*Olivia*

I stammered, staring into Gio's patient eyes as he waited for my answer.

"I never thought about it," I admitted quietly to both him and myself. "I just assumed that was something far off into the future. I didn't expect it to be positive but…."

"But?" he prompted, so gentle as he cradled my cheek in his hands. I leaned into his warm, calloused hand, shutting my eyes tightly as a few tears spilled over my cheeks. I hated being such an emotional ...