Page 55 of Sinful Temptations

Roman looked to be enjoying every minute, laughing and talking non-stop. Maybe I’d been wrong about Susan. Maybe she was just right for him after all. She was young and beautiful. And fun. I’d bet she was a good dancer too. And I knew she could eat well—I’d seen her polish off more than her share at the high tea.

Good on him.

He deserved to be happy.

The evening was nowhere near as much fun as last month, and I excused myself after dessert, making a point of saying goodnight to everyone, including Roman. He frowned at me, giving me that where-are-you-going look and I touched my brow, feigning a headache.

Pausing at the kitchen, I asked Nina to help me out of the dress, and she was lovely enough to come to my room. She chatted incessantly about all sorts of trivial things, and I thought she’d never leave.

By the time I crawled into bed, I really did have a headache.

My thoughts spun like a giant Ferris wheel, slow and monotonous. They lobbed between trying to figure out what my obsession with Roman was, to comprehending my ‘moment’ with Frederik, all while struggling with what to do with my mother.

And on top of it all was that ticking clock counting down my time in Europe.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Chapter Twelve

We arrived at Gimmelwald in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland midmorning on a Wednesday after an early four o’clock start. The Swiss Alps are beautiful any time of the year, whether they are covered in snow or lush green grass.

August had been cool to start with, but a cold change had come in, dialing it down even further. According to the weather report, the last three nights had been cold enough to blanket the top of Jungfrau Mountain with a good foot of snow—not unheard of in this region, but not usual either.

The hotel we stayed at had nailed the typical Swiss-chalet architecture and looked every bit as quaint and cozy as it was. Adaline, our host, would already have the fireplaces going and the butterscotch schnapps ready to hand out as we walked in the door.

“Okay, ladies and dirtbags, this is our home for the next two nights so you can unpack your things and make yourself comfortable. We have the entire hotel to ourselves. The bar will be open until two in the morning for those of you whoare gluttons for punishment. I know the bar and log fire will be the main attraction, however, if anyone is interested, the Schilthorn cable car leaves from the top of the street and will take you up to Piz Gloria at the peak of the mountain. I can highly recommend checking out the spectacular views over the Alps.”

Several guests nodded, including Laura. With each passing day, the sadness that’d been plaguing her had gradually dissipated. And after Roman had worked his magic with her at the banquet, I’d even seen her laugh along with a couple of the ladies.

“The revolving restaurant at the summit is expensive but absolutely worth it. Any James Bond lovers here?”

A few hands were raised.

“The Bond film,On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,was filmed here. If you decide to take the cable car, you also get free entry to Bond World 007 up there. For those of you who want a bit of exercise, there’s a second viewing platform halfway up the mountain and several fantastic hiking trails start there. But whatever you do, don’t get lost. We don’t fancy rescuing your asses off the mountain. Right, Roman?”

“Unless it’s a cute ass.” Roman flashed his cheeky smile as he looked up to the rear-view mirror.

“He can rescue my ass any day.” Belinda, the Californian beauty in the fourth row, was loud enough that everyone laughed. She chewed on her lip as she checked out Roman’s reflection.

“Right, now that Roman and Belinda have sorted that out, grab all your valuables. Gimmelwald is a no-traffic town, which means we have to walk from here. And Roman will have to take the bus to the parking lot down the street, so you won’t have access until we return on Friday. Let’s go. We’ve got a mountain to explore. But be careful—it’s a bit icy out there, so it can be slippery.”

Once inside our hotel, Adaline, being the super-organized woman she was, managed to give everyone a delicious shot of schnapps along with the room keys and instructions in record time. Nearly everyone departed to their rooms, and I was chatting with Belinda and her room buddy, Elouise, also from America, when Roman returned from parking the bus. His expression as he approached the glass doors was gloomy. However, the second he entered, it shifted to something extraordinary—beaming smile, glowing eyes. Hello, Mr. Runway Model.

“Hey, ladies, do you need some help with your bags?” His gaze played over the two young women.

“We’re okay. Thanks, Roman,” Belinda said. The women fluttered their lashes, turned, and lugged their suitcases toward the lift.

“Don’t forget to call me if you get lost out there,” Roman called out to them as they stepped into the elevator.

“We will.” They giggled as the doors closed.

I should have been happy for him, being his wing-woman and all, but damn, if my stupid brain wasn’t jumping through some unprecedented jealousy hoops.

Hewasmeant to be looking at other women.

But ever since our night dancing together, he’d barely looked at me.Oh, God. Maybe that’s it. He saw how much of a dork I am and wants nothing to do with me.

I didn’t blame him.

---