Chapter Twenty-Four

On Saturday I had the closing shift. Luca finally left the café, where he had spent the hours catching up on work from his laptop. Savannah had spent the day flirting with him so much he looked to me for help, expressing to get this girl off him. She was not sly about saying she found him attractive and wanted to be the one to show him around town. When those tactics didn’t work, she went for the throat.

“Oh, look, Jayme, Hunter is working today. I know how much you love watching him bend over those cars.” She grinned mischievously, flicking her head out the window to the garage, leaning a hand on Luca’s table.

I glared at her, trying not to take the bait, but Luca’s head darted to where Hunter paced at the front, talking on his cell, his hand lancing through his hair with aggravation.

“That’s the guy I saw the other day.”

“Yeah.” Savannah kept her gaze on me, smile widening. “He and Jaymerson had a thing. You knew that, right?”

“Savannah,” I warned, lowering the cup I was cleaning onto the table with a clink.

“You and him?” Luca pointed out the window, his eyes darkening. “He was your boyfriend?”

“Well, his twin brother was her boyfriend… She just hopped over to Hunter after Colton died.”

“Savannah. Shut. Up.” I slammed my fist on the counter, making a customer at the corner table jump.

“What?” She shrugged. “What am I saying that’s not true? You know the only way to have a healthy relationship is to be completely honest.”

Luca watched Hunter, his jaw locking down before he turned to me. “You dated both brothers?”

“It wasn’t like that.”

“Yes, it was!” Savannah exclaimed. “Oh, what? You and Hunter never made it official? You were screwing your dead boyfriend’s twin in secret.” My stomach twisted at how easily she could make what we had sound disgusting. “No matter how you spin that it’s repulsive and vile. Did she not tell you this before, Luca?”

He shook his head, his eyes narrowing on me.

“You have no clue what you’re talking about.” I clenched my teeth, trying not to jump over the counter and punch her.

Savannah leaned into Luca, her voice going low. “It’s pretty well known around here they can’t stay away from each other, even though he’s with someone else and having a second kid with her. I’m just saying this to warn you. You seem like a really nice guy. You should know what you’re getting into.” She winked at him and sauntered to the back, grinning at me as she passed, knowing I couldn’t do anything.

Luca stared at Hunter again, hurt and anger streaking his face. The pain stabbed at my heart knowing I caused it and there was really nothing I could say to make it better.

“Luca…”

He stood up, stuffing his laptop in his bag.

“Where are you going?”

“Ritorno in albergo.” Back to the hotel. “I am tired, bellezza.”

“Luca.” I came around, walking up to him. “We should probably talk about it. Hear my side.”

“No.” He leaned over, kissing my forehead. “Not tonight, il mio amore. I will call you in the morning.” He hooked his bag over his shoulder and strode out into the night. He started heading for his rental car before he tipped back on his heels, changing directions, bearing toward Hunter.

Shock froze me as Hunter’s lids narrowed at the sight of Luca stomping up to him. Hunter hung up the phone, his mouth moving in response to something Luca said. I couldn’t hear them, but I watched both men’s physiques bulk up in aggression.

Luca’s arms went out flailing like they did when he got passionate about something. Hunter’s jaw locked, his head rising. I knew him well enough to know he was trying to hold himself back, his fingers curling into balls at his side.

Luca’s hands shot out, shoving Hunter back.

“Oh shit.” I dashed for the door, running across the street.

“You do not deny? You love my girlfriend?” Luca shoved at him again, every nerve twitching in Hunter’s body to retaliate.

“Luca, stop!” I tried to grab for him, but he continued to push at Hunter. Hunter thrusted his chest forward, not backing away from Luca. “I said stop it!” I wiggled between them.

“Jayme, move!” Hunter grabbed me to shove me out of the way, but my hands latched on to his him, my back pressed into his chest, glaring at Luca as he went to strike Hunter again.

“Luca!” I barked. “Step back. Now!”

Luca sucked in at the sight of me, stumbling back, his lids blinking. “Bellezza,” he whispered.

“Go.” I gritted my teeth. “Get in your car and go now.”

“Mi dispiace molto.” I am so sorry. He rubbed his temples, shaking his head. He was not a fighter. I had never seen him get angry enough to throw a punch, not even in footie when the opposition tripped him or shoved him away from the ball.

“Please. Go. I will talk with you tomorrow.”

Luca’s brown eyes scanned me, going to my hands where they still held on to the fabric of Hunter’s jeans. Sorrow deepened in his face and he nodded. He picked up his bag, his shoulders bent over as he walked to the car. He gave me one more pitiful glance before hopping in and driving away.

When the car turned down the street, I let out a breath, highly aware of the figure pressed into me. Crickets and the rush of cars driving by were drowned out under the thump in my ears, the feel of his deep breathing hitting my back. I could feel the tension grinding at his muscles. Anger. Arousal.

Let go of him, Jayme. Move away.

My feet didn’t budge. His warmth soaked through my thin cotton tank, and the feel of his jeans brushed my bare legs below my shorts. Everything in me felt alive. My skin tingled with need. A simple touch and I knew he would break my resolve. The need for him drove over any reasoning until it was in pieces.

Everything my grandmother said came back to me. “You have it so bad it is almost painful.”

Yep, this was venturing on painful. The ache between my thighs made me gnash my teeth together.

“Jayme,” his firm voice poured icy trails over my spine. He pulled my hands away from him and stepped back. I turned around to see his expression locked down like a prison. He took another step, his dimple twitching.

“I’m sorry.” The apology was barely audible.

“Your boyfriend touches me again and I will hit him next time,” he rumbled before flipping around and clomping off, limping as his leg hitched with the effort to get away from me.

The night was not hot, but sweat trailed down my back. My hand went to my necklace, running it along the chain. Jesus, this was all a mess.

I may not be headed to Virginia Tech anymore, a conversation my father said was still not over even after our two-hour “discussion” the night before, but I had to get out of this town. I couldn’t stay here and watch him marry Krista and hold his new baby.

I would go to the Art Academy in New York with Stevie. It was a private school that took most people who applied. At least there I would be doing something I loved with my best friend, and I would reapply to the Smithsonian in two years.

So… Luca would go back to Florence, and I would head to New York.

As soon as possible.

Inhaling, I brushed my apron, setting my head high, and walked back to the café, where Savannah watched me with a huge grin on her face. She was cruel to the point of pitiable, and I would not let her have power over me.

With my plan set in place, I felt strong. Just a few more weeks, and I would be out of here.

 

P

 

“Oh my god, really?” Stevie clapped her hands together, bouncing on her toes. “You’re gonna come back to New York with me?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Even if my parents won’t help me with school, I’ll get a job there and work until I can afford the tuition. I must get out of here. New York is somewhere I’ve always dreamed about.”

“This is awesome, Whiskey!” She stretched her arms in victory. “I’ve been wanting you to come with me forever. And yes, we both need to get out of here.” She plunked down on the bed next to me. “When do you want to go? Tomorrow good?”

I laughed, lying back on my pillows. “I need to talk to my parents, but I have to stay at least until Luca leaves.”

“Pinocchio might get the hint faster when he shows up and you’ve moved.”

“Nice.”

“Yeah, because I’m known for being nice.” She folded her legs, bouncing up and down on the bed. “There’s so much I have to show you, so many people you need to meet. Hot guys and girls are everywhere there.”

“That’s just what I need.” I snorted.

“It’s a rule. Best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”

“That work for you?” I lifted my eyebrow.

“I never have to worry about that. I’m always on top.” She ignored my insinuation.

“Even with Chris?”

It was so brief I barely caught it, but I saw one cheek flinch at my question before she forced an eye roll. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

“Right.”

The sound of something hitting my window caused Stevie and me to jump.

“What the hell was that?”

She shrugged, slipping off the bed, walking to the window.

“Just what I thought, John Cusack is out your window with a boombox.” She snorted, peering back at me. “In Italian subtitles.”

I sighed, getting to my feet. I hadn’t answered any of his texts, needing some space from him after what happened earlier.

Shoving up my window all the way, I saw Luca standing right at my window.

“Luca, what are you doing here?” I leaned on the frame. “I told you I didn’t want to talk tonight.”

“Amore mio, mi dispiace tanto.” My love, I am so sorry. “I could not stop thinking of you. I had to come over.” He dropped his head. “I feel so shamed. You know I never do that. But... I saw him. I couldn’t help it. Ho perso la testa.” I lost my mind.

“Why? He didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, he did. He’s in love with my girlfriend.”

“First, I am no longer your girlfriend.” I ticked my finger. “Second, he is not in love with me.”

“Yes, he is.” Luca nodded.

My stomach dipped and curved around.

“Did he tell you that?”

“He didn’t have to.” Luca clicked his teeth. “And he didn’t deny it when I asked.”

“Doesn’t mean anything.”

I heard Stevie chuckle behind me, and I sent her a glare.

“Do you love him?” His eyes pleaded with mine, his throat bobbling.

“We have history.”

“He’s the one you would not talk about. The reason you kept me at arm’s length for so long.”

No response came to my tongue.

“I am not ready to give up on us. I also love you, Jayme. And he is with someone else.”

“Luca.”

“No.” He put his hand to my mouth. “I still have a week to prove to you I am the man for you.” He leaned in kissing my cheek. “Good night, il mio amore.” He turned and jogged back to where his car was parked then drove away.

“Jesus, girl, what have you done to these men? You must be fucking amazing in bed.” Stevie sat up where she lay stretched out on my comforter. She placed a hand on her heart. “It’s like looking in a mirror. You make me prouder every day.”

I flopped face-first next to her. It actually felt like hell, my ego taking no pleasure in hurting one because my heart couldn’t let go of another who wasn’t even mine.

“I hate this.” Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. “I love him, Stevie. I never stopped…” My voice broke. “It hurts so much to see him with her.”

She curled in next to me, brushing back my hair, her face doused with agony.

“I know.” She pulled me into her embrace, hugging me. “I know.”

I could hear it in her voice—she wasn’t just talking about me. She was talking about herself as well.