And ever since the girls’ ultimatum, I’ve felt so weak and overwhelmed. I’m balancing so much. It’s like an unexpected gift that he’s here right now. “Thank you,” I whisper.

He says softly, “It’s you and me against the world, right?”

Alex looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to confirm what he just said. My heart knows it’s true, but it’s like my brain can’t make the words come out. Back in Hong Kong, flying through the streets after we evaded the paparazzi, it felt so easy to believe those words—you and me against the world. But lately, it feels like the world has the upper hand.

“Okay…,” he says finally. “So, do you want me to skip the photo shoot tomorrow so we can stay more discreet? The ‘mystery man’ can just hang around the hotel.” He’s giving me a wry smile and proving once again how much he cares about me—he’s willing to navigate anything just to be here.

“No, come,” I say impulsively. “I’m sure Ollie and Carly are looking forward to seeing you. We’ll take separate cars and—”

“Meet at the chalet,” he finishes, reading my mind.

“Exactly.”

“Okay. Good night, Rachel.”

He lingers for a moment, like he wants to kiss me good night but isn’t sure if he should.

“Don’t worry,” I say, leaning in. “I think we’re clear of ghosts and paparazzi.”

Alex grins back and meets me halfway, our lips connecting in an all-too-brief kiss. I’m still reveling in the moment, eyes closed, when I hear him slip back into his hotel room and close the adjoining door.

I sigh. “Good night,” I say to no one.

I get ready for bed, finally digging out the cashmere sleep set from my suitcase and washing my face, skipping the luxurious bath altogether. I’ve been tired all day, but when I finally lie down to sleep, my brain won’t cooperate. I lie awake, tossing and turning and thinking about Alex. His being here was the best surprise. For the first time in days, I felt like I could finally breathe again. But now that he’s on the other side of the hotel wall, I feel all my anxieties begin to creep back in. I wish I had told him about the girls’ ultimatum, which still feels like a dumbbell on my chest and makes all of this even more complicated. I wish he was here next to me instead of in the opposite room, so we could fall asleep in each other’s arms. I wish I wish I wish.