by Amy McKinley
“I do.” Stone’s arm around my waist held me tight to his side. He turned us to face the opposite wall. “The mural of them is…”
“Yeah,” I said on a sigh. We’d described them in greater detail to an artist we had commissioned, in addition to sharing the pictures we’d found and had framed in the open area of the basement. The mural was of Francesca leaning against Cristiano, his hands wrapped around her waist as we were doing now. One look at their expressions, and their love for one another was a tangible thing. The artist had made them lifelike for others; for us, they already were.
A sense of contentment, romance, and fate filled the room. After the mural’s paint was dry, their presence had saturated the room so much so that we’d realized there would be another purpose within these four walls.
We’d turned it into a haven for the star-crossed lovers, as well as a space to read in, or of reflection for our guests that rented the lower level. Within the room were two ornate chaise lounges, a bookcase filled with rare books, a softly glowing chandelier, and shadow box tables that contained jewelry, ledgers, and various photographs from the hotel during that time period.
In another portion of the basement, we’d knocked down walls and turned a few of the rooms into one large, luxurious bedroom, complete with an en suite bathroom.
Those weren’t the only changes we had made. We’d made the hotel experience center around Cristiano and Francesca’s love story. Each note was framed and placed in a themed room. We then offered suggestions of which room guests should stay in next upon their return so they could get the full story of their love affair in chronological order. After finding a cache of nineteenth-century photos of the hotel, it’s guests and staff, we used them to enhance the ambiance and mystery of the hotel.
Stone slipped his arms from around my waist and threaded our fingers together. Everything felt right, complete, and we shared a satisfied yet nostalgic smile.
“Let’s go to the courtyard.” Stone tugged my hand, and I followed him up the stairs and outside. A plaque and bench commemorated Cristiano and Francesca’s clandestine meetings under the witness of the stars and moon. To the side of their love seat glider was a large outdoor tent with a king-sized mattress and necessities that gave a sort of glamping experience for guests to reserve—built on a deck with two comfortable chairs under a small overhang from the tent. A stone inlay surrounded the outdoor room, expanding to a winding trail where they could sit around a fire pit, or dine under the stars at a handcrafted wood table beneath a pergola. At night, lanterns glowed, and the magic of the experience was in full bloom. Specified themes and activities were available to choose from by the guests, prior to their reservation. It was a slice of heaven that was already booked up months in advance when our website went live.
“I love it here.” I couldn’t help the sigh from escaping my lips—so much romance. I hoped Stone would want to visit often, in between our adventures. After we’d found Cristiano’s letter and brought it home, things had changed. Stone was in better spirits, no longer haunted by Cristiano’s pining and feelings of despair. “You’re not having any more dreams?”
“No, not anymore.” He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear and brushed a kiss across my lips. “We did what needed to be done here. The hotel will be a success, and we’ll leave tomorrow for our next business venture.”
Venice. I smiled and pressed closer to him, my engagement ring sparkling in the light. Who would have thought that psychic my best friend Eileen had hired would be right? My destiny was in Italy. “I can’t wait.” With Stone by my side, I was excited for our next adventure. “Let’s go for a walk to Juliet’s Wall.”
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The End
Continue reading more of Amy’s books with, Moonlit Mirage, or for edge-of-your-seat action, check out Broken Circle, book one in the Gray Ghost romantic suspense thriller series.
https://amymckinleyauthor.com/gray-ghost-series/
https://amymckinleyauthor.com/moonlit-destination-series/
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Acknowledgments
I have a confession to make—this was supposed to be an easy project that consumed maybe two weeks of writing. It wasn’t. And I have to thank Maryellen Newton for all her encouragement to stay in my chair and get the story written. It’s a different story than what I’m used to writing, minus the edge of your seat action and adventure. Stone and Adeline were enticing and hooked me as their story unfolded, and I hope you enjoyed them as well.
Each book is a unique journey, and I am so grateful to all those with me along the way.
To my family for their encouragement, support, and unwavering belief.
To my critique partners Emily Albright and Kristin Kisska—talented authors whose insight and friendships are so valued. Brainstorming sessions are so much fun with them. To Maria Vickers, who provided incredible feedback in her beta read.
To Taylor Anhalt, my brilliant and talented editor who finds time to fit me in regardless of how busy she is. Due to what’s happening in the world this year (2020), we couldn’t spend hours at Panera. I’m looking forward to everything opening in the not too distant future and logging more coffee induced writing time with her there.
This book was first published in Sinful Secrets (A Contemporary Romance Box Set). There, I got to work with some incredible authors and enjoyed the months we spent together promoting and working together. All the proceeds were donated to the leading charity fighting hunger in America. It was a worthy cause, and I thank everyone who purchased the set and helped feed those who needed assistance during this crazy pandemic.
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Rawlings helped me with some of the box set tasks, and we came to be great friends during that time. I am very grateful for her support, encouragement, and friendship.
T.E. Black Designs, who did the cover design Each project exceeds my expectations.
Last but certainly not least, a special thanks to Colleen Noyes, the owner of Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, with her unfailing encouragement and support. Her staff and readers are wonderful and dedicated and so very appreciated.
A huge thank you to all the bloggers and readers who have encouraged and helped me along the way, and who continue to make my dream a reality.
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Thank you.
About the Author
Amy McKinley is the USA Today Bestselling author of the romantic suspense thriller Gray Ghost Novels, Moonlit Destination series, Deadly Isles Special Ops, Five Fates paranormal romance series, and several stand-alone titles. Her edge-of-your-seat books are filled with surprising twists and just the right amount of heat and danger. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two daughters, two sons, and three mischievous cats.
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You can find her at:
www.AmyMcKinley.com
Also by Amy McKinley
Gray Ghost Novels
Moments That Define Us
Broken Circle
Eye of the Storm
Beneath the Surface
Vantage Point
Covert Threat
Marked for Death
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Deadly Isles Special Ops Series
Hidden Secrets
Twisted Secrets
Bound by Secrets
Forged by Secrets
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Standalone Titles
Shattered Melody
Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas
Fake Fiancé
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Moonlit Destination Series
Moonlit Whisper
Moonlit Kiss
Moonlit Mirage
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Five Fates Series
Hidden
Taken
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