Page 21 of Just One: Box Set

Chapter Three

B y the time Allison opened her eyes, the evening light had dimmed, signaling it was time for dinner.

She quickly showered, pulling her brown hair into a casual ponytail, and slipped into a simple maxi dress.

After shoving her feet into her favorite flip-flops, she grabbed her phone and purse and made her way down to the lobby.

Lorenzo had promised to meet her there, and as she stepped out of the elevator, she spotted him leaning casually against a pillar in a pair of shorts and a tight t-shirt.

He was undeniably handsome, but it was more than just his looks—there was a confidence about him that made her suddenly second-guess agreeing to this dinner with a man she barely knew.

“Allison,” Lorenzo greeted her with a broad grin, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head as he approached. “You look like a vision, Bella.”

His charm was palpable, but her nerves got the better of her. She hesitated, biting her lip, wondering if this dinner was a mistake.

Lorenzo, sensing her hesitation, chuckled softly. “Relax. We’re eating as friends, remember? And just to put your mind at ease—" His grin grew mischievous. “I should have mentioned earlier… I’m married.”

Allison's eyes widened, and she took a sharp step back. “Are you serious ?”

“Absolutely. And my husband will be joining us for dinner,” he added, with a smirk that made her realize he found this all too amusing.

Allison folded her arms, arching a brow. “You think this is funny?”

Lorenzo’s smirk softened. “Come on, Bella. I wasn’t trying to mislead you.

I could just tell you needed a little pick-me-up.

I don’t know what happened to you, but it’s clear someone hurt you.

” He gently wrapped an arm around her, his tone sincere.

“Admit it—my harmless flirting made you feel good, didn’t it? ”

As much as she wanted to be mad, she wasn’t.

She actually felt relieved. “Honestly? I was going to ditch you,” she confessed with a sigh.

“You’re right. I’ve been hurt, and dinner with a guy like you…

felt like a bad idea. I don’t need more drama in my life.

” Her mind wandered to Damon, and she tensed.

Lorenzo noticed the shift in her and tilted his head.

“This isn’t just about being hurt, is it?

” His voice softened. “Let’s go to dinner, and you can tell me all about it.

Besides, Niccolò—my husband—is dying to meet you.

He’s great with advice and has plenty of insight on heartbreak. Trust me, he’s been through it.”

Allison exhaled, feeling the tension ease from her body. “You think you’re going to save me, don’t you?” she teased as they walked toward the exit.

Lorenzo laughed, flagging down a taxi. “Bella, I don’t think you need saving. You just need time to heal. Or maybe… a good distraction.”

Allison nearly choked as memories of Damon flashed through her mind, her body tingling at the thought. “Jesus.”

Lorenzo’s eyes gleamed as he caught her reaction. “Oh, I see,” he teased.

“See what?”

“You’ve already found your distraction,” Lorenzo said, biting his lip playfully. “That’s what’s bothering you, isn’t it? You’re questioning the old relationship, wondering if it was ever real. And now this new guy is messing with your head. Am I right?”

Allison turned to look out the taxi window, unwilling to confirm just how close he was to the truth.

Did she ever really love Austin? Or had it just been convenient?

Because nothing with Austin had ever felt the way it had with Damon.

A single night with him had shaken her more than two years with Austin, and that thought filled her with guilt.

“Alli,” Lorenzo’s voice pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. “We’re here. Ready for a little fun? Niccolò will be thrilled to meet you.”

“I’m ready,” she said, smiling despite herself. “This trip is supposed to be about finding a new me, right?”

As they stepped out of the taxi, Lorenzo looped his arm through hers, guiding her into the cozy restaurant.

Taverna Scalinetto had a charming, rustic vibe with its wooden beams and intimate lighting.

The smell of freshly cooked food made Allison’s stomach rumble, and she realized how hungry she was.

Niccolò greeted them at the entrance with a hug for Lorenzo and a quick, appreciative glance at Allison. He muttered something in Italian, clearly unaware she understood.

“Ce l'hai fatta… e accidenti se fossi un uomo etero vorrei portarla direttamente a letto.”

Allison couldn’t help but laugh as Lorenzo froze in surprise. “If I was looking to get under a new dick, you'd probably do just fine," she shot back in perfect Italian, “but I’ve had my fill for now.”

Lorenzo let out a deep belly laugh, while Niccolò blushed a deep crimson, eyes wide with shock. “I guess I forgot to mention,” Lorenzo chuckled, “she’s fluent in Italian.”

Niccolò recovered quickly, offering Allison a sheepish smile. “Mi dispiace, Bella. That was inappropriate. Will you forgive me?”

Allison waved it off with a smile. “Your husband already said something equally crass in the cab. I’m not offended.”

As they sat at a small table in the back, the conversation flowed easily, and Allison found herself relaxing for the first time in days. It felt good to laugh, to talk freely. After ordering drinks, Niccolò, ever curious, leaned in. “So, Ally,” he began, “tell me what brings you to Italy—alone.”

Allison exhaled a deep breath and dove into the story of Austin, sparing no details. As she talked, Niccolò’s expression darkened with anger, clearly furious on her behalf.

“You’re telling me this piece of shit was married the whole time?” Lorenzo interjected, his voice sharp. “And his wife was the one who exposed him?”

“Yep,” Allison replied, her voice steady despite the pain the memory still caused. “She showed up at my office, weeks before our wedding, and tore my world apart.”

Niccolò shook his head, looking aghast. “How did your brothers not kill him?”

“I begged them to let it go,” she admitted with a shrug, though part of her now wished she hadn’t. Andre, her firefighter brother, could have snapped Austin in two if she’d let him.

Niccolò leaned back, tapping the table. “You’re stronger than me. If someone did that to Lorenzo…” he shook his head. “But we’re your fairy god friends now. While you’re here, we’ll show you the best of Italy—and maybe find you that rebound.”

Lorenzo smirked. “She’s already had her rebound.”

Allison narrowed her eyes at him. “You won’t let that go, will you?”

“Nope. Now tell us everything,” Lorenzo insisted, his teasing tone taking the edge off.

Allison hesitated, then blushed, the image of Damon flickering in her mind. “It’s… complicated,” she said, avoiding their expectant gazes.

“True love usually is,” Niccolò said with a grin. “But don’t hide behind that wine glass. Spill it.”

After a long sip, Allison set the glass down. “It’s my sister-in-law’s brother. We met at the wedding, and he found me crying. He brought me to his room just to talk, but one thing led to another.”

“And?” Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, clearly anticipating more.

“Four orgasms later,” Allison said, her face heating with embarrassment. “I snuck out and caught my flight to Venice.”

Niccolò nearly choked on his wine. “Wait, you didn’t even say goodbye?”

Allison looked down, shame coloring her cheeks. “I couldn’t. I was scared.”

“Scared because you like him,” Lorenzo said quietly, his gaze piercing. “Admit it.”

Allison sighed. “Maybe. But it doesn’t matter. It’s too soon for anything real.”

Niccolò shook his head, smiling softly. “Say what you want, Ally, but the heart wants what it wants.”

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and light teasing, and by the time they were ready to leave, Allison felt lighter. As they walked back to the hotel, Lorenzo looped his arm with hers once more, his tone playful.

"Tomorrow," he said with a wink, "we’ll make Venice your new adventure. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll realize you left something important back in Vegas.”

Allison groaned. “You’re relentless.”

Lorenzo just smiled. “And you’ll thank me for it later.”