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Chapter forty-seven

Samara

I really, truly have not a single clue what came over me tonight.

Yes, Luca is gorgeous. I’m done denying that because, frankly, it’s exhausting. His eyes are stunning, and there isn’t a single speck of his body that doesn’t look like it was carved by the most skilled sculptor. But that doesn’t mean I can go lose myself in him and give in to my body’s whims.

I’ve already made some horrendous decisions by agreeing to let him be my fake date for this vacation, which is apparently an even worse idea than I’d originally thought.

I need to prioritize myself because the woman I once knew myself to be would have never lied to her mother about something like having a goddamn boyfriend. I’d have just told her straight up that it was none of her business.

Clearly, I have some things I need to work through, and Luca is the last person who needs to be there for that. He has entirely too much on his plate right now. He's navigating so much of his life changing with an infant in the mix.

Regardless of all that , my mind still can’t seem to stop thinking about that infuriating man.

***

It’s not a surprise when I can’t seem to sleep despite the exhaustion weaving through my brain.

And when my phone vibrates beside me, I look at it against my better judgment.

Luca

I can’t stop thinking about you, princess…

Luca

But I really hope your cat didn’t go hungry for too long. Wouldn’t want her to starve.

I groan, and a flush creeps over my cheeks.

My cat is a boy, and HE is doing great. Gave him a whole extra scoop of wet food tonight as an apology. Thanks for asking.

Maybe this is why people think all lawyers do all day is lie.

Luca

Lucky boy. Do I get an extra scoop of -you- as an apology for running out on me?

Nope.

Luca

Bummer.

Luca

What about if I fill you up next time? You know, as an apology for cutting things short tonight.

He’s really trying his luck. And unfortunately for him, his banter has the opposite effect, acting to remind me of why we were interrupted. As sweet as his daughter is, I can only imagine how much change he’s dealing with and will continue to deal with going forward. Luca seems like he’s just recently decided to put his past behind him and become a grown adult, and he needs to put all of that energy into Gia. I can’t act as another distraction for him, and I have entirely too much to accomplish myself.

When I meet the right person, they’ll be as ready as I am to start a family and grow together, building each other up. Not that Luca would ever be a real option, but I can’t stand the idea that we’d only act as an unnecessary anchor, keeping the other from drifting off to better opportunities.

No need to apologize. You have responsibilities.

Luca

Okay, Samara. I see that grumpy, pouty princess has entered the chat. Your cease and desist warning has been received, loud and clear.

Goodnight, Luca.

Luca

Goodnight, principessa.

Luca

And for the record, I happen to like all versions of you. The grumpy one might just be my favorite.

My eyes squeeze shut as I blow out a long, calming breath. Everything would be so much easier if my body didn’t react to him this way. But Luca De Laurentiis is like an anthill. From the surface, there’s just one small part of his persona, but the further I dig, the more there is to learn about him. He’s multifaceted in a way I would’ve never expected, and as much as it’ll pain me when I try to forget I’d ever known him after Kat’s wedding, I want to carry each piece with me so I can hold onto them like little treasures.