Page 9 of Irresistible Second Chance

The night sky was dotted by so many stars. I felt like I was in a movie as I watched the palm trees swing gently in the breeze. We were in the middle of a small city, but all was calm. I could hear birds in the background. I made a note to myself to get out and explore tomorrow. We weren’t scheduled to get anything off the ground until I returned to the office that weekend, which gave me a few days to myself. I planned to enjoy them. I was in no rush to return to my real life. After all, what was there to even return to? Even my dad’s cat didn’t like me, and my sister had too much going on to even notice that I was gone.

“I look forward to working with you,” Fausto said. “I’ll have my people reach out to your office in the morning.”

I smiled, feeling that familiar feeling of pride at a job well done. But this was easy. Lucia and Fausto were dream clients. I was pretty sure I had Chris to thank for that.

I looked over to him and found him talking softly to Lucia who laughed at something he said. She threw her head back, and for a moment there, I was jealous of her. She looked so free and unencumbered. I bet no one would divorce her, I couldn’t help but think. I immediately felt sorry for myself.

“Thank you, for everything Fausto. I look forward to working with you, as well.”

Lucia caught the tail end of our conversation and reached forward to shake my hand, “Thank you for coming tonight, Sydney. I know it was a bit of a trip to say the least. But I hope you get a chance to explore this beautiful country. It’s pretty magical.” She turned to Chris and said, “Wouldn’t you say so, Chris?”

He nodded, “It’s one of the reasons I have a home here. It’s like being on extended vacation every time I walk out of my front door.”

I was intrigued. I hadn’t known that Chris lived here.

“Anyway, it’s getting late. Lucia, Fausto, thanks for having us.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Chris,” Lucia said, surprising me.

We said our goodbyes again and made our way back to the car waiting for us.

Silently, I slid in, and Chris slid in next to me.

“So, what did you think of them?”

“I liked them. I have no reservations at all. I’m sure everything will work out for everyone’s benefit.” I couldn’t help myself as I asked, “What was going on with you and Lucia?”

“Nothing’s going on between us. She’s just an acquaintance. We just realized we run in the same circles. We were just comparing notes.”

“An acquaintance, huh?” I teased. “Really?” I crossed my arms and gave him a dubious look. “I sincerely doubt that.”

He shrugged, “I have no reason to lie, and even if I did, why would you care?”

I shrugged, “I don’t. But I can’t say that I approve of you fraternizing with someone we’re going into business with.”

He nodded, “Point taken, but like I said, Lucia and I have history.”

“What sort of history?”

“Why the sudden interest?”

I shrugged again, “No interest. This deal means a lot to me, and I don’t want it, or Lucia compromised.”

He tilted an eyebrow up and frowned, “Compromised? Well, then, rest assure that won’t happen.”

“Good. I’d rather not get stabbed by another fork wielding crazed female due to a misunderstanding.”

He laughed, “Trust me, Lucia is way more level-headed than Chloe was. And besides, I didn’t think you planned to crawl into bed with me tonight? Or did you?”

My heartbeat quickened. I ignored the flush of warmth across my skin, and shot him a look, “I plan to stay in my own bed. Thank you very much.”

He looked regretful but his eyes showed his amusement, “That’s too bad. I miss your snores.”

“Shut up, Chris.”

He didn’t listen, “Do you still talk in your sleep?”

I ignored him and looked out the window.

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