28. Faye
As I wake up and roll over to check my phone, disappointment sets in that I haven’t heard from Mark.
On any other day, my schedule is packed so tight, I might not have noticed.
But today, I have an entire weekend ahead of me with nothing concrete planned on my agenda.
I’ve gotten used to my good morning texts or video calls from him.
I miss him like crazy and can’t wait to get this job over with so I can go home.
Needing to hear his voice, I dial his number.
It goes straight to voicemail.
Hmmm. That’s unusual. Perhaps he’s just turned off his phone to sleep? I know he’s been busting his ass working on projects around his house while the weather is good.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at my door. “Room service.”
That’s funny. I didn’t order anything.
But sometimes, Mark does when he wants to ensure I’ve remembered to eat or treat me to something special.
Smiling, I pull myself out of bed and grab my robe hanging by the closet.
By the time I get to the door, I’ve got it secured and knotted around my waist.
Outside my room, there’s the expected food cart, along with the kind woman I’ve gotten to know over the last few weeks. “Good morning, Mira. How are you today?”
Mira’s face lights up with a smile. “I’m doing well, thank you. Mr. Lancaster put an order in first thing this morning.” There’s a glint in her eyes, and she smiles. “He’s a keeper, I tell you.”
“Yeah.” I nod in agreement. “He sure is.”
Gah, even from the other side of the world, this man regularly goes out of his way to show he’s thinking of me. I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve this, but I’ll be forever grateful for the day Mark walked back into my life.
When I finally pay attention to the cart between us, I see two plates instead of one. “What is this man up to?” I muse more to myself than to her.
Mira shrugs, then covers her mouth and uncharacteristically rushes to say, “Enjoy your day, Faye,” before promptly turning to leave.
“Hmmm… That’s odd,” I mutter, then focus back on the food. Pulling off the lids, I see two orders of blueberry crêpes, bacon, and eggs. “Why on earth did Mark think I needed a double order?”
Out of nowhere, a familiar voice responds, “Perhaps he thought you’d want company for breakfast.”
Instantly, my heart stops.
I swear I’m hearing things.
Maybe I miss him so much, I’m hallucinating?
When a tall figure from behind the wall moves into my direct line of sight, my breath catches in my throat. That is, until my brain finally registers— Holy shit, it’s really him!
His handsome smile kickstarts my body into action, and suddenly, I can’t get to him fast enough.
Fumbling with the cart, I attempt to push it out of the way, but it only runs into the doorjamb and gets stuck.
I try again, and the wheel might as well be locked to the floor.
Frustrated, I consider climbing over it.
Mark simply grins and effortlessly maneuvers it back into the hall.
The moment there’s enough space, I squeeze past it and launch myself into his open arms.
“God, I’ve missed you,” he murmurs as his strong, muscular arms wrap around me and squeeze me in the best way possible.
As I breathe in his masculine scent, I feel as if I’ve taken my first full breath of air since arriving in Italy. I had no idea just how much I’ve truly missed this man until this moment.
Pulling back to look him in the eye, I cup his face in my hands and laugh in disbelief. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“What would be the fun in that?” He smirks and squeezes my waist tighter.
Then, he lays a kiss on me that may as well burn the entire place down.
It’s searing and all-consuming.
And entirely too short.
When he unfortunately breaks for air, he presses his forehead to mine and pants. “This… right here… was worth every second of sitting center seat in economy.”
“You… You… sat center seat in economy?” I repeat, processing his words. Holy shit, it’s at least a twelve-hour flight, and with his broad shoulders and long legs, that must’ve been miserable.
“Only for the last leg. That’s what I get for booking a last-minute ticket. For the record, my favorite seat is in the cockpit, but beggars can’t be choosers. I’m here and regret nothing.”
When a door opens down the hall, Mark clears his throat and gives me one of his panty-melting smiles. “Mind if I join you for breakfast?”
“Only you would think to come all this way for breakfast,” I tease, stepping back into the room.
Instantly, his eyes heat, and warmth courses through me. “Oh, trust me, Faye. I’m here for a whole lot more than that… But first…” He turns to grab the cart behind him. “Let’s start with food. I’m starving.”
Within minutes, we’ve got our plates set out in front of us at the conference table in my room.
I’d booked a business suite out of necessity, knowing I’d be putting in long hours and needed a workspace conducive to getting this client on board.
But now that I have company, I’m happy to have the additional space.
As we eat, he asks, “You still planning on touring Tuscany today?”
“I was… but I could be persuaded to do something else,” I offer, glancing at the bedroom behind him.
Looking from the bedroom to me, he smirks mischievously.
“Oh, sweetheart, there will be plenty of time for both. Trust me. But in all seriousness,” he clears his throat, “mind if I join you in sightseeing? I know you need a break from this room and, more than anything, a break from your project. You’ve been working around the clock and deserve a few days off. ”
He quirks a brow, as if he’s waiting for me to protest.
When I don’t say anything, he adds, “I only have one request…”
“What’s that?”
“That we start with a shower. I’ve been traveling for over a day, and I want to freshen up before I get you dirty.”