I should’ve done it before leaving the casino this morning, but I desperately didn’t want to deal with it, so I slipped out.
I tap out a quick response with my thumb as I walk: Morning. I’m alive. I’ll meet you and Caterina in an hour. We’ll catch up then.
I hit send, then toss the phone onto the island.
Shower first.
I head down the hallway past the spare room that I currently use as an office—glass desk, leather chair, neat stacks of files, a bookshelf with hardcovers that look impressive, and a couple that I’ve actually read. An antique desk lamp sits on top of the modern desk. Old world, new world.
I like themboth.
My bedroom is dimmer, the curtains half-drawn, the bed made because I like order, and I have a very efficient housekeeper. A framed painting hangs over the headboard, Italian countryside in muted tones. The bathroom beyond it is all stone and steam-ready glass, with a rainfall shower big enough to have a party in.
I kick off my shoes as I walk, leaving them by the edge of the rug, then start undoing the rest of my clothes like I’m stripping off a skin.
Cufflinks first—dropped into the tray on the dresser.
Then the belt. The sound of the buckle clicks too loudly in the quiet room.
My shirt comes next. I peel it off and toss it toward the hamper. It lands on the edge and slides off.
I stare at it for a second and laugh again, because my mind immediately supplies her hands fisting the fabric and yanking me closer. Her nails against my chest. Her mouth at my throat.
My body responds like it’s been waiting for it.
Not now.
Soon.
Tonight.
I step into the bathroom and turn on the shower. Water hisses, then roars. Steam starts to build against the glass. I strip my pants and underwear without ceremony, then standunder the spray and let the heat hit my shoulders and run down my back.
For a full minute, I do nothing but breathe.
Then my brain, traitor that it is, goes right back to her.
Elsa in the morning light, hair tousled, cheeks flushed, eyes shining as she tried to be practical while her body betrayed her. Elsa tugging on that dress like she didn’t know it drove me insane. Elsa saying she had to leave but still clinging to me.
Elsa walking out the door.
I drag a hand down my face, water streaming off my jaw.
I’ve met beautiful women before. I’ve had easy, fun nights. I’ve had complicated ones.
But that… that felt like a collision.
And I don’t want it to be a one-time thing.
I don’t even know her last name. I don’t know her story. I don’t know what she does for work or fun, or what her favorite food is.
I just know she watched me with those careful eyes, then kissed me with abandon.
I tilt my head into the water and smile, slow and satisfied.
Roberto and Caterina can have their meeting. They can ask their questions. I’ll answer what I need to answer, and tonight… Tonight, I’ll see Elsa again.
Chapter Ten
