Read Online The Sibylline Oracle by Delia Colvin - Free Book Online

adjusting it based on quality of service—and then round down. Her father had been even cheaper! He used to toss a dollar or some coins down on the table regardless of the amount of the check. Or worse, ask Valeria if she had any change!
    Before pulling out from the airport, Alex turned to Valeria and brushed his hand over her hair. She felt a thrill at his touch and even if she wanted to, she was too tired to turn away. They sat for a long moment just staring. He said softly, “You look tired.”
    She nodded sleepily in response. Valeria was surprised at how easily her face rolled into his hand. Alex winked at her. “No worries. I want you to be able to enjoy the drive. So, I thought we would stop to let you get some sleep and clean up.” He ran the back of his hand up his jaw line. “I know I could use a shower and shave.”
    “Okay,” Valeria whispered, drawing in a deep breath.
    Alex pulled out expertly into the lane and drove only a few miles before he signaled into a beautiful country estate turned hotel. She wished that she were more awake to appreciate it. After they pulled around the circular drive and stopped at the front of the hotel, a uniformed doorman opened Valeria's door, making her feel suddenly shy. She felt grungy from the road and too sleepy to make any decisions about Alex.
    She knew other women jumped in bed with men far less entrancing than Alex. But she wasn’t other women! If this was a romantic trip, and Valeria had her doubts, she would need time to think about it and to get to know him better. Right now, she was so exhausted and just needed a shower and some rest. Her anxiety built and she was almost in tears, until she saw the clerk hand Alex two keys and saw their luggage held by two separate bellmen. Alex walked with her to the elevator. He leaned over and brushed his lips against her cheek, creating that now familiar electricity. Then, he stepped back.
    “I’ll be in my room. Sleep until you’re rested and give me a ring when you’re ready. It’s another three hours to Morgana. So don’t sleep too long.” He winked. “I’d like for you to be able to see the drive.”
    As the elevator door closed, Valeria’s emotions flipped and she was surprised that she now felt disappointed that Alex hadn’t wanted her, or at least tried to stay in the same room. She found herself pouting all the way to the elegant suite. The bellman unloaded her luggage and she was about to tip him, but he was gone before she could think that fast. She sat on the edge of the bed as her world began to buzz around her from her exhaustion. She laid back and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, Valeria noticed that the light coming in through the windows had changed, and it must be afternoon.
    She picked up the phone and tried to recall Alex’s last name. But the operator didn’t seem to require any information and connected her to Signore Morgan’s room. Alex Morgan. What a nice name.
    Answering his phone on the first ring, Alex said he would see her downstairs when she was ready. There was a knock at her door and it was room service with fresh fruit, warm brioche, and cheese. Valeria ate a strawberry and found she was famished. She ate every bite before jumping in the shower. She dried her hair and realized that this was the first time she had dressed for a date with Alex. She pulled out the cotton wrap dress with the three-quarter length sleeves that she had purchased the previous year. It was simple, comfortable and yet there was an elegance about it. The dress had hung in her closet for almost a year because David always insisted on something more stiff and formal for their dates, leaving her no opportunity to wear it. Not wanting to take too much time, she pulled her hair into a ponytail and brushed on some blush, mascara, and lip-gloss before heading downstairs.
    Alex had showered and changed, too. He was wearing a greenish-gray V-neck shirt, blue jeans, and a sports jacket. Valeria was