Soft laughter spilled from my lips.
“I managed to pull some strings.” He gave me a shy smile. “I hope it’s okay?”
“Okay?” My throat was dry. “It’s… it’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I don’t know what to say.” I glanced back up at the signage, hardly able to believe my eyes. Tickets to these performances didn’t come cheap and I knew he’d probably called in some big favors to make this happen.
I couldn’t stop smiling.
“Luis, take us around back please. Pascale is meeting us at the stage door.”
I frowned and Matteo squeezed my hand. “Precautions. We have a private box that comes with VIP treatment. Besides,” his voice dipped, sending a shiver through me. “This way I get you all to myself.”
Chapter 22
Matteo
I couldn’t take my eyes off Caitlin. The dress clung to her curves as I guided her into our private box. The tickets had cost me a small fortune, but the second Arabella had texted me telling me that Caitlin liked ballet, the idea had taken root.
Nicco had forbidden it at first. I wasn’t supposed to be parading Caitlin around the city. So I’d done what any desperate man would—I begged.
Luis could drive us right to the stage door, and we could slip in and out before anyone was the wiser. Pascale Moretti, the theater director, was a family friend. My mama loved the ballet, but my father only ever brought her for a special occasion: anniversaries or birthdays. I’d been once, as a child. I remembered being in awe of the opulent building. There was a giant chandelier in the foyer and a split staircase that ran around each side of the entrance. It was all very art nouveau with its gold-plated décor and stylized balconies and railings.
“Right this way, Mr. Bellatoni,” Pascale led us up the staircase and down a long hall, pushing open a small door. “You’ll find the bottle of Bollinger chilling along with the other items you requested.”
“Thank you, Pascale.” I took his hand, gripping it firmly. “I appreciate it.”
“Of course, Mr. Bellatoni. Enjoy the production.
“Thank you.” Caitlin smiled, her eyes glittering with wonder.
I liked that look on her, and wanted to put it there more often.
“Come on, the show is about to start.” I ushered her onto the balcony.
“Oh my God, Matteo. This is—” She grasped the rail and looked out over the stage. It was the best seat in the house, a perfect view of the stage and orchestra seated down in the pit below.
I stepped up behind her, sliding my arm around her waist and I dropped my mouth to her ear. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
I’ve never seen anything like you. I swallowed the words, leaning closer to breathe her in.
We’d only just arrived, and already, I never wanted this moment to end.
“We should sit,” I said, guiding her over to the chairs. I needed a second. Being so close, with her looking like that, it was hard to rein in the storm of emotions raging inside me.
I wanted to kiss her, to take her in my arms and plunge my tongue deep into her mouth and taste her. I wanted to drown in her and never come up for air.
Did she have any idea the effect she had on me?
It was like I wasn’t in control of myself. The urge to touch her, move closer, burning through me like wildfire.
“Champagne?” I asked her, trying to get a grip on myself.
“Yes, please.” Caitlin handed me a glass and I popped the cork from the bottle, filling her glass. After I filled my own, I lifted it into the air.
“A toast.”
“What are we celebrating?” She batted her eyelashes at me, and I almost drowned in her green eyes.
“One night of possibilities.”
“Possibilities?” Her brow quirked, a smile touching her lips.
“Yes,” I leaned in, ghosting my mouth over hers. “A night of endless possibilities.” My eyes held Caitlin’s, the air crackling between us the way it did whenever we were close. I wanted to kiss her. Fuck, did I want to kiss her.
The lights dimmed, the opening notes of the violin rising above the eerie silence. Caitlin grabbed my hand, squeezing tightly as the prima ballerina entered centerstage. I turned my palm, threading our fingers together, taking whatever I could get from her.
Her expression was animated as the story unfolded. I felt every emotion that played on her face. Every high and surprise. Every gasp and sigh. Caitlin leaned forward more than once, as if trying to get closer. The first act stole her breath and her heart… and she stole mine.
I wanted this woman. I wanted her in a way I couldn’t explain. There was still every chance she would reject me, but I had to try.
The curtain fell and applause filled the theater. Caitlin shot to her feet, clapping and smiling. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Here,” I said, turning into her to wipe them away with the pad of my thumb.
“That was so beautiful. I… I don’t know what to say.”
“There’s still another act to go yet.” I chuckled, letting my thumb linger on her skin. “Are you hungry?”
Her eyes went past me to the small table tucked in the shadows.
“Come.” I led Caitlin back to her chair and retrieved the plate of chocolate covered strawberries.
“Anyone would think you were trying to seduce me, Matteo Bellatoni.”
“Is it working?” I smirked, bringing one of the strawberries to her lips. I didn’t consider myself a jealous guy, but in that moment, as Caitlin opened her mouth and took a bite, I was burning with jealousy all over a piece of fruit.
“These are good.” She let out a soft moan, and I almost came on the spot. “Here, you try one.” Caitlin plucked another strawberry off the plate and fed it to me.
“You’re right.” I grinned, licking the juice off my lips. “This does taste good. But not as good as you.” Sliding my hand along her neck, I pulled her face to mine, kissing her softly.
A whimper bubbled in her throat as she parted her lips for me. Our tongues tangled; deep, lazy strokes that had me wishing we were somewhere a little more private. Not that anyone could see us up here.
“I could kiss you all night and never grow tired of it.”
“Matt,” she breathed, slipping her hands up my chest.
“Tell me you feel it, Tink. I know you do.” I pulled back to stare her in the eye. Caitlin’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with desire. She wanted me, there was no denying that.
But did she want me enough?
“Thank you, Matteo. This is beyond my wildest dreams.”
“I’m just glad you agreed to come. Despite what you might think about me, about my family, I really do care about you, Cait.”
She gave me a small nod before popping another strawberry in her mouth. The conversation was over, the second act about to start.
But there were still so many things left unsaid.
“I think that was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Caitlin said as the lights came up. We hadn’t kissed again, but I’d held her hand right throughout the whole second act. Savoring every second with her that I could.