Page 56 of Tempted Hearts
It was a stupid fucking thing to do, but I wanted to stay in the same room with her tonight. Talk, like we had that first night.
I wouldn’t touch her.
But after today, our lives would go in two different directions.
“He’s basically calling me bold,” Juliette said, waving me off. “And he’s right. You guys stay in that room. If Cole was able to get a double, it’s no big deal.”
She avoided looking at me.
Good call, Juliette.
The woman would make a horrible poker player.
“You sure?” Parker asked.
He was on board, despite his warning to me back in Monterosso. Delaney, on the other hand, was not. Her eyes darted between us, the same unasked question as the first time we’d figured out the room situation. Except this time, us together was more dangerous.
I knew Juliette now.
Knew exactly how badly this could end.
And still, when we stood to leave the table, I didn’t correct anyone. Didn’t backtrack. Didn’t save either of us from what we were about to do.
Some mistakes felt inevitable the moment you stopped resisting them.
22
JULES
“Holy shit.”
I should have known from the courtyard, or the gussied-up staff and welcome Prosecco, or the lobby… but when Cole pushed open the door to our room, I couldn’t help but gasp.
“I’ve stayed in okay places before but… wow.”
It was all black and white with gold accents. Humongous, especially given our prime location in Milan. Our bags were already positioned neatly along the wall.
“What is this?”
A welcome note, addressed to Signore Ford, along with a small gift. We read it together, Cole just behind me. He was so close, I could feel his breath on my neck as he spoke.
“Nice note.”
I swallowed, stepping out of the danger zone to place the letter back on the table. “Um. What’s a pillow menu?”
“Open it up,” he said, nodding toward the oblong black box.
I did. Four mini pillows sat inside with a note on the lid.
“So apparently you can test them out and order your favorite pillow firmness.”
“Do it,” he said. “I’ll be sleeping there.” He pointed to the deep purple velour couch that was bigger than my own.
“No way. I’ll?—”
“Not gonna happen. I’ll grab a shower while you order your pillows.”
With that, he disappeared around the corner.
