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“I smothered my mom with questions this morning. For the record, she loved talking about it.”
Our cheeks touch as we study the computer screen, fascinated by our upcoming adventure. We search the internet, pore over pictures, reviews, and amenities. In the end, our favorite hotel is Palazzo Veneziano in Zattere.
“It’s stunning. We aren’t going there for an extravagant vacation and sightseeing, though,” I remind him.
“In Venice, you can’t help but sightsee. It’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever been.” Slade makes a good point. “Simply being there, walking around, and seeing Venice firsthand will be all the sightseeing we need.”
“Agreed. Especially when there’s water canals instead of roads. I can’t wrap my head around the concept.” I bump him with my shoulder. “Slade and Marin’s Excellent Adventure. You ready for this?”
“I am. Armed with our knowledge from a woman who was there over thirty years ago, plus our Google research, we’re more than ready to conquer Venice.” He holds a fist in the air.
His sarcasm is not lost on me. “And they were never seen again. As far as anyone knows, they’re still wandering Venice, searching for a way out,” I joke.
He joins me in laughing at ourselves.
“We’ll figure it out. It’s a city meant for tourists. All right. Decision made. Let’s book this one, the Palazzo Veneziano.” Slade starts entering the dates of our stay.
“Hold up,” I say. “Don’t get me wrong, I love this place. The two-story rooms are amazing. The outdoor hot tub on a private terrace with views across the lagoon sounds like heaven. But isn’t this a bit too fancy for our short trip?” I frown, feeling like it’s a bit over the top.
He smirks as he thinks it over. “I say we go big or go home. Let’s go all out if we’re gonna do this. It’ll be short, but it’ll be the trip of a lifetime.”
I give in. “All right. I’ve always wanted to see Venice. It’ll be even more romantic with you by my side. Let me run upstairs and grab my credit card from my purse.”
I get up, but he grabs my hand and pulls me onto his lap. “Marin, I invited you on this trip, and I’m footing the bill. The entire trip won’t cost you a penny. I insist. Please let me do this for you.”
This is crazy, and I can’t lie, I’m overwhelmed at the thought of sharing this trip with Slade in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Except I feel like I’m giving up every last bit of control I have over my life, which is hard for me.
I take a deep breath, ready to dive in head first. I’m doing this. If I can’t take a chance, my precious control over life is controlling me, not the other way around. “Okay, you twisted my arm.”
I’m rewarded with a sweet kiss. All the while, warning bells are going off in the back of my mind.
I could get hurt again.
I’m on dangerous ground. Quicksand dangerous. Love is a risk, but so is practically everything in life. The more time I spend with Slade, the more I’m sucked into his world.
I can’t escape, nor do I want to.
chapter twenty-one
BEFORE MY PARENTSarrive on Friday, I move all of my belongings into my new bedroom in Slade’s home. I’m giving my old room to my parents for tonight. It would’ve been my last night at Sheridan House anyway. Under my old plans, I would’ve been leaving tomorrow to go home and start my new life without Blu.
Instead, I’m starting a new life with Slade. Instead of feeling sad, I’m excited to see where my new relationship takes me. I have high hopes for our future. However, I plan to move slowly and make sure I’m positive about Slade before jumping ahead.
Ha! I keep telling myself that. Our relationship seems to have legs of its own.
As I leave my old room, I say, “I’m grateful for new beginnings.” I close the door and whisper, “Unpause.”
I’m back, ready to board the roller coaster of life.
While Slade’s busy with breakfast, I prepare baked potatoes and put them in the oven on the timer setting. I also prepare a salad and put it in the refrigerator, feeling proud of myself for not being completely useless in the kitchen.
Slade walks in just as I finish cleaning up. “Welcome home, Miss James.”
My smile can only be described as a ray of light. “Thank you. I can’t believe the ocean is my backyard. This is surreal.”
Slade embraces me. “It’s about to get even more surreal tomorrow. I think I might be the one asking you to pinch me.”
I reach out and pinch his cheek. “We’re going to be in Italy. Get ready for lots of affectionate cheek pinching because your family is going to love you.”
