I’m no one special, despite what my parents think, and even then, they consider me a prize and possession, not a living, breathing teen with real feelings and thoughts.
The stranger steps away from the car and heads toward the door. With each step he takes, the arm muscles visible in his T-shirt flex. My cheeks warm. I might not know this guy, butwow.
He’s going to make it hard not to want to.
There is no question that he is the best-looking person I have ever seen.
With dark eyes and a chiseled jaw, I want to head downstairs and get a better look at him, but I can’t, of course. That would not be acceptable behavior for a girl like me.
Instead, I step forward, crossing my arms over the balcony and looking down.
I’m torn between wanting him to see me again and hoping he doesn’t.
But when his gaze catches mine, and my heart threatens to burst from my chest, I realize getting caught staring is the least of my problems.
This boy is dangerous.
And I don’t just mean that figuratively. He’s the type of guy who will break my heart if I let him, and seeing how my pulse won’t slow down, if given the chance, I will.
“Still need your name.”
He doesn’t answer.
With eyes locked, we’re at a standstill, and I wonder who will break the connection first.
He chooses to.
And when he strides away, it feels like this was all a dream.
Like I imagined the connection.
I must stand there for a few moments, but eventually, when a soft breeze tickles my skin, thoughts of having to speak to my parents hit me like a freight train.
This summer is going to suck.
Or . . .
Maybe it won’t.
This new guy could help.
3
Lorenzo
My mother findsme at lunch in the staff dining quarters, which is nicer than any restaurant I’ve ever eaten in. Everything smells like rosemary and butter.
I’m in the corner by myself since I’m not sure what the protocol is on taking the food, and I promised Mom I’d behave for now.
She places a plate in front of me. “Eat.”
I poke the roasted chicken. “We can’t afford this.”
“It’s free, Enzo.” She joins me with a plate of her own. “They feed staff well.”
“Because they can.”
“Because they should.”
