Kidnapped by the Devil

Chapter 16: Carina

The day zooms by quickly. I'm so excited to be cooking dinner, but I have to admit that I'm warming up to this new side of Matteo. I'm not sure how long it will last though. That guy has a serious case of mood swings. I never know what mood he's in until I look into those blue eyes that set my body ablaze. He's definitely going to be the death of me. I decide that I'm going to make something very simple for dinner; homemade linguine pasta with marinara sauce, mushrooms, and spicy Italian sausage, fresh garlic bread, and a Caesar salad. It's one of my favorites that my grandmother used to make in Italy. Her recipes were left behind when she died, and I've had years to memorize every single one. Cooking is a passion of mine along side of designing. I get lost in all the various aromas, and I love having Chef Bonchi be my taste tester. The plump old man seems to have died and gone to heaven.

"Oh Miss Lehew your marinara is simply devine! The true taste of Italy," Chef Bonchi says smiling. He was right too. My grandmother's recipes was perfected by generations before her. Thank Heavens my father gave it to me.

"Don't taste too much Toni! You'll fall in love," I joke. The old chef is simply good company and starting to become a dear friend. I hear him laugh deep from his belly as I go back to stirring the sauce. The kitchen phone rings grabbing my attention.

"I'll get that Miss Lehew," Toni says as he walks away from the island.

"Chef Bonchi speaking," he answers happily. It makes me smile seeing him always in a good mood. It's people like him, who are always in a positive mindset and giving positive energy, you can't help but be yourself around. I can't hear anyone on the other end of the phone, but Toni replies, "Oh yes sir Mr. Carson. Would you like to speak with her?"

I look up from the sauce and to where Toni is holding the phone with a smile on his face. Matteo's calling? I wipe my hands on my apron nervously and grab the phone from Toni.

"You haven't changed your mind now have you," I say enthusiastically. The thought of him chickening out brings a small smile on my face. Pussy.

"No. I just want to know when dinner will be ready. I have a meeting soon," he says calmly and surprisingly I don't hear any coldness in his voice. He honestly sounds relaxed and at ease.

"Well I will be done by 7:00."

"Okay got it. Carina wear something nice for dinner tonight. We have some things to discuss tesoro," he says and my heart jumps in my chest hearing him call me that. At this rate, call me chocolate because I melt every time I hear him say it,  it his statement alarms me. What does he want to talk about?

"Uh.. O-okay Matteo," I answers nervously and hang up. I recall the moments of today. Did I do or say something to upset him? No. He is too impulsive. If I did he'd react right away out of anger and he seemed way too calm on the phone. What am I going to do? The more I talk to Matteo, the more I feel myself sink deeper into those ice blue eyes of his. I know it isn't anything bad because I've been a good girl, but if it's nothing I've done what could it be? I decide to tuck the thoughts away and focus on the meal. Nothing needs to be burnt because I can't think straight.

***

As I put the garlic bread in the oven, I notice the clock reads 6:15. I internally panic knowing I only have 45 minutes to get ready for dinner, and I still don't know what I'm going to wear.

"Take the bread out when it's ready Toni," I yell behind me as I run out of the kitchen and to my room. I quickly shower and go into the closet. I skim the clothes and my eyes land on a piece of red silky fabric. Without hesitation I grab the red fabric and my underwear. I quickly put on the nude strapless bra and matching underwear and sit at the vanity. My hair is a crinkly wavy mess. It's still a little straight minus the dents from wearing it in a ponytail all day. I plug in my straightener and start my make-up while it heats up. I put on my usual foundation, bronzer, and blush, and dust some golden bronzed eyeshadow on my eyes. I put on a thin line of liquid eyeliner and mascara, and finish the look with some nude gloss. I straighten the dents out of my hair and put on my favorite pair of gold Chanel studs and my Cartier bracelet. I know that I'm rushing, but in a neat way.

I slip into the silky dress and zip it up. It's gorgeous and honestly looks very familiar. It's a strapless dress, with a high slit and long train. The top of the dress is tight and corseted, and cinches at the naval then begins to flow to the floor. It looks like a dress I designed for this past fall. I walk back to the closet and grab a pair of gold Givenchy sandal heels and buckle them on. I look at myself in the full body mirror and I can't help but be shocked. This is the dress I designed. I've never worn my own designs because I'm more of a casual girl, but I'm taken back by the woman standing before me. I look so different. A smile appears on my lips and I make my way out of my room. Matteo bought me a dress, and my dress at that. He's so thoughtful, but I know he can be cold and sour too. Thinking of the pending conversation with him actually makes me nervous as I head down the stairs. Matteo hasn't made his way into the dining room, and I release a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I peek through the kitchen door and Chef Bonchi is preparing the plates for dinner. He looks up and gives me a thumbs up making me relax even more. I know everything is going to be fine, well at least the eating aspect of it. I just hope that whatever Matteo needs to talk to me about will go as nicely as the eating. I sit at the table and fiddle with my hands as I wait nervously for him to come downstairs. God this man is doing things to me and I'm scared for whatever is to come ahead.