Free Believe by Celia Juliano Page A

laughed.
    Paolo and Janetta had been friends since high school, so Paolo knew them all like his own family. Janetta smirked at them both but walked out with her brother.
    “Got any new Ferragamos coming in?” Lorenzo said, trying to steer the conversation in an innocuous direction. Paolo was as infamous in the family as Aunt Sophia for matchmaking.
    “No. And your personal shopping favors will be at an end if you don’t wise up.” Paolo eased out of his chair, smoothing his light grey slacks.
    “What are you all conspiring about now?” Lorenzo shifted his feet. If Grandpop and Paolo were working together, miracles really could happen.
    “You.” Paolo rolled his eyes in an exaggerated expression. “Let me be your gay-dian angel and help you, you clueless boy.” Paolo and Janetta were only a couple of years older than Lorenzo, but they acted like it was ten.
    Lorenzo rubbed his mouth with his hand, stifling a chuckle. If he laughed now, Paolo would really go off.
    Paolo waved a hand. “Love!” A smile beamed. He placed his hands on his hips. “You and Lita are in it.” He put up a hand when Lorenzo opened his mouth. “Don’t let her go. She’s much too good for you, of course, even though Janetta doesn’t like her.” Paolo shrugged and wagged a finger at him. “I do, and if you don’t wise up, I’ll work my magic and set her up with Joey.”
    Lorenzo stretched his neck. Lorenzo had escaped Paolo’s “help” so far. Now… “Get me alone with her.”
    Paolo crossed his arms and gave him an unbelieving head shake.
    “Just in here. Five minutes.”
    “That I can do. Maybe ten even.” Paolo smiled and strolled out.
    Lorenzo paced. He stopped when Lita entered and shut the swinging door.
    “I…Paolo said you wanted to talk.”
    Lorenzo nodded. The burning jealousy had stopped. His throat cracked, dry.
    Lita ran her fingers along the small island, approaching Lorenzo. He stilled, watching her. Her movements made his body burn in a different way.
    She leaned into him and kissed his cheek. Her lips stayed near his ear. He swallowed and closed his eyes. If his family had anything to say, this might be the last time he’d feel her close…
    “You’re a good man,” she whispered. “I’m sorry for not staying last night.”
    Lorenzo leaned into the counter, his head whirling with Lita’s words. Lorenzo straightened and smoothed his jacket. She believed in him. The corner of his mouth twitched up.
    “I want you.” Lorenzo blew out a breath. No wonder some guys planned romantic gestures—otherwise they came out wrong. “I’ve sold the clubs. I’m going to start a new business.” This wasn’t how he’d pictured his proposal to Lita.
    She studied his face. He stepped to her, enclosed her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. She leaned herself into him, slid her arms around his neck. Everything was right in his world. He pulled back. Lita looked up at him and exhaled.
    “I love you. Say you’ll be mine?” he whispered.
    She tickled her fingers over the back of his neck. Her touch shot through him. “I’m already yours. I love you, too.” She kissed him, her lips a gentle caress.
    He needed her with him, all the time, every day. “Will you marry me, my angel?”
    “Yes, you and no one else.” She smiled, sweet, yet flirtatious.
    He tightened his hold on her. “You’re sure?”
    “Yes.”
    “That’s what I like to hear.” He kissed her again.
    “Thank heaven.” Lita pressed herself closer.
    Through their kiss, Lorenzo smiled. Only heaven could deliver an angel.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    Lita cupped Lorenzo’s cheeks in her palms and gazed at him. He grasped her hands and kissed her palms. Warmth trickled through her, the light patter of an early-morning shower.
    Lorenzo rubbed her ring finger. “I don’t have a ring for you.” He brushed his fingers through her hair.
    Her head lightened. “It doesn’t matter.” She leaned her head into his chest. He wanted