"Sure Dad."

"Oh my, I had best hustle myself," my mother added. "The auxiliary is having a meeting and I'm the one with all the information."

"I'll see you later. Love you," I said.

"Love you too, dear," my mother said. Dad winked at me and the two were off.

Just as they walked out, Salvatore returned into the house and if I'd felt awkward before, it had amplified tenfold now. I didn't want to be around it so I excused myself to go to my bedroom and change while they had their macho showdown with each other. Neither looked intimidated and both looked quite comfortable in their own skin while doing it. Seeing Chase act that way wasn't surprising to me because he'd always been that way; however, seeing Salvatore act that way was a bit surprising for me. Something in his eyes was different though-it wasn't arrogance as much as it was quiet self-a.s.surance. Naturally, I thought it was appealing. Everything the guy did seemed appealing to me. It was getting out of control and clearly Chase realized it.

I went down the hall and into my room and closed the door, excited for the reprieve of my sanctuary. After I'd picked out my clothes the door opened up and Chase walked in, not even announcing himself with a knock. I was only in my bra and panties.

"So, is he really staying all summer?" He asked this in hopes that Salvatore had been lying to him, trying to get under his skin. Apparently it had worked.

"Yes, he'll be here all summer," I said.

"Well, I don't want you spending a lot of time with a guy like that. People might get the wrong impression," Chase said.

"The wrong impression? What do you mean?" I asked, feeling defensive.

"You know what I mean, Taylor. They'll think that you two are...you know."

"No Chase, I don't know. What do you mean?"

"Don't get mad at me. I just love you so much and the thought of someone else wanting you drives me crazy."

"You're just imagining things," I said.

Does Chase think he wants me? I thought.

"I know we just spent an incredible night together, but I want more, Taylor." Chase came up to me and began to grope me.

"Chase, stop it," I whispered. I looked toward my bedroom door, which was not closed tightly anymore.

"I can't help it. Let me take you now. Let me take you tonight, too. I need you, Taylor. Don't you need me?"

"It's not appropriate to talk that way right now," I whispered with a slight hiss. "Salvatore can probably hear you."

"Who cares? He knows we spent the night together and he's European. You know how they are," Chase said, suddenly moving into me and pressing my body against the wall. He thrust his pelvis toward me and groaned as if he was already coming. I felt so embarra.s.sed, not wanting my private s.e.x life to be heard or seen by anyone else, especially Salvatore.

"What does being European have to do with anything?" I asked. "That doesn't even make sense."

"European's are looser than we are here. More s.e.xually liberated, willing to explore their pa.s.sions. The guy has probably seen it all and done it all. I wouldn't be surprised if he lost his virginity when he was ten."

"That's sick, Chase. You shouldn't stereotype people like that. Plus, you know that he can probably hear you!"

I began to get dressed, realizing that a shower was clearly out of the question with the time now, and kept talking, really feeling annoyed by what Chase had done and the compromising situation he'd tried to put me in. "You know, not everyone fits a certain stereotype. He's kind of n.o.ble, aristocratic even, and I don't think he's into casual relations.h.i.+ps. They aren't his thing. He's pretty deep and cultured, not like..."

"Me?" Chase asked, curling his lip up slightly. It was his c.o.c.ky, arrogant look. That was a look I'd never liked and the very reason that I'd turned him down to date the first two times he'd asked back when I was fifteen.

"I am all those things when I want to be, Taylor. Just ask your parents, or anyone else for that matter. However, when I'm with you I just want to ram into you and explore your body-repeatedly. I know you don't realize it, but you have the type of s.e.xiness that most men can't get enough of."

"Men? I wouldn't know. We are barely adults ourselves," I said. "Plus, I don't think that it's most men; I think it's you. There's a big difference."

"Not true. All the guys on the football team took a poll last year and everyone agreed that you were the one they'd want to get down with when they had kids some day."

"That is so disgusting. I can't believe how juvenile you guys are, that you would talk that way. I'm your girlfriend. Didn't that bother you?"

"What?"

"Hearing other guys say that about me?" I spat.

"You're looking at it all wrong. It's a compliment, Taylor."

"Well, maybe to some girls, but not to me."

"Really. I bet you that your cultured little Italian out in the kitchen wants you. I can see it in his eyes...the way he looks at you."

"That's ridiculous," I said, feeling my cheeks turning crimson. "Chase, you think all guys are after me just because I'm with you, and you're biased."

"I'll prove to you that I'm right," Chase said. He grabbed my hand and led me out of the room and into the hallway. Salvatore was heading toward the front door, ready to go to school.

"Hold up a second, Sal. I want to ask you something."

"What is it? I don't have much time or I'll be late for cla.s.s," Salvatore replied.

"It'll only take a second. Taylor thinks I'm biased, but if you saw her somewhere, on the street or another place, would you want to do her?"

"Chase!" I screamed, absolutely horrified by what he'd blurted out. "That's absolutely inappropriate."

Chase ignored me and continued talking to Salvatore. "I just want to know how Italian men think about a girl like Taylor. Would you like to do her, have s.e.x with her, you know. Is she attractive to you?"

Salvatore glared at Chase and I couldn't tell if it was because what he said was so cra.s.s or he just couldn't stand him that much. It was likely a combination of both. Then he looked at me and I felt so foolish standing there as he gave me a once over. I felt like meat at an auction.

"Taylor First is a very beautiful woman. Of course anyone would find her attractive."

Chase rolled his eyes, not appeased by the answer. "But would you like to have s.e.x with her?"

"What type of question is that to ask someone about your girlfriend, whether she is with you or not?" Salvatore began. "If I answer with a yes, you would have something against me for being here at the same house as her all summer long. If I answer with a no, it would be taken as an insult to her and to you. So, I will answer this...beauty has been known to drive men wild, like the sirens did. Man's challenge is to steer clear from it."

I couldn't help but smile at Salvatore's answer. It was smart and witty wisdom. Chase looked irked, not happy to have been so handily beaten with Salvatore's answer and certainly not equipped to embark in a battle of prose with him. However, there was a part of me that had wanted to hear him say that he would do me. Maybe it was my pride or just the tingling that came from the thought that he might think I was as desirable as I thought he was.

"Well, I best get to school," Salvatore finally said. He turned to me and said, "I'll see you later tonight."

"She already has plans tonight...with me," Chase said.

Salvatore looked at me. "I thought you said we were going to go to the museum tonight since you had to cancel at the last minute yesterday."

"I did say that and you're right, Salvatore." I looked to Chase and said, "Sorry, I promised him we'd go tonight, plus Dad wants me to make sure that Salvatore has a great time while he's in America."

"But I need you," Chase said. His voice almost sounded whiny, which was really weird to hear.

"I'll spend the weekend with you, Chase, but tonight Salvatore and I have plans," I said.

The look on Chase's face made him look like a puppy dog that had just been scolded. Then he snapped out of it, not wanting to expose his humiliation in front of Salvatore and me. "Fine, I'll just spend the night with the guys. Pete and Ralph invited me to play some poker anyway."

"Excellent! Then it works out for all of us. I know how much you've missed the guys." Then I looked at Salvatore and smiled. "I will see you tonight."

"I'm looking forward to it," he replied to me. He was smiling brightly and didn't bother to hide the pleased look in his eyes as he looked at Chase. "Have a good night, chap."

Chase grunted and walked out of the house, suddenly very eager to leave. Salvatore followed right behind him.

After I watched the two leave, I went back to my room and finished getting ready to go to Dad's office and start learning a few of the tricks of his trade.

Chapter 8.

My day at the office had been really fun and interesting. I hadn't realized just how many clients Dad had and how much went on with each facet of the import/export business. Dealing with the various governments and their rules was pretty overwhelming, but as I saw Dad do it so easily I saw that it was a learned art, something you had to do over the years. Maybe...just maybe...if I started learning it now I'd be as good as Dad some day. He was the undisputed king of the industry for good reason. It wasn't just me that thought that either despite him being my dad.

As my day winded down and I made my way home, I began to grow more excited for my evening with Salvatore. I'd gotten over the embarra.s.sment of the question posed to him earlier that morning by Chase and was eager to enjoy an effortlessly fun time with him. That really was the big difference between him and Chase. Salvatore was effortless to talk with, while Chase always created a kind of a struggle for me. We had such separate interests.

When I walked into the house the most amazing aroma came wafting out of the kitchen. I smiled, thinking I knew what was going on again. I walked right to the kitchen and not surprisingly, Salvatore was in there cooking away.

"What's happening in here?" I asked.

"I wanted to show my appreciation to your family so I'm making a meal."

"It smells fantastic. What is it tonight?"

"Eggplant parmesan."

"Yummy."

"I couldn't agree more," my mom said, walking into the kitchen. "It smells incredible in here. You didn't have to do this, you know, Salvatore."

"It is my pleasure, Mrs. First," he said in his smooth and confident tone. My mom giggled in response, making me giggle. She was absolutely giddy around Salvatore. It was hilarious!

"Well then, thank you, Salvatore. Mr. First and I will be eager to enjoy this scrumptious smelling feast."

"How long until dinner's ready?" I asked, realizing that I'd like to take a shower and freshen up before we went into the city.

"About one hour, unless Mr. First won't be home by then," Salvatore replied.

"He will be," my mom said. "He just texted that he finished his golf round and is on his way home."

One hour later, the four of us were sitting around the table on the back veranda, enjoying the warm air and slight breeze as we ate Salvatore's amazing creation.

"Where did you learn this dish?" my mom asked Salvatore.

"My grandmother taught me. The recipe's been in our family for many generations."

"Oh, how nice," my mom said.

"Mom, Salvatore's an amazing cook. He learned in a school program, as well as from his grandmother. Isn't that neat?"

"Yes, it is," my mom said, looking at me. I saw the busy body coming out in her glance and I knew she was wondering if I was taking my hostess duties a bit too seriously. Heck, I'd been wondering the same thing, but honestly, I didn't care. I was having a fantastic summer thus far. Salvatore had switched things up a bit, but I didn't mind. Plus, Allison's Florida stay had extended because her grandmother had gone back into the hospital.

"So, Salvatore, do you think you'll follow in your father's footsteps with the House of Distinzione someday?"

"Dad, you shouldn't put him on the spot like that," I said.

"I don't mind answering, Taylor," Salvatore said. "I know that my family would like that, but I am still evaluating my options."

"Such as?" Dad asked. He wasn't being judgmental, but merely curious. He'd always been fascinated by stories of how people ended up in the careers they did and what made them choose those paths.

"Possibly genetics, or perhaps international business law."

"Now that's some diversity. A lab versus seeing the world."

"Yes, I still have much thinking to do about that. Thankfully there is time since when you go to the university you can take care of core cla.s.ses first, giving some time to allow you to really think things through."

"Sounds like a wise plan," Dad said.

"My father has taught me to be very precise and methodical in my thinking."

"Well, it seems like it opens up a world of exciting, creative opportunities as a result. Good for you!"

"Thank you, sir," Salvatore said.

"Mmmm...this is just so delicious," my mom said. She knew that Dad would keep asking questions for hours if she didn't change the subject.

Well, Dad keep talking for many hours; however, it was just long enough to make it so the museum was closed by the time Salvatore and I got into the city.

"What now?" I asked.

Salvatore put his finger up to his chin and tapped it thoughtfully, looking around. "I saw a movie theater in the distance. How about a movie?"

"Let's go see what's playing," I replied.

We walked over to the theater and checked out which movies were starting soon and what they were about. We both agreed that it had to be the dark comedy that we'd both wanted to see. It was great that the decision was so easy to make, so effortless.

Once in the theater, we went up to the concession stand. I turned to Salvatore. "For me, this is a no brainer. I always and I mean always, get Twizzlers and popcorn at the movies, plus a Diet c.o.ke."

"I like those things, too, only water and not the Diet c.o.ke."