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.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Jay-Jay, let me see, let me see!” My sister danced around me, tugging on my arm as I carried in another flower bouquet, not needing to look at the card. Luca had sent three so far since the night he fought with Hunter, and it was only Monday. Leaning down, I let me sister take in the deep aroma of the red roses. Plucking one out of the bunch, I handed it to her. Roses weren’t my favorite flower. I wasn’t really a flower girl at all. I would have been more touched if he got me an art book or a chemistry set. Reece seemed to like them far more than I did.
My dad frowned but didn’t say anything as Mom took them from me, finding another vase. Dad had requested a “family only” dinner night after I mentioned something about New York. Plus, I think he preferred being Luca-free for an evening. It was funny that since Luca had shown up Dad no longer snarled the few times Hunter’s name came up.
“He’s being very sweet.” Mom gave my dad a pointed look. “Stop, Noah. He’s a very nice young man.”
“Not that young,” he huffed and grabbed a bottle of white wine from the fridge, pouring some for my mom, while he grabbed himself a beer.
“Reece, can you set the table, please?” Mom shouted out to my sister. “And tell your grandmother dinner’s ready.”
“GRANDMA! DINNER’S READY!” Reece screamed from where she stood. Mom shook her head in annoyance, handing me a salad bowl. I set it down, not very hungry. I didn’t feel like fighting with my parents tonight. Working and entertaining Luca, while he kept trying to get me to come back to his hotel room, wore me down. Despite that I missed having regular sex, every time he hinted at it, I realized it was not him I craved.
Dad helped Mom set the dishes, and the five of us settled at the table, passing around the food.
“Can we get to it?” I dumped some rice on my plate. “If we’re gonna fight, I just want to get it out.”
Mom and Dad looked at each other, Dad stabbing at the salmon on his plate.
“No fighting.” He shook his head.
“Really? You’re okay with the idea of me going to New York?”
“Okay?” Dad wrinkled his nose. “Not my exact words. But your mother and I talked about it, and looked into the school, and we think this might be best.”
My gaze darted around, connecting with my grandma’s eyes before snapping back to Dad.
“Okay, what’s going on? Aliens? Invasion of the bodysnatchers?”
Mom rolled her eyes. “We’re being serious. We let you go to Italy. New York is a lot closer than that.”
“And it’s not Italy,” Dad muttered under his breath.
“Ah. You want me away from Luca.”
“Honestly, I think you getting away from this town is best.”
And Hunter.
“I’m still not happy about Virginia Tech, but I can’t force you to go to there just because we did and loved it.” Dad’s shoulders drooped. “Does it scare the crap out of me you’ll be in New York City with Stevie? Holy shit, yeah. I know she’s a bit of a wild girl, but I have to trust you.”
I blinked at my parents.
“You are strong, smart, hardworking, and have always had a head on your shoulders.” He twirled his fork around, his eyes filling with liquid. “Your mother and grandmother have been on me for the last couple days saying that if I hold you too close, I’ll only push you away.” He wouldn’t look at me, his lids blinking. “You’re my baby girl.” His voice broke. “I would love to keep you protected forever. But you’re nineteen. I have to let you go… to make your own decisions.”
“Dad…” Seeing emotion swirl in his eyes brought mine to the surface.
“I hate you’re not my little girl anymore. I can’t protect you from all the bad in the world. What you’ve already gone through—” He rubbed his chin, shifting in his seat, hiding the single tear watering the corner of his eye. “I hope you know how much I love you. Happiness is all I really want for you and your sister.”
I bounded out of my chair, rushing to Dad and wrapping my arms around him. He enveloped me in a big bear hug and squeezed me tight. We held each other for a few seconds before he grumbled something, and I went to Mom, embracing her.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling she had more to do with his change of heart than anything.
“We’ll talk more tomorrow about scholarships. It’s not cheap. At all. But I think you will be happy there.” Mom leaned back, wiping the salty streaks from my cheeks.
“Okay.” I nodded, spinning around to see Grandma Penny beaming from ear to ear. She gave me a wink, like she’d known the outcome the whole time.
Knowing her, she probably did.
Luca sat at his usual corner table at the cafe, facing the garage, his eyes flicking up at any movement across the street. He tried to hide it, but frustration sat heavily on his shoulders, dragging them down as though in defeat. My chest ached because I was the cause. Earlier, I had told him about New York and moving in with Stevie. His temples flinched when he realized none of my plans included him. He had stayed solemn and quiet the rest of the morning, working on projects Caterina sent him.
I knew some people would think Luca was being pushy or stalkerish. But I’d come to see a difference between American and Italian men. The Italian men I knew were passionate and unafraid to express love or to go after what they wanted. They didn’t consider it a weakness to show their hearts. Luca was almost naive in his ideals. He really believed his grand romantic gesture would win me in the end. Who knows, maybe if Hunter and I never happened, he would have.
Luca had such a big heart and was sexy as hell. It pissed me off I couldn’t love him the way he deserved. But the twist in my stomach every time I peered up and saw Hunter outside the garage, talking on his phone, told me all I needed to know.
Savannah seemed confused that her little stunt hadn’t deterred Luca from me, so she took her flirtation game up a notch. Luca was kind and pacified Savannah’s blatant advances, but he wasn’t the kind to use her to get me jealous. Deep down he probably knew it wouldn’t work.
Staying far from her so I wouldn’t “accidently” punch her in the face, I scrubbed the coffee machine between customers, making a list for New York, but finding my brain wandering back to Hunter.
“Hey, pretty girl.” A voice from behind pulled my attention to the register. Doug stood there with a goofy grin, hat backward, his clothes covered in grease.
“Hey, Doug.” I ambled to the counter. “Haven’t se
en you in a while. How are you?”
“Good.” He nodded.
“What can I get you?”
“A sweet tea would be great.” He wiped at the sweat along his brow. “But I really came in here for another reason.”
“Oh?” A tiny thread of anxiety began to flap inside my chest. I reached back, pouring a tea for him.
He licked his lips, glancing over his shoulder like he wasn’t supposed to be here.
“You know what Thursday is right?” he said.
“Thursday?” I blinked, setting the tea on the counter. At first nothing came to me. I tried to remember what day it was today.
“The 28th.”
As if I were flung from a plane with no parachute, I recoiled with recognition. My stomach and legs almost dropped out beneath me. Last year I was far away and could almost ignore the importance of the day, but here it was, like running straight into a wall.
I lowered my head with a nod, recalling the party I threw one year, my mind crammed with memories.
“Hunter and Colton’s birthday,” I whispered. One would be turning twenty and one would remain forever eighteen.
“Yeah.” Doug looked behind him. “Hunter would not recognize it last year and forbade us from even mentioning it. He drank himself into oblivion to get through it.”
My heart squeezed with sympathetic pain, imagining what he had gone through. At the same time, I had locked myself deeper in my bubble, partying with Sammie in a sea of alcohol and one-night stands and trying to forget my dead boyfriend and my ex-lover.
“It was really bad… And I can’t watch him do that to himself again. If he keeps going to that place, I’m afraid he won’t come back out.”
“You’re a good friend, Dougie.”
“That’s because that guy is the best person I know. He’s always been there for me. You know he was the one to buy the shop for me?”
Broken Love (Blinded Love Series Book 2) Page 23