Page 28 of One Weekend in Sydney

TARA

Istir from sleep, hearing loud beeps coming from somewhere. I feel movement beside me on the bed, and the beeping stops.

I smile as I fully wake up. I’m still at Romeo’s. I fell asleep after a night of incredible passion—and multiple orgasms.

“Morning,” Romeo said, turning to me and wrapping me in his arms. “Did you sleep well? Even if it was only for a couple of hours?”

I giggle. “I guess so. I should be feeling tired, but I’m not.”

“Funny. I feel the same.” He places a soft kiss on my mouth. “I’m gonna use the bathroom real quick, and then I’m leaving for work. That way, you can take your time. You can even sleep some more if you want.”

My heart swells. How sweet is this man? “Do you really have to go to work this early, or are you doing this so I don’t have to hurry?”

“The latter, but I don’t want to hear any arguments.” He gets out of bed.

“Romeo,” I call in the dark.

“Yes?”

“I…I guess I won’t see you again after this. I just want to say thank you.” My eyes sting.

“You’re welcome,” he says in a croaky voice. “I had an amazing time with you. I won’t forget it.”

I nod, although he can’t see. I don’t trust myself to speak again in case I beg him for another date. On Monday, I’ll be going home. Then, in a couple of weeks, I’ll probably be the new mayor of Moonstruck Cove. My life will be very busy. The last thing I need is a complication.

But why do I feel so damn sad at the thought of never seeing him again?

Oh, get a grip, Tara. Don’t mess up a perfect one-night stand.

Yes, I’ve got to hold on to the positives. When I turn middle-aged and am still single, I can look back at this weekend with him and honestly say I was fortunate enough to have one of the most incredible times of my life. That’s good enough. I shouldn’t be greedy.

A few minutes later, Romeo calls out, “Juliet, can you pull the covers over your head? I’ll have to turn on the light to grab some clothes from my closet.”

“Oh, of course.” I comply with his request.

“Thanks.”

Under the covers, I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to ignore the temptation clawing at me. I could just take a little peek, right? Just a tiny glimpse to satisfy my curiosity.

No, I wouldn’t.

Ishouldn’t.

But what if I never see him again? What if this is my only chance to put a face to the name that’s already etched in my heart?

My heart pounds in my chest as I wrestle with the idea, the blankets feeling heavier with each passing second.

Oh, screw it. I have to know.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I lift the edge of the blanket, just a tiny fraction. The light from the closet spills into the room, and my eyes are immediately drawn to Romeo. He’s standing with his back to me, putting his clothes on.

Then he starts turning sideways to grab something, and my heartbeat spikes. This time I’ll see his face?—

Oh. He’s wearing his masks.

My heart pinches. He’s obviously taking extra care to stay anonymous.

I quietly hide my head under the covers again, pushing away my disappointment. Nothing is Romeo’s fault here. Everything was practically my idea. I’m the one who’s stupid enough to develop some feelings for this stranger.

---