Chapte 16

Walking into the reception, we are announced by the singer of the live band and brought over to a sweetheart’s table at a central point on the floor. We’re greeted with loud applause and cheers and ushered to our table by wait staff.

They pass out the food soon after we are seated. The menu that we picked was flawless. A plated four course feast. We started with a grilled baby octopus served with orzo, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a lemon vinaigrette. That was followed by my personal favorite, a honey-roasted fig salad. The main course was a braised beef with a wild mushroom sauce.

My mouth waters just thinking about it. Too bad that I barely tasted anything.

Because my new husband couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me.

He pulled my chair so that I was snuggled up against him, his arm slung possessively over my shoulder. Whispering into my hair, Dante says, “Do you have any idea how hard I am right now, cara mia (my dear)?” His hands rub up a