My breath catches.Tomorrow?
“I have a condo in Port Hercule with a view of the marina. I’ll be working lighter days this week. We’ll still need to be discreet, but if we go tomorrow, we can sightsee and get to know each other better. Before the rest of our team personnel arrive.”
He buries his face in my neck.
“Plus, I’d really like to spend more time with you.”
The unease morphs into anticipation. This is impulsive. Maybe even a little reckless. I’ll have to change my plans with Mia, and if my friends press me about it, I worry I’ll crumble. I’m a horrible liar.
But Alaric’s eagerness and detailed plan make me feel invincible. It’s on the tip of my tongue to agree, but apparently, he’s not done making his case.
“You can do your lives from my place. I can even set you up in your own room if you’d like, so?—”
I playfully smack his chest. “No way.”
His face falls, optimism collapsing as he pushes out a defeated breath. “No?”
“No, I don’t want my own room. Yes, I’ll go with you. When do we leave?”
CHAPTER 34
EVANGELINE
Iclick between the open tabs on my laptop, hoping that clarity will come to me and help me make a final decision.
Red… black…white… or animal print?
Groaning, I flop back onto my bed.
I’ve spent the last several hours in a panic, reworking my schedule for A-Tizket A-Tasket, ordering supplies and shipping them to Alaric’s condo, and yeah, maybe indulging in a little retail therapy as I pack my bags.
Tomorrow, I’ll get on a private jet and head to Monaco.
The anticipation is kind of wrecking my nervous system. Sneaking around isn’t sexy, nor is it fun. But I want to be with this man. The abundant joy and ease he brings to my life outweigh everything else.
It’s a blessing that none of my friends work for Granata. If I had to answer questions about why I’m heading to Monaco two weeks before the race, I would crack under pressure.
My story is that I’m heading there early and working overtime rather than taking a break and traveling with my friends as planned. It’s not entirely unbelievable, and technically, I will be working.
I’m still stressed to the max every time someone questions my plans.
Alaric and I ate dinner together, but afterward, we retreated to our own rooms for the rest of the night. He had a podcast interview set to record at eleven p.m., then he’s attending an eight-a.m. meeting with the other team principals tomorrow.
When my phone dings with an incoming message, I slap the mattress, searching for it without sitting up.
Once I’ve located it, I hold it above my face, finding a message from Alaric.
AS
Is it tomorrow yet?
Before I can reply, another text comes through.
AS
Is it embarrassing to admit I’m so excited I can barely sleep?
I can’t help but grin.
