Page 155 of Grumpy Boss of the Year

“I don’t know.” Skye makes a face and sits next to me. “This is kinda above my pay grade. He omitted something huge. People just don’t get over that easily.”

“Especially Elisabetta.” Romeo nods in agreement. “She’s loving and kind, but she’s always been guarded. She’s always protected her heart.” He gives me a look. “You’re very lucky that she fell for you.”

“I suppose it was my charm, good looks, and money,” I joke, and they both just stare at me. “Too soon?”

“Nah.” Romeo grins at me. “I like a man with a sense of humor.” He looks me up and down and licks his lips. “I’m single, by the way.”

“Romeo.” Skye hits him in the shoulder. “Really?”

“Just seeing if he’ll take the bait.” He laughs. “Plus, he’s hunky. I love me a blue-eyed boy with a British accent.”

“While I’m flattered, but I love your sister.”

“Straight boy, even if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be giving me the time of day.” He shakes his head. “Though if you ever want to take a walk on the?—”

“Romeo!” Skye chides him again. “We need to focus. How do we get Elisabetta to at least talk to him?”

“Like I said, I’m willing to wait for?—”

“Well, we’re not.” Romeo looks at his watch. “I have a catwalk to walk in Paris in three days. I need to fly out within forty-eight hours, so we need a plan.”

“So you’re both willing to help me?”

“I suppose we must.” Skye nods. “Kingston misses me, and I need to get back to New York soon. Plus, I would love for Elisabetta to have some peace and support...” She looks at me. “She loves you, and as someone who knows what it is to have a partner who loves me deeply and completely, I think she needs that.”

“I don’t know how I got on this rollercoaster ride, but I just want to ride off into the sunset with my darling.” I groan at my own words. Since when did I become this absolutely besotted man? I don’t even recognize myself. Falling in love with Elisabetta has completely changed my life.

“Have you thought about writing her a letter?” Romeo asks me, and I frown at his comment. “I know that sounds goofy, but Elisabetta loves receiving letters. She loves reading and writing. She used to have a blog. She hasn’t written on it in a while, but she likes grand, romantic gestures as well as sincere acts of honesty.” He gives me a look. “You’re going to have to step out of your comfort zone and step it up.”

“She’s not going to read anything I write.” I choke as I look down. “She wants me to leave. She wants nothing to do with me.”

“Show her that you’re worthy.” Skye touches me on the shoulder. “Think about everything you know and love about her. And show her that she’s the one.”

“Thank you both.” A sudden lightness passes through me as I feel the warmth of their gazes. They have accepted me. The two people closest to Elisabetta believe me, and that gives me hope. I jump up and head to the door. “I have a letter to write.”I rush to my room and pull out a pad and paper. I need to think before I write. I need to make this the most heartfelt letter I’ve ever written in my life. And as I sit there, I can’t think. I don’t know what to say. My brain is frozen. The feelings are there. The passion is there, but I’m scared. What if the words can’t express the magnitude of what I want to say? I’m starting to feel frustrated by the fact that I can’t think of the words to say, so I pick up my phone and call Daisy.

“Liam, I’ve been thinking of you.” Her voice is soft with understanding. I’ve already told her everything that’s happened, and she has been supporting me every step of the way. “Elisabetta talking to you yet?”

“She still hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you.”

“Well, she doesn’t like me.”

“I’m sorry. I know how much you’re hurting.”

“It’s a pain like none other.”

“She has a valid reason to be upset...”

“I know, and I understand.” I want to shout, but the only person I’m frustrated and angry with is myself. “I’m going to write her a letter, but I don’t know what to say.”

“Think about what’s in your heart. Think about what’s in her heart. Think about all the things that make her special to you. Unique. Think about what she’s expressed to you in confidence. And go from there.”

“I’m just scared. What if I write this letter and she still wants nothing to do with me?”

“Then so be it, but you have to try.” She pauses for a few moments and then speaks again. “Sometimes loving someone is knowing that their life may be better or easier without you in it.”

“You think she’s better off without me?”

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