The Perfect Someday (A standalone novel ~ Book three in The Mathews Family) Read Online Free

deception, a rush of prickling sensations crawled down her spine. She felt more like an incompetent criminal than a wedding crasher. Instinct set in and she considered simply walking away, but subconsciously moved a bit closer, breathing in his intoxicating appeal.
    Tracy pressed her lips tight, inhaling deep through her nose. She made a tsk sound and blew out a huff of irritation. “Please don’t say—“
    A man grasped Giovanni by the nape of his neck, giving him a firm shake. Tracy turned, standing face to face with the bride and groom. Any air remaining in her lungs deflated, causing her to shrink in her own skin.
    Blood rhythm pulsed in her ears, drowning out their warm, genuine greeting in Greek. As the conversation carried on around her, she didn’t need an interpreter to translate. The masked newlyweds were obviously Giovanni’s good friends and were thrilled to see him.
    Trac y’s feet remained paralyzed in place. Her eyes darted through the guests searching for her sister and the nearest exit. Feeling the warmth of Giovanni’s hand on the back of her arm, Tracy looked up at him with an imploring smile verging on desperation.
    Giovanni studied her thoughtfully.
    Using a tone of endearment, h e introduced her as Maggie to the bride and groom. They flourished her with foreign words of delight and kisses to both cheeks. Giovanni continued the casual exchange, pointing JC out to the couple, giving her a quick wave.
    JC ’s startled expression mimicked a cartoon caricature mindlessly waving back, watching the scene unfold from the safety of the dance floor.
    C lutching her glass, Tracy took a lengthy draw of the wine. Giovanni looked down at her with unflinching directness. His long tapered fingers coasted down the back of her arm and laced through hers.
    Leaning closer, he whispered in her hairline, “I told them you’re my date for this evening. They are very—“ he shot her a heart stopping smile searching for the correct American term. “—impressed.”
    Glancing down at their entwined fingers, her brows tugged into an indignant frown. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as if she’d just finished a marathon.
    The newlyweds excused themselves, moving on to the next group of guests awaiting their warm reception.
    “Date? ” She snipped, attempting to snatch her fingers from his grip. “Am I supposed to say thank you?”
    Giovanni refused to relinquish her hand. “Si`.”
    Her mouth dropped open in surprise at his arrogance. “You just assume that I’m going to—“ Her lip curled in disgust. “—just be your…date?”
    “I wou ld hate to see you have to leave.” His mocking smile verged on obnoxious. “Should I reintroduce you to my friends?”
    “You wouldn’t.” She gasped at his deplorable suggestion. Giovanni’s gaze never wavered, capturing her curiosity with an impish gleam. “That is not very nice.”
    “Si`, it’s very nic e. The least you could do is have a drink with me.”
    Acting like a skittish virgin being lured to the mouth of a volcano as an offering, she snarled under her breath. “This is complete bullshit.”
    “ No, bullshit. Simply great music, the perfect wine, a beautiful sunset—“ Easing his fingers beneath her palm, he lifted the back of her hand to his lips. “—an amazing woman.”
    The heat of his grip and the impact of his smile seeped deep into her blood sending her into an instant thaw. She’d never been infatuated by a man, especially by the suave flirtations of an Italian man. Even JC knew better than to fall for their rich sultry accents. But his grey eyes and bold charisma lured her in, trampling her good judgment.
    However, h er pride refused to submit so easily. “Are you asking me to be your date tonight?”
    “Yes.” His tone resolute as if it were a given.
    “Because if you think I’m just—“
    “Maggie—“ He dragged out the double consonants in a slow smooth voice. “I would be honored if you’d be my date for the