I'll Do Anything (The Challenge Night Series Book 1) Read online

  “Signor Vitale! Good to see you again. Your mother insists you find her at your earliest convenience.” The valet worker looks maybe sixteen and he smiles like he actually enjoys his job.

  “Of course, she does Giuseppe.” Lorenzo returns his smile. We walk past Giuseppe without proper introductions. We must be in a hurry.

  “I’m nervous.” I admit as we walk into a perfectly put–together foyer.

  “Don’t be, it’s just dinner.” Lorenzo says calmly.

  I squeeze his hand tighter nervously without thinking about it too much.

  “Oh my god, no way! Lorenzo is this her?” A feminine voice squeaks.

  A young woman with straight brown hair, brown eyes, a killer tan and the most amazing olive green smokey eye rushes over to us. Her dress is gold and sparky and shapes her small frame perfectly. I start to extend my hand to her when he pulls me into an embrace. The hug is tight and lasts too long.

  “Arianna.” Lorenzo touches her shoulder, making her realize she’d been hugging me for too long.

  “I’m so sorry! I just can’t believe you’re here, and you’re gorgeous. How’d he trick you into being interested in him?” Arianna laughs and elbows Lorenzo playfully.

  “Hi, I’m Katherine. It’s nice to meet you, Lorenzo has told me so much about you. Full of life, little sister I presume?” I’m guessing but it’s not far–fetched.

  “Awe, you did tell her about me!” Arianna gushes and I know I’ve gotten it right. Lorenzo looks surprised at my guess but he doesn’t comment on it.

  “Where’s mamma?” Lorenzo changes the subject.

  “She’s talking with the staff; she should be done in a minute.” Arianna informs him. Her eyes scan over my dress and down to my hands. “Oh my god! I forgot! Let me see the ring!” She’s practically jumping up and down with excitement.

  I hold out my hand for her, luckily my French manicure from last week is still presentable.

  “It’s lovely, but I would have accepted a ring pop from this man.” I smile at Lorenzo and he smiles back.

  I’m laying it on thick and he likes my commitment.

  “That’s the sweetest thing ever!” Arianna grabs her heart with her free hand.

  Lorenzo gives her a tight smile; she probably annoys him. Joy doesn’t really seem like his thing.

  “Lorenzo, my sweet son!” His mother appears as Arianna is still holding my hand.

  She is shorter than me but taller than Arianna. Her hair is brown but layered with blonde highlights that looked like the gods designed them. She is wearing a champagne-colored gown with some simple beading and a rim of pearls around her neck.

  “Ha. Sweet?” Arianna teases, letting go of my hand as their mother pulls Lorenzo in for a hug.

  He needs to bend down quite a bit for her to kiss his cheeks. He seems happy to see her, like maybe he doesn’t mind her company.

  “Lorenzo, introduce me to your beautiful bride to–be.” His mother urges him.

  “Mamma, this is Katherine Garcia. Katherine, this is my mother, Gianna Vitale.” Lorenzo’s accent is more prominent, but comfortable.

  “Piacere di conoscerti, signora Vitale.” I stammer, with a smile.

  Okay so I remember nice to meet you too. We learned proper greetings like they were biblical.

  “Piacere Katherine.” She smiles widely in approval. “Please, call me Gianna or mamma.” She insists.

  She kisses the air around my cheeks and holds my arms near my wrists while she does. Gianna pulls my left hand into her own softly and examines the ring on my finger. She looks at it from every angle possible, taking it all in.

  “She said it’s lovely but she would have accepted a candy ring from him just as quickly.” Arianna boasts to her mother about my comment.

  “You picked a beautiful ring, for a beautiful woman Lorenzo. Well done.” Gianna beams at him and Arianna’s smile hasn’t disappeared yet.

  Lorenzo's arm snakes around my waist and rests on my hip. It’s heavy on my skin and my body chills at his touch. My instinct is to flinch at his touch but I resist.

  “We’ve had a long flight today mamma, I was hoping to get my fiancé something to drink.” Lorenzo is so close to me and my breathing picks up.

  Lorenzo is being extra polite; he respects his mom. She loves him, they seem so normal. Why do they seem so normal?

  “Of course, please get her something to eat as well. You know where to find everything.” Gianna rushes Lorenzo to take me away.

  She’s a very attentive host.

  “You greeted her in Italian.” Lorenzo looks down at me as we walk away. “She’s never going to forget that.” Lorenzo whispers into my ear as he takes his hand from my waist to my hand to guide me.

  “She seems great, I like her.” I admit. “Arianna seems great too, how old is she?” I pause. “How old are you?” Realizing I had never even asked.

  “Arianna is 20, we’re 8 years apart.” Lorenzo is still whispering close to my face.

  We’re passing other people in dresses and suits but no one stops us to say hi. All eyes follow us as we walk though, like he’s a celebrity.

  “You're 28?” I whisper back.

  He looks younger, acts older.

  “You’re 25. You just had a birthday last month.” He doesn’t ask, he tells me.

  “Why do you know everything about me but I know almost nothing about you?” I pout.

  I feel outmatched and overwhelmed.

  “I told you, questions later, if you’re a good girl.” Lorenzo reminds me as his lip curls into a smirk.

  I feel my stomach flutter.

  Butterflies, fucking butterflies. What is happening to me? Why the hell can’t I think clearly? I need a drink. I need more sleep, but I can’t have it.

  Relief shoots through me as I’m handed a cooled glass of white wine. It’s a perfect refreshing Moscato and I’m thrilled. I love a crisp, light Moscato and this is perfect.

  “This is really good.” I grin as I take another sip.

  “It’s good.” A waiter brings over a single glass of brown liquid to Lorenzo and he takes it with a small smile. “This is better.” He tells me before taking a sip.

  “What is it exactly?” I try to make conversation.

  We need to keep talking, we have to look like we’re enjoying ourselves. I need to play this stupid roll as best as I can. He’s not going to give an inch; I’m going to have to take everything I need from him to succeed.

  “Scotch.”

  “Do you have any more siblings?” I ask quietly.

  More people are entering the room we’ve been standing in. There is a large table that could seat at least thirty people being set by staff. Other waiters are passing out glasses of wine and some have small snacks.

  “Marco, my little brother. I doubt he’ll be here. He’s sixteen and prefers to be with his friends.”

  “What is this dinner for? Are we celebrating something?” I ask looking around at the crowd of guests, seeing laughter and smiles surrounding us.

  Lorenzo doesn't seem annoyed by my questions yet, so I keep asking them.

  “We have them every few months to get the family together. The only celebration being done will be about our engagement.” He takes another sip and scans the room.

  Suddenly but slowly his arm wraps around my waist again and he plants a kiss to the top of my head. His lips are warm and inviting which surprises me.

  “Lorenzo.” A short woman with platinum blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and pale skin appears in front of us.

  Her black dress is too short for a formal event but her golden heels have strings that loop around her legs just above her knees that make it seem more acceptable. Still, a bit more appropriate from prom than a dinner gala. The dress isn’t skin tight but it’s more than flattering, showing off every asset she has.

  “Nicole.” He replies coldly.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” The woman presses.

  She looks close to Arianna’s age,
maybe a bit older. She’s looking at me like I offended her in some way already.

  “Katherine, this is Nicole. Nicole, this is my fiancé, Katherine.” Lorenzo's hand is tight on my hip.

  I reach my hand out to shake hers, without moving from his side. I feel him squeeze my side slightly, more chills run down my spine.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I smile sweetly despite whatever tension is clearly between them.

  Nicole shakes my hand weakly.

  “You as well. I’ve been wondering when we would finally get to see you. I was beginning to think that Lorenzo didn’t actually have a woman.” Her tone is accusing.

  She doesn’t like me; she likes him though, too much.

  “That’s my fault.” I lie. “He’s been so patient with my job occupying so much of my time. He has finally convinced me to take a step back and relax. I only work remotely now. So, we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. How fun!” I feel like a sorority girl, but my acting is impeccable and I can taste it.

  “That’s great.” Her acting isn’t as good as mine. She excuses herself when a man I assume must be her father waves her down.

  “Who’s the bitch?” I mumble to Lorenzo as she walks away. I take another sip as I wait for an explanation. He’s looking at me in awe when I turn my face up to his.

  I’m doing good. Questions will be answered.

  “Nicole. Her father wanted her to be in your shoes.” Is the only answer I’m given for the moment. I understand, she’s jealous. She wants him, or his money or something.

  “Son.” A stern deep voice comes from behind us.

  “Papa.” Lorenzo replies before we are even turned around completely.

  I can sense tension as they greet each other and shake hands. But the next moment they are laughing and hugging as if the tension hadn’t existed.

  “Papa, this is Katherine Garcia, my fiancé.” Lorenzo wraps his hand in mine.

  “Salve, Signore Vitale.” I smile at him and greet him with a simple hello.

  “Molto buona.” He nods to Lorenzo. I think he said “very good” perhaps referring to my pronunciation? Or my proper greeting, I’m not sure. “Katherine Garcia, as in Diego’s daughter?”

  Shit.

  I look up at Lorenzo for an answer, I don’t know if I’m supposed to say yes. He gives me a quick nod of approval so small it is hardly noticeable.

  “Yes sir.” I admit. I don’t know what else to say.

  “Diego was a good friend; I am sorry for your loss. I know it was long ago now, but I’m sure it still lingers.” He’s correct, it does still linger. He has no idea how often I run miles to make myself forget. I put myself in physically exhausting pain to forget about Gustavo ending his life.

  “I didn’t get to know him as well as I would have liked to. He tried to keep his distance while I was young. Perhaps you can tell me more about him someday.” I suggest, hopefully. “I wish I would have met you all sooner, I’m sure we would have had meals filled with laughter with him around.” I add, my heart aches as I do.

  Lorenzo’s father smiles big.

  “I have a few more guests to see before we eat, please excuse me. But I will take you up on that offer.” His father is older than I would have expected, but not much older than my own dad.

  “Is there a bathroom on this floor? I should use it before dinner.” I have always had a small bladder and drinking wine added to my struggle.

  “Right down that hall, to the right. Hurry back.” He points to the direction I need to go.

  I find it easily and I do my business quickly. It’s also put together to the finest detail like the rest of the house. I finish washing my hands and check my makeup in the mirror. Everything is in place, and my cheeks are only lightly tinted pink from my anxiousness.

  Good. You’ve got this. I think to myself.

  As I’m leaving the bathroom, I notice a door cracked open parallel to me. I hear whispers and my curiosity forces me to listen closer.

  Nicole is talking to a man about me.

  “There’s no way he’s with her. She’s not even his type. She like, has a job or something and she’s too perky. Trust me father, there’s no way they will get married by the end of the year.” Nicole scoffs.

  Anger fills up in my chest.

  Whispering continues in the room and I have an idea. An idea I hope I don’t regret. I shuffle down to the end of the hall and find Lorenzo is waiting for me, standing against the wall that connects to the hallway. His hands are in his pockets casually and he’s watching over the room as people pass him by.

  I softly grab his hand and pull it with me, trying not to startle him.

  “Come with me quickly.” I whisper.

  “What are you doing?” He demands as I pull him just outside of the bathroom.

  The hallway is empty and the other door is still cracked open. Light peaks through the bottom of the frame and two shadows interrupt it from further in the room.

  “Shh.” I put a finger to my lips then slowly move my lips to his ear. “Nicole is in the next room telling her father that she thinks we’re faking it. She says I’m not your type, we have to make it look more real.” I whisper as quietly as humanly possible into his ear.

  Lorenzo listens. I’m about to explain my plan when the whispers in the next room stop. I’m out of time.

  “Kiss me like you mean it.” I instruct, quickly grabbing the back of his neck with one hand and slipping another behind his back.

  Lorenzo doesn’t hesitate, he grabs the side of my neck with a tight grip and pulls me closer by my waist with the other.

  Our lips hit each other violently.

  He tastes like the scotch he was sipping and I’m kissing him like I need the taste to breathe. His tongue scraps mine and I whimper unintentionally. Our lips move quicker and I’m melting inside. His hand lowers from my waist and grabs a hold of my ass, pulling my body into his. I’m lost in him; I feel like I have a fever and my eyes are sealed shut. I can’t open them; I don’t want to.

  I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like this.

  Finally, I hear a door crack open and footsteps followed by a scoff. I can’t see her, but I can hear Nicole storm off as her shoes hit the tiles. Lorenzo pulls my lips from his at the noise and looks up. His hand moves from cupping my ass to the center of my back, slowly dragging up my back as it does.

  I look up at him, but I refuse to look behind me.

  “Sorry, Vincent. I thought we were alone.” Lorenzo shrugs with a smile. I hide my face in my hands, embarrassed. “She hates public displays of affection but I couldn’t resist.” He lies.

  “No trouble at all Lorenzo. See you at the meal momentarily.” Lorenzo nods at Vincent’s reply.

  Nicole’s father’s steps seem distant when I force myself to look up from my hands at Lorenzo. Our bodies are inches from each other and his breathing is heavy. I think mine is as well.

  “Do you think he believed it?” I ask as I touch my burning lips.

  “Didn’t you?” Lorenzo's thumb runs underneath my bottom lip whipping away disheveled lip gloss.

  I did believe it. I want more. Kiss me again.

  What am I thinking? I’m insane. I must be insane.

  I take a step back and take in a deep breath when my eyes look over him against my will.

  “Uh, Lorenzo.” I gulp. “I think we should wait a minute before we go back.” I bring my eyes to the very obvious bulge in his pants.

  “I was going to say the same thing.” He huffs. “Give me a second, I’ll think about Nicole and it’ll disappear.”

  I laugh and cover my mouth to hide it.

  Chapter 6: La cena

  A few minutes pass and we’re walking back to the party. Everyone is just sitting down.

  “Perfect recovery time.” I muse. My hand is in his again. He’s very physical, I feel like he doesn’t let me go. There’s always a part of us that is connected when we’re together. “Where do we sit?”

  “You, sit by
me!” Arianna grabs my empty hand and pulls me away from Lorenzo laughing.

  She ushers me into an empty seat.

  I’m sitting down closest to one of the end chairs and Arianna sits next to me eagerly. Lorenzo takes his seat at my other side, at one of the table heads. His father is already sitting at the other head, with Lorenzo’s mother at his right.

  “We have to do something this week together before I go back to school. Shopping, lunch, manicures, anything!” Arianna begs.

  “Of course, I would love to.” I speak before remembering “As long as Lorenzo doesn’t have any other plans for me.” I amend.

  “We can do something together can’t we, Enzo? You can make Gio come with us to babysit. Pleaseee.”

  Arianna gives him puppy dog eyes and I giggle.

  “You can have her on Friday.” Lorenzo gives in. “With Gio driving you and you know the rules.” He adds.

  Rules?

  “Yes!!” Arianna yells to herself quietly.

  I don’t think she gets much girl time.

  Our food is served. Filet mignon in a dark red wine sauce, with roasted baby potatoes and garlic grilled broccolini. I’m given another glass of white wine and Lorenzo opts for a red rather than another scotch. Everything tastes absolutely incredible. People chat and laugh with one another.

  Arianna tells me about her school while we finish up our food. I am completely stuffed but I still had some potatoes left.

  “I go to the University of Milan; I’m working on a Bachelors in History. I don’t really know what I want to do with it, but I only get my trust fund if I get a degree first.” She whispers to me and laughs.

  I laugh in return.

  “That sounds really interesting. I studied Literature at Princeton. Sometimes I miss how simple life was in college.” I admit.

  “You went to Princeton?” Arianna asks too loudly in shock.

  The table is quiet and all eyes are on me. My head spins with all of the attention being brought to me.

  “Yes. She went on a full-ride scholarship and graduated as her class’ valedictorian.” Lorenzo brags for me.

  My face flushes. I forgot that he knew everything about me. I didn’t expect him to tell anyone about my academic achievements. I don’t really like to talk about them. Studying was like a drug to me, keeping me occupied and my mind busy.