytime in the future, but I envision many rolls in the hay. That man can have me any which way he wants!” Kendall was never one for subtleties.
The barista calls my name, and I hold the phone with my ear and shoulder as I pick up the drinks and continue the conversation.
“So where does the soon-to-be Mrs. Bertalucci want to go tonight?”
Kate Bertalucci. I like the sound of it. I smile as I push out the door and back onto the street. “I’m not sure. Let me talk to Tony when I get back, and I’ll text you with what we decide.”
“Sounds…”
The phone drops from my ear and drinks spill from my hands as I’m grabbed from behind. A cloth has been put over my face, and all I can smell is something chemical. I reach for the hand covering the cloth, but I have no time to panic or fight back as my world transcends into darkness within seconds.