CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWO – THE LOVE TRIANGLE

The next morning, Joan woke to the sound of her phone buzzing. She reached for it groggily, her eyes widening as she saw several missed calls from Larry. "Shit," she muttered, sitting up in the unfamiliar bed. The events of the previous night came rushing back to her. "Everything okay?" Alessandro's voice came from beside her. Joan turned to see him propped up on one elbow, watching her with concern. "It's... it's Larry," she said, her voice hoarse. "My coworker. We had an argument yesterday, and now he's trying to reach me." Alessandro's expression darkened slightly. "Are you and Larry..." "No," Joan said quickly. "I mean, we're not exclusive or anything. It's complicated." Alessandro nodded, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you regret last night?" he asked softly. Joan closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "I should," she whispered. "But I don't." Alessandro pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "Stay for breakfast," he murmured