Chapter 73

Luca and I left paradise after three days of being there.

The time we had spent together, alone and uninterrupted, was well-needed. I felt much more connected with him, not just physically but also emotionally.

I knew this because, when I looked at Luca, I felt a sense of home, of peace. The butterflies in my stomach that initially had made me nervous around him were gone, replaced by a feeling of security and warmth.

My heart swelled in his presence instead of skipping a beat.

During our time in Cancún, I had been able to forget the nightmarish situation that was waiting for me back in Montana, all anxiety and worry leaving me for those glorious seventy-two hours.

I got onto the plane to head back in a great mood that slowly faded into a downcast one the closer we got to home, leaving the sunshine and feigned nescience behind. I could tell Luca felt the same way, but he hid it well behind a neutral expression.

When we finally got off the plane, met by cloudy skies and drizzling rain