Gianni

By Melissa Schroeder

Growing up as the youngest of four brothers wasn’t always easy, but it taught me life skills, like how to flirt. Okay, that’s not really a life skill, but it is one of the things I do best. I rarely have a problem charming women. That is until I run into Kianna Jones. She’s wary of a relationship, or even dating, but somehow I convince her to spend my last day stateside with me.

While I’m gone, we spark up a correspondence, and by the time I return, I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love. Kianna doesn’t believe in love and thinks I’m too young for her. She’ll agree to an affair, but according to her, there can’t be anything beyond that. She says there’s no way a man like me would want a woman like her.

I’m not happy with her assumptions, but I’m not ready to give up. If there is one thing a Santini understands is that nothing worth fighting for comes easily–and I’m prepared to launch the fight of my life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094466330

Melissa Schroeder

From an early age, USA Today Bestselling author Melissa loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book. Since her first published book, Grace Under Pressure, Mel has had over 60 short stories, novellas, and novels published. She has written in genres ranging from historical to contemporary to futuristic and has worked with 8 publishers although she handles most of her publishing herself. She is best known for her Harmless and Santini series. After years of following her military husband around the country and world, Mel happily lives with her family in horse and wine country in Northern Virginia.

Book preview

1

It wasn’t expected that we would serve, but none of the Santini boys would have it any other way. -Gee

Gianni Santini stepped into his favorite sweet shop and was granted a view that every heterosexual man should dream of. A woman was bent at the waist picking up change off the floor. The fabric of her red skirt stretched across her full rounded ass.

He sighed and gave a grateful glance up to the heavens. When he returned to his gaze to the woman, he noticed she had stepped up to order. He sighed. There was a God.

In the eighteen months he had been stationed in Valdosta, Georgia, he hadn’t seen her in Anna’s shop. Of course, he rarely made it in on a Saturday morning.

He didn’t realize he had been standing there staring at her until someone bumped into him from behind.

Excuse me, a little voice said from behind him. He turned to find an old woman about five feet tall, giving him a suspicious look. Considering the way he had been ogling the woman in front of him, there was good reason for it.

Sorry.

Then stepped out of the way and turned his attention back to the woman. She had straightened and was at the counter chatting with Anna, the owner.

He moved closer and tried to remember if he had seen her before. Okay, he knew for a fact he hadn’t seen her before—but he still hadn’t seen her face.

She wasn’t tall, maybe about five-foot-five, and she had curly light brown hair. Her skin looked like the finest cocoa powder. When he inched closer, he could hear her voice. Deep Georgia threaded her tone telling him that she was from the area.

I think I’ll go for one of your malasadas today. I can’t tell you how super happy I am you have friends in Hawaii who taught you how to make those. Although, I have to say, my hips aren’t that happy.

Anna laughed. Well, figuring my condition, I will refrain from feeling sorry for you.

Gianni smiled. Anna was about eight months pregnant and huge. For such a tiny woman, she carried a massive package in her stomach.

She gave the woman her total and Gianni said, I’ll pay for that.

The woman turned to look at him, a questioning smile on her mouth. Right there and then, his brain stopped functioning. She was amazing. A heart-shaped face surrounded by all those springy curls and the most amazing skin. Her eyes, lord, they were golden. It was the only way he could describe them. His gaze dipped down to her mouth. Holy mother of God, she had a mouth that would tempt a saint to sin—full with just the tiniest of overbites.

Why would you do that?

It took him a second to realize she was talking. To him.

What?

He heard the snickers behind him but ignored them.

Sorry, he said, his face heating up. Good God, he was blushing. He just thanked God his brothers weren’t there.

Her smile faded a bit. I asked why would you do that.

Watch yourself here with Santini. He buys all the pretty girls sweet treats, Anna said with a laugh.

He gave Anna a dirty look but then turned his attention back to the woman. I would just like to buy you. A treat.

Jesus, he sounded like a fifteen-year-old trying to flirt.

She shrugged. Oh, well, if you want to pay, soldier, you go right ahead.

Airman.

She shook her head. What?

Airman. We’re called airmen. Or, PJs to be specific.

She sighed. He would swear he felt it shiver through his blood. Oh. I have to admit that I know very little about the military. Well, other than what my students tell me.

Students.

Yes, I teach at the university.

Here you go, Kianna, Anna said, handing the woman a little paper sack.

Thanks again, she said, then turned to find a seat.

He watched her walk through the cafe, his brain fizzling at that moment. He couldn’t help but appreciate the way her hips swung. There was something so sensual.

Earth to Santini, Anna said, breaking into his thoughts.

He turned and felt his face get hotter. The suspicious look she sent him was enough for that. In fact, it looked like his mother when she caught him doing that to the general’s daughter when he was in high school.

What are you doing in here on a weekend? she asked.

I’m shipping out tomorrow.

Something he couldn’t discern moved over her face. You? Are you pcsing?

He shook his head. That was how much Anna knew about the military. She was in tune with what was going on in Valdosta at Moody like someone with family in the military; although, he knew she was a local girl married to a local guy.

Nope, just heading out to Afghanistan.

She frowned at him. It made him think of a grumpy little elf. A very pregnant grumpy elf.

By yourself? Don’t you usually go with a whole group?

Yeah, this is a special circumstance. I’ll be home in two months.

She didn’t say anything and he looked up to find tears in her eyes. Panic set in. Santini men were known for being cool under fire. Three generations had served in the military. But, show him a woman who was crying, he couldn’t deal with it. He was saved by her husband.

Max clapped him on the shoulder. Don’t look so scared, son. Anna is a hot mess these days. The hormones.

She sniffed. Be nice or I’ll name our daughter Gertrude.

So, do you have any of those malasadas left?

She nodded. Want the cinnamon one?

He shook his head. If I have to go two months without any sweets, I think I’ll go for the one with cream in it.

She packaged it up and he waited for a total. Anna?

Her watery smile sent another fission of panic through him. On the house today. Come back in one piece.

Thank you.

At that, he turned in search of the woman. He saw her sitting by herself at