Chapter 44

Matteo cursed under his breath, blaming the lingering effects of the liquor for his lack of control. The alcohol dulled his grip, and as a result, Gen slipped away from him far too easily.

“Oh my God!” Gen squealed, her voice filled with disbelief and excitement. “It’s been, like, what?”

“Ten years?” they both blurted out simultaneously, their voices overlapping in surprise.

Without hesitation, Paul closed the distance between them and wrapped Gen in a warm, encompassing hug. He spun her around, and she giggled softly, her eyes closed in delight as she clung to him just as tightly.

Matteo’s gaze drifted upward to the hotel ceiling, his frustration mounting. Really? They’d reconnected that quickly? he silently demanded of the universe.

“What are you doing here?” Gen asked after Paul finally released her. Despite stepping back, they still held onto each other’s arms, a fact that only fueled Matteo’s simmering anger.

“Your mom told me you were still in Texas, but…” Paul began, trailing off as he searched for the right words.