Page 23 of Tour Wars
“I’m not stalking. Just getting prepared. It’s easier for me to deal with people when I know what to expect.”
“Makes sense. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a study break. Want to watchGladiator? It’ll get us in the mood for Wednesday’s tour of the Colosseum and the Forum.”
“We’re not leading that tour.” For that one, Buon Viaggio was using a local guide with ten years of experience in Rome.
“So? I’m sure we’ll get at least one question about the Colosseum. Watching the movie will get us in the right frame of mind.” He stretched out his arms and proclaimed, Russell Crowe–style, “Are you not entertained?”
As pathetic as hisGladiatorimpression was, it made her smile. If she was being honest, she’d rather relax with a movie than spend the next two hours doing research. But she wasn’t sure if she should be alone with TJ in her room. Not because he annoyed her but because she didn’t trust herself. No matter how much they bickered, she couldn’t deny the flicker of attraction growing between them.
All last week, they’d spent their nights on the hostel rooftop in Ercolano, sharing beers and studying the binder. Amid all the challenges and teasing, there had been those moments when their eyes had met and she’d had to look away, afraid of what she might do. When she’d felt a gravitational pull toward him, like she wanted to kiss him without stopping.
Which couldn’t happen. Especially now, when the rules of the tour expressly forbade sexual relationships.
“Come on, Em, it’s on Netflix Italy,” he said. “And you already have snacks.” When she didn’t answer, he clasped his hands together and flashed her a plaintive look. “Please. It’s our last free night before the horde arrives.”
Why was he being so insistent?
Then again, what did she gain by shutting him out? For the next ten days, they’d need to operate like a team. Just because she’d kissed him once didn’t mean it would happen again. She scooted over and set her laptop on the nightstand. “You win. Just don’t leave cookie crumbs everywhere.”
He sprang off the bed, turned off the overhead lights, and grabbed the remote. When he sat back down, he put a little space between them, but his presence was still palpable.
Relax. Nothing’s going to happen. Not unless you want it to.
She didn’t. Even if he smelled good, even if she was suddenly possessed with the urge to run her fingers through his damp hair and pull him closer until their lips met, she’d never do it. Instead, she passed him the container of butter cookies. “Help yourself.”
He took two. “Thanks. You know what would make this even better? A big tub of popcorn.”
“Are you insinuating my snacks aren’t adequate? Just start the movie already.”
* * *
By the timethe credits rolled, TJ was struggling to keep his eyes open. The stress of the past two weeks, spending every spare minute preparing for the tour, had wiped him out. Beside him, Emilia was unusually quiet. Odd, since she’d been making snarky comments for most of the movie.
“Em?”
She didn’t answer. Though he couldn’t make out much in the dim light of the flickering TV screen, she was slumped against the headboard with her eyes closed. He stared at her, torn over what to do. Should he rouse her? Or was it better to leave her this way? Like him, she probably needed her sleep.
For the briefest of moments, he was tempted to brush his hand across her cheek. To place a soft kiss on her lips and wake her up, Sleeping Beauty–style. He wouldn’t do it, of course. He’d never violate her boundaries while she was asleep. But his mind traveled back to that night in Philly when they’d been alone in her room. Even if she’d been drunk, that kiss hadn’t been an accident. She’dwantedhim. If he hadn’t pulled away, she might have kept going.
Was there a version of Emilia that actually liked him?
Idiot. She’s into Paulo.
Was she? In the three months they’d been at Pompeii, she’d flirted with Paulo constantly but never spent a weekend alone with him. They hadn’t even gone out on a date. Living in a hostel made hooking up a challenge, but other archaeologists had managed it. If Emilia had really wanted Paulo, nothing would have stopped her.
You’re no better. Marie is into you, but you haven’t made a move, either.
Because of Emilia. If he could only get his prickly rival to let down her guard, maybe she’d reveal how she truly felt about him.
With a sigh, he eased off the bed, turned off the TV, and let himself out, closing the door softly behind him.
Once he was back in his own room, he got ready for bed. In addition to his phone alarm, he set one on the digital clock on his nightstand. He lay on his bed, relishing the silence, but couldn’t tame his restless mind. When his phone buzzed, he half hoped it was Emilia.
Instead, his sister had sent him a text.
Romily: How’s Rome? Any good stories? Call me if you’re around.
Perfect. By now, it was the middle of the afternoon in Chicago. Since Romily worked from home, she was probably itching for a distraction. He called her immediately.
