A girl could become addicted to this.

“That’s the plan,” he says, with a cocky grin. I must have said that last part out loud.

“I need a shower.” His eyes light with excitement, like a kid on Christmas morning, and I laugh and swat at his arm. “We have work, sex maniac.”

“We could conserve water.”

I shake my head, but can’t help but grin as he leans down and kisses me like he always kisses me, with a lazy confidence, as though it’s our first kiss all over again.

He’s so fucking good at that.

“Are you okay?” He brushes his knuckles down my cheek and watches me closely.

“Yes,” I reply, and realize that I mean it. I am okay. He studies me for another long minute, and then kisses my nose and rolls away, giving me space to sit up and stretch. “But you have to go away. No more distracting me. I have to get to work.”

“That hurts.” I spin and then relax when I see he’s lying with his hands behind his head, a confident smile on his lips. “I thought I was more than a distraction.”

“You’re a sexy distraction,” I qualify and, without covering my nakedness, stalk away and into the bathroom.

I start the shower and am just about to step into the hot spray when Dominic walks into the bathroom, wearing his shorts again, and scoops me up into a big hug. His hands glide over my back, down to my ass, and up again, but rather than join me in the shower, he plants a kiss on my head and murmurs, “Have a good morning. I’ll see you later.”

Dominic Salvatore gives the best hugs ever. I hold on for a moment, soaking in his warmth, his calm, his musky scent, before backing away and giving him a bright smile.

“You enjoy your morning too.”

He tilts his head to the side and narrows his eyes. “Thank you.”

He sees too much.

I nod and turn to get into the shower, but he takes my hand, making me look back at him over my shoulder. “Yes?”

“Finish your breakfast when you’re done.”

“Yes, sir.” I pat his hard chest, then get into the shower and close the glass door. “See you later.”

“Later.”

He leaves and shuts the bathroom door behind him, and I immediately deflate like a balloon. What in the hell am I doing? Last night was…God. I don’t even know how to categorize it. I’ve never felt that connected to anyone in my life.

Not even Blake.

Not even my ex-husband.

I wanted him to stay. I wanted to lie in his arms and feel him breathing all night long, so I did the only thing that made sense to me and sent him away. The hurt look in his eyes will forever be burned in my mind. I wanted to say never mind. Ask him to come back to bed.

But he scares me! He makes me feel things I have no business feeling. And he can deny it all he wants, but he’ll eventually want to take this farther than just sex.

Hell, I might eventually want to take it farther than just sex.

And that would be a disaster, because I don’t do love. I can’t.

Like Jonathan used to say, I’m not capable of it.

I can’t do this. I can’t face Dominic today. I have to figure out how I’m going to tell him that this was a one-time deal.

Okay, a two-time deal.

I finish showering, my mind is made up, and dress quickly in a blue summer dress with black heels, twist my hair up, grab my computer and my handbag, and set out downstairs.

“Isaac!” I call out to the tall man as I approach the reception site.

“Hey, Alecia,” he says with a smile. “Things are going to go more smoothly today. I promise.”

“Great.” I smile and gaze about the area, pleased with the progress already today. “It looks like things are pretty well under control today.”

“They are.” He takes in my handbag and tilts his head. “Do you need to leave?”

“I do.” I so do. “But I’ll have my cell on me, and if you need me for anything, I can be back here within the hour.”

“We’ll be fine,” he assures me. “See you tomorrow?”

“You’re coming every day?” I ask with surprise.

“Yes. This is my brother’s wedding. There won’t be any more mistakes. Between Mark and me, we have it under control.”

“Sounds good.” I nod, not really paying attention to him, just needing to go. “Thanks for everything, and don’t hesitate to call if you need me.”

He nods as I turn and walk briskly around the villa, almost running into Celeste as she’s arriving for the day.

“Oh! Hi, Alecia.”

“Hello, Celeste.”

“You’re leaving?” She raises a brow. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” I lie. “I have some business to see to. Can you please pass the message on to Dominic? I won’t be back until tomorrow.”

Coward, my mind taunts me.

“Sure, I’ll let him know. Have a good day.” She waves and disappears inside, and I make a hasty retreat, immediately regretting leaving, but unable to turn around.

***

Four hours later, I’m pacing my living room. I’ve talked myself in and out of pursuing a physical relationship with Dominic six times.

Six. Times.

I’m sick of myself.

I scoop up my phone, and before I know it, it’s pressed to my ear and ringing.

“So, you do remember that I exist,” Blake’s dry voice comes through the speaker and I want to cry. I bite my lip and stare out my window at the boats floating on the blue water of the sound and concentrate on breathing. “Hello?”