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“It’s such a wonderful talent to have,” Mom said. “My tongue gets tied up whenever I try to say something in a foreign language beyond a basic greeting.”

“I’m sure, madame, with a little practice, your grasp of the language could be quite sufficient.”

“Oh, that’s kind of you to say.”

We took turns in the elevator getting ourselves and the luggage to the top. Lorenzo then led us down a hallway lit by golden sconces on the wall. He stopped at a wooden door to his left and, using an old-fashioned golden key, opened the room. “SignoreandSignoraCarmichael, this is your room.” He helped pull the suitcases inside and handed my father the key before walking to the next room.

“Your room,signoreandsignora, is here,” Lorenzo said. “Hopefully you’ll find it satisfactory.”

“I’m sure we will,” I said.

Lorenzo opened the door and motioned for me to enter first, so I did, pulling my suitcase behind me. “Wow,” I said.

A beautiful four-poster bed with elaborately carved wooden columns and gauzy white curtains commanded the room. The space also had a marble fireplace, two antique armchairs, and a small table.

“Is that a working fireplace?” Slash asked.

“It most certainly is,” Lorenzo replied. “Beneath the blanket to the right of the fireplace is the wood. It will be replenished every morning.”

“Excellent,” he said.

I went straight to the balcony, opening one of two large glass doors that led out onto it. “Come look at the view, Slash.” Cold air rushed in, causing the curtains to billow. Our room faced the sea, and the moon shone brightly on the water. Waves crashed against the rocks of the cliffs, and for a moment, the sound reminded me of my favorite hotel room in Salerno, Italy, where Slash and I had worked through one of the most challenging issues of our relationship.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

Slash joined me, putting his arms around me, pulling me close. I wondered if he was thinking the same thing.

“If that will be all, I shall withdraw and give you time to refresh yourself before supper,” Lorenzo said.

Slash left me and walked Lorenzo to the door, speaking to him softly in Italian. I closed the balcony door and sat on the satin ottoman before starting to take off my damp tennis shoes. When Slash came back, I asked him what he’d said.

“I asked him where my parents are located,” he replied.

I looked up from untying my shoe. “And? Where are they?”

“Next door.”

My stomach did a little flip. “So, we’re sandwiched between our parents?”

“Looks like it.” He shrugged. “This ought to be fun.”

“Said no one ever.” I tossed my shoes aside, peeled off my socks, and lay back on the bed. “Jeez.”

“It’ll be fine,cara. It’s just for a couple of days.”

“If you say so. We can do this, right? Please tell me we can do this.”

“Of course we can do this. We just have to be ready for anything.”

I sighed. Wasn’t that the motto of our freaking lives? “Well…aren’t we always?”

Chapter Eight

Lexi Carmichael

Slash and I took a shower together in the interest of saving time, but one thing led to another and before we knew it, we only had about ten minutes left to get dressed. Still, totally worth it, in my opinion.

I blow-dried my hair in the bathroom while Slash shaved at the sink. Luckily, no one got electrocuted. I quickly slipped on a sky-blue dress and a matching cardigan sweater, the same outfit I’d worn for my engagement party. I had matching shoes that were low to the ground and snug. Only my parents and Slash had seen my outfit before, and I didn’t care if it was a faux pax to repurpose it. I felt comfortable in it, so that drove my fashion decisions. Tonight, comfort was especially important to me since I was already so anxious about everything else. The last thing I needed was to be worried about a dress.