Page 48 of Sinful Beauty

“I’m an account supervisor. Relationship manager.”

He bends and pets his tiny dog, but his distrusting gaze tells me he will not go back inside until either I’m gone or Lucia gives the go ahead for me to head upstairs.

The side door opens, and Lucia greets me with an inquisitive expression. She steps back, opening the door wider and gesturing for me to enter.

She raises a hand in acknowledgement of Noah, and he nods. “Let us know if you need anything,” he says to her in English.

“He was speaking in French earlier,” I comment as she turns to the narrow stairs.

“They know I prefer English. They’re good people.”

“They look out for you?”

“Yes.”

My boots clunking up the wooden steps become the only sound, but given the narrow staircase, I’d prefer to not speak to her back.

When we arrive at the attic apartment, she places her hands on her hips and asks, “What’re you doing here?”

“You left.” I step past her, but I notice she leaves the door wide open. “Without saying goodbye. Why?”

“You have to ask that question?”

I step forward, raising a hand to cup her cheek, and she backs away.

“What’s wrong?”

She releases a pained sigh. “Tristan. This is a bad idea. Your mother can get me fired.”

“First, she doesn’t work at the company. Second, if she got you fired, she’d need to get me fired, and I can promise you, she will not do that.”

“Still, this is not a good idea. I can’t risk it. There’s a clear policy against fraternization, and my job hunt is not going well.”

“You’re looking for a job?”

“You can’t tell anyone. But yes.” Ah, so that’s what she’s been holding back.

“You don’t need to worry about my mother. She’s won’t tell anyone. She’d be mortified. It’s a secret she will carry as her own.”

“We shouldn’t meet at the pub anymore. Other employees stop by there. It’s close to work.”

Enough of this. I hear her, but I plan to be at the company for a couple of more weeks, tops. And if she to change jobs, I’ll help her. “Pack a bag.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” I school my smile to avoid coming off as too self assured. “Let’s go away. I have a place where we can get away from this dreary weather and watch the snow fall. And we won’t risk being seen by anyone from work.”

Chapter18

Lucia

The rolling mountains are breathtaking and I find myself mesmerized the further we travel. Foggy grey drapes the mountains, portending storms, but amongst the natural beauty, there’s no ominous foreboding. After all, how can majestic mountains, lush greenery, and charming alpine villages elicit any emotion other than awe? The road winds its way through picturesque valleys, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

Trips away from Geneva have primarily centered on the places accessible by train on day trips. Travel is expensive.

Is that why I agreed to come? A chance to explore and see more of the world? Is that why I’m continuing this…whatever this is?

“What’re you thinking about?”

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