23

Chapter 23

Tori

After I light the two candles, I quickly shut the curtains so the room will be darker.

I turn to look at the intimate corner of the dining room table, and happy that it looks romantic, I hurry back to the kitchen.

I want tonight to be special for Angelo. It’s my way of making an effort to get closer to him.

I’ve prepared baked eggplant with melted parmesan and roasted duck with blackberry-orange sauce.

Before Rita left, she showed me the wine cellar and helped me pair the perfect bottle with our dinner.

I take the chilled Romanee-Conti from the fridge, and grabbing the corkscrew, I try to figure out how the gadget works.

“Need some help?” Angelo suddenly says behind me.

“God!” I let out a startled chuckle, then mutter, “Please.”

I wish the man would make a sound so I hear when he enters a room. I hand him the bottle and corkscrew.

He checks the label. “Nice choice.”

“Rita helped me choose the wine,” I mention as my gaze drifts over the faded blue jeans and white T-shir