When Kit woke the following day, she was sprawled across Luca, and he was sound asleep. She rolled off him and looked at him for a moment. His handsome face was so peaceful when he was sleeping. His long shaggy hair was hanging in his face, and he had a little smile on his lips. It was kind of cute.

'Enough of that,' she told herself, nearly scoffing. She rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

'He's hot, not cute,' she told herself silently, 'I don't like him; he annoys the crap out of me. I enjoy having sex with him because he's so good at it. That is all this is.'

Really good at it, and she was sore as hell to prove it. She took her time in the shower enjoying the hot water cascading down her body. She closed her eyes and found herself feeling so relaxed. She needed this weekend. It had been a long time since she'd done anything for herself.

She was so lost in her relaxation she didn't hear the door open until she felt Luca behind her.

"Morning, Kit Kat," he whispered into her ear as his hands worked around her body, fondling her wet breasts.

"Down, boy," she said with a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm really sore."

"Are you okay?" His voice held a note of concern.

"I'll be fine. Just need some time to recoup; it's a good sore," she assured him.

"I guess I better go easier on you tonight," he nibbled her ear, and it caused her to giggle.

"Don't you dare," she said in a playful tone. "I like it when you fuck me hard."

"Damn, Kit. I'm trying to calm down," he whined, he pressed into her, so she could feel how hard he was.

"I think I can help with that."

A devious smile spread over her face as she turned around. She gave him a look and then dropped to her knees in front of him. The water from the shower continued to cascade over her naked body as she looked up at him and licked her lips.

"Fucking hell," he moaned happily as she took him in her mouth.

****

"It's two in the afternoon!?" Kit was stunned when she looked at the time on her phone. "We slept the whole day away."

Luca scoffed as he rummaged through his bags for clothes, "Are we Twenty-Two going on, grandma, now?"

"Shut up, Luca," she rolled her eyes as she slipped on some clothes. She'd opted for a comfy pair of jean shorts and a basic summery flowery blouse. With it, she put on a pair of comfortable sneakers. Luca wore a pair of fitted jeans and a black band tee shirt.

"If you want me to shut up, you know how to make me."

At that, she laughed loudly, "If we have any neighbors here, I'd say they disagree with that."

"Luckily, we don't, and I meant you could occupy my mouth," he said with a twinkle in his blues.

The fresh memory of how good he was at that made her body tingle at his words.

"Later," she said with a smirk twitching at her lips. "I'm starving."

"Yeah, me too; let's get out of here."

She followed him down to the lobby. How the casino looked the same, night or day was so strange. He led her to the main doors, and they headed outside. The sun was so bright it blinded them both for several moments.

They were both laughing as they walked off to his car.

They found a simple little café nearby and got some sandwiches and salads. Since it was nice out, they opted to eat them at a nearby nature park. Once they'd finished eating, they went to take a walk through the gardens.

"The roses are so pretty," Kit remarked as they stopped to admire them. They had them in so many pretty colors.

"My mom always loved roses," Luca said quietly.

"I heard," Kit said carefully, "your dad always talks about her."

"Probably because he feels guilty," Luca mumbled.

"Or because he misses her," Kit argued.

"Anyways.." She changed gears. "I thought I'd plant a small rose garden at the estate. Leo always wanted to and never got the chance."

"Do what you want; I don't care." He walked off, and she blew a breath.

"Seriously?" She called after him as she followed. "You're going to get all crab-ass on me now that I brought up your dad?"

"You said you wouldn't nag," he reminded her.

"How was that nagging? I was just talking about him."

"Well, don't."

"You're such a child," Kit scoffed as she stalked past him.

"Because I don't want to talk to him?" Luca snapped back, "Seriously!? How would you like it if I kept trying to make you talk about your mom or something?"

"It's a little different, Luca."

"You're the one that compared them."

"Because Jase had said-"

"Jase?" He questioned. "What does he have to do with this? You talked to him about my dad and me?"

"I...I was venting and"-

"Damn it! I can't wait to get the hell out of that town," Luca snapped off. "Everyone up in your shit."

"Luca, don't be like that."

"Get in. Let's go back to the hotel," he said as he got in the car and slammed the door.

'Well shit,' she thought with a heavy sigh as she got into the car.

****

Luca went down to the casino the second they got back. It had been hours, and he hadn't come back yet, so she assumed he was probably getting drunk.

She hoped that she could make some progress this weekend. Wishful thinking; honestly, his reaction to such a simple statement surprised her.

He chose that moment to burst back into the room. He glanced at her and then headed towards his bag.

"You aren't dressed for dinner yet? Hurry up. We have reservations in twenty minutes."

"What? Since when?"

She assumed he would get drunk or stay down there all night. Good to see she was wrong; he didn't even seem drunk, come to think of it.

What was he doing for the last several hours?

"I told you last night I was taking you to dinner."

"I thought you changed your mind," she admitted. "I figured you'd just gamble all night."

"You thought I'd abandon you all night?" he frowned.

"I.. uh yeah."

"I wouldn't do that. I just needed to think, and then I had an errand to run." He spoke as he casually peeled his shirt off, and she couldn't help but ogle his chest.

"You going to jump me or get dressed? Because if it's the first one, you better hurry up, baby," he said in his velvety voice.

"You could've told me we had a reservation, so I had time to make myself look decent." She shook her thoughts away as she grabbed a black blouse and jeans from her bag.

"Don't ever call yourself decent again; it's an insult to how fucking hot you are."

"You know I kind of like your compliments, Luca," she confessed before ducking into the bathroom.

****

When they returned to the lot, the sun had started to set, and it wasn't as bright out. She noticed that his car was parked in a different spot than before.

"You went somewhere?"

"Don't make a huge thing of it," he said as he got in.

"A huge thing of what?" She climbed in, and her jaw dropped when she looked into the backseat.

"What? You went and found a bunch of plants!?"

"You want to plant a rose garden for my old man, right?"

"I.. yes, I do. This is .. Luca, thank you." She could feel herself starting to get choked up, the rose garden had triggered him to get sad about his mom, and yet he still went and did this. Was it for her or Leo? Or both?

"I told you not to make it a thing," his voice was clipped, and she could tell he was still on edge. "They said once planted, you should see flowers in a week or two."

"Are they good in the car for another day?" She asked as she glanced back at the tiny starter plants; she bit back an urge to jump over the seat and hug him.

"Yeah, they'll be fine," he said as he started the car and drove them off, "She said to get them in the dirt in like a week. I'm sure Gol- Carly can help you."

They sat quietly while Luca focused on where he was going. Kit's mind was focused on the man beside her; he was surprising her repeatedly. The hope in her heart that she could keep her promise to Leo was growing.

"I miss my mom, and it sucks," Luca blurted out suddenly.

"I'm sorry," Kit said earnestly. "I bet that does."

"It tore me up," he admitted. "For a long time. I don't want to hurt like that again."

Her heart clenched, and she glanced over at him. He was looking straight ahead. His jaw was tense, and he was gripping the steering wheel hard.

"It's easier this way," Luca added. "If I stay angry, then nothing changes after he dies."

"Luca," she sighed as she struggled to find words. She was feeling emotional herself.

"Save your grand speech about that for another time," he said as he pulled into a parking lot. "We're here."

They were parked outside a big brick restaurant; it had a sign that said Sofrito Per Amore.

"This is supposedly the best Italian restaurant in the area," Luca said as he parked. "We'll see."

"It smells good!"

She could already smell the garlic bread as they stepped out of the car. He opened the door for her and placed his hand on her small back as he led her inside. The restaurant was beautiful inside, with all marble floors and deep red walls.

Luca gave his name to the hostess, who led them to a room in the back. It was gorgeous, with chandeliers hanging over the tables and a fireplace in the corner. She sat them down near the fireplace and promised their server would be with them soon.

"There isn't anyone else in this room," Kit mentioned as she looked around. That was odd. The restaurant was full of people, so why wouldn't they use this room?

"I know," Luca said with a grin twitching on his lips. "That was intended."

"What?" She questioned in shock. "You booked the whole room?"

"I did," he confirmed.

"Seriously?"

He just shrugged as the server came in to greet them. She was a tall, gorgeous brunette. She had a few bottles of wine tucked under her arm.

"Good evening!" She greeted them happily, "May I start with you some wine to sample? I've brought out our most popular red and white."

"Won't be necessary," Luca said. "We'll just take a bottle of each."

"Wonderful! Any starters? The chef prepared a special focaccia barese tonight; it's lovely with the red."

"That sounds good, Kit Kat you see anything on the starter menu you want?" He asked her.

She was still trying to come to terms with the prices to even look at the menu items. She did smell garlic bread, though, and it smelled amazing.

"Um, garlic bread would be good."

"That is served complimentary before your entrée," the server explained. "I can have them bring it out early?"

"Oh no, that's just fine, thank you," Kit said, feeling silly. At least she was gracious about it. "I think the one starter is probably plenty."

"Why don't you add on a few popular starters and some canapes too?" Luca suggested, and the server smiled and agreed.

As she turned to leave, Kit was surprised that Luca's eyes didn't follow her. He didn't even seem to notice her. Instead, he found Kit's gaze.

"Haven't ever been to a true Italian restaurant?"

"I haven't been anywhere that didn't have cheese curds and mozzarella sticks as starters."

"Figured that much," he said as the server returned with the wine. 

Kit took a small sip of the white, and the cool, crisp flavors burst on her tongue. "Wow, this is so good. Why two bottles, though?"

"Certain wines pair better with certain foods," he explained. "If you love that white, I'd suggest the Lobster ravioli for your entrée."

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she looked at that price.

"Don't worry about the cost." He snatched her menu away. "Just trust the hot Italian guy to know what he's talking about."

"Okay then!" She laughed despite his overt cockiness. "Hopefully, you're not overselling."

"You should know better than anyone. I have exquisite taste, Kit." He gave her a very pointed look at that, and she felt herself flushing once again under the intensity of it.

"Here is the starter course," the server returned and set it down for them. It looked cheesy, bubbly, and delicious! She also set down several small bite appetizers that Kit was salivating to try out.

"Would you like to order your entrees now?" She asked once she'd set everything down.

"Two of the lobster ravioli, please. No rush, though. We're taking our time with the starters and wine."

"Of course," she said graciously, and then she was gone again just like that, leaving them alone to enjoy the room to themselves.

Luca took a few moments to show her what bites to try with which wine, and he was so right. It just made the flavors sing even more.

"I can't believe how much that changes the flavor," she mumbled as she took a bite of a canape.

"It doesn't change it so much as highlight certain notes," Luca explained. "If I took you to an actual wine bar, we could try a lot of different wines with good food. Maybe, if you ever come to the city."

"Yeah, I'd like that," she agreed readily as he poured them each another.

"You know, for someone who doesn't wine and dine, you're pretty good at it," Kit commented as she sipped from her glass.

"It's a one weekend-only event. Don't get used to it," he said with as that little grin tugged at his lips again.

"You just promised a second weekend, I think," she remarked.

"Okay, a two-weekend event," he snickered at that.

"You didn't have to do anything special."

"I kind of figured no one ever had; you should be spoiled." Luca glanced at her, "make sure the next guy does, will you?"

"I'm in no hurry for the next guy."

"Yeah, well, still. You end up with another Kyle, and I'll make a personal trip back here to kick his ass and yours."

"You wouldn't kick my ass!" She couldn't help but laugh.

"I'd spank it, though," he said with a wink that turned her face red.

"Stop!" She scolded him, yet a little giggle slipped past her lips.

Memories of their racy tryst in the bathroom the night before were making themselves fresh. What was this side of her he was uncovering? She kind of liked it.

She focused her gaze back on the spread of food in front of them.

She sampled some of the little fried mushrooms. "Oh my god, Luca, try these. They are so good!"

"Did you try the focaccia yet?" He took some mushrooms for himself and put a slice on her plate.

She tried a bite and then took a sip of her red wine as he'd told her; her eyes widened happily in delight.

"Yum!"

"It's good, but I would've added some fresh basil on top," he criticized.

"Have you always liked cooking?"

"I did. I was always trying to help my mom in the kitchen. A few weeks after she passed away, my dad sent us to Italy for a few months. He couldn't handle the grief and the sons, or so he says. I heard he returned to work as soon as we were gone."

She hit back an urge to defend Leo. This was the father that Luca knew, not the sick old men she'd gotten to know.

"How old were you?"

"I was seven, and Andre was only three."

"As I said, I was torn up over losing her," Luca continued. "And so mad at my dad for dumping us off on someone else. My nana taught me Italian cooking to keep my mind busy. Once I started, I never stopped."

"Have you ever thought about using your talent for it? Maybe even opening a place like this?" Kit asked.

"That kind of thing takes money, effort, and motivation." Luca refilled her wine. "I only have one of the three."

"I bet if you could find the motivation to do it, the effort would be worth it."

"Luckily, I don't need to."

"Your trust fund won't last forever," Kit pointed out.

"Touché," he replied, "however, I have an inheritance coming, well maybe."

"Maybe?"

"I wouldn't be shocked if he cut me out of the will."

"He wouldn't do that."

Luca raised an eyebrow, "If only you knew the Leonardo, I knew... it was almost a daily threat in my teenage years."

"What was he like?" She found herself asking.

"He was always a strict dad, but he had his light-hearted moments when we were little," Luca recalled. "He took us fishing a few times, and we had fun. I see why he's so focused on that. Might be some of the only good memories we have."

"After my mom died, he became the worst version of himself. When we got back from Italy, it was like he was gone too. He buried himself in work and only looked up to harp, usually on me, as I had to set the example. Andre coped by forcing himself to become the perfect, well-behaved kid. In turn, nothing I did was ever good for him." Luca said bitterly.

She could hear the anger in his voice, but his eyes held pain and hurt.

"He could even be downright mean at times. He caught me in their master closet a week or so after we got home, sitting by her old gowns. I was crying because I missed her. He'd had some drinks and just looked at me with disgust." Luca shuddered, and she leaned in intently to listen.

"He told me no more tears, said I had enough time to grieve. I was the oldest, and I had to be strong." Luca looked away, and his eyes filled with pain. "The dresses were gone the next day."

"Oh my god," Kit gasped, and her heart broke for that little boy.

Luca scoffed angrily at the memory. "I was a sensitive kid, and he hated it."

Luca was once sensitive? She saw it, though; he still was. He got so upset earlier and didn't like it when she called him a child...was that the sort of stuff Leonardo would say to him?

"It wasn't long after that he sent us off," Luca said. "He wasn't any better when we got back, though."

"I can understand why you have a hard time forgiving him," Kit said quietly, "I would too."

"But?" Luca asked.

"No buts, I honestly do get it."

"He's always been kind to you?" Luca asked with a curious tilt of his head.

"Always," Kit nodded. "But he tore into my dad once. I'm not saying he didn't have it coming, but I guess it was bad."

"Yeah, Stone told me about that."

"You talk to my dad about yours?" She asked curiously as the server slipped in to clear their plates. She was quick and efficient, hardly even making her presence known, but never leaving them without anything. Kit was impressed; she'd never worked at a fine dining place like this.

"Not really," Luca answered, "he said his peace about it once and let it be. I was asking him about losing Jase's inheritance ."

"Why?" She asked.

"I was curious how much he owes Jase."

"Again, why?"

"There doesn't need to be a reason, Kit. I was just wondering."

But why, though? She was about to ask again when the server and the chef came in to serve the entrees.

"Ciao," the chef greeted them.

"Chef Rafael always likes to come to see that the guests are satisfied," the server said as she placed the plates. They looked incredible big white plates mounded with ravioli and huge chunks of lobster. The chef stood as the server gave them a brief description of how he prepared it. He then waited for them to try it.

Feeling slightly nervous, Kit went ahead and took a bite. Hopefully, she did like it, or this would be awkward. She wasn't one that ever felt comfortable sending food back.

She had no reason to worry. Her eyes popped open when the wonderfully rich flavors hit her taste buds.

"Oh wow!" She mumbled and closed her eyes as she enjoyed it.

"Molto gustoso. Mi girl e impressionta, grazie," Luca said in a smooth tone; the chef smiled at the compliment.

He was even sexier when he spoke Italian. She found herself gaping a little and quickly gathered herself.

"Buon appetito!" The chef said as they left them be.

"What did you say?" Kit asked as she took a second bite of the incredible meal.

"I said it was full of flavor and impressed you." He gave her a suggestive look. "You liked that, didn't you?"

"It was sexy, "she admitted.

"I'll keep that in mind for later." He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes, even though secretly she was excited for some more sexy time with this man.

They ate silently, enjoying the meals, before she spoke up again.

"Andre never really got into that stuff about your dad, you know?" She said softly, "I knew he was a hard nose, but not that bad."

"He wasn't as bad with Andre as he was with me," Luca sighed, "but Andre did whatever he asked. I never knew a kid born such a suck-up nerd. One of a kind, my brother."

"Oh, stop!" She laughed.

"Kit, he wore a business suit to kindergarten."

She cracked up at that. She could picture it. "Your dad's been trying to get Andre to loosen up. He's even taken to Carly."

"That's the stuff... it's so hard for me to believe." Luca shook his head in disbelief.

"That's who he is now," Kit leaned in some. "He told me he doesn't want Andre to be like he was and make his mistakes."

"So now you're going to tell me I should hear him out. That I should get to know the new him and blah blah blah." Luca drawled out.

"No," Kit said slowly, "I mean, yes, I am going to tell you should talk to him. But for you, not for him."

"What does that mean?"

"If you don't get this closure, you'll always wish you did; it'll eat at you," Kit advised him. "You could be a bigger person than the dad he was to you."

Luca went silent at that, but he looked thoughtful; maybe he'd taken in what she'd said.

She asked him about some of his favorite meals to cook to lighten the mood. He lit up when he talked about it; he indeed did have a passion for food and wine. It was amazing to see him like like that. He even promised he'd make her dinner once before he left next week.

When they'd finally finished eating, she was stuffed. She couldn't waste a single bite though it was so incredible.

When the server returned to offer dessert, Luca had her bring some cheesecake to-go and then paid the tab.

As they left, she realized it had gone fully dark. The stars had come out and filled the sky, which was quiet and serene. Luca slipped an arm around her as they walked to the car.

This wasn't a date, right?

So why was it the best one she'd ever had?