Page 20 of Lorenzo

Lorenzo’s bathroom door opens, and he steps out.

Broad-shouldered and packed with muscle, he’s naked except for a small white towel around his waist.

Lorenzo’s gaze lands on the wall of decorative pillows dividing the bed.

“What exactly am I looking at?”

“A wall.”

His eyes narrow as they shift to my face.

“And what’s that crap?”

“Beauty cream,” I say, unable to resist a small, smug smile. “I let it sink in when I read in bed.”

“No to that. The light will keep me up. I have a big day tomorrow.”

I wave my slim white device at him. “You don’t need a light to read. My e-reader is self-illuminating.”

I pull down the covers and slip inside, pulling the blanket up to my chin.

Of all the books on my e-reader, Pride and Prejudice appears first.

Interesting timing, since Darcy’s modern-day counterpart is just a few feet away.

The mattress dips as Lorenzo enters the bed from his side. He turns off his lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

I remain still. Yet I can’t help but wonder if he’s wearing boxers.

Is he wearing anything at all?

Minutes pass as I brace myself for what is expected to happen when a red-blooded man finds himself in bed with a woman.

I fake-read the same paragraph until Lorenzo’s breathing deepens into a steady rhythm.

He’s asleep.

No danger of losing my virtue tonight. The great-aunt’s armor, pillow wall, and face cream have done their job.

I am prepared for an assault that never comes.

Restless, I continue Elizabeth’s adventures with Mr. Darcy and let their world carry me away.

CHAPTER 9

JUNIOR YEAR

Ifall asleep with my Kindle still glowing on my chest. The words blur and double until they mean nothing

My dream pulls me under quickly.

I’m standing in the flower garden at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s estate.

The air’s thick with sweet red roses and warm stone. Sunlight presses down on my shoulders this bright month of May.

Bees buzz around me.

Then Darcy strides toward me. His tailored coat looks sharp against the softness of everything around him.