Chapter 40
Sydney
It’s two days later, and Giovanni’s private jet has just touched down in Fort Myers, Florida. My new life, literally, starts now.
Matteo’s cousin has been a doll. He doted on me while I was staying at his grand home. When we left, Giovanni advised the jet would return once they had our new identities secured, and passports in hand, so we could make a plan where we wanted to go next.
He’s sent some of his best men to watch us from a distance, ensuring we could let our guard down a little. I’m not sure we’ll ever really be able to relax. But I need to try.
While there was no way to return to my home without raising suspicion, Anthony was able to get word to Genni that I was alive and well. She and the girls went to my house and gathered things they knew I’d want to keep, donating everything else to charity. The sentimental items are tucked away with Giovanni until we determine where our next stop might be. I already miss my friends more than I imagined. It’s going to be hard leaving them behind.
Max, being the cyber genius he is, was able to transfer cash from my account and Matteo’s into an off-shore bank. We’re blessed. Between the two of us, we never have to worry financially. Which is good. Concerns for our safety cause enough stress.
I’d gone into a panic once I remembered how busy my caseload at the hospital had been. But Broadie said he’d manage. He’d added that it was the very least he could do for “killing me off” without asking first. Now, if that’s not the understatement of the year.
As terrifying as that was, I understand why he did it. The threat was very real. There simply wasn’t time to come up with a better plan. Am I ready to tell Broadie that? Not yet. Let him consider this the next time he needs to contemplate killing someone off. The face slapping emoji pops into my mind. Who am I right now?
Broadie promises to keep in touch, as he has a viable job opportunity in the works for me. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m actually starting to get a little more excited each day to see what’s in store.
Matteo has been incredibly patient. He has been attentive and loving, while also trying to read my mood for when I might need space. He hasn’t initiated any further deep conversations. We spent enough time hashing out all the things that had been left unsaid for too long.
I love him. Of that, there’s no question. My taking this slow is as much for him as it is for me. We have to learn how to navigate this new normal. There’s nowhere to escape if things become any more stressful than they already are. I mean, we’re going to be staying on an island. Sure, we can make our way back to Fort Myers. Yet the more we venture out, the more risks we take. Especially until we have our new identification secured. Heck, the very last thing I need is to get detained for something. One scan of my fingerprints, and it’ll be clear I’ve come back from the dead faster than a soap opera character bent on revenge.
“Principessa?” Matteo holds his hand out for me before disembarking the plane. We carefully descend the steps, my legs wobbly beneath me. Matteo stops midway. “You okay?”
“Yes. Just nervous.”
“Don’t be scared, baby.” He brings my hand to his lips. “We’re about to write our own story.”
I blink rapidly in response to his surprising statement. He’s right. What had he said on the plane? We’re not running away. We’re seizing the day.
Titling my face to the Florida sun, I take a reassuring inhale. The warm breeze caressing my skin is welcome. The temperature change is quite noticeable compared to when we flew out of Virginia a few hours ago.
Once we’re on the ground, I notice a royal blue Jeep Wrangler. “What, no Escalade?”
Matteo chuckles. “Giovanni and his fleet of vehicles. He’s ridiculous. One of those would attract way too much attention.”
As we get closer, the jet crew meets us, placing our bags in the back of the Jeep before opening the back door for us. I climb inside, making room for Matteo.
“What? They didn’t rent this for you to drive?” I whisper.
“Or you.” He nudges my side playfully. “Sanibel is primarily a pedestrian island. You can drive, but there isn’t much parking. Most people walk or bike wherever they want to go. But we can always call a taxi if we need to.”
Wow. I really should’ve researched Sanibel better. There’s been so much happening in the last forty-eight hours. It wasn’t at the top of my priority list. “I guess this really will be an adventure.”
It’s a short drive from Fort Myers across the Sanibel Island Causeway to get to our destination. The brilliant blue water has my heart rate quickening in anticipation of what’s to come. Other than our weekend getaway to Virginia Beach after we were married at the courthouse, we haven’t traveled anywhere together. We may have separate condos, but I’m excited to explore new places with Matteo.
As the Jeep leaves the causeway, we pass a sign for the Sanibel Captiva Visitor Welcome Center on the right. I quickly point in that direction. “Oh, we need to come back here. They’ll have all sorts of information on what to see and do on both islands.”
“Okay, baby.” Matteo beams at me, kissing my temple.
It appears much of the island has a very natural appearance. There aren’t stop lights and big intersections with shopping malls to tarnish the landscape. Leaning out of the window, I look at the tree line. There are no high-rises visible.
In no time at all, we arrive at the Sanibel Island Inn. It’s quaint. Nothing particularly flashy. Much of the island still looks as if it’s in a state of rejuvenation. But I’ve only been here for twenty minutes, and I completely understand the allure. If Ben Banks can turn this old inn into a boutique hotel, he’ll have a real goldmine on his hands.
The driver parks and retrieves our bags from the back of the vehicle before waving goodbye. I can’t help but look nervously around to see if I can spot any of Giovanni’s security men.
Matteo grabs my chin, turning my face to his. “Try to let it go. Let’s live in the moment. We’ve endured far too much to lose any more time to fear.”
“Yes. You’re right.”
He dusts a chaste kiss on my lips before pulling me along behind him to the main entrance of the resort.
“Good afternoon. Are you checking in?” a tan young man in a sand-colored linen shirt with the nametag, Joey, greets us.
“Yes. We’re guests of Ben Banks,” Matteo answers.
Joey’s expression changes, becoming more serious. His voice becomes even more polished. “Yes, hello. Welcome to The Sanibel Island Inn. We have two of our nicest condominiums all set for you.” He reaches down to retrieve a welcome packet and our keys. “Be sure to check out the many complimentary activities or unwind while you cozy up to the fire pit after a day in the sun.”
I try to stifle a giggle. “Thank you, Joey.” I take the keys and hotel information and offer one set to Matteo.
“Are these close together?”
“Yes, sir. They’re right next door to one another.”
A broad smile crosses my husband’s face.
Good grief.
Joey points us in the direction of our rooms, and we make our way in that direction. “Thanks, Ben. Whoever you are.”
Matteo chuckles. “Don’t thank him yet. We don’t know what we’re walking into.”
But I have no doubt it’ll be fine. Even in its current state. Something tells me Ben and Giovanni wouldn’t have offered this if the place was in disrepair.
As we reach our temporary homes, I give Matteo a little wave. He’s trying to put on a brave front, but I know he wishes I’d reconsider staying together. And there’s part of me that wants to do just that. But I need to get our relationship to a healthier state. Even if only for a little while. And falling into bed together is what kept me distracted in the first place.
As I enter the unit, I immediately notice the full kitchen and dining area. I bite my lower lip. Will Matteo insist on cooking all our meals here? As I walk further into the space, it makes me smile. It’s cozy. It has light gray walls with nautical décor throughout. Two bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom round out the place. It’s not the over-the-top opulence Giovanni or my parents would come to expect, but it’s pretty all the same. And something tells me Mr. Banks will have this place ready for high rollers in no time.
I return to the main living area and slide open the glass doors to the balcony. The wind whips through my hair as I take in the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This will be the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee.
The balcony is quite large. Especially for one. All of a sudden, the thought of Matteo sitting alone on his next door makes my chest ache. Who am I kidding with this? I’ll be lucky to make it a week before I cave and beg him to let me move in with him.
After unpacking my few things and taking a shower, I put on a little blue sundress Poppy packed for me. My stomach growls, and I realize it’s been hours since I’ve seen Matteo. I assumed he would’ve come to my door, asking about dinner.
I start to head next door, but stop short when I notice movement outside of the sliding glass doors. Walking closer, I see Matteo sitting down below on a lounge chair, his head in his hands. My chest squeezes. Has something happened?
Making my way down to where he’s seated, I walk along the sandy path and pray nothing is wrong.
“Hey.”
Matteo jumps, obviously startled.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I was surprised you hadn’t come by to talk about going to dinner. Then I saw you out here. You seemed upset.”
Matteo’s gaze drops to his hands. “I don’t know how to do this.” Do what? His voice sounds pained.
I come closer. “What do you mean?”
“We’re in this beautiful place. And I want to discover it all with you. I know you want space… I…” he pauses. “Sydney, I’ve been on my own for so long. I know that was my fault. I honestly thought I was doing the right thing. But being next door to you, knowing I can’t talk to you. Hold you. I’ve never felt so lonely.”
This man.
Coming closer, I take his hands in mine. “This isn’t a punishment, Tey. I don’t want to push you away. I love spending time with you. You’re my favorite person on the planet.” I cup his face. “There’s no doubt we have physical chemistry. It’s so easy to get swept up in you. But I want to get to know you. Trust that we’re able to tell each other everything. This is our new normal. We’re all each other has. I need to know that when the tough times come, I can count on you.”
Matteo pulls me into his lap, wrapping me in his strong arms. “I’m sorry you ever doubted that.”
I lean my forehead on his. “Do you want to have dinner together?”
“Baby, I want to do everything together.”
I giggle.
He pulls back, his eyes searching mine. “Will you go out with me?”
“That’s not something a wife gets to hear her husband ask every day.”
He pushes a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “Well, I have a lot of making up to do.”
A little over two hours later, I walk out of Shima Japanese Steak House on Matteo’s arm, a smile stretching from ear to ear. When he mentioned going out to dinner, I expected somewhere quiet and reserved. That we’d be huddled away in a dark corner. Not eating in a boisterous restaurant where we were forced to engage with the people around us.
We’d had such a good time. We’d laughed and grinned so much my face hurt. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard him laugh like that. Either one of us, for that matter.
He was so friendly and outgoing with our tablemates. It’s a public side of him I’ve not encountered before. The way he teased the little boy sitting beside him made my heart yearn for things no longer possible. But as long as we’re together, it’s enough.
We walk down the sandy path, arm in arm.
“Can I interest you in some dessert?”
A to-go container inside a plastic bag dangles from my arm. There was more food than I could eat in several days. But no chance was I bringing this night to a close if he wanted more. “Where did you have in mind?”
He points up ahead. A colorful pink and blue sign reads Love Boat Ice Cream.
My hand flies to my heart. Could this night get any better? “Who knew you could be so romantic?”
We walk inside and the aroma of freshly prepared waffle cones and decadent ice cream envelopes us. As we come closer to the counter, I see the sign listing all the options. “Holy crap. They have over sixty flavors.”
“What would you like, principessa?”
“Hmm. I think I’ll take the pralines and cream. How about you?”
“I’m getting salted caramel bacon. How can I not try bacon ice cream?” He laughs. As I watch them prepare our cones, I’m struck by what a normal thing this is for most date nights. Yet it’s a first for us. I’m getting to experience a whole new side of Matteo. I have to blink away the tears.
“You all right?”
“Yes. Just happy.” Weird. After everything that’s happened. I should be nervous, fearful, emotional. I’ve given up my home, my career, my friends. But I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy.
We walk outside, headed back to the Inn with our cones in hand. “How is it?”
“Truth? I still prefer Gelato to ice cream.”
My face falls into a frown.
“Hey. What’s that look about?”
“Right before all of this happened, I booked a trip to Italy. I wasn’t going for another year. But I knew you had no interest in returning. I mean, now I get it. But I’ve always wanted to experience it.”
“I do want to return. It’s my home, cara mia. Going back will be complicated. But I’d love to take you. When the time is right, we’ll find a way to make the trip. I promise.”
“Really?”
“For you? Anything.” He takes a small dip from his cone with his finger and rubs the cold treat across my lower lip. Leaning down, he drags his tongue across my mouth, licking it off. I instantly feel a flip in my lower belly as my body responds to him. “Ah. See. It’s better this way.”
He leans into me as our kiss deepens. I can feel his hard length as it presses against my stomach. My body is doing somersaults. That familiar spark crackles between us as his eyes hold mine. Matteo’s pupils are dark as he silently begs to come back to my room. I’ve missed him so much. It would be so easy to cave.
Before long, we’re back at the Inn. He gives me a chaste kiss goodnight before ushering me inside my condo. I have to admit. We’ve only been here one day. And I’m already disappointed he didn’t try harder to come in and stay the night.
The following morning, there’s a knock on my door, and I take a quick look in the mirror before scurrying over to answer it.
“Good morning, beautiful. I brought you some breakfast.” Matteo holds out a cup of coffee and a paper bakery bag.
Opening it, I find a scrumptious blueberry muffin and lick my lips in anticipation. “You’re out early this morning.”
“I went for a run on the beach. Rehab got me in the habit of starting my mornings off with positive things. A workout, a moment of silence, affirmations. They all help get my day started in the right direction.”
I’m so proud of him. But I fear saying it might sound condescending somehow. “I need to adopt that routine.”
“Yes. It’s good. You want to rent some bikes and take a spin around the island before it gets too hot?”
I bounce up and down in my excitement. “Oh, yes. That sounds amazing. Just give me a minute to change.” Darting out of the room, I quickly don a pair of shorts and a tank top before returning to Matteo.
“Finnimore’s bike rental isn’t far from here. We can finish our coffees on the way.”
We enjoy a leisurely stroll to the rental shop, pointing out new things we discover in the light of day. Once we’re there, we’re greeted by an exuberant young man named Andrew.
“Hi there. You guys new to the island?”
“Yes. We were hoping to rent a couple of bikes and sightsee,” Matteo answers.
“Perfect.” Andrew gathers the rental agreement and a couple of bike helmets.
“How have Sanibel and Captiva recovered after the hurricane?” I ask.
“It’s been slow, but the devastation was massive. Hurricane Ian blew sustained winds of 160 miles per hour for quite a long time. Between that and the twelve foot flood surges, the entire island was hit hard.”
I can’t even imagine the magnitude of that type of storm coming down on this beautiful place. “That’s terrible. That had to be a really scary time.”
“It was. But little by little, we’re returning to the island we once knew.”
Matteo pays for the rentals, and asks for a map of the area. Apparently, Giovanni is sending our new passports within the next few days. It’s going to take work to remember. Heck, signing anything other than Sydney Cunningham feels odd.
“Don’t forget to check out Sanibel Island Light. The lighthouse is the tallest structure on the island.”
“Oh, we will. See you later, Andrew.”
We head outside to grab our bikes and put on our helmets. Mine is sitting wonky on my head, so Matteo adjusts it before attempting to kiss me. We chuckle as the top of our helmets are the only things getting any action.
We take off in the direction of the lighthouse when all of a sudden, I feel a pop. I let out a loud squeal, and Matteo drops his bike, frantically rushing to my side.
“Shit. Sydney. Are you hurt?” He comes close, his head whipping back and forth, looking around before checking me out further. He’s panic stricken.
“No. No, baby. It’s nothing bad. Only the chain.” I point down to where the bike chain is dangling.
“Oh, thank fuck.”
I bite my lip. Is this how it’s going to be from here on out? Always on edge?
“Let me take a look.” Matteo quickly manages to fix the bike, and we hop back on, returning to our ride.
The island is beautiful. There are some areas that are still ravaged by storm damage, but its beauty is still here.
After about an hour, I motion toward a shopping center. “I want to get a bottle of water.”
“Oh, sure.” Matteo pushes his bike to the sidewalk, and we both remove our helmets.
My hair is a sweaty mess. But of course, Matteo still looks like the cover of Men’s Health . His olive skin and glorious swirls of ink always make my mouth water.
I find the cooler and retrieve two bottles. As I make my way to the counter, I see Matteo coming in my direction with a huge smile on his face.
“What?”
He holds up a pith helmet with a light attached, pretending to put it on. “Go on. Bet you can’t guess who I am.” We both erupt in laughter. I love this side of my husband. So playful and considerate. To think I’ve missed out on all of this.
After finishing our water, we make our way back to the bikes, get situated, and start to head back to the rental shop when another pop causes me to shriek. This time it’s Matteo who needs to quickly prevent falling to the ground.
I drop my bike, flying to his side. “Are you okay?” Quickly scanning our surroundings, I return my gaze to him. He seems no worse for wear. “What happened?”
“Flat tire.” He wipes his brow with his forearm. The sun is really bearing down on us today. “Why don’t we drop these off and take a dip to cool off?” He jogs alongside his bike, pushing the wobbly thing with one working tire as I continue to pedal beside him. “We can try something else tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll have better luck.”
No such luck was to be had. The following day, we attempted a dolphin and wildlife cruise. Yet instead of sighting bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, or osprey, we spent much of the journey looking inside an emesis bag as sea sickness took hold of the both of us.
Today, we took it easy. We didn’t want to push it after sun and vomiting had taken such a toll. We decide to do a little stargazing this evening. But instead, the two of us must be the headline menu item for the mosquito buffet.
As we each take turns applying hydrocortisone cream to the many bites on our skin, Matteo chuckles. “See.”
I tilt my head in confusion. “See what?”
“I was protecting you from this dating shit by keeping you locked away to myself.”
Lord, give me strength with this man.