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Instead of answering, I nod.

Valentina turns slightly, but her gaze remains fixed on me. “Most people have already left. Probably the ones Parker hired. But there’ll be a few stragglers until the very end.”

“Do you want to take a car from the back entrance?” I ask her.

“Yeah, if that’s okay with you? They should have plenty of photos. And this is just the beginning of our passionate affair.” She narrows her eyes, conspiratorially or seductively, who knows with her, and I can’t help but let out a snort.

“You know what? I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too. Shall we have a coffee for dessert?”

I shake my head regretfully. “You go ahead. Caffeine isn’t on my diet plan.”

Valentina grimaces, her nose wrinkling and her lips expressing pure distaste. “And I thought I was the one with the eating problem.”

“Ah, that’s not the reason we’re sitting here together.”

She’s sizing me up for a long time and lets the silence between us linger. In pictures, it probably comes across as if we’re gazing lovingly at each other.

“No, that’s not why.”

After another half an hour, we leave the restaurant and get straight into a limousine with tinted windows. A few photographers are waiting at the back entrance, too, but we’re able to drive off without any trouble. Her bodyguard is following us in another car.

It’s a short drive from the restaurant to Valentina’s townhouse, right in the heart of the Village.

She opens the door on her side, and I hold her by the wrist. “Wait a second.” I get out, walk around the car, and offer her my hand to help her out.

With a subtle smile, she takes my hand firmly and steps out of the car. Together, we walk up the few steps to her door.

“That’s it.” She points to it.

“Good.” I take in the building. Classy and large. “Will you be okay?”

She opens her eyes wider. “Oh, you mean because of my thing. ” She pulls me toward her by the lapel of my jacket. “That’s thoughtful of you. Yes, I’m fine. And three friends are waiting for me inside. They’re here in case the date goes badly. Everything’s easier to handle when you’re together with friends.”

“Oh. That puts my mind at ease.”

She tugs at me again. “And you? Are you still going out? Is anyone waiting for you at home? Will you be alone?”

I lower my gaze. Alone. Just like Parker feels when he has to carry our secret. Left alone by me. Because I’m not willing to open up. I’ve known he’s right ever since the moment he hurled those words at me. But they hurt because I can’t find a solution and expect too much from him. Now I have the opportunity to take a step forward in a safe environment.

The memory of the relief that came over me when I opened up to my therapist beckons me with the prospect of experiencing that sensation again.

“I’ll be alone,” I whisper.

Valentina takes my hand and squeezes it. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

Nodding, I cling to her. “I . . . I . . . ”

She opens her arms and pulls me close. “You don’t have to tell me anything.”

“I know. You won’t tell anyone if I tell you, will you? Not even your friends.”

She lets go of me and nods with a serious expression. “I promise. I know what it’s like to be betrayed. I’ll only tell them that you’re an absolutely charming man with whom I spent a wonderful evening. But they won’t ask any further questions, since they know how these things work.”

Nodding, I open my arms, and she sinks into them. I lower my head to her ear. “I’m gay.” There they are again—those words.

She rubs my back. “I understand. Thank you for trusting me.”