Rise Up

Chapter 9: Big Talks and Small Problems

I've missed his hugs so much, more than everything else.

Ok, maybe I should slow down but with him it's pretty impossible.

"So you live basically behind a huge cathedral? Isn't it a bit creepy?"

We were in the elevator of my apartment building, to leave his luggage before going exploring the city.

"How can you say creepy in front of this amazing masterpiece of the Italian culture?"

"It's still a cathedral."

"Ugh, it's not just this. Anyway, here we are. Mi casa es tu casa." I said while unlocking the door.

He started to walk in my apartment, looking at the surrounding, as if he's taking in the small details, to understand more about me. Then he stopped at the window and gasped looking at the duomo.

"Ok, I'll admit it: it's not creepy." His eyes were still stuck on the view when I walked closer to him. 

"I've told you so! Anyway, sorry for my home, it's small and a mess. If you don't feel comfortable, just tell me and I'll book you a room in this nice hotel down the street-"

He stopped me mid sentence, pulling me in by my hips and giving me one of his breathtaking kiss. My mind exploded for the too many emotions, together with my heart.

"I wanted to kiss you so badly since when I've seen you in the airport. By the way I love your house, I don't care where I sleep, I'm here for spending all my time with you." 

"How romantic you are." I brushed my hand against his jaw.

"Don't take joke of me, lady!" He said pushing me more into his chest. 

"I would never, you're such a gentleman."

"My gentle way is ending right now, be ready cause I'm gonna kiss you wildly."

"More than ready!" 

And after this we melted into another passionate kiss, showing each other's all our feelings, not caring about anything else, just living the moment. 

We spent the morning on my couch, cuddling and kissing, as if we were an old couple reunited after a long time. 

I enjoyed my time with him, maybe even too much.

***

"Hmm...This pasta is simply amazing." Lando exclaimed, completely lost in his plate.

"I knew you would have loved this restaurant."

"You know me too well." He chuckled, cleaning his mouth and giving me his most sincere smile. 

"You're an open book to me, I really appreciate it." Being so confident to say this directly to him was a bit difficult. The nervousness took place in my hands that started to fidget with the fork. 

"I'm serious with you. I want to be able to date you properly, Kiara."

The sip of water I was drinking, almost went in the wrong way hearing his words. 

"You do?" I was speechless. 

"Yes, I really do."

I couldn't help myself from smiling. I grabbed his hand over the table and gave him a kiss on his knuckles. Fortunately the restaurant wasn't too known, so there weren't too many people around us, ready to spot us to the media or interrupt our dinner. 

"I'd love to date you too, Lan."

"Glad to know this." His cheeks turned red when he tightened the hold on my hand.