Zio
Since Luca was leavingfrom the restaurant to Palomina, I walked him to his car to say goodbye. “Thanks again for surprising me with a visit. I’m so glad I could see you before you leave.”
“And I’m happy to see you and meet Armand.” His smile set me at ease. “He’s good for you.”
“Do you really like him?”
Luca nodded. “A lot, actually. He’s the perfect partner for you.”
“How so?”
“Please don’t take this as a criticism. But he’s someone you can trust to care for you when you’re too overwhelmed to do it yourself,” Luca explained in a gentle voice. “He’s strong enough to keep you safe, even from yourself sometimes. You can relax your guard with him, unlike your previous demanding partners who expected you to cater to all their whims. He’ll cherish you if you let him.”
Before I met Armand, my brother’s answer would have sent me into a spiral. But now, I understood what he meant because my boyfriend had already proven to me he was the sanctuary I never thought I’d find. “Somehow, he doesn’t make me feel bad about being me. I’ve always had to apologize for being me, but I don’t have to do that with him.”
Luca squeezed my shoulder. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. You should never be with a partner who makes you hate yourself. I’m relieved that you’re with someone like him who builds you up and supports you with his love.”
His words filled me with warm fuzzies. “You don’t think I’m rushing into this?”
“Love doesn’t operate on a timeline. For some people, they only need one dinner to know they’re going to marry that person. For others, they take twenty-five years to realize they’re in love with their best friend. It doesn’t matter if anyone else thinks you’re moving too fast. The only thing that’s important is that it feels right to you.”
“Everything about him makes me feel better than I ever thought possible. You know I’m always comatose after I come home from a trip because all the stress catches up to me and I can’t do anything. But I’ve been fine all day. It’sweird.”
He laughed but not unkindly. “I’ll admit, it surprised me we ended up at a restaurant instead of doing takeout like normal. But that’s just more proof that he’s perfect for you.”
“I really love him, Luca.” Biting my lip, I looked at my brother for approval. “I’m afraid it’s too early, but…”
“We would have a very different conversation if I had met a playboy on the prowl. But tonight, I met a man who is head over heels in love with you, too. Is it fast? Technically. Is that a problem? Not at all. When you know, you know. It’s blindingly obvious that you’re meant for each other. I couldn’t be happier for both of you.”
I hugged my brother, relief washing over me at earning his approval. “I’m so glad. I didn’t want you to hate him or worry I’m making a terrible choice by being with him.”
He returned my embrace. “I couldn’t have picked a better partner for you. As long as he’s good to you, I’m happy. And from what I can tell, he’ll beverygood to you.”
I blushed at the implication. “He definitely is.”
“Then I’m thrilled. It comforts me to know he’s here for you while I’m away.”
“You kind of played matchmaker for us.” I grinned at him. “I met him because you booked my stay at the Luxurian Resort.”
“That should give you more confidence he’s perfect for you.” He gave me another lingering hug.
“Thank you for everything, Luca. Promise me you’ll try to have a little fun while you’re in Wintervale, okay?”
“Something tells me I’ll have a wonderful time while I’m there. I’ll text you when I reach my hotel in Palomina tonight to let you know I arrived safely.”
I appreciated when he checked in to give me peace of mind about him traveling alone late at night. “Thanks. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” With a final wave, he got in his car to leave.
I walked over to where Armand was waiting with Rigby and Jude. Even though we were in public, I gave him a bear hug that he returned. He wasn’t anything like who I imagined I’d end up with. However, I was the luckiest guy in the world to have a partner who was perfect for me in every single way.
* * *
At Armand’s apartment,I couldn’t wait to show him how much I appreciated him and everything he had done for me. But he surprised me by flipping us over so that I was on the bed with him pinning me down.
“Are you up to experimenting?”
“Um, maybe?”
