Page 56 of Shiver

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 arealoption, 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.

Chapter forty-eight

Luca

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Ihaven’t heard a single thing from Samara since the night she left my house. Not that I had expected to.

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