“I believe the term you’re looking for is making love, not that other word.” She laughed and rolled her eyes again. “But I see your point.”
A glance down at my watch told me it was time for us to start making our way back. Luna practically had stars in her eyes as we toured the famed, towering basilica and the buzzing main square.
We fed pigeons and watched as children chased them. We saw gondolas gently lapping against the piers, chuckled at the striking ensembles worn by the gondoliers, and finally found a cafe to grab a bite to eat and do some wine-tasting.
The sun was starting to set as we got our check at the cafe and the streets were emptying out as tourists and locals alike headed inside to get ready for the night ahead. Most of them would be heading out again, but I doubted we would join them.
Luna’s eyelids were getting heavier by the minute and it was obvious the excitement of the day and the jetlag were getting to her. Venice was six hours ahead of New York, and even I was feeling the effects of it being past midnight back home.
“Let’s head back to the hotel,” I said. “If we get hungry later, we can always order room service.”
She nodded. “It feels like such a pity to miss out on even an hour of this place, but I don’t think falling asleep on my feet would do either of us any good.”
“Right there with you.” I paid for our food and wine-tasting, thankfully without any objection from Luna, who was taking in the sight of the old-fashioned streetlights coming on beside the canal.
She let out a contented sigh as she watched the orange glow of the lamps reflecting off the water, then took my hand when I held it out to her. I’d planned it so we ate near the hotel, making it an easy walk along the ancient cobblestone paths to get there.
Luna gasped when I pointed out where we’d be staying. “It looks like a castle.”
“Yeah, and it’s got the best views in the city,” I said. “Plus, there’s a rooftop pool and terrace where we’ll have breakfast in the morning. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
“I don’t think it does,” she said, her eyes wide as we stepped inside the opulent lobby. The place was all old-school charm with modern touches, a gleaming hardwood floor beneath our feet and pressed ceilings.
Overstuffed couches, thick rugs, and golden accents everywhere gave the beautifully restored hotel the feel of a place where history met with culture. I loved it here, even if it had been some time since I’d appreciated it the way I did now.
Luna looked like she was floating on air beside me, seemingly having gotten a second wind from seeing where we’d be staying for the next couple of days. It was only when I received our keys and handed one to her that the smile slid from her face.
“Two rooms?” she asked as we turned to head to the elevator. “Why did you get two rooms?”
“I told you this is a business transaction. I mean sure, we’re friends too, but I didn’t want you to feel like you had to sleep with me in exchange for coming.”
“Yeah. Sure.” She huffed out a breath as the elevator arrived and didn’t speak to me again until she was standing in front of her room. “The lady downstairs said our bags had been delivered, right?”
“Right.” I closed the distance between us and lowered my head to hers, brushing a kiss to her cheek. “Sleep tight, Luna. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and we won’t be able to turn in this early again.”
“Okay.” Her tired eyes caught mine, and it looked like she wanted to say something before she decided not to. Instead, she pressed her lips together and swiped her room key in front of the electronic reader. “Good night, Cyrus. See you tomorrow.”
Without another look at me, she disappeared into her room and the door swung shut behind her. I stood in the richly carpeted hall for another minute, wondering what I possibly could have done wrong this time.
The entire day had been lighthearted and easy, until we’d gotten our keys. She couldn’t possibly be offended that I hadn’t wanted to assume she’d want to share a room, even though as I headed toward my own, I couldn’t deny that I would have preferred only getting us one.
Chapter 31
Luna
Venice was everything I ever could have imagined and not a place I’d ever hoped to see in person. The labyrinth of canals and walkways was enchanting and the way the water sparkled almost as if it was made of molten gold was absolutely magical.
The only downside to it all was being in this city for business. I’d hoped that it would at least feel like Cyrus had brought me as a friend, and at times, it did, but finding out he’d booked two rooms was a stark reminder of the real reason I’d accompanied him here.
There had been times on our flight and once we arrived that it really felt like I was in Venice with him for the right reasons. Even if they weren’t romantic ones, it felt like he at least wanted me with him.
But I’d been right before. I was really going to have to watch myself here. It would be way too easy to fall for him, especially while we sipped wine side by side and soaked up the Italian zest for life that seemed to be present in every molecule of air we breathed.
All day, we’d spent together with hands linked loosely as we wandered around some more. It had only been about an hour and half ago that we’d gotten back to the hotel to get ready for the gala that would kick off his conference.
Cyrus had gotten me a dress—without my knowledge—that had been wrapped in a white box with black and silver ribbons wrapped around it. He’d had it delivered to my room while we’d been out and it fit me like a glove.
It was an electric-violet color, a floor-length gown with sheer straps and according to the embossed paper note from the designer that had come with it, handmade beads and sparkling crystals sewn onto the bust. The skirt cinched around my waist, then kicked out just enough to provide balance to the width of my shoulders.
I’d never had the perfect hourglass figure, but the dress was a masterpiece that sure made it look like I did. After my shower when we’d gotten back from another day of sightseeing, I’d braided my hair into the fanciest plait I could do. Then I’d tucked it up into an elaborate twist behind my head.
It had taken a lot longer than I’d thought it would, but I’d used the bathroom mirror and a small compact I carried in my purse to check it out, and I thought it was more than worth the time. Going with smoky eyes and a neutral shade for my lipstick, I only just had enough time to give myself a final onceover before a knock came at my door.
I hardly recognized myself, and I smiled as my heart stammered in my chest. Let’s see how you keep it all business tonight, Cy.
I’d managed to put all those weird emotions I’d had before we left into a box, and though I was disappointed about the two-room thing, I was genuinely excited about going to this event with him. I also hoped seeing me in this dress would inspire him to use only one of the rooms tonight.
Because hey, why not get laid while in the city of love with your friend, right?
When I opened the door, a lot of those weird feelings came punching out of the box and they most definitely were not friendly. Cyrus in a suit was beyond hot, but I’d gotten used to that. Cyrus in a tux, however, was just plain beyond. There were no words for how good he looked.