I thought I would have frozen, fainted, or freaked out at the contact, but I didn’t. I smile brightly at him, nod, and say, “Goodnight, Giovani.”
I turn around as quick as my tired, drunken legs will take me. The concierge holds the lift doors open for me and I press level two for my room. I lift my hand and wave to Giovani as the doors close. We never take our eyes off one another until we’re out of sight. Even then, my eyes don’t leave the spot they were looking at through closed doors.
I exit the lift and make my way to my room. I take out my phone and type a message to my brother.
Gavin – I had an amazing night. Thank you for sending me here.
He’s going to know I’m drunk by that text, because I never text with such enthusiasm. I push through my room door and stumble inside, making sure I’m secure with the door locked. I just hope I can sleep in this strange room alone.
A moment later, my phone rings in my hand. I answer it quickly, trying not to disturb any other guests, and lie down on my bed in an extremely unladylike position.
“Do you never sleep?” I ask my brother.
“Time difference. It’s only the back of one here. I take it you’re just home.”
“Yip. I’m a tad tipsy.”
“I gathered as much. I didn’t think I’d hear from you at this time of morning otherwise. Did you go out alone, or have you made new friends?”
“New friends. The owner of this hotel is Scottish. Him and his brother kept me company tonight. I’ve had one too many cocktails, but it was so much fun. I even sang on karaoke; can you believe that?” I giggle at the memory.
“I’m glad you’re having a good time, honey. It’s good to hear you so happy.”
“Oh, no brotherly talk about being out with strange men?”
He laughs. “No. You’re a big girl. But if anyone hurts you, I’ll be on the first flight to kick some arse.”
I shrug and close my eyes. “Okay. I need sleep. I love you, Gav.”
“I love you too, Harl. Sleep tight.”
I hang up my phone, toss it on the bed beside me, and curl into the pillows. My tired, aching body is in heaven. This is only the first day. By the end of this holiday I won’t want to go back to my boring, normal life. I might need another holiday to get over this one.
Chapter 6
Giovani
I look at the time and it’s eleven a.m. Lucca is still passed out on the couch. I’ve tried to rouse him several times, but it’s a pointless task with his drunken arse. I’ll let him sleep it off, and rather than give Harleigh directions, I’ll accompany her to Michael’s Eco Bar. I’d much rather get to know Harleigh better than babysit my brother, as much as I love him.
I don’t know what it is about this woman that has gotten under my skin, but I want to spend time with her. I want to get to know her, warts and all. I know she has a lot of stories to tell; it’s written all over her features when she’s around people, but that isn’t frightening me away. I think it’s encouraging me to get to know her more, which is out of the norm for me.
Since my ex fucked me over about three years ago, women have been off my agenda, period. I’ve had my fair share of heartache and misery, but being out here in Bulgaria makes everything happy and cheerful. It covers over my history and allows me to enjoy my life. Spending time with holiday makers, making their holiday memorable, sun, sea, and cocktails, it keeps my mind busy. Well, that was until Harleigh walked into my hotel and made me question what I want out of life.
I grab my phone, wallet, and keys. I’m on a high to get to Harleigh, spend the day with her, showing her places I love, and I just love everything about Bulgaria. I won’t get fed up of showing her the sights. I’m pretty sure we can cram so much into four weeks if she wants a tour guide.
I exit my house and enter the street. I practically jog around to my hotel. It’s too hot for any kind of exercise, but I don’t care. The streets are already busy, people exploring, buying trinkets, and soaking up the sun. It’s an instant feel-good factor. Well, it is for me. I guess that’s why I set up home here.
I walk into my hotel foyer. People are laughing, joking, and getting ready to head out into the sun. I acknowledge people that pass me, wave to my receptionist, and instantly spot Harleigh sitting in the sunroom. Sunglasses down on her eyes, book open, hair tied back in a ponytail. It’s a stark contrast to the put together woman I saw yesterday. Today, she seems more comfortable, relaxed even. It’s good to see. I’m wondering how much of that relaxed look has got hangover written all over it. I’m surprised she’s up at all. It’s good that she isn’t like my brother - still dying.
I approach her quietly, taking in her beauty. She’s totally different to any other woman I know, because even though she’s stunning, she doesn’t realise how beautiful she is. She acts so blasé, which I love about her.
“Good morning.” I smile brightly.
Harleigh looks up and smiles back at me. “Good morning, Gio. You look… okay.” She giggles, and it’s the best sound in the world. “No one would think I’m a teacher and editor. That came out wrong. What I meant to say is that you look good considering how I feel. I woke up with a herd of elephants dancing in my head. Alcohol is the devil.”
I chuckle and sit down beside her on the spare seat. “I don’t get hangovers very often. My brother, on the other hand… I couldn’t even wake him this morning. I did think about turning the hose onto him, but a) I don’t think I could listen to his childish moaning, and b) he’s still lying in my living room. The cleaning up would be left to me, and I’d much rather be showing you the sights.”
“I know how Lucca feels. I’m not used to drinking so much, but it was good to let my hair down. I’m not sure I’ve had the best idea sitting in a glass room when it’s so warm outside.” We both laugh. “So, you said about directing me to an Eco Bar.”
