Gio & Joy and the Three French Hens: Small town, feel good, romantic comedy (The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series Book 4) by Ellie Hall

Author:Ellie Hall [Hall, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

It’s not until after we close and are cleaning up, that Gio and I are alone again.

“Any progress on your project?” I ask, meaning for it to sound like an offhanded question rather than nosy.

“It’s looking promising,” he says, wiping down the pie case.

Even when doing simple tasks, Gio is charismatic, cute. Why is my life so cruel? Lost my apartment, my job, and the guy I thought would be my fiancé. Now I’m here crushing on a man I can’t have...and cannot stay away from.

Maybe I need to find reasons not to like him.

While I change out the table linens, I ask, “Giovanni, do you like cheese?

He chuckles. “That’s like asking me if I’m Italian. Shouldn’t that be obvious?”

I swish my mouth from side to side, trying to come up with another crush breaker.

“Why do you ask?”

“Oh, this guy, um—”

“Someone you used to date?”

“Yeah. He didn’t like cheese.”

“Was it an allergy? Sensitivity? Stomach issue?”

“No, he just couldn’t stand the stuff.”

“Criminal. A monster, really. Glad you broke up.” Gio doesn’t even try to hide his smug smile.

“His charm was criminal...” Like someone else I know.

“People say I’m charming.” I can’t tell if he speaks with pride or distaste.

“And cute.” My cheeks catch fire. Forget the ice machine. “I’m going to dive into a snowbank now. Be right back.”

Gio grasps my wrist to stop me. At first, his grip is tight then his thumb rubs gently on the soft part of my skin. His bright blue eyes travel from mine to my lips and that secret smile returns.

Just then, Nico comes in from the kitchen, interrupting again. He surveys us and once more, shakes his head. “Bruno would like you to fill out these three forms, Joy. He’s ticked at Tommy for not telling him we hired you, so if you don’t mind doing it before you leave, that would be great. You can slide them under the door upstairs when you’re done. Thanks.”

“No problem.” My stomach rumbles.

“There are some leftovers if you’re hungry,” Nico says as he exits to the kitchen.

“I have something even better. Go ahead and get started on the forms. I’ll be right over.” He gestures to the nearest table.

I fill out the typical tax assessment for employment as a savory scent fills the room. I detect garlic, oregano, basil, and marinara. My stomach clenches with hunger. Hopefully, there’s something for me to nibble on at my mom’s house.

The lights in the shop dim and I peer at the first form to sign and date.

Startling me, Gio appears holding a pizza pan in one hand and a couple of plates in the other. “Your order is ready.” He sets everything down and then lights the trio of votive candles on the table.

“I didn’t order anything. Remember, I can’t have—”

“Specially made gluten-free crust pizza with artichokes.” He grins proudly.

I blink slowly at the pizza in the center of the table. “You made me a gluten-free crust?”

“First try. Well, third. I made a few attempts before I achieved the right balance between springy dough and crispy crust.

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