It Began In Italy | ✔️

Chapter Twenty Seven

Once I had finally calmed down, I helped Nico clean up and we saved some leftovers in a Tupperware box in case anyone was still hungry when they got back.

We were about to go upstairs until everyone had trailed in through the front door. "Heidi, we're going to have a movie night if you're interested. Nico is more than welcome to join," my mother says, and I am sure I am staring at a different woman. They must have left my mother at the restaurant and a look-alike followed them home.

Looking towards Nico, I give him a questioning look but he just shrugs. "Okay?" I say, making my confusion evident in my voice. Nico's hand moves to my back as we trail into the living room. Everyone else goes to change into some comfier clothes and I grab a blanket from the corner.

We settle down on the sofa, waiting for everyone to pile in. "Don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to do," Nico says and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Giving him a soft smile, I shake my head. "No, it's okay... I was just surprised," I admit and Nico nods in understanding.

Nestling into the blanket, I place my feet in Nico's lap. With us being in close quarters, I hope that my family doesn't make it awkward. Nico's hand delves beneath the blanket, placing it on my thigh.

Placing my hand over his, I try not to laugh as I move it away. The last thing I need is my mother thinking that we're doing something we shouldn't beneath the blanket. She hates me enough already.

"I need to touch you," he groans, and I roll my eyes.

"I'm sure you can go an hour and a half without. How do you cope when you're at work?" I laugh and Nico shakes his head.

"I can't cope. Every second I'm thinking about touching you. My father is on the verge of firing me because of the number of times I've messed up a table order or forgotten to do things he's asked me. All because I'm too busy thinking about you."

His hand wraps around my ankle and I regret putting my feet in his lap. The fact that he is constantly thinking about me makes a blush rise in my cheeks.

"Sounds like you should focus on your work," I goad him on, and he laughs, shaking his head once more.

"I would be able to if this incessant woman was not constantly creeping into my mind," he says before leaning down and kissing me on the lips. He knows exactly what he's doing as he places a small kiss on my throat before pulling away.

My mother then enters the room, everyone else trailing behind her. Nancy cradles a large bowl of popcorn to her, away from reaching hands. Everyone settles on the floor in front of us, Nico and I the only ones on the sofas.

"We're watching The Notebook, end of story," Vienna says and everyone groans in protest. "I'm the pregnant one here... you'll do as I say," she crosses her arms and I laugh.

"I can't say that I've ever watched a film about a notebook," Nico says, furrowing his brows as everyone gets comfy and chatters.

"It's the most heart-wrenching story ever. I cry every time and I'm sure this is just a way of them getting back at me," I say, and Nico rubs his thumb in small circles on my ankle.

"I'm sure I've memorised every line of this movie," my father says, and I give him a small smile. "Michelle and Heidi would watch this non-stop. I'd always have to hold them both as they cried. Good luck, Niccolo," he chuckles.

"I have a feeling I'm going to need luck," Nico says before looking towards me and I roll my eyes, nudging his thigh with my foot.

"Who knows? Maybe Nico will be the blubbering mess tonight," I shrug before laughing and everyone smiles at my comment. "Nico is a softy at heart."