Free Never Say Love by Sarah Ashley Page B

wiped her face, “What about Isabella?”
    “She works for me. She’ll do as I ask. I’d like you to work with me. And I’d like you to move out of this dump!” He looked towards the converted house, a look of distaste over his face.
    Looking horrified as he described her flat as a “dump”. “Oh, well I can’t afford to move out.” She hissed, standing up for herself.
    “Well you’ll be able to on your new salary. I’ll pick you up later, and we’ll discuss the details over dinner. Where do you fancy going?”
    “What if I’m busy this evening?” She half smiled, teasing him as she wiped the remainder of her tears away.
    Smiling, “Oh, but I bet you’re not.” His tone becoming soft again as he reached towards her cheek, his thumb gently brushing a tear away.
    “What if I say no?” She asked, teasing him again.
    “You won’t.”
    “How do you know I won’t say no?”
    “I just know, and anyway I nearly always get what I want. So where do you want to go?”
    “Do you?” Lucy frowned, “always get what you want?”
    “Yes, I do. So where shall we go this evening?” He asked again, smiling broadly.
    “There’s a little steak house just around the corner, look!” she pointed in the general direction of the restaurant she had suggested. Following her hand as she flapped it around, he smiled to himself, “there’s normally no need to book,” she added.
    “Okay, I’ll pick you up about eight?”
    Lucy smiled. She really liked him and felt terrible about last night. Was it really so wrong of her to do what she did? Lowering her head, her hands on her handbag, she mumbled, “And, I really am sorry, I’m so sorry about last night.”
    Benito breathed deeply. “It’s okay, no worries,” he gently placed his hand on top of hers, “but you shouldn’t have let me believe that…” he paused closing his eyes for a moment, thinking about what he was going to say next, “you shouldn’t have let me think that it was okay, when it wasn’t.” Turning, he looked at her, her head still down, her stunning silky blonde hair falling forward around her shoulders. He couldn’t shake this feeling off. What he felt for her was like nothing else he had ever experienced before, with any woman. Lucy was different. It was almost as if there was a magnet drawing him to her.
    Before stepping out of the car, she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Benito’s cheek. “Thank you. I’m really looking forward to this evening.” She smiled, “I can’t wait.”
    He nodded in acknowledgement, a grin across his beautiful mouth, “I’m looking forward to it too. I’d like to know more about you.” What the hell was he saying, shit man, pull yourself together.

Chapter 8
     
    At a little before eight Benito arrived outside Lucy’s flat. He called in on Gia and Roberto and received an inquisition about his love interest, to their knowledge the only girl that Benito had ever shown any long term interest in. He had cringed at their questions and had no doubt that Franco would be made aware before long; yeah, Gia the busy-body, would certainly tell her husband’s cousin.
    After spending an hour with them, he’d gone home where he’d made a special effort preparing for the evening. He showered, carefully shaved and dressed in smart black trousers and a pale grey shirt. He took some time to catch up with some friends from home telling them about Lucy. They laughed and told him that it wouldn’t have worried them; the fact that she was untouched, she’d wanted it so why not let the lady have what she wanted! He stood in front of the dressing table mirror. Shit, paying all this attention for a girl! He thought to himself.
     
    He drove to Lucy’s and pulled up outside. Waiting outside, he sounded his horn for a second time before glancing at his watch. Breathing deeply his mouth drew into a tight line. She was late! Looking at the clock in the Range Rover, checking that the time was right, he started to