Page 85 of Tour Wars
“Please tell me these reviews mentioned Luca.” The thought of that sleazy bastard receiving any kind of comeuppance filled Emilia with exuberance.
“Right on the first guess.”
She pumped her fist. “Yes. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy.”
“Apparently, he was accompanying the tour and thought he’d make a play for them. He got so pushy that they retaliated by taking their complaints public. It just so happens that one of the women is a micro-influencer with over four hundred thousand followers on TikTok.”
No wonder TJ had wanted to share this delightful news in person. “That’s awesome. What happened after that?”
“Luca went back to Milan in disgrace, his father decided not to invest in Buon Viaggio, and Angelo lost all his tour bookings for December, including his overpriced ‘Christmas in Rome’ package tours.”
With a laugh, Emilia held up her wineglass. “Here’s to the power of honest reviews.”
TJ clinked his glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.”
Once their pasta arrived, they took turns sharing stories about their visits home. She told him how much she’d enjoyed spending time with her dad and her cousins. He shone with pride when he described how impressed his family had been with his new job. They’d even offered to fly out to California next spring to visit him.
Emilia was so focused on TJ that only during dessert did she turn her attention to the view outside the window. “It’s coming down even harder. Driving back is gonna be a bitch.”
“If you want, we could find a place to stay for the night.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I think our families would understand, given that this is an actual snow emergency.”
She flashed him a playful grin. “It’s the perfect excuse.”
The thought of being with him tonight instead of waiting until January, made her quiver with excitement. All during dinner, she’d been fighting back her desire, knowing she couldn’t do a damn thing about it. But now? They could indulge in a passionate night of steamy hotel sex. She fanned herself with the dessert menu as a flush of heat warmed her entire body. She couldn’t wait to take off this dress.No.She couldn’t wait forTJto take it off.
“I’ll see if I can find us a place.” He pulled out his phone. “Any preferences?”
“All we need is a room with a bed. Preferably a queen or larger.”
After a few minutes, he gave a cry of excitement. “This is perfect. The Geneva Inn. Our family used to stay there when I was a kid. It’s kind of pricey, but I can afford it, seeing as how I’m going to be a big shot at the Getty.”
She poked him in the chest. “You don’t have to sound so smug about it.”
“Come on, Em. I have to boast a little. That’s how I roll.” He glanced at his phone again. “In case you were worried it might be a dump, the hotel is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Expedia.”
“Perfect.” It could be rated two stars and she’d still be up for it. For once in her life, she wasn’t worried about reviews. All she cared about was spending the night in TJ’s arms.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
By the time TJ left the restaurant with Emilia, the visibility was almost zero. The hotel was only a few blocks away, but he drove slowly, checking in his rearview mirror to make sure she was following him in her car. They parked outside, made their way through the snow, and went into the lobby, which was fully decorated for Christmas, with an eight-foot tree in one corner. Emilia dashed over to the brick fireplace and warmed herself by the blazing fire. Around it were four overstuffed plaid armchairs, providing the perfect spot for a late-night drink. If TJ hadn’t been in such a hurry to whisk Emilia off to bed, he would have suggested they sit by the fire with a glass of wine.
“I’ll go check us in,” he said. “Any requests?”
“Nope.” She settled herself in one of the armchairs. “I’m going to call my dad and let him know I won’t be home until tomorrow.”
“Good plan.” At check-in, he paid for the room and purchased some sundries—two toothbrushes and mini tubes of toothpaste, a packet of makeup wipes for Emilia, and a couple of t-shirts they could wear while lounging in the room. Once he received their key cards, he sent Romily a text, asking her to tell his family he’d decided to spend the night in Lake Geneva. She replied immediately, her message punctuated with hearts and smiley faces.
Emilia came up to him. “I just talked with my dad. He was relieved I didn’t try to drive home. He always worries when the weather’s bad.”
“I’m glad you got hold of him. We’re all set. I even got us some supplies.” He handed her the bag.
She peeked inside and pulled out a shirt. “Ooh. ‘Life is better by the lake.’ That’ssonot my vibe, but it’s perfect for tonight. Thanks.”
He took her arm. “Let’s go up and make good use of that room.”
Was he rushing her? Maybe, but based on the enticing smile she gave him, he suspected she was just as eager as he was.
They took the elevator up to the third floor, grinning like a couple of giddy teens. By the time they entered the room, his pulse was racing. He flicked on one of the lamps, softly illuminating the space around them. He couldn’t have asked for a more romantic setup —a big four-poster bed, a balcony overlooking the lake, and an oversized soaking tub in one corner.
