Read Online Through Her Eyes by Ava Harrison - Free Book Online

to Ari.”
    “Can you not call me, Ari, please? Aria is fine. Just not Ari.”
    “Oh, sorry. I just—” He stops himself and shifts his weight from one foot to the other as he thinks for a moment. “So, how about I lose the model and we go see Rome?” The pitch of his voice rises with hope.
    “Sounds perfect,” He stares at me with his eyes gleaming brightly.
    “Okay, give me a second.” Then he turns and walks off.
    I venture over to the bar but I don’t have time to sit down before he returns.
    “Wow, that was fast.”
    “I don’t want to miss a second of my time with you.” Somehow I go from wanting to murder him to wanting to melt into a puddle and swoon. I shake my head and roll my eyes.
    “Flattery will get you everywhere. Next gelato is on me.” I smile, and I’m met with his. His earth-shattering smile.
    Dear lord, if he keeps doing that I might combust right here in the hotel bar. Head in the game, Ari. Ari . . . no one has called me that since the last time Parker did. That’s his nickname for me. I bite my cheek at the memory, and as if Chase can discern that I need a life raft, he throws one at me, in the way of a perfect segue.
    “The next gelato is on you? Well, let’s get me some, woman. But first let’s stop at the Trevi Fountain.” He beats his hand across his chest, making some ridiculous sound, and it’s just what I need.
    “Lead the way.” I giggle.

    “Throw a penny in the fountain and wish to return to Rome,” Chase says, and I look up at him, perplexed.
    “Isn’t that cheating? Shouldn’t it be a secret what I wish?”
    “I guess you can be greedy and throw two in, but whatever,” he chides.
    “It’s cheating. Maybe I don’t want to come back? Ever think of that?” I tease back.
    “Is that true?” He gives me a look like I killed his puppy.
    “No.” My eyes roll.
    I position myself and throw the penny into the beautiful cascading pools that Neptune, God of the Sea, the mermen, and seahorses preside over.
    “Stop!” he orders. “You’re doing it all wrong.”
    “Oh my God, Chase. There’s a right way to throw a coin?”
    “Why, yes. Actually, there is.” My eyes enlarge at this discovery.
    “Wait, really? This I got to hear.”
    “Okay. The belief is if you throw a coin using your right hand over the left shoulder, you will be assured a return trip to the Eternal City of Rome. That’s the way it’s done.”
    “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I’ll throw it however I want.” I stick my tongue out at him. I’m acting like I’m five years old, but it’s okay because this banter makes me feel young and carefree, and I like it.
    “Why do you have to be such a pain in the ass, Princess?” he says as I toss the penny in. My aim is so bad it actually bounces off the lip of the fountain wall, which then causes it to fly back at us, landing at my foot.
    “Guess the fountain decided for you. You’re not welcome back in Rome.” He laughs. Ass.
    “That’s bullshit. Where to next?” I say in a huff.
    “Well, you still owe me some gelato.”
    “Good plan. I could go for something sweet.”
    “There is a great little place by the Fontana della Barcaccia.”
    “Fine, lead the way.” He shakes his head, takes my hand, and pulls me in the correct direction.
    Five minutes later, Chase pulls me into a small boutique. It’s a mish mash of gifts for children and adults. The perfect souvenir shop. I move about the store and peer over at Chase who’s trying on straw fedoras. I can see him taking in his appearance in the mirror. His lip twitches, and a dimple forms.
    “Looking good, Chase.” My voice cracks trying to hold back the laughter that wants to erupt.
    “Right? Totally my look.” It really is his look, but making fun of him is so much more fun.
    “Yeah, I think it would look perfect on you paired with that sarong over there?” I point to the hangers that hold an array of colored and beaded dresses. I’m unsuccessful at