Chapter 2

HOLLY

What exactly is it that he is doing in this building? I'm quite sure I didn't mention my address to him at all. What in the name of all that is holy could he want from me? Another knock rang in my ears. It would be easy enough for me to just disregard it and act as though I had not heard anything. If it comes down to it, I'll just act like I'm asleep and try to get away with it. He is a stranger but something tells me he is a good person. I could be wrong too. I don't know what to think anymore.

I lowered my head, took a few deep breaths, and then opened the door, ensuring that the chain lock was in place first.

"Do you need help?" I asked him. I'm not sure what he might possibly need from me at this hour, but I'm at a loss for words when it comes to communicating with him. Every time I meet his gaze, I am overcome with a sense of utter disorientation, as if I had just plummeted to the bottom of a pit and had no idea what emotions I would experience next.

"Did I wake you?" He did not respond to my question but instead asked me another one.

I mumbled out, "Yes," to confirm. It was obvious that my explanation had amused him, but he said nothing to show it. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I've seen you in this building before, and I certainly don't know your name." I scratched behind my ear. "Do you get what I'm saying?"

"My name is Luca."

"Luca?" His name rolled out perfectly on my tongue. Damn. A complete handsome stranger is standing outside my door and I don't know whether to invite him in or shoo him away.

"Luca Fazzari, and you're Holly Hopkins. You told me your pretty name at the tea party this afternoon."

"It's nice to finally know your name, Luca." I am aware that his praise has caused my cheeks to become flushed, but I am unable to stop it. I had no idea that I was even capable of blushing. Because I constantly decline casual sex, the few men I dated when I was younger called me a cold bitch for no other reason than that. "But you still haven't told me why you're here. How did you even—"

"I just moved here."

Moved here? When? I didn't see anyone moving out. How the hell did he manage to get a unit that fast? He is not being truthful. I am fully aware of this fact. There's no way Luca could have gotten lucky like that.

But he has the money. There are a lot of questions running through my head. For one, he is rich and if he needed a place to stay, he would be more suitable at Resilienza. It’s a luxury building. I can picture him in a place like that. This apartment is just too simple for him.

"Okay. Well, welcome to Portorosa Apartments." Even though he stayed standing outside the door while we were talking, he did not share with me the reason he had come. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you know where my unit is?" I'm going to call the police on him if he tries anything funny.

"I saw that your name was listed at the front. You know where the buzzer is, right?" Oh shit. Yes, that's right. My name is written there. "Anyway, it's getting late and I know you're tired from work. I just wanted to ask if you're free tomorrow. I want to invite you for breakfast."

"Breakfast?" He nodded. I've taken note that he never smiles. Why is it the case? "Tomorrow is my day off. But I don't understand why you'd want to invite me to breakfast."

Luca gave a shrug of his shoulders in response. "Aside from you, I don't know anyone else in this place. Imagine that you're welcoming a new neighbour who just moved in."

"Like friends?" I was uncertain. I want to stress once more that I am not here to make friends but Luca is making it difficult for me.

"You could say that." He wasn't even certain of it himself, for heaven's sake. Did he desire something more than just friendship?

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"Holly, it's just breakfast." Luca insisted Because of Luca's insistence, I now feel as though those eyes are peering through my very being. God! it's a crime to have dark eyes like that.

"Fine. What time tomorrow?" I give up. I don't think he'll take no for an answer anyway, even if you give it to him. Like he said, it's only breakfast.

"Six."

"Six? I don't think anything is open at six."

"If we knock on the door, they will open it for us."

My face fell. He has that much sway? Luca likely took note of my expression and consequently altered his tone.

"I'm only kidding. I am well aware that your day at work has left you feeling exhausted, and it is also getting late. If you wish to get an extra few hours of sleep tomorrow morning, perhaps you could join me for brunch a little later in the day?" That sounded better to my ears.

“How about eight? Where do you plan to have breakfast?”

“Eight is perfect. I would like to have breakfast at Casa Stagnitta if that’s okay with you. They serve the best cornetto.”

Luca looked pleased but he really doesn't know how to smile. I hope tomorrow is a better day. A man who sits rigidly through breakfast is the worst kind of breakfast companion. I haven't been to Casa Stagnitta but I've heard good things about it from Lila.

"I will see you tomorrow then."

"Good night, Holly."

"Good night, Luca."

I closed the door behind me and found myself grinning. I haven't had breakfast with someone for a long time.