Page 39 of Beautiful Sinner

Turning around, I see that it’s Elizabeth, one of my ex-girlfriends.

Chapter Seven

Julia

The woman looking at Matteo like she knows him looks like she walked off a runway. Long-legged and long silky hair. A beautiful smile and even more beautiful eyes. Even though I’ve been told by people that I’m beautiful, I still feel a little inadequate next to her. The reason is because she clearly knows Matteo, which only reminds me that I might not be the only woman in Matteo’s life.

“Elizabeth,” Matteo says in a tight voice.

“Hi. It’s been a few years since I last saw you.” Her eyes flick to me. “Who’s this?”

“Julia,” I say, extending my hand out to her. She looks down at it as if confused by what I’m doing before she shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too. Are you and Matteo dating?”

“No!” I say too quickly and too loudly. It makes a few people nearby turn to look at us. I can’t draw too much attention. “I mean, no. We’re just… friends.”

“All right.” She sets her eyes back onto Matteo. “Well, if you’re single then, you should come to a party I’m hosting. It would be nice to reconnect.”

He hesitates, then sighs. “Elizabeth, I’m not sure that would be the best idea.”

“It was just an offer,” she says, suddenly defensive.

“I know. But I’m still busy with work. You have your modeling. Nothing has changed.”

So, she is a model. Another reason to feel a little insecure.

Elizabeth stands up straighter. “I understand. It was just an offer to reconnect, Matteo. Not an offer to start dating again.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Well, here. Do you still have the same number? I’ll text you the information in case you want to come to the party. Both of you could come if you want.” Though she says it begrudgingly like she really doesn’t want to invite me but she’s just being nice.

“I still have the same number,” Matteo says. “I’ll try to come but I can’t promise it.”

“Fair. Well, it was nice seeing you again.” She doesn’t even look in my direction as she goes.

“Who was that?” I ask, not that it’s any of my business.

“Someone I used to date. It didn’t end well. She wasn’t happy with how much my job takes of my time. We used to fight a lot. It was better we ended things.”

“You couldn’t spend more time with her?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “I could have, I’ll admit. But I just didn’t want to. We were going through the motions. We weren’t meant to be.”

“Right.” I’m suddenly aware of just how implausible Matteo and I are. If he couldn’t be with a normal woman because of his job, then there’s no way he can be with me. Not when we’re on opposite sides of a war. “I’m going to go home now.”

“Julia, wait.” He touches my arm. “Are you upset?”

“We shouldn’t be talking here. Remember?”

“I know but just tell me. Are you upset?”

“I’m not upset.” Another lie. “I just realized that we can’t do this again.” Even though we keep saying that to each other, it has to be true this time. I can’t be with Matteo. I need to focus on Connor and try to get myself to like him. I wish I could just shut off all of my emotions.

“Julia,” he says but I’m already walking away.

The wedding needs to be planned so the first step is wedding invitations. Inessa comes with me to the shop to pick them out.