— Hello again, Kyra! — said the person I least wanted to see today.
"What's going on?" — My brain was in a frenzy.
— What are you doing here, Dante? — I said with a look that could kill.
— So, I was at my beloved couple's house and asked if I could join.
— Slow down, Dante, way down... You kind forced us to bring you. — Lucy said.
— You're one of my best friends, and you know it, but I know Kyra's going to want my head. — Nick said.
— Dante knows I can't stand him. Sorry, Kyra. — Lucy said.
— You're so generous, Lucy, love you too. — Dante laughed.
— Ew. — Lucy laughed too.
— I hate you all! No lasagna for anyone... Everybody out of here! — I said with a serious expression.
When I said that, everyone stared at me in astonishment. Nick was the first to regain his composure.
— Seriously? Okay, I'll throw Dante out... I want lasagna! — He said desperately.
I couldn't help it and started laughing. Oh, how I laughed, so much that I even cried.
— Would you do that for me, or for the lasagna, Nick? — I said, wiping my tears.
Nick combed his long hair with one hand. He seemed to be thinking about what to say.
— If you say it's for the lasagna, I'll throw you off the balcony! — I warned.
— Obviously, it's for you. — Everyone laughed.
— Forced... Dante, just a heads-up, any tricks and I'll throw you out of here. Got it? — I warned him with a fierce look.
— Fine, I come in peace. — He said.
— Sure... Actually, I even know why you're here. Regardless of what you say, my answer is still no. If you want to stay, please, no talk about work. Today is my night to relax, and I just want to unwind.
— Alright. — He agreed.
— Take a seat, everything's ready, I'll just get the lasagna. — I said, heading towards the oven.
— Need any help? The dish looks heavy. — Dante said, following me.
— Sure, just put on these gloves so you don't burn your hands. — I said, taking off the gloves and handing them to him.
Dante carried the dish to the table, and I grabbed the refreshments I had prepared. We began to eat.
— Kyra, I heard you went to Dante's company for an interview. How was that, girl? — Lucy asked.
— Well, I had forgotten that Dante had bought Vadema Publishing five years ago, and since they called me for an interview, I went.
— Your lasagna is amazing. — Dante said.
— Stop it, whatever's left is mine, get used to it. — Nick said, laughing.
— Quit being stingy and share!
— Boys, want to play outside? — Lucy asked sarcastically.
— Glad you're enjoying it. — I laughed.
The dinner was calm, even though my heart was racing. Dante behaved like a gentleman, not even answering the calls he received during dinner. After we finished eating, Lucy helped me clear the table, and I started washing the dishes while they waited on the couch to watch a movie.
— Where's a towel for me to dry? — Dante asked.
— In the cabinet right next to you, second drawer.
— Your apartment looks quite different from what I remember.
— Thankfully, I managed to upgrade the furniture and make the environment more comfortable. — I said, winking at him.
— I'm a bit curious, Kyra. Apparently, you're not dating. How did men not notice you while I was away for these five years? — He leaned against the sink, waiting for an answer.
— Well, that's none of your business, is it? — I shrugged.
— I can take all the time in the world, but I'll find out.
— After the lecture I got from you, who wasn't even supposed to be here in the first place, I didn't want to get involved with anyone anymore. Every guy who showed up managed to be worse than you.
— My reputation is extremely low with you, but I don't blame you.
— You told me you weren't with Lola anymore, what happened? Are you tired of being stepped on?
— So, with Lola, it was more than a threat.
— A threat? I don't get it. — I said, furrowing my brow.
— Yeah, back then, since I had shareholders, they didn't want me to fire her, and as I was looking for funds to invest in Vadema, I had to pretend I was still with her.
— So that's what those photos were about... Now I get it. — I said with disappointment.
— Yeah, but it doesn't justify the mistakes I made... I could have handled it differently, but I was a coward. I chose to lose you instead of facing them, and that wasn't right.
— Dante, let's leave the past behind. I don't want to relive this again. — I said while washing the dishes.
— Even if I tell you that over all these years, I haven't been able to forget you?
— Easy to say, that you're only revisiting this because you saw me again.
— That's not true, and I'll prove it to you.
— I don't want you to prove anything. I just want peace.
— I won't push it, but with time, I want to show you everything I feel.
— Are you saying this just so I'll accept the job?
— No, I want you to be happy and comfortable with your choices, but I must admit I'd love to see you every day. — He said, placing his hand on his chin and smiling.
— This is the last thing I needed! Me trying to get rid of you, and you want me to work with you and, on top of that, see you every day? Have you lost your mind?
— Of course not! I know you're talented, and I want to make the most of both aspects.
— Both aspects? I might just throw you off the balcony. — I said, pointing a knife at him.
— You got really intimidating with that knife! I won't bring up the subject again today, I'd rather stay alive. — He said, raising an invisible white flag in a peace sign.
I struggled to hold back my laughter.
— Since when did you become playful? You weren't like this.
— When I'm around you, my bad mood disappears.
— Here come the cheesy pick-up lines. — I said, laughing.
— You're mean. — He said, pouting.
— You taught me how to be. Deal with it!
— Let me tell you a secret. — He said, coming close to my ear and placing one hand on my waist.
— What secret? — I said, my voice slightly hoarse due to his sudden proximity. Totally betraying my inner feelings.
— I'll do everything to make you admit that you're mine. — He said huskily in my ear.
I froze, my heart was almost in my mouth, and a rush of heat hit me, along with the desire to kiss him. I tried to compose myself, but Dante didn't give me any space to think.
— Why do you think I'd fall for your little game? — I asked, trying to focus and put my thoughts in order.
— Simple, I know you still like me, just like I've always liked you.
— Have you become a comedian now? Must be a great profession for you! — I said, trying to shrug off his touch.
— For you, I'll become anything.
— Ugh, are you doing all of this just so I won't give up the job? — I said, dropping the glasses, drying my hands, and putting them on my hips, furious.
— That too, that's a very good point to consider.
— So, if I don't accept, you're going to bother me forever?
— Let's say yes, I won't stop teasing you, and I won't stop coming to your apartment now that I know your address. — He smiled, indicating that he was in control of the situation.
— Seriously? Why can't you leave me alone? — I said, putting my hand on my forehead.
— Because this time, I won't let you slip through my arms.
— And if I don't want to? I'll look for things that you're not willing to offer.
— Like what? A serious relationship?
— Exactly! It might not seem like it, but since I've never had a family, I want to create one.
— I don't see anything wrong with that. I want to date you, but this time, in the right way.
— And what would be the right way?
— Take you out to dinner, spend the day with you, do things you enjoy, kiss you, which is something I've missed the most, and if you can put up with me, I want to be by your side.
— A lot of promises that you won't fulfill any of, wake up! I'm not so naive anymore to believe that a man like you would fall in love with a girl like me.
— Back then, I wouldn't date you because you were so much better than me. I didn't want you to get hurt, and in the end, I caused your suffering.
— Alright, Dante, let's leave things in the past and focus on the present. I want to watch a movie with them, so please, let's forget this and go to the living room? Thank you.
I left Dante lost in thought in the kitchen and threw myself on the couch.
— Oh, finally! I thought you guys were going to redo the dishes given how long you took. — Nick said.
— Next time, Nick, you're the one doing the dishes! — I said, throwing a pillow at him.
— You're such a sweetheart, Kyra, my goodness! — He said, laughing.
— I agree with Kyra, next time Both of you wash. — Dante said, suddenly appearing in the living room.
— The party crasher is already trying to argue. — Lucy said.
— Lucy, you're a gem. — Dante said.
— Without further ado, folks, what are we watching? — I asked.
— How about a romantic comedy? — Lucy suggested.
— Love, you know I'm not a big fan of romance. — Nick said.
— For me, you can make an effort. — Lucy said.
— Happy wife, happy life. — Nick said.
— I'm pretty sure Kyra will want to watch a romantic comedy, so the girls decide. — Dante said, sitting next to me.
— Perfect! What do you want to watch, Lucy? — I said excitedly, ignoring his proximity.
— How about that new one where they meet again in the future?
— Sounds good, let's watch it. — I agreed, selecting the movie.
Each couple took a sofa, and since it was cold, Dante and I were sharing the same blanket. This was totally distracting me, as he casually draped his arm around my neck.
"What a cheeky move! I'm definitely going to get back at him." — I thought.
That's when I had the brilliant idea to pinch him to let him know he was encroaching on my space, and with that opening, I tried to move away... To no avail.
— Seriously? Let the games begin, Kyra! — Dante whispered in my ear and kissed my cheek.
I blushed with embarrassment, especially since Nick and Lucy were right there.
— Now it's war! — I said, joining in on his game.
I lifted his shirt and sweater, and since my hand was cold, I pressed it against his belly. Dante let out a scream in the middle of the movie. Nick and Lucy stared at us seriously, and I burst into laughter. Seriously, I couldn't contain myself.
— What are you two up to? — Lucy asked, smiling at the whole situation.
— Nothing, I'm completely innocent. — I said.
— Yeah, totally! — Dante said sarcastically.
— Kids, behave yourselves! — Nick said.
— This is how I like to see you. — Dante said, smiling.