Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“I love to cook, but I don’t get much of an opportunity to indulge.” I set a glass of white wine on the counter in front of her.
I prepare a simple but elegant meal of grilled salmon with a fresh herb salad and a side of roasted vegetables.
“Would you like me to set the table while you finish up?” Mira smiles sweetly at me.
“Thank you, bambolina.” I lean over and cover her soft lips with mine. We eat at the dining table, the city lights beyond the windows creating a mesmerizing backdrop. Our easy and comfortable conversation is punctuated by laughter and shared stories.
After dinner, we settle on the plush couch in the living room, and I pour us each another glass of wine before handing her the remote. "Pick a movie," I suggest, enjoying the way her eyes light up at the idea.
She flips through the options and finally settles on a lighthearted classic romance. I don't normally watch this type of film, but tonight, it feels right.
As the movie plays, we sit close, the warmth of her body against mine creating a constant hunger. Halfway through, she leans her head on my shoulder, and I slide my arm around her to pull her closer.
For a few hours, the world outside doesn't matter. The threats and dangers that usually occupy my mind fade away, replaced by the joy of this shared moment. Mira's soft and genuine laughter is a sound I’ve become addicted to.
When the movie ends, I turn to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Thank you, Mira."
"What for?" she asks, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"For being here. For letting me see this side of life."
She smiles a tender, genuine smile. "Thank you for giving me a peak into your world."
“I’m hoping to convince you to make it your world, too,” I whisper against her lips before kissing her. As our tongues tangle, I forget about everything except my curvy little soulmate.
ELEVEN
MIRA
The view from Lorenzo’s penthouse is a sweeping panorama of Manhattan that makes me feel like I’m living in a dream. The city sprawls beneath me, a vibrant mosaic of lights and life, but inside these walls, it’s a sanctuary, a haven I’m quickly coming to love.
Yet, amidst all this happiness, there’s a niggling guilt that tugs at my heart. I’ve been avoiding my sister’s calls, hesitant to face the inevitable questions and concerns that come with telling her the truth about my new life. Lila’s my only family, and she deserves to know. But I have no idea how to explain the whirlwind that has brought me here.
Nestled in the plush comfort of the living room, I absently scroll through my phone, seeing the four missed calls from Lila. I take a deep breath, knowing I can’t avoid her forever. She deserves to know where I am, who I’m with, and why I haven’t returned to Florida.
“Lost in thought?” Lorenzo’s voice pulls me from my reverie. He’s standing by the kitchen counter, a warm smile on his face as he finishes pouring two cups of steaming coffee.
“Just thinking about Lila,” I admit, looking up at him with a mixture of love and worry. “I need to talk to her, Lorenzo. She’s left so many messages.”
He walks over and hands me a cup before sitting beside me. “I know it’s hard, Mira, but she’s your sister. She’ll understand. You need to rip off the Band-Aid and get it over with.”
I nod, taking a sip of the coffee. Its warmth and richness settle my nerves, giving me the courage I need. “I just don’t know how to explain everything. It feels so complicated.”
Lorenzo places a gentle hand on my knee, his touch grounding me. “Tell her the truth. Start with the basics and go from there. She loves you. She’ll want to know you’re happy and safe.”
“Okay,” I say, taking another deep breath to calm my frazzled nerves. I love my sister, but I also love Lorenzo. I don’t want to be forced to choose between the two of them. “I’ll call her now.”
He gives me a reassuring squeeze before getting up. “I’ll give you some privacy. I’ll be in the study if you need me.”
As he walks away, I open my messages and type out a quick text to Lila, asking her to call me when she’s free. Almost immediately, my phone buzzes with her incoming call and I take a steadying breath before answering.
“Hey, Lila.”
“Finally! I’ve been worried sick,” she exclaims, her voice a mix of relief and frustration. “Where have you been? Why haven’t you called me back?”
“I’m sorry, Lila,” I say, my voice soft. “I know I should have called earlier. Things have been… complicated.”
“Complicated how? Are you okay?” Her concern is palpable, and it tugs at my heart. “What in the heck is going on?” She suddenly sounds like the older sister.