Page 40 of Broken Deal

I’m no stranger to fancy things. Aria lives in one of the best high-rise buildings in Chicago, and Isabella owns her place. My place is the exact opposite of theirs, only because I’d rather put all of my money toward taking care of Mom. As long as I have a roof over my head and some food, I really don’t need much else. But this place is fancy, likeI-don’t-belong-herefancy.

Lorenzo drops his bag next to mine and takes my hand, leading me to the crystal doors near the kitchen. “You haven’t seen the best part yet. Let me show you.”

It’s hard to focus on anything else when my eyes are locked on our interlaced fingers. I know he doesn’t mean anything by it, but my heart races at an abnormally fast rate anyway. As he opens the door, a warm breeze hits me, carrying a clean, crisp scent. My jaw drops when I look up. The inside of the villa is stunning, but this view is beyondwords. There’s a pool that cascades, making it look like it merges with the deep, beautiful, blue ocean. The bright-green lush of the mountains perfectly contrasts with the water.

I drop Lorenzo’s hand and run toward the patio, getting closer to the pool and dipping my toes in. Even the water temperature is perfect. “This is just, wow,” I say breathlessly.

“Beautiful,” he whispers.

I nod and glance over my shoulder, expecting him to be admiring the view. Instead, his eyes are set on me. My cheeks flush, and while any other man would look away when caught, Lorenzo doesn’t. No. He just...smiles. It’s soft and kind, one that makes me wonder what he’s thinking.

It makes me question if maybe, just maybe, I should break my one-night stand rule for him. Because that night was unforgettable, and I’ve never experienced such a charged and electric connection with anyone.

But I won’t. The game started and ended the day we slept together. We’re both players at heart.

And that will never, ever change.

1 Welcome to Panama.

The flight to Panamá was long and tiresome, so after we arrived at the villa last night, we pretty much crashed until the next day.

The villa I rented is a short walk from the restaurant I’m opening soon, so we agreed to meet outside and head out first thing in the morning. A warm, sticky breeze drifts from the ocean, filling the air with the scent of salt and sun-baked sand as we head to the location.

Opening a restaurant in Panamá has always been a dream of mine. I found the perfect spot right on the beach, where we can offer outdoor seating with a beautiful view of Bocas del Toro, one of Panamá’s many gorgeous beaches. It took a lot of effort to find this place, and I’m more than looking forward to seeing the final touches. Since we’re getting ready to open in about a month, the construction should be almost ready.

When we arrive at the location, the place is bustling with activity. Construction workers are moving in and out, carrying tools and materials. As we approach the entrance, Istop dead in my tracks, taking a look at the interior that’snowhereclose to being ready.

What the fuck?

Sophia stands next to me, her eyes wide with confusion as she surveys the space. “Didn’t you say you’re opening in a month?”

My eye twitches, and I clench my jaw before replying. “Yeah. I’m as confused as you are. Excuse me,” I say, pulling my phone out of my pocket. My shoulders tense as I scroll through my contacts until I find who I’m looking for.

Me

Call me, now.

Diego (NextGen Builders)

I can’t right now, what’s going on?

A humorless laugh escapes my lips as I angrily type.

Me

You’re kidding, right? Have you been to Panamá recently?

Diego (NextGen Builders)

It’s on my schedule for next week, but the crew lead told me everything was going according to plan.

I shake my head and walk inside the restaurant, taking a video of the place. The kitchen is not built, not completely, anyway. The equipment that arrived last week is sitting in the corner, not even covered. The extension we decided to add to make the outdoor dining area bigger looks like they just started on it. Once I’m done taking thevideo, I walk out, because I can’t stand looking at it any longer.

Me

Sends Video Attachment.

Diego (NextGen Builders)

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