Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome (The Senior Semester Series Book 2) by Gina Azzi Page B

like emeralds as she throws her head back and laughs at whatever Lorenzo whispers in her ear.
    Pure sophistication and class. A woman from another world. She’s flawless.
    She places her hand on his shoulder and leans into his side, running her nose against his strong jawline until she whispers in his ear.
    An amused look flits across his face before he turns, pulling her into his arms and disappearing into the throng of bodies in his VIP booth.
    And I can’t stop watching.
    Lorenzo. VIP booth. Flirting with a goddess.
    An unfamiliar sensation that feels like fire spreads through my stomach, and I feel my face grow warm. Why am I upset about this? I barely know him. He’s just the waiter I chat with in between classes. It’s not like there was ever anything between us, right? So why do I feel like he betrayed me?
    I turn back to Lexi and nudge her in the side with my elbow. She looks at me and smiles, not missing a beat. “Mia, this is Pietro. Pietro, this is my friend Mia.”
    I stifle a laugh. Really? Another Peter.
    Pietro fits Lila’s description of Tall, Dark, and Handsome. The goal of the semester according to Lila: meet one, make out, have fun, repeat. The same could be said for Pietro’s friend, who just happens to sidle up to our group at that moment.
    “Hi.” I smile tentatively, reaching out a hand to shake Pietro’s.
    “Piacere.” He smiles back. “This is my friend Pepe.” He introduces his friend. “Lexi. Mia.” He nods at each of us.
    “A pleasure,” Pepe says smoothly, taking my hand in his and rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “Would you girls care for a drink?” He tilts his head toward Lexi’s empty flute.
    “Sure.” She agrees easily. “What are we drinking?”
    Pietro laughs, turning back to the bartender and ordering four drinks (I have no idea what) and four shots of vodka. Moments later, Pepe presses a shot glass into my hand and holds his shot up. “Cent’anni.”
    “Cent’anni,” the three of us echo and toss back our shots. The straight vodka burns for a moment and then warms my chest and belly, erasing the flare of jealousy I previously felt over seeing Lorenzo with another woman.
    I mean really, I’m at a bar in Italy, being waited on by two gorgeous men with charming personalities and delicious accents. Why can’t I just enjoy it, be present in this moment, have some fun? Embrace the experience.
    I take a sip of the drink Pietro hands me and try not to grimace. Whatever it is, it’s strong. But tonight, I don’t want to be disciplined, strict Mia. Tonight, I’m all about the fun.
    “Cheers.” I clink my glass against Lexi’s and take another sip. Living in the present.
    * * *
    Minutes turn into hours as I offer myself up to the moment. To the cadence of bodies swirling around me. To the sweet scent of fruity liquors and the overwhelming masculinity of Pepe’s cologne. To the crisp and smooth taste of too many glasses of prosecco. To the feel of my hair brushing against my shoulders as I shake my head to the music, dancing in Pepe’s embrace. To Lexi’s face blurring before my eyes as Pietro twirls her in complicated turns and dramatic dips. My body loosens up and for the first time in a very long time, I enjoy the music, the beat, the rhythm. I enjoy dancing.
    For fun. For pleasure. For me.
    I take Pepe’s hands in mine and squeeze lightly, sliding my hands up to his broad shoulders and stepping closer. My hips adapt to the music automatically, and I close my eyes, absorbed by the feel of his chest pressing against mine, the music thrumming in my eardrums, the deliciousness of dance pulsing through my blood.
    “Woo! Get it girl!” I hear Lexi call out from somewhere. But I’m lost to the moment.
    And when I open my eyes as the song fades into the next beat, I’m surprised to see a circle has formed around Pepe and me. The clapping hands and cheering faces of fellow partygoers as we dance in the center of the club. I laugh suddenly, allowing Pepe to