I jerk my head in her direction, expecting her to tell me my visitor is waiting in the entrance to be invited in, and then I do a double-take. Leonardo stands in the doorframe with a huge box in his hands. My stomach lurches as if I’m on a rollercoaster. Blood surges through my body, and heat burns on my cheeks.Wearing black jeans, a leather jacket, and a dark expression, he looks sinister and angry. The rings on his fingers and the chunky bracelets on his wrists add a bad-boy slash alternative-artsy vibe. I find the male accessories hot, but my mom’s upside-down smile as her gaze homes in on his hands says it’s too much jewelry for her liking.He sweeps his gaze over the room, taking in the flowers, my dress, and the fine china reserved for special occasions. When he fixes his attention on Robinson, the look in his glacial eyes turns diabolical.Robinson blanches. Who wouldn’t under such a stare? That glare promises torture and murder and all the unspeakable horrors of nightmares.S

Robinson opens the front door, wearing a pair of Oxygen brand swimming shorts and holding a maxi bag of potato crisps in one hand. His ridiculously perfect abs and hairless chest didn’t retain an ounce of the baby fat that gives his cheeks their chubby appearance. Besides his colored blond-hair-and-gray-eyed look, his well-proportioned pecs, biceps, and washboard stomach are some of the biggest reasons why the girls in my school are chasing so hard after him. Other reasons include his family’s money, his good grades, his promising future, and his faultless manners. Oh, and did I mention that he’s the town’s basketball star?“Hey,” he says, stuffing a handful of crisps in his mouth. “What’s up?”“Cassie and Jack are choosing wedding colors and themes.”“Ouch.” He sucks air through his teeth. “Sounds like a nightmare.” He holds the bag out to me and says with a full mouth, “Want a chip?”I make a face. “No, thanks. Your hand’s been in there, and I don’t know where your hand has been.”H

Luna Belle Fernandez POVDid Leonardo know I’d think of him every time I cuddled Kitty-Kat when he told my mom to let me keep the cat? Whenever I set my eyes on Kitty-Kat, I’m reminded of Leonardo. These days, he occupies most of my thoughts as well as my daydreams.We communicate daily. He’s interested in my life, peppering me with questions about everything from my favorite food to my favorite books. He wants to know what I like for breakfast and why I love the ocean so much.The attention is flattering. It’s got my head spinning, but not enough to be blind to the fact that he’s not sharing as much information with me. When I point that out, he says his life isn’t that interesting. All I know about him is that his family is filthy rich, that he’s involved in his father’s business, which he’ll take over one day, and that he lives in Manila.During one of our many chats, I ask him what his job title is.Leonardo: Jack of all trades.Me: You’re not a master of none.Leonardo: You flatt

I don’t hesitate. Now that the initial sensations and the shock of seeing him are over, I’m more at ease. The moment is stolen. I have to make the most of it.I flop down next to him. “How long are you staying?”“I’m flying back tomorrow night.”“Oh,” I say, unable to keep the disappointment from my voice. “It’s very far to come for just one day.”“No,” he muses, studying me. “For you, even a minute is worth coming across half the world.”The compliment warms me inside. “Did you fly to Manila again?”“To Cavite this time.”“Where are you staying?”“At the golf estate.”I look at him sideways, considering how to phrase this. “I can skip summer school tomorrow.”“No.” His voice is harsh. “You will do no such thing.”I wince, feeling embarrassed for suggesting it.He continues in a softer tone. “I have to see your father about business tomorrow. I won’t have much free time.”“He knows you’re here?” I exclaim. “In town, I mean?”“No.” He grins. “It’s better that I surprise him. I’m not hi

Luna Belle POVHer heels click down the hallway, her steps that strange funeral march again, cautious and subdued.Before Dorothy has a chance to return and question me, I escape to the entrance and snatch my mom’s car key from the table where it lies next to her handbag. I’m too upset to think about taking her car registration papers or my license. I walk out of the door and push through the gate. The Audi is an automatic. It’s not difficult to drive. I get in and start the engine, not bothering to check the mirrors or adjust the seat.At the bottom of the street, I floor the gas. My eyes burn, but they remain dry. Good. Leonardo doesn’t deserve my tears. The line in the middle of the road blurs and doubles. I rub my eyes with the heel of my palm, trying to clear my vision. I’m driving like a maniac, way too fast, and it’s only sheer luck that I don’t get pulled over by a traffic police before I reach the golf estate.I park in front of the main entrance of the hotel and stalk inside