Chapter 51. A Line We Can’t Cross

Vanessa’s POV

"Babe, sorry I couldn't come again last night."

Claire's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I barely registered her standing in my doorway. I was grateful she hadn’t been around. She would’ve made a big scene, demanding details I wasn’t ready to give.

She flopped onto my bed with a sigh. "These days, the workload is insane. Another person quit at the bar."

I hummed in response, barely hearing her. My mind was elsewhere.

Days had passed, yet the ghost of André Garcia's lips lingered on mine.

I was exhausted. The dark circles under my eyes were proof of my sleepless nights. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt the warmth of his hands on my face, the intensity of his gaze before he closed the distance—a continual replay of that moment.

I hated it.

I hated how my mind refused to let it go.

"Can you hear me?"

Claire’s voice cut through my daze, and I blinked.

"Hmm?"

Her brows furrowed