Lance looked bemused. “But you are the love writer, Keira. The romance guru. It’s what people want to read from you. Your unique selling point. Your USP.”

She couldn’t quite believe it.

But what choice did she have? Lance had gone above and beyond for her, making sure she had the best assignment. There was no choice, she had to take the piece. Everyone wanted her to, and her career depended on it. She’d just have to fake it.

Or, perhaps, she wouldn’t have to fake it. Perhaps she’d meet a new guy. Not another Shane, not someone she could fall head over heels in love with, but a passionate Italian man she could have a whirlwind affair with. No strings, no love, just lust.

She smiled to herself. Perhaps this was the cure to her broken heart! Love might be the last thing on her mind right now, but perhaps a fling with a hot Italian guy could be just the antidote she needed to get over Shane.

She looked at Lance and quirked an eyebrow.

“Thank you,” she said. “When do I leave?”

CHAPTER FOUR

“Tomorrow?” Bryn exclaimed, perching on the arm of the couch.

Keira nodded and hurried around the small apartment, collecting her things and throwing them into her case. She was buzzing with excitement.

“Can you believe it? You get your space back for three whole weeks.”

“But you’ll miss Halloween,” Bryn wailed. “Malcolm and Glen wanted to take us to a party.”

Keira rolled her eyes. “What a shame,” she said sarcastically.

Just then the doorbell buzzed. Bryn went over to answer it, using the intercom system to see who was there. She looked back over her shoulder at Keira, her eyes narrowed. “Why are Shelby and Maxine standing on my doorstep?”

Maxine and Shelby were Keira’s two oldest friends, whom she’d met at college. Bryn hated them, though Keira didn’t understand why and assumed it was jealousy.

“I completely forgot,” Keira gasped. “I invited them over for drinks ages ago. It was supposed to be for a catch up before Shane arrived and took all of my time. Is that okay?”

“I clearly don’t have a choice,” Bryn replied, looking put out. “Shame, though. We could have had a really fun evening just the two of us since you’ll be gone for so long…”

“Sorry,” Keira replied, shrugging. “I didn’t know it was my last night at the time I made the plans. I’d assumed you’d be out on a date with some guy like most nights.”

There was a knock on the door, and Bryn stood with a huff to answer it. As the door swung open, Keira heard the happy exclamations of Maxine and Shelby. She hurried over and took in the sight of her two friends—petite Shelby with her long, white-blond hair, and super-fit Maxine with her short black curls and dark skin.

“Keira!” they cried, throwing their arms around her.

“It’s been too long,” Maxine said into her ear.