Once the event was over and everything was broken down and put away, they went to the outside bar and had one drink each. Bella was overly aware that her time there was slipping away. She only had a few more days left and then she’d be heading home to L.A. and would begin shooting for the new film. She was excited about the film. Her agent had Fedexed the script and it was very good—very close to the book—which was exceptional. The story gave Bella the shivers and she knew it was going to be an important film and possibly huge for her.

But she dreaded leaving Nick. To his credit, he’d been great about it and kept reassuring her that it would all work out somehow. Once she knew her schedule, she was going to let him know so he could put in for the time off and book his visit to see her. She was excited about that, for the chance to play tourist with him in her world. She just hoped that it didn’t overwhelm him. He hadn’t really experienced what the media could be like. It wasn’t pretty.

Andrea and Marco were just leaving when they arrived at the bar. Bella noticed that they were holding hands and she was happy for them.

“They’re official now, I see,” she said to Nick once they were seated at the bar.

“Yep. I think it’s great. They seem to be good together.”

“They look happy. That’s all that matters, right?”

Nick leaned over and kissed her. “Yes, that’s all that matters.”

Three days later he drove her to the airport. They’d had a special, romantic evening the night before. Nick had cooked an amazing meal for her, and they’d just cuddled on his sofa and she never wanted to leave. But they both knew she had to go the next day. It was so hard to say goodbye—to kiss him knowing she wouldn’t be able to see him or kiss him again for a long time.

“Text me when you land,” Nick said.

“I will.”

“Bella, there’s something I want you to know, before you go…” There was a sudden urgency to Nick’s voice that alarmed her.

“What is it?”

He grinned. “Just that I love you. I wanted you to know that.”

She felt her eyes well up. “Nick. I love you, too. So much.” She kissed him again and didn’t want to let go. But eventually she had to. It was time to board her plane.

“I’ll text you when I land.”