“I—uh—thanks for last night.Gotta run,” I blurt.
Smooth.
Very smooth, Chiara.
Before he can say anything.
Before he can ask questions.
Before my resolve crumbles entirely—I bolt.
Out the door.
Down the steps.
And straight into the bright, humiliating light of day.
Chapter11
Noah
It’s beena week since I had Chiara Giardino in my bed.
Seven bloody days.
And for the last seven days I’ve done what any healthy man who’s been thoroughly rejected by the woman he wants does.
I’ve moped.
I’ve brooded.
I’ve pined.
I’ve replayed every second of that night like a highlight reel that refuses to turn off.
Chiara won’t return my calls.
She ignores me at the facility.
And every time I walk into the training room she suddenly remembers somewhere else she needs to be.
It’s impressive, really.
The level of avoidance she’s operating at could qualify for Olympic sport.
Meanwhile, I’m losing my mind.
Because that night?
It wasn’t just sex.
Not to me.
And not to her, if she’d be bloody honest about it.
I remember the way she looked when I carried her into my house—wide-eyed and breathless like she couldn’t believe it was finally happening.
I felt like that too.Hardly comprehending she’d actually said yes.
