“She’s always right,” Hudson joked, followed by a soft, “oof” sound. That sarcastic comment probably earned him an elbow from my sister.

I stood, eyeing the door, curious how Juliette was doing. “What about my wallet theory? Anything?” I finally remembered to ask.

I had a feeling the “wallet” Colin was supposed to steal from the Sicilians was a hardware cyber device that held sensitive information, encrypted assets, or even millions in cryptocurrency. It was a hunch, but it was the only working theory I had to go on.

“Nothing yet,” Hudson answered.

“Just keep me posted.” I was wasting my breath stating the obvious. “Can you two stop by on Monday and bring Mom and Dad? Make up an excuse for me as to why. I invited Alessandro and Enzo over, too. Colin would like to meet everyone.”

“Really? Wow, um. That makes my heart so happy. Of course we’ll be there,” Izzy said with a sigh. “I know we already met, but we didn’t meet-meet.”

I held my phone out at a text notification, assuming it was one of my brothers again.

It wasn’t.

But I wasn’t upset about who it was. I’d never get tired of seeing that name on my phone.

Juliette: I don’t want to be alone. Will you stay with me while we wait for the food?

I brought the phone back to my ear. “I have to go, she needs me. Be in touch.”

“Hang in there, man,” Hudson said. “We’ve got your six.”

“I know. I appreciate that.” I ended the call and opened her message.

Me: I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be alone together until you’ve sobered up.

Juliette: Why not?

Me: We might do more than shake hands.

Juliette: I promise to behave.

Me: Something tells me I can’t believe you.

Juliette: You mayyy be right.

Juliette: Come anyway? <prayer hands>

That was all it took for me to give in and go to her.

I shut and locked the door in case Colin barged in and got the wrong (right?) idea about us.

Juliette was sitting upright against the headboard but beneath the covers. When she saw me, she set her phone on the nightstand. “Come here.” She stretched her arm out toward me, palm up.

I placed my phone beside hers, staring at the tempting angel in my guest bed. Anger, denial, and sadness were banished in her presence. All I could see was the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Juliette.” I swallowed. “My willpower is less than spectacular when it comes to you. Also, I drank as well.”

“Mm. You’re really good at saying my name as a warning. You know that, right?” She smiled, her eyes glimmering.

Best smile on God’s green earth. And a smile I’d never thought I’d see again.