“What ledge? What’s going on, Harls?”
I take in a deep breath, sit up straight, and close my eyes. “I’ve met someone. He’s lovely. In fact, he’s perfect, Gav. I just don’t know what I’m doing. I’m so far out of my depth I’m drowning.”
“Okay… I’m not seeing the problem, doll. You might have to break it down for me, but first take a few deep breaths and calm down.”
I take in a few deep breaths and slowly exhale. I feel my heart rate lowering and my breathing regulate to a normal pace.
“There isn’t a problem, it’s me. He’s taking me out to dinner tonight. I love spending time with him. He seems to enjoy spending time with me. He’s a gentleman, Gavin.” I sigh.
Even sitting here listening to myself I can hear how stupid I’m being. My lack of confidence in myself and other people has its downside. It’s like having a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, only the devil usually kicks the angel to the kerb and allows me to spiral out of control. Usually, I bury myself in work at that point or hide away with a bottle of wine and a box set. Here, there’s nowhere for me to run and hide.
“Unless there is a big but coming along, I’m not following why there’s a problem.”
“It’s just me.”
“Listen to me, Harls. Anyone who has you in their life should be bloody honoured. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met. You like this guy, right?”
I nod. “I do. I’ve never felt this way before. I know it’s stupid, It’s a holiday fling, but…”
“But nothing. You’re young, free, and single. Live your life to the full. It’s about time you start living, Harleigh.”
A knock sounds on my door and I jump up, startled. I feel like a naughty teenager about to be caught doing something they shouldn’t be.
“He’s here, Gav. Oh my God.”
“Good. Stay calm and just enjoy yourself. Send me a picture of you both. I’m good at judging a book by its cover.”
I growl at my brother playfully. I know he’s being serious though. That’s why I’m not taking him on. “Okay. I’m going. Thank you for listening to me be a paranoid wreck.”
“Anytime. And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re having fun.”
“All thanks to you, Gavin.”
“I won’t tell you I told you so. I’m hanging up. Go and have fun.”
And he hangs up the phone without a goodbye. I smile at my brother, toss my phone down on the bed, and walk slowly to the door. I’ve taken so long to answer it, I wouldn’t blame Giovani if he left. But he’s leaning against my door frame with a bunch of flowers in his hands.
“I thought you had stood me up.” Giovani smiles brightly and hands me the flowers.
It’s then that I notice that he’s dressed in black trousers, a white short-sleeve shirt open at the top of his chest, and dress shoes. He looks delicious.
“I was on a call to my brother, Gavin.”
He follows me into the hotel room. I fill up the sink with water and place the flowers in it. They’re gorgeous and they brighten up my room. No, they brighten up my mood. No man has ever bought me flowers before.
“I’ll get a vase sent to your room for them.”
I turn back to face him, taking in a deep breath. My heart is racing again, my palms are sweaty, and my legs feel shaky.
“Wow! You look amazing.”
“Really? I was just having a moment. But my brother told me to go have fun. If he could have pushed me out the door himself, I’m sure he would have.”
Gio walks towards me and rests his hands on my hips. “I like the sound of your brother.”
“Hmm! I bet you two would get along like a house on fire.”
“I don’t want anything burning, unless it’s your panties.”
