Page 11 of Valentino

The truth is, I purposely cut myself off from seeing her. From being her friend. She’s way out of my league and my crush was fast becoming an obsession.

“I miss you too,” I reply softly, more than you know.

Anna runs with the filthy rich, she’s used to the good life…and until I can get my shit together and offer her something worth having, she’s better off without me.

If I did ask her out as I am now…. It wouldn’t end well, for either of us.

She keeps cleaning my face, her gentle hands taking care of me and damn, I would take a hit to the head every hour if I got to spend this time alone with her.

“How have you been?” I ask.

“I’m okay.” She smiles. “Keeping busy.”

She’s standing so near and like a magnet her body pulls me in, I can’t help myself, I put my hand around her leg and pull her closer to me. Craving something more.

“Val,” she whispers. “I can’t.”

I look up at her.

“I’m seeing someone.”

My eyes search hers.

No….

“I just….” She swallows a lump in her throat as she looks down at me. “I hadn’t heard from you in so long.”

My gaze drops to the floor.

She pulls her fingers through my hair and I clench my jaw, so many words swirl around in my head but not a one that makes sense.

“Are you okay?” She holds my jaw in her hands and brings us eye-to-eye. “Is your head okay? Are you hurt anywhere else?”

How could I ever be okay if you’re seeing someone else?

“Yep,” I lie.

“Maybe you need a stitch.”

“Will you do it?”

“You want me to stitch your face?” She gasps, horrified. “No Valentino. You would need to go to the hospital.”

“I wouldn’t let them touch me.”

“But you would let me?” She smiles softly.

“Of course.” My stomach clenches at her beautiful smile. “You touching me would be the perfect medicine.”

Her face falls and we stare at each other for an extended beat before she turns back and puts the washcloth under the tap water. “I’m glad the rain held off.” She changes the subject. “There wouldn’t be enough room in the house for everyone if it didn’t.”

“Who is he?”

She concentrates on patting my eyebrow. “I met him at college.”

“What’s he studying?”

“Medicine.”