Do You Remember Baby Girl? (8)

Laura woke up the next day feeling rejuvenated. She never felt this rested-Well she hadn't felt this rested in over two years. Blinking her eyes open she turned around in bed only to find Massimo's side of the bed was cool. 
Throwing the covers off of her naked body, she held up her ripped gown blushing from the memory of last night. The way his body moved against hers, the way he took her with abandon, the way he kissed all over her body made her feel alive. She was still wary about the man but she couldn't help how he made her feel. She was torn. 
Part of her wanted to believe that he was being genuine. The look in his eyes, the raw want, and the way he spoke about wanting to be with Laura truly moved her. There wasn't any hesitation in his words and she wanted to believe him. But then she thought about how he left and how she had no contact with him and she finds herself wavering. For now, though, she would give it no thought. For now, she would take it day by day. And by the sudden growling of her stomach, she knew it was time to eat something.
                                                                                                     .....
Walking down the steps in a simple pink strapless dress she saw her plate of food was wrapped with her name on it. She smiled at Domenico before taking the food and heading outside. She smiled when she saw it was a favorite of hers. pasta salad. She kept her gaze on the pool and took in the peace and quiet that surrounded her. She was partway through her lunch when a shadow suddenly stood over her. She glanced up at Massimo, and felt her heart racing.

"Good afternoon Laura."

She swallowed before offering a hesitant smile.

"Good afternoon Massimo," she whispered. The man took the chair across from her before leaning his elbows on his knees. His gaze was intense as he roved it over her form, and she would die before admitting how much she loved when he complimented her. As he did now.

"You look absolutely stunning in that pink dress."

"Thank you," she said. He looked at her intently for several more minutes before picking up her feet and placing both in his lap. He spread his legs, and she'd be lying if she didn't notice the bulge in the man's pants as he began massaging her feet.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked. She blushed before putting down her fork.

"I did.  And you?" She asked. It was then she saw his wicked smile.

"Too well," he added. "I was upset that I had to leave the bed, but business called." She gave a slight nod, but couldn't hold back her gasp when he massaged the arch of her foot.

"That feel good?" he asked. She could only bite her lip before nodding. The man was talented with his hands and she was powerless to stop them. It was strange, but she expected him to behave differently. He didn't bring up last night, and he was treating her kindly, but wasn't crowding her. She found herself liking this.

"I wanted to tell you that the keys to the restaurant are on the table. The old manager left them with us, so you are free to go at any time. Tell me the changes you will make and I will have what you need to do them," he said.

"What about your personal finances?"

"Did you review them last night?"

"I did."

"What did you find?"

"More issues. I think we have to track down the bank it was sent to. I can have them on the phone tomorrow."

"Then do it tomorrow. There is no time clock here, Laura. Do this at your own pace. I trust you."

She found herself asking why.

"Because I love you," he said confidently. She looked away and sighed. When she looked at him again she was surprised to see him even closer than before. He ran his hands up her thighs before gently moving her into his arms. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her neck which caused her to shiver.

"I mean it, Laura. And I will keep saying it until you believe it. I want a chance to make this right. Being shot and almost killed has changed my perspective in a lot of things."

She glanced back at him and looked into his eyes. She could see that he was more open than before, but still, something held her back. her inner voice told her that the only way for her to truly find out was to give him a chance. And at that moment, she finally made a choice.

"Okay. I will give you that chance," she said softly.

"Thank you," he said smile wide. 

"But Massimo-"

"I know. Trust me, Laura, I know." She blushed before looking down.

"Now what?" She asked. He laughed lightly.

"Now? You head over to the restaurant. And maybe I'll meet you in town for dinner. Or back here. You let me know," he said causing her to look at him in surprise. She nodded before sliding off his lap.

"I can do that."