She felt his sharp intake across her lips.
Her eyelids fought between fully closing and staying open. Seeing him versus feeling him was a hard choice. Just as she decided the latter was better, his head dipped closer.
With her eyes closed, she could feel him,reallyfeel him. The weight of his body, the heat of his skin, the ragged pants that came from him as if he was barely holding himself together. She knew that was the case for her.
One more move and their lips would press together.
What would kissing Nicolas feel like? Would it be as electric as every time they’d touched in other ways? Would he be gentle or rough, taking whatever he desired?
Her body grew taut with anticipation.
Then, suddenly, he rolled off her and back to his side, the mattress dipping beneath them.
Her eyes flew back open, a shaky exhale leaving her.
Emily stared at the ceiling, her wrists tingling from where he’d held them. Her mouth wanted to say something, but nothing came. A million different emotions ran through her, but none made a coherent enough form to push forth.
Her body sank back into the bed defeatedly, tears pricking the corner of her eyes. She swallowed harshly, feeling a heavy sense of disappointment like never before.
The silence engulfed them once again.
The last thing she saw before falling asleep was the new scoreboard:
Emily – 1. Nicolas – 2.
Anna wasreluctant for Emily to go.
“Can’t you extend your stay? I promise what we’ve shown you of Milan doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
The day out with her and Alessandra had been ridiculously fun. They’d browsed boutiques and had tea instead of espresso, as they respected Emily’s preference, at a sun-litcafé. They’d also laughed their way through a cooking session when they’d returned home.
It was the kind of day that made Emily forget everything else.She’d ignored the comments online, the buzzing of updates from Talia about the scandal at the gala event, even her revenge plan.
For once, she could’ve just been Emily without any expectations.
Shelovedit.
“Anna, don’t pressure Emily. She has her own duties to return to.Youalso have school.”
She pouted. “This is why I told you Nicolas should’ve been a girl! I want an older sister.”
Emily chuckled. “If you’re willing, I’d be more than happy to take on that role.”
Anna’s eyes sparkled. “Of course! I’d love that!”
While Emily knew the comment was risky, given that their marriage was fake, she didn’t regret saying it.
Nicolas returned from outside where he’d had their suitcases packed in the trunk of a car. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, but part of her disagreed. The time spent with his family was like a holiday she never wanted to end.
Nicolas turned and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. Then he gave a very reluctant Anna a hug. He ruffled her hair. “We’ll be back soon.”
Emily’s eyes flitted up to him.
It seemed she wasn’t the only one making promises.
“Bye, Emily,” Alessandra said. “I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.”
