Page 63 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
“I know. And I know I shouldn’t care because nothing can happen anyway. He leaves next week and I shouldn’t even be thinking about feeling any sort of anything for him.”
“Do you?” She glances over at me. “Feel something for him?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know if there’s anything to feel. He’s hard to read, you know? He’s this hot Italian guy who’s just shot to fame because of an erotic movie he starred in and sometimes I feel like I’m misinterpreting that sensuality. Is it because I saw him in the film? Is it because I’m extremely attracted to him? I mean who wouldn’t be? Is it because I’m getting to know the man behind what the world sees? A man who has a depth to him I’ve never seen in a man. I have no idea.”
“What’s the energy you get from him?”
“Here’s the thing, that’s confusing too. I know he’s a passionate man by nature, but when he’s close to me, I swear there’s fire between us. And, I know this is going to sound crazy, but it’s more than just the fact that I’ve been fantasizing about him and his hotness. Can, I feel something,” I say, putting my hand on my heart. “I don’t know if it’s just part of his innate heritage or what, but he has this lure about him. He gets so close to me, Can, inches from my face and lingers. I don’t know if that’s just how he is with women or what? I know, it doesn’t make any sense at all.”
“Okay. Take a deep breath and let it out.”
Together, we take a deep breath in and blow it out.
“I’ve known you your entire life. So first.” She looks over at me with her head cocked to the side and her lips pursed together. “Honey, I’ve never heard you talk like this about a guy, not even Shithead-Kevin before he was Shithead-Kevin. And, second, it’s okay to have these kinds of feelings, even if they feel really confusing and uncertain right now. I haven’t known Nicco all that long, but from the interactions we’ve had and the time we’ve spent together, when you take away all the sexy-sexy, he really seems like a good guy. And, by the way, there’s never beenanylingering when he kisses my cheeks. All that being said, I don’t know what there could possibly be between you two, but I think it’s worth being open to the possibility of whatcouldbe. Your soul mate is out there, looking for you. I don’t know if it’s Nicco. But you know I believe in miracles and I know dreams can come true.”
“I like him, Can. I like him a lot. So much so it scares me.”
“Honey, I know it’s scary to open your heart to someone, especially after what happened with Kevin.”
I shoot her a side glare. “And Paul.”
“Virga?” Her pitch raises an octave.
“Yes,” I say sternly.
“Well, Paul Virga. I mean, come on. Hedidask Abby before he asked you. He had no way of knowing her mom was gonna change her mind and let her go to prom with him.”
“I still can’t believe I helped him wash his car before he went to pick her up. Even his mom was mad at him for that one. And then I had to stand there watching them dance in the dry ice smoke while everyone formed a circle around them like it was a scene in a movie. Ugh.” I shake my head. “Okay, Justin Scoggins.”
“You’vegotto be kidding me,” she scoffs and laughs. “That was elementary school.” She bends forward, bellowing in laughter.
“Well, he kissed me and the very next day he kissed Suzie what’s-her-face.”
We both burst into a laughing fit.
Once we’ve composed ourselves, the memory of Kevin pinches my heart. “Seriously though, am I ever going to be enough for anyone?”
A pout sits on her lips. “Des, of course you are. You’re a total catch.”
“I don’t know. I seem to be stuck in a pattern of guys picking someone else over me. And with Niccolo Mancini having his pick of the litter, there’s no way he’d ever pick me.” I shake my head. “I’m so afraid of getting hurt.”
“I know. And that’s the risk. That’s the chance you take. But I think it’s a chance worth taking. Please, just open your heart and let God lead the way.”
After dinner, we go back to her hotel, order room service for desserts, and watch movies until we fall asleep.
Candi and I spend Saturday being tourists, shopping, eating, hiking, and taking in the beauty of the island.
Sunday is a beach day. I read my book under our umbrella and Candi works on making her already-tanned skin more golden.
My phone chimes.
Nicco:Hi. How is your trip going? Having fun?
I wasn’t expecting to hear from him. My heart pumps a little faster.
Me:Hi! It’s great! We did touristy things yesterday and we’re on the beach right now.
Nicco:Don’t get sunburned. The sun is very strong there.
