The moment I enter the hotel, I see Gio and Lucca at the desk, having a heated conversation with a middle-aged gentleman. I smile weakly and attempt to carry on walking, but within moments, I feel Gio’s hand on my back, guiding me out back and into a room labelledoffice. He bangs the door closed and I jump as he walks up behind me and rests his hands on my hips. I can feel the warmth from his hands, but a shiver runs through me. I’m not sure if it’s fear or anticipation of what’s about to happen.
This conversation was inevitable when he caught up to me.
“I’m not sure whether to hold you tight or yell at you for leaving me hanging the last couple of days.” He kisses my neck. “So, are you going to tell me what’s going through that pretty little head of yours?”
“Nothing,” I breathe out as he kisses up my neck to my ear. “I just needed some space to get my head on straight.”
“And would you care to enlighten me to allow me to getmyhead on straight?”
I turn in his arms, because the more he touches or kisses me, the more my brain isn’t engaging in what I’m meant to say.
“I was just going to head to the pool to cool off.”
“Come to my house. We can use the pool there, and you can start talking.”
“You looked kind of busy out there.” I point over his shoulder.
“It’s taken care of already. It was just a pissed of guest that caused a little ruckus for Jerald when he was cleaning the gardens. Besides, I’ve had plenty of time to work the last couple of days you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I haven’t…”
Gio holds his finger over my lips and halts my words. “Don’t insult me by saying you weren’t avoiding me. I think we both know you were, but now I’d like to know why so I can fix it.”
“Are your parents not at your house?”
He shakes his head. “They’re at Bourgas for the day, shopping. Their taxi won’t be picking them up until five.” Gio looks down at his watch. “We have a good five hours before they arrive home.”
I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay. Lead the way.”
I’m not sure what will come of today, but it’s clear that I’m hurting Giovani and myself more by avoiding certain topics. I need to pull up my big girl panties and stop acting like a child.
Chapter 23
Giovani
Holding Harleigh’s hand as we navigate through the street to get to my house is a feeling that I’ve missed so damn much. I know she’s pulled away the last couple of days and it has killed me. I’ve been impossible to live and work with. I’ve snapped at everyone, including my parents and Lucca. Everyone is keeping their distance from me and I hate it. I hate every thought and emotion I’ve felt over the last couple of days. And now, I’m about to find out what was the cause of it.
We walk into my garden and up into the house. Harleigh kicks off her sandals and I can see the relief in her face.
“Have you been walking a lot?”
She nods. “I went shopping earlier and had some lunch in a little café. The heat is killing my poor feet.”
She walks across the cold tiles behind me and I open the patio doors. Harleigh walks over to the pool and sits down on the edge, letting her feet dangle in the cold water. I kick off my shoes, pull my t-shirt over my head, and dive into the pool. I’m hoping by doing this, it lets Harleigh see that I’m no threat and she can say whatever she has to say.
“You are such a Neanderthal.” She giggles and wipes the splash of water off her face.
My body instantly jolts alive, not at the cold water, but at the sound of her laughing.
“So, walking and eating out is how you’ve managed to avoid me. Has it been worth getting sore feet for?” I swim over to her, grab her foot in the palms of my hands, and massage them firmly. The sound of her moaning at my touch is the biggest turn on I’ve ever had.
“That feels so good.”
“Good. Now, if you want me to continue this, you need to start talking. I’m not psychic. I can’t read your mind, beautiful. I can only make this right if you tell me what’s going on. What made you avoid me?”
I take in a deep breath.
“I got scared. I thought that maybe a goodbye would be easier if we didn’t see much of each other for the remainder of my holiday.”
