Page 58 of Tempted Hearts
“How do you know?”
“Because I upgraded to get it.” For me? “And like you said, if they had it, I’m sure one of them would have mentioned it.”
“Upgraded?” I’d saved money for this trip, but upgrading a room at a place like this wasn’t on the agenda. “I can only imagine what that must have cost.”
“And that’s all you’ll do. It’s my treat.”
“Cole—”
His finger landed on my lip, silencing my argument before I could say another word. His thumb brushed my lower lip, slow enough to feel deliberate.
He looked as surprised as I felt.
All I had to do was open my mouth, take him in…
Cole pulled his hand away.
“Sorry.” He sucked in a deep breath. “You should go get ready. We’re supposed to meet them in the lobby in half an hour.”
Yes. I should.
“Is there another robe?”
His eyes narrowed. “Juliette… if you come out of that bathroom wearing only a robe—” His gaze dipped briefly to my chest before meeting mine. “Please don’t,” he added.
But you can?
I didn’t say it out loud. I wasn’t brave enough for that.
“Yes, there is another robe,” he said when I forgot to actually answer.
“Okay.” I forced a smile. “Enjoy the view.”
I scurried back inside like a scared rabbit.
Deciding not to tempt fate, I found an outfit first, then ventured into a walk-in shower that was easily three times bigger than any other I’d ever been in. Big enough for two.
Though there was only one person I imagined inside it with me.
I made quick work of showering, dressing, and putting on my makeup, I pretended Cole didn’t exist. Slightly easier than usual, since he was still on the balcony—but the thought of him out there in a robe was unsettling.
When he came back inside, I was relieved to see him fully dressed.
“Fancy,” I said, keeping the rest of my assessment firmly in my head.
“Bellissima,” he replied.
I’d saved my nicest dress for Milan. It was a good thing, too, because when we met up with Parker and Delaney and made our way to the restaurant, we were nowhere near the best dressed.
“The vibe is so different here,” Delaney said. “I feel like a country bumpkin.”
“I’ve only flown into Milan, haven’t stayed over too many times,” I replied as we turned a corner, nearly bumping into a woman wearing an evening gown while walking her dog. No joke. “But I’ve always felt that way too.”
“The restaurant they recommended,” Cole said, “is a local favorite, but they assured me it was low-key.”
“Pfft.” Parker didn’t sound convinced. “Low-key here is probably Michelin-starred back in the States.”
“I’m impressed you know what a Michelin star is,” Cole ribbed him.
