Page 79 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
“If I’m in town before you go, we can go shopping, okay?” She loves to get new clothes specifically for vacations.
“IfI decide to go, I’m sure what I have will do.”
“I’ll talk you into it.”
I chuckle. “You probably will. I love you.”
Hanging up with Candi, I tuck the blanket around me, trying to decide what to do. When I close my eyes, my mind wanders, back to that passionate kiss. Whydidhe kiss me? Was it because I wouldn’t sleep with him and he had to getsomethingfrom me? It didn’t seem like that though. There was something deeper driving him than an unfulfilled sexual desire. Something more connected.
My phone rings, startling me awake. I must’ve dozed off. I look at the screen: Nicco. Sitting up, I keep my blanket wrapped around me, and answer.
“Hi. You’re home safely.”
“I am. How are you?”
“Good. I got some writing done today.”
“That’s good to hear. Hey, I wanted to let you know that I spoke with Marco and he and his wife, Angelina, are happy for us to stay at their villa when you come. Have you decided to come?”
“No, I haven’t decided yet. I’m not comfortable with you paying for my airfare. I’m going to see if I can borrow money from my mom.”
“Then you’re seriously considering it?” A tinge of excitement weaves through his voice.
“I’m thinking about it.”
“My break is over, I have to go. Let me know when you decide.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
The next day, when I log into my email, I have a PayPal notification. It’s from Nicco. The description says, “Tour guide duties.” and it’s $4,000.00.Holy shit.
I grab my phone.
Me:Nicco, this is too much. We agreed to $100.00.
Nicco:I never agreed to that. Now you don’t have to borrow money. Come.
I’m in shock. I don’t even know what to think. Though I’m not comfortable accepting this much money from him, I know he won’t take it back, and I can definitely use it.
That’s when Mom calls to update me on the charity event and how much money they raised. Then she brings up Nicco.
“He called to let me know about how his meetings went, specifically his meeting with Vance and that they have an agreement to work together. He wanted to thank me. He’s an impressive man. Very professional, quite a gentleman. Strikingly handsome too. I had to Google him,” she confesses.
I laugh. “Yeah, he’s a really nice guy.”
“He said you’d been showing him around town and told me about some of the things you did. Sounds like you spent quite a bit of time together.” She’s probing.
“We did. I got to know him pretty well.”
“You’re being vague which I know means there’s more to the story. Fess up, young lady. Do you like this man?”
Ever since I was little, I couldn’t hide anything from her. “Well, I do, but it doesn’t matter. We’re from two different worlds, going in different directions. But, it’s okay. He did invite me to Italy though.”
“He did?” Her voice raises. “Well, that’s kind of bold for two people going in different directions.”
“No, it’s not like that. The book I’m writing features him as the hero and is partially set in Italy. He’s offered to show me around so I can have real-life experience for my research.”
“That’s nice. Are you going?”
