see you in five.”
I take the five minutes to look around the hotel a bit. I notice that there’s an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, both looking equally inviting. A flash of Jake and I in the Jacuzzi sends my heart racing. How far things have come from that point in time to now. I was so blissfully happy then, thinking of what our futures held together.
The knot tightly winds in my stomach. I miss him. The pain of not having him near me at times is unbearable. This is just another one of those times to add to the many others.
I must have been in my own little world because the voice behind me startles me. “Perdere, why so sad?” I jump and swing round to find a half-naked Italian god in front of me. Jesus, he’s even sexier in the flesh. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. You just looked so unhappy.”
I smile on a blush, and he rewards me by showing me those perfect white teeth of his again. “That’s okay. Thank you. I’m just a mess at the moment over a bad break-up. I’m hoping my birthday bash later will cheer me up a little.”
He throws his towel over his shoulder, making it very hard to know where to look.
“Happy Birthday. I hope you enjoy it, and I’m sorry to hear about your break-up. I personally think the man’s a fool.”
Wow, if there was no Jake in my life, this guy would SO be getting my number.
I can’t believe my own voice in my head. I’m not like that and never have been.
“Thank you. It was actually my birthday a couple of weeks back, but my friend wanted to organize a get together for me here.”
He nods for a minute, deep in thought. “Well, I happen to know the owner personally, and his staff put together some great parties.” He puts his hand out to me to shake. “I’m Luca Belatoni, by the way.”
I take his hand and shake it, noticing his firm grip. “Ana Sinclair. Nice to meet you.”
He motions to the swimming pool. “Well, I better get some laps in. I have some boring meetings to attend to later, so a good swim beforehand is just the thing I need to help me clear my head. I hope you have a great evening.”
Nodding my head, I back away. “Thank you, and enjoy your swim.” I turn away and head towards the bar area before my feet decide to jump in the pool after him.
When I get back upstairs, Michael’s already sitting at the bar, waiting for me. I didn’t realize I had been away that long.
“Sorry, Michael. Have you been waiting a long time? I took a little stroll around the hotel, and I must have lost track of the time.” I take a seat opposite him and smile apologetically.
“It’s okay. I just got here.”
A waiter approaches our table and asks us what we would like to drink. Michael chooses a beer and I go for an orange juice. I don’t want to be drinking so soon yet. I’m planning on saving that for later.
Once the server is gone, I glance a look at Michael’s eye. “That’s healing really well.” I point to his right eye which is now just slightly yellowing.
He places his hand on it, shrugging. “It’s fine. I hardly realize it’s there now.” He clears his throat. “So how have you been?” Michael begins, obviously wanting to change the subject. “I know we’re keeping our distance from each other, but I still miss your company.”
I smile sadly at that. Michael has accepted my request at keeping his distance lately, but I must admit, I miss his friendship too. “I’ve been keeping myself busy. I’ve been running a lot with my neighbor, Brian, and having lots of girly nights in with Jessie. That’s about it in a nutshell. Well, apart from the Jake and my mum drama. That’s always there, unfortunately.”
“So I heard from Jessie. That can’t be easy for either of you.”
I sigh. “It isn’t, but it’s the way it is. Anyway,” I change gears, tapping his knee. “How about you? What have you been up to? I’ve been missing our little chats.”
A smile raises his lips. “I met a girl, actually. She will be here later.”
I’m elated by this news. I don’t like the thought of Michael—as handsome as he is—being alone. “Wow, you work fast!” I giggle. “That’s brilliant news, though. What’s her name?”
The drinks soon arrive, and I