Chapter 23

Before she left, Erica tried to read his mood. Bemused? Upset? Anxious to prove he wasn't such a bad guy after all by showing her his white underwear? Yet his face remained a blank. Gianni certainly didn't give anything away; while in contrast, his twin, Adriano Sloan, offered his feelings with genuine and generous pleasure. Nico... just the recollection of his warm touch made her long to have the better brother here with her now.

Five minutes later, Erica returned to the dining room, but found their table cleared of their dishes and the seat where Gianni sat now vacant. Perhaps he'd gone to the restroom as well, or now waited for her in the car. Walking out to the porch, she surveyed the parking lot and spied every make and model of vehicle except a sleek, dark, topless Jag. Could Gianni be so miffed with her that he simply abandoned her at Beach Bum Bob's Grass Shack? Leaning against the porch rail, Erica fumbled for her cell phone and searched for Maritza's number.