Chapter 6 - THE FIRST KISS
Luca came to the bakery the evening before the memorial.
Rose was still working.
Flour covered her sleeves.
Her hair had escaped its bun.
A tray of cherry pies cooled beside the window.
Luca stopped in the doorway.
"You look exhausted."
"That's because I am."
"Have you eaten?"
Rose pointed at a plate.
"Three broken cookies and half a banana."
"That's not dinner."
"Are you here to criticize my nutrition?"
"No."
He held up a paper bag.
"Sandwiches."
Rose looked at him suspiciously.
"From where?"
"A deli."
"Did you frighten the owner into giving them to you?"
"I paid."
"Full price?"
"With a tip."
"Progress."
They ate at the small kitchen table.
Luca loosened his tie.
For the first time, Rose noticed how tired he looked.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Business."
"Legal or illegal?"
He smiled faintly.
"Both."
Rose put down her sandwich.
"Luca."
He looked at her.
"I won't pretend to be someone I'm not."
"Good."
"But I'm trying to change things."
"Why?"
He hesitated.
Then answered honestly.
"Because my grandfather died believing I'd become a man he no longer recognized."
Rose said nothing.
Luca continued.
"He built the legitimate side of our company. Construction. Freight. Property management. My father expanded the other side."
"And you inherited both."
"Yes."
"Then what are you going to do?"
He looked toward the dark windows.
"Decide which one deserves to survive."
Rose studied him.
"That's going to cost you."
"I know."
She reached across the table.
Not to comfort him.
To make sure he understood.
"Don't change because you want me to like you."
Luca met her eyes.
"Why not?"
"Because then you'll blame me when it becomes difficult."
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then nodded.
"Fair."
Later, as he prepared to leave, he stopped near the door.
"Rose."
She turned.
"Yes?"
"I'd like to kiss you."
Her heart jumped.
"That's very direct."
"I've been told I should practice asking instead of assuming."
Rose smiled.
"By whom?"
"My grandmother."
"Smart woman."
He waited.
Rose stepped closer.
"Yes."
The kiss was gentle.
Warm.
A little uncertain.
Nothing like the dangerous romance Rose had imagined men like Luca pursued.
When they separated, he rested his forehead against hers.
"Good night, Rose."
She smiled.
"Good night, terrifying criminal."
May you like
He laughed.
And for a moment, neither of them remembered the trouble waiting outside.
