The inn wasn't in the cards. The kiss that kicked everything off wasn't either.
Leaving the café, they continued along the same path, acting on the pretence of happenstance, though they knew better. Catalina's shoulder brushed against Luca's arm, once and then again. Each light touch sent a thrill through her. She'd promised herself just one night, after all-just a fun thing, nothing more.
Or rather, fate had something else in store.
"Are you hungry?" Luca asked as they reached a street corner.
"Not really," she said. "I'm just.jumpy."
A small smile appeared on his face. "Feeling jumpy is what I'm used to."
The traffic light turned green. They crossed the street together, their footsteps in sync, as if their bodies knew what was to come.
They ended up at a dim rooftop bar-not too crowded or loud. It felt like the place had been waiting for them. Catalina ordered an espresso. Luca did the same.
"You don't seem like someone who drinks espresso at night," she teased.
"I'm not," he said. "But I wanted to see your reaction."
She fought a smile but couldn't resist.
Their drinks arrived, but neither of them immediately took a sip.
"Tell me what you do for work," Luca said, leaning back as if he didn't care about the outcome.
Catalina tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I work with people who have died."
"At the morgue?"
She nodded, "Cold rooms, metal tables, people who can't argue back.
"Sounds peaceful."
"Sometimes, but at times it can be overwhelming."
"And you manage on your own?
"Usually. I prefer not to rely on others."
"Why not?"
"They leave." The words slipped out before she could hold them back.
He didn't press her, instead listened to what she had to say.
"What about you?" she asked. "Working with stuff from other countries?"
The little sparkle in his eyes made her stomach twist. "Shipping, organizing, overseeing things. Not exciting."
"Do you like it?"
"I like being in control," he admitted. "Knowing where everything is, who's moving it, and why."
She raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you run the world."
His lips curved. "Just saying."
They were both lying, and they both knew it. Somehow, the lies relaxed them instead of creating tension. Beneath every falsehood lay something real.
They wanted each other badly.
The extent of the damage to various hydroelectric plants is also yet to be assessed.
When she reached for her drink, her fingers brushed against his. It was only a moment, but it made her catch her breath.
He noticed.
"Are you worried?" Luca asked softly.
"No," she whispered.
"Are you?"
"No."
Another lie. His voice was steady, but his eyes spoke volumes.
The table separated them for a moment. Then, he placed his hand on the back of her chair and leaned in close enough for her to feel his breath.
"If you want to leave, tell me now."
She should have left. But she didn't.
Her hand found his face, warm, a bit rough, real. "I don't want to leave."
The world changed.
The hotel wasn't that far away. They didn't hurry, yet they did not tarry either. They moved as though to stop would break everything.
The elevator was silent.
But their breathing was not.
Catalina barely breathed inside Room 907 as Luca kissed her this time without holding back. There was no doubt, no pretense. His mouth captured hers with a strong desire that seemed so familiar, as if he had wanted this longer than they realized.
Her fingers threaded through his hair. His hands held her waist tightly, like he believed she might vanish.
They bumped against the wall, then the bed, the sheets tangling down below them. Clothes came off piece by piece, discarded like truths they wanted to avoid.
"Sunshine," he murmured softly against her throat.
The name surprised her-gentle, warm, dangerously affectionate.
"Don't call me that," she whispered back.
"Why not?"
"Because… it feels like you mean it."
"I do."
The honesty in his voice made her chest tighten. She kissed him to stop herself from thinking too much. Their bodies moved with a heat that felt almost desperate-not rough, but consuming. Luca held her as if she was precious. Catalina touched him like she wanted to forget everything except this moment.
For one night, forgetting was easy.
Hours passed, and the room fell silent. The city was reduced to a low hum outside while, within the bed, the world contracted to slow breaths and tangled sheets.
Confused, Catalina lay on her back in the dim light of the bedside lamp. Luca's arm lay on her waist as if he had no intentions of letting go.
He looked different like this, gentle, human. And she hated how safe he made her feel.
"This was a mistake," she muttered.
His hand made slow circles on her hip. "Then I'm glad we made it."
"Don't," she whispered. "We can't do this again."
"Really, do you believe that?
"Yes," she lied.
He didn't say a word, and no joke was forthcoming, no charm. Just that searing, inscrutable stare.
Then he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. "You taste like someone who doesn't want to say goodbye."
Her face flushed. "Luca, "
"You don't have to decide tonight," he said. "Not yet."
She looked at him, really looked. His brown eyes held a kindness she didn't expect from a man like him, too controlled, too strong, too put together.
Her chest felt tight.
She was in trouble.
And Luca saw it, too. Something flickered in his eyes, a confidence so strong it almost frightened her.
He wasn't going to let this end.
The morning light spilled through the curtains when she finally stirred. The room smelled of sex, coffee, and Luca's skin, which held the faintest hint of citrus.
She reached for her shoes.
He reached for her hand.
"Don't go," he said quietly.
"I have to."
"Then at least give me something." He held out his phone. "Your number."
She hesitated-a long moment, a risky choice.
Then she typed it in.
He put his number in her phone, looking pleased but quiet.
"Same time tomorrow?" he asked teasingly.
"Definitely not."
"Good," he whispered. "I'll see you anyway."
She rolled her eyes, and a small smile escaped.
She opened the door, and Luca called softly from inside-as if he knew-"Sunshine."
She didn't budge or say anything.
But her heart still reacted. Catalina stepped outside, telling herself she wouldn't thin
k about him anymore. Luca remained in the room, knowing full well she wouldn't be able to do that. Neither of them realized they had just been with the person who hated them the most.