GRUDGE

Elma snapped her neck to his side. "Why? I thought you weren't in the mood to talk when I tried to engage you earlier."

"Is that reason enough to hold a grudge?" Riccardo asked playfully.

"A grudge? Of course not. Who am I to hold a grudge against Riccardo Di Mauro?" She finished with a laugh and a slap on her thighs.

Riccardo didn't like the sound of that. "In case you need a reminder, you are my girlfriend now and not just anybody. So can you please do your best to relax around me? Or do you want me to officially change your surname to Di Mauro?" He grinned devilishly and Elma choked back her laughter.

"What's wrong with you?" Elma blurted out, quickly covering her mouth with both hands.