Words of Lust by Lise Horton Read Free Book Online

right?”
    “Absolutely. And pasta, chicken parmesan and cannelloni make me very happy.”
    “I hope that’s not the only thing that makes you happy,” he whispered, his lips close enough to her ear to touch. The moist heat of his breath tingled deliciously. She stumbled and he held her up.
    “Come on, Professor. Let’s get inside. I promise, no slimy stuff.” He smacked his hand to his forehead in mock despair.
    “Trust me. I won’t make you eat my mother’s favorite dish if you don’t make me eat calamari.”
    “What was your mother’s favorite dish?”
    “Spotted dick.”
    * * *
    They were back to dick again. He was never going to get his wayward organ under control if she didn’t stop reminding him. Of course it might be a state he’d have to learn to live with, because everything about her kept him pointing north.
    “What is spotted dick, for God’s sake, and why would anyone call it that? It sounds like a venereal disease.”
    She burst out laughing and the earlier sadness clinging to her vanished. He relaxed at the sound of her joy and tucked her under his arm. And it was another good sign that she let him.
    “It’s actually just a British pudding. The spots are currants or raisins.”
    He ushered her into the restaurant but grunted. “Stupid name for pudding, if you ask me.”
    “That’s the way I feel about sweetbreads. And Rocky Mountain oysters.”
    Not again. Testicles. For cripes’ sake.
    “Mr. Stellato! Buona sera .” The elderly woman who greeted him was the matriarch of the restaurant and she’d been the manning the door since the first day he’d discovered the place. She hugged him enthusiastically.
    “ Buona sera , Mamma Mortillaro. Come stai? ”
    “ Sto facendo bene , grazie. ” Then she turned to Serafina, who was clearly puzzled by the exchange in Italian. “Never mind me. Who’s this lovely lady you’ve brought to eat Papa’s good food? About time you had a date.” She poked him with the menus and smiled at Serafina. “This boy never brings a lady with him before. You must be a special one.”
    He blushed furiously and he noticed Serafina was bright pink as well. But she raised an eyebrow at him and smiled, so it was all good.
    “This is Serafina Luca, Mamma M. She’s a teacher at a college in New York City.” He looked down at her and smiled. She took the woman’s hand with a warm grin.
    “ Bella donna! ” Mamma beamed.
    “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Italian.”
    He and Mamma M. both looked at her in surprise, but the hostess arrived and took them to their table, so he let it drop. Maybe he could teach her some Italian. Though of course what he was thinking at the moment was he’d like to teach her some French.
    “Enjoy your supper, Niccolo, Serafina!” Mamma hollered after them and he winced at the use of his given name.
    “I don’t know why everyone expects I should speak Italian. I’ve never even been to Italy. I’m surprised you do.”
    “Professor, I may be fourth generation, but in my family those same old ladies would beat you with their canes if you can’t speak Italian.” He squeezed her closer to him. “Let me know if you want me to teach you.” It was kind of nice there was something he could do well that she couldn’t. Not that he was keeping track, but hey, a guy had to have some advantages.
    “You’re fluent?”
    “ Certamente. ” He pulled out her chair for her and sat down. “But I won’t mention to my mom you can’t speak Italian. She might faint.”
    He ignored her look of puzzlement and smiled at the waitress.
    “I’ll let you have a few minutes to look at the menu, but may I get you something to drink?”
    “Let’s have two glasses of the Chianti.” He checked with Serafina and she nodded. He’d have to keep the wine to a minimum since he’d be driving them back, but he could safely enjoy sharing a glass or two with her. He wanted the night to last.
    They’d been seated in a romantic alcove with a large window