I close my eyes tightly.
Luca can’t avoid me forever, so him just leaving would make it even more awkward the next time we see each other. Our asses are going to be stuck together for the rest of our lives whether we like it or not. We’re both close to our siblings, and the reality of that makes me groan with regret. Tears start to burn behind my eyes, but I refuse to let myself cry. I’m a big girl, I can do a one-night stand. It’s not a big deal.
The lie I tell myself tastes bitter.
I won’t be that girl who sleeps with a guy and falls madly in love. I have a brain—an Ivy League one at that. This is nothing, and totally normal. Casual.
A knock on the door has relief flooding my system. All that crap I told myself flushes down the drain as I smile happily and rush over to open the door.
The hotel employee is holding a room service cart, and I stand there stunned.
“I’ve got your brunch,” the waitstaff says cheerfully. I open the door wider so he can push the cart into the room, but my relief is short lived. “Mr. Cross wanted to make sure you got something to eat before you left.”
It takes a moment to process what he’s saying. “As in he already checked out?” The young man tilts his head, giving me a puzzled look.
“Yes, ma’am. Hours ago.”
“Right.” I nod, forcing a smile. “Thank you.”
He leaves the tray, and I let the door fall closed before him. It’s a full minute before I blink and then look away from the food. I’m not even willing to lift the lids to see what is under them.
I bet Luca thinks he’s such a gentleman, sending me breakfast after our night together. I plop down onto the bed, blowing my curls out of my face and hating this hollow feeling in my chest.
What I need to do right now is get the hell out of here. This room is a reminder of what happened last night. I need to wash it and everything else off of my body.
I cringe when I realize the only thing I have to put on is my bridesmaid dress. In my car I have a change of clothes, but I’m still going to have to do the walk of shame one way or another. This day keeps getting better and better.
The one time I give in and this is where it gets me, but I suppose I’ve learned my lesson. I grab my dress off the floor and drop the robe. The evidence of last night is still sticky on my thigh, and I hate that my body heats at seeing it.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I’d let him take me without a condom. Shit, I’d all but begged for it. I can almost hear my brother’s stupid words about finding the one and all logic going out the window. I don’t think the one bounces out the morning after sex without a word.
My mind drifts to what Luca might have been thinking when he snuck out this morning. Had he thought about what I might feel, or had I been forgotten so easily?
I swore I felt something between us last night, and it wasn’t one-sided. My throat starts to close, because how could I possibly know that? I was a naïve virgin that served myself up on a silver platter. He’s no different than the bartender last night—his game was just better. I bought his whole act, and worse, I wish that I could say it was terrible. This might not hurt so much if he hadn’t been so careful and attentive. Now I fear Luca might have ruined me for all other men when it comes to sex because I can’t imagine anyone else being that amazing.
I need to stop this pity party and move my ass. I get dressed quickly and the best I can in the dress. I can’t zip it up all the way, but it’s enough for now. Once I get all my crap together, I pull my keys out of my small clutch so I can make a straight shot to my car.
When I exit the room I look around and let out a sigh of relief when nobody else is there. My luck doesn’t last long, because I don’t make it to the parking lot before I hear someone shout my name.
“Selma!” I turn around to see Juno headed my way with a bright smile on her face. She’s got a box in her hand. “I didn’t know you stayed here. I thought you headed out last night.” She looks me up and down and then lifts her eyebrows in question.
“It was late and I had a few drinks. I didn’t want to risk the long drive back to the city.” I lace the small lie with truth, hoping it makes it more believable. If she doesn’t buy it, she’s not calling me on it.