LOGINJust as I'm about to give up and put all of this to bed at long last, the unexpected sight of Aria appearing before me stuns me to the core. She's here and looks amazing! She might be late and looks very nervous, but she's here, which is something. My God, I can't even be mad because she really melts my freakin' heart. Looking at her makes me go all strange inside.
"Hi," she says coyly as she joins me at the table. Her sweet pink cheeks temper my anger. "Sorry, I got caught up in somI don't know what I'm doing here, seriously; my head is all over the place. I knew coming to this party wasn't going to be the wisest choice, but what excuse could I give to Mom who was desperate to come? She loves Isla and wants to see her life here in Italy. I didn't want her to miss this chance. She's given up a lot to look after me and my son as it is, and she's also come to Italy with me... so if she wants to attend a dinner party, then so be it. Plus, I know Isla wouldn't let me refuse, anyway. But it's challenging being this close to Stefano, feeling his energy racing across the room the whole time, yet not being able to touch him. We both want to have our hands all over each other because we simply can't get enough, but I had cut it off, ending things sharply, and we haven't spoken since. I made the right decision, I tell myself. I thought it through, of course. I know I did the right thing. I just need to survive this... I have to... As long as
I don't say anything as I stand on the outskirts of Liam and Isla's dinner party. As much as I'm supposed to be here to socialize and have a good time with my friends, I really don't feel like I'm in the mood for any of this. I even tried to tell Liam that I wasn't going to come, but he shot the idea down. He wouldn't let me back out. He doesn't think it is such a big deal that things have gone wrong with me and Aria. He assumes it's just that she has a child, which puts me off.That isn't the case at all - not that I'm keen on raising another man's child - but my issue lies more in the way Aria treated me. The way she sees me actually. She didn't even stop to think that I might actually have feelings for her. It was just another one night stand for her. Just a "bit of fun". I wouldn't have arranged a date for a bit of fun with her. So, I remain on the outskirts, scowling with a drink in hand. If Liam wants me here, then fine, but it doesn't mean I'm going to join in t
I study the confused expression on his face. It's sweet in a way that I definitely wasn't expecting. "Are you sure you can't stay the night with me? I will make you something really nice for breakfast..."I hold his hands in mine, letting them hang loose for a moment. The temptation to simply fall into his arms and remain in bed with him all night long is almost overwhelming. If I didn't have my family waiting for me at home, I would do it, however unwise. I'm still torn: it's great to be with Stefano since we have had one of the best nights of my life. But I do know that I can't keep this up. It's going to be hard to go back and forth between Leo and Stefano. I won't be able to do it."I know, but I have to get home. I have people waiting for me...""People?" He cocks his head, curiously. "Like who?"My heart absolutely thunders against my ribcage. I can't keep it under control however hard I try. My breaths start coming sharp and ragged as I pre
Just as I'm about to give up and put all of this to bed at long last, the unexpected sight of Aria appearing before me stuns me to the core. She's here and looks amazing! She might be late and looks very nervous, but she's here, which is something. My God, I can't even be mad because she really melts my freakin' heart. Looking at her makes me go all strange inside."Hi," she says coyly as she joins me at the table. Her sweet pink cheeks temper my anger. "Sorry, I got caught up in something..."I nod slowly, acting like I understand even though I don't really. I'm not going to question her. I would much rather start tonight on a positive note. "Sure, it happens. I'm just glad you made it. I was starting to think I'd been stood up."She takes her seat and sips the wine I've already ordered. I remember how much she liked this one when we tried it at the vineyard. I can see she recognizes what I've done."Oh wow, this is my favorite." She's touched by
I can't do this. That's the only thought that keeps circling endlessly through my mind. It doesn't matter what anyone says to me, I cannot do this. I keep staring at my wild-eyed reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person looking back because she's so afraid, so unsure of what she's going to do.I agreed to this date and kinda wanted to go on it as well. I don't see why I shouldn't because Stefano and I always have a good time. I have never had a date like that with someone else. Even the last time I was here, we had the best time. A crazy good time. But it's different now, and I can't shake that off.I can't let go of the feeling that as unlikely as it is, Stefano really wants more from me. He suggested dating in a way I don't think he does as a rule. He has a reputation as a playboy for a reason, but it seems he's stepping out of his usual comfort zone and trying something new - with me. That's thrilling and terrifying all at once. With Leo in Italy,
I can't stop smiling. I know that isn't like me at all, but I really can't. Knowing that after all these years, Aria is finally in the same country as me, staying here for a long time as well. I could kiss the person who gave her a job because they've finally given me a shot.After two years, I haven't been able to shake her and let go of what happened at Liam and Isla's wedding... She said she wasn't up for dating, and I get that. We can't do the long distance thing in different countries, but all that has changed now. She's living here, at least for a while, and we need to make the most of it. All of this was meant to happen. I can't wait to explore what comes next for us."You're looking pretty pleased with yourself," Liam laughs as he joins me at the bar. "What's going on in that crazy mind of yours? You look like you have something planned...""I do, and I want to run through it with you, if you don't mind?"He nods and orders himself a drink, sipping on it before he speaks again
CHAPTER 23: The morning after the kiss, Keira woke with the taste of him still on her lips. She lay in bed, the pale Sunday light filtering through the blinds, and replayed it all—the restaurant, the alley, his hands in her hair, the low rasp of his voice saying, This is happening, isn’
CHAPTER 25: (Friday, 5:45 PM)The hall smelled of floor wax, childhood sweat, and the faint, hopeful scent of hairspray from the mothers backstage. Keira stood at the back, her hands shoved deep in her coat pockets, trying to blend into the crowd of parents, grandparents, and b
CHAPTER 20: COFFEE AND CONFETTI (Six months after Juliette’s birth) The café smelled of burnt espresso beans and cinnamon. A scent Keira had come to associate with this new phase of her life. The After Isabella phase. Not that Isabella was gone, exactly. Just… transf
Chapter 19**Isabella**I feel the sunlight before I see it when I wake up the next morning. I smile and stretch out in bed. I don't feel James behind me. I was too tired for a shower last night so he got a wet towel to clean me up. Am I pissed about what they did to me? Not aft







