Page 15

PORTIA

“Pssst. We need to talk,”I whisper. “Bathroom?”

Jayla arches a brow. “Bathroom.”

She excuses herself from the conversation she’s having with Adagio and then links arms with me. I drag us away from the living room where everyone’s gathered to mingle. We escape into the arched hall and find our way to the nearest bathroom a few doors down.

The second the door snaps shut, Jayla’s gesturing at me to spill. “Well? What’s the problem now?”

My features twist in offense. “Gee, thanks, Jay.”

“You know what I mean, sissy. You’ve been extra uptight since we got to Sicily. Don’t you just want to loosen up?”

“I’d love to but…”

“But what?”

At her prompt, I release a breath I’ve been holding in and shake my head. It’s difficult finding the words to explain how I feel.

It’s not that I don’t want to loosen up. It’s not that I don’t want to enjoy myself.

Ihaveenjoyed myself.

The dance I shared earlier with Rafael is still seared into my brain. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced anything like it before.

A moment bursting with so much sexual tension and attraction that I literally found myself unable to breathe.

All in public with dozens of watchful eyes.

But… but…

“Well?” Jayla prompts again when I’ve said nothing. “What is it, Portia?”

I lean against the bathroom wall, my eyes slipping close. “It feels overwhelming. It’s a lot.”

“You mean after Lincoln?”

I nod.

Jayla softens in understanding and reaches for my hand. “Sissy, you’ve got to move on. Don’t you think this vacation is the perfect chance to? Rafael Calderone is into you, girl. Anybody with eyes can see it. Just have some fun.”

“Is that what you’re going to be doing?” I aim a halfhearted smirk at her.

“You know me. I’m all about living life to the fullest. Now it’s your turn. You’re newly divorced! You’re finally a free woman. Do you know how long it’s been since you’ve had new dick? Some good dick?”

I laugh. “Jayla…”

“It’s true. And let’s be real a second. Rafael has good dick nose.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“You know, good dick nose. You know what they say about men with big hands and feet? The same applies to men with strong noses. He’s got one, sissy. Just imagine what he’s packing.”

We break out into laughter like we’re schoolgirls, but it’s the moment I need to lighten the mood.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go with the flow,” I say, stepping toward the mirror to check my hair and makeup. “He is really fine and I do like his company.”

“That’s what I’m talking about! We’re on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in fucking Sicily! Get your back blown out for once. Shit, I know I am. I’ll give you the D report on Adagio tomorrow morning.”