156

156
Gianna’s POV
Dinner with the closest board members wasn’t exactly my idea of a good time, but declining Matteo’s invitation felt like more trouble than it was worth. He’d caught me on my way out of the office, his tone casual but leaving little room for argument.
“Team dinner tomorrow night,” he’d said, leaning against my desk like he had all the time in the world. “We’re celebrating the end of the project. You’ll be there.”
I should have said no, made up an excuse about prior plans, but instead, I nodded, my mouth betraying me.
Now, sitting at a long table in a cozy Italian restaurant with the board members, I questioned that decision.
The chatter around me was loud and cheerful, a mix of work gossip and lighthearted banter. Matteo sat at the head of the table, his sleeves rolled up and a glass of red wine in hand. He looked completely at ease, laughing at something one of the junior analysts said. I tried to ignore the way my eyes kept drifting toward him, the way my chest tightened when his laughter filled the room.
“Gianna, you’ve been quiet tonight,” Amanda said, nudging me with her elbow. She was one of the more talkative members of them all, always quick to draw people into the conversation. “Something on your mind?”
I shook my head, forcing a smile. “Just tired, that’s all.”
Amanda raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further.
“Maybe Gianna’s just deep in thought about her favorite worker,” someone teased from across the table.
I rolled my eyes, but before I could respond, Matteo cut in. “She’d never admit it, but I’m sure I’m in her top three.”
The table erupted into laughter, and I couldn’t help but smirk despite myself.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I said, my tone light but firm.
Matteo’s eyes met mine across the table, and for a moment, the noise around us seemed to fade. His smile softened, and there was something in his expression I couldn’t quite place-something that made my stomach flip.
I quickly looked away, focusing on my plate.
As the night went on, the conversation flowed freely, fueled by wine and good food. I found myself relaxing more than I expected, laughing at jokes and chiming in here and there. Matteo stayed mostly at his end of the table, but every so often, I’d catch him glancing my way.
I told myself it didn’t mean anything, that I was reading too much into it.
“Okay, someone has to spill,” Amanda said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “What’s with the weird tension between you two?”
I froze, my fork hovering mid-air.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice a little too high.
Amanda gestured between Matteo and me. “You and the boss man. There’s something going on, isn’t there?”
Several heads turned in our direction, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
“There’s nothing going on,” I said quickly. “We just work together and he’s competent.”
“Sure,” Amanda said, drawing out the word like she didn’t believe me.
“Gianna’s right,” Matteo said smoothly, his voice cutting through the chatter. “We work well together, but that’s it.”
His tone was calm, but I noticed the way his jaw tightened, the slight edge to his words.
“See?” I said, forcing a laugh. “Nothing to tell.”
The conversation moved on, but I couldn’t shake the heat that crept up my neck, the way Matteo’s words lingered in my mind. I didn’t like the way he had said that. And that’s stupid considering the fact that I was the first to insinuate that nothing was going on between us both.
By the time dessert arrived, we were all more relaxed and comfortable with each other. I was just about to excuse myself when Matteo stood, raising his glass.
“I just wanted to say a quick thank-you,” he began, his voice commanding attention. “This project wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s hard work. You’ve all been incredible.”
He paused, his eyes sweeping the table before landing on me. “And a special thanks to Gianna for her leadership. You kept us all on track, even when things got chaotic. We couldn’t have done it without you. I think we can all agree that you’re the best either of us have ever worked for.”
The table erupted into applause, and I felt my cheeks burn.
“Thank you,” I said softly, ducking my head.
Matteo smiled, holding my gaze for a beat longer than necessary before sitting down.
As the evening wound down, people began trickling out, offering hugs and handshakes before heading home. I lingered near the door, waiting for my turn to leave, when Matteo appeared beside me.
“Walk with me?” he asked, his voice low.
I hesitated but nodded, my curiosity getting the better of me.
We walked in silence for a few minutes, the sound of our footsteps filling the space between us.
“You handled that well,” Matteo said finally.
“What?”
“The whole ‘are they or aren’t they’ thing back there,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It could’ve been awkward, but you shut it down pretty quickly.”
I shrugged. “It wasn’t a big deal.”
“It was,” he said, his tone serious. “I know how much you value keeping things professional. I respect that.”
I glanced at him, surprised by his sincerity. “Thank you.”
We walked a little farther before he spoke again.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t regret anything,” he said quietly.
I stopped in my tracks, turning to face him. “Matteo-”
“I know,” he said, holding up a hand. “I’m not trying to push you. I just wanted you to know.”
His words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning.
“I should go,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, stepping back to give me space. “Goodnight, Gianna.”
“Goodnight,” I said, turning away before he could see the tears in my eyes.
I walked home as fast as I could, wondering why Matteo was so kind and patient with me all the damn time when I’d done absolutely nothing but try to push him away. Yet he seemed like he didn’t mind one bit. And it was starting to wear down the walls I’d built around myself. And that terrified me.