I feel the biggest grin appear on my face. I don’t want to look smug, but just thinking about the time I spent with Harleigh is amazing. My body remembers every moan, every touch, and every scent associated with last night and this morning. I’ve never in my life spent the night with a woman and felt so captivated.
“It was good. Thanks for dropping stuff off for me this morning. I didn’t want my hotel guests to see me in yesterday’s clothes.”
“No worries, bro. You’ve saved my arse plenty of times. So, Khan’s tent, huh? You really like her?”
I nod. Admitting my feelings for Harleigh is invigorating. I can’t lie and say it’s just a bit of fun.
“I do. It’s weird though, because we’ve only just met. She’s only here on holiday. Who knows what’s in store for us?”
“I’m only going to say this once, Gio. If she’s the one, you need to hold on with both hands, make it work, and never let her go. Good women don’t exist much nowadays.”
“We’ll see what happens. Oh, and before I forget, Harleigh named the new bar.”
Lucca’s eyebrows raise wildly. “And… Don’t keep me waiting. Tell me already.”
“She said it during a conversation we were having, and it really struck a chord within me.”
“Fuck sake, just tell me.” Lucca holds his hands up. He has never been big on patience.
“Gin-ology. It can be a gin bar by night, selling the most amazing brands of gin, something Bulgaria doesn’t have. And by day, we can be a family friendly restaurant, selling cocktails and the best British foods we can. We can also think about having a sandwich and snack bar beachside.”
“Sounds good. We can talk about it tomorrow afternoon in the office. We can get some graphic work started. I’ll be in the hotel tonight when you get back. You and Harleigh come and have a drink with me.”
“Will do. Call if you need me for anything.”
“Just go and have some fun. Nothing much is going to happen, apart from families drinking, singing on the karaoke, and probably a lot of fun and laughter. I do actually like working the bar, ye know.”
I pick up my wallet and phone and stick them in my pocket. “You should work the bar more often; the guests love it when you do.”
Lucca reminds me of Tom Cruise inCocktailwhen he gets behind the bar. He’s full of fun and frolics.
“Don’t push your luck, Gio. Go. Have some fun, before I change my mind and make you work.”
“Right.” I practically run out of my house, because as much as it’s my business, the thought of leaving Harleigh alone tonight isn’t sitting well in the pit of my stomach. In fact, living without Harleigh at all isn’t sitting well with me, but that’s a subject to digest another day.
Chapter 14
Harleigh
I’ve dressed to impress tonight. I was determined to look pretty and feel good in myself. I’ve forgone wearing make-up my entire trip so far, just because I’ve become used to wearing none, but tonight, I’ve dolled up to the nines, because I want to. In the pit of my stomach, I doubt my decision already. Maybe I should have just gone casual, let Gio see me the way he has every day so far. Maybe he doesn’t like a woman caked in make-up. Maybe I’ll just embarrass him.
“You look like a drag queen or a clown. Get that shit off your face,” says Martin.
“Martin, it’s only a bit of foundation and lip gloss.”
“Don’t answer me back, Harleigh. Just do as you’re told for once. I am in no mood for your attitude tonight.”
Martin storms out of the room and leaves me looking at my reflection in the mirror. I bang down my hands on my vanity table and the tears fall down my cheeks. I’ve never been big into make-up. I’ve always gone for the subtle look, but Martin hates anything I do. I just can’t win. I take out the make-up remover wipes and scrub my face until I feel like I’m scrubbing the skin off. Maybe a red blotchy face will serve him right.
I sigh dramatically and flop down on my bed. I look at my watch and it says 6.50 p.m. Gio has had impeccable time-keeping skills so far. He won’t be late tonight. It gives me ten minutes to give myself a shake, pull up my big girl panties, and prepare to have some fun.
I pick up my phone and speed dial my brother. It doesn’t even ring twice before he answers.
“Harls, are you okay?”
I hate how whenever I call my family, the first thing they think is that there’s something wrong with me. I know I’ve never given them much cause to think otherwise, but it still annoys me.
“Hello to you too. I’m fine. I just need you to talk me off the ledge.” I hold my elbows on my knees and take a few deep breaths.
