Page 87 of Sinful Promises

I was panting like a woman in childbirth by the time I reached my room. When I saw my reflection in the mirror, I was grateful for missing the train. My neck and cheeks were flushed, my hair was a bloody mess, and my clothes looked like I’d slept in them for a month.

If I’d greeted Roman looking like this, he would've pretended he didn't know me and run for the hills.

My rumbling tummy dictated my next move, and leaving my case where it was, I grabbed my bag and headed back out the front door. I chose the first restaurant I came across, took a seat that gave me a magnificent view of the ocean, and a handsome young man with a bright pink shirt offered me a menu.

I ordered the pasta special and a glass of Chianti.

After rolling my neck from side to side, trying to release a kink that’d settled in during my flight this morning, I plucked my phone from my bag and sent a text to Zali.

Hey, babe. So close and yet so far

My phone buzzed just seconds later.

Cryptic

I told her all about the towns on the Cinque Terre not allowing cars, about missing the train, and my stupid idea to walk to Manarola.

Bloody hell. I’m glad you decided against that. You could’ve tumbled off a cliff

Ha! I hadn’t even thought of that. I took a photo of my view down the main street. The setting sun was offering its last gasp with a magnificent display of citrus colors, and the ocean had darkened to a navy blanket. My photo also captured the pastel buildings lining the paved street. It looked like a postcard, and I felt a little insensitive sending it to her.

My view

WOW It’s so beautiful

Yeah. My forced night in Riomaggiore is going to be tough

I can tell

My pasta arrived, and the waiter carved a good quantity of fresh Parmesan cheese on top, along with a few cracks of pepper. The first mouthful alone was a slice of heaven. I took a photo of my meal, a new first for me, and sent it to Zali.

Gah! You’re killing me

Sorry

No. Don’t stop. Wish I was there

I wish you were too

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep. You’re gonna need all your energy tomorrow. Roman is probs going to cum in his pants when he sees you

Ewww. No he’s not

Hell yes he is. You wearing your new come FUCK me boots?

If you mean my knee-high boots, then yes. I will be

Good. And wear your sexiest lingerie

All my new lingerie was sexy.

Yes, Mom

Hey. Don’t be mean. Speaking of mothers. Any more news from the police?

No. I don’t expect to hear from them again.The case was closed. Rob was already in jail and Mother was about to die. Not much more they could do. How’s your mom?

She’s as strong as an ox. Yesterday she started moving the furniture around. No idea why, but it gave her something to do

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