Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 69: The Space Between the Notes

Jade's POV

The towel clings to my damp skin as I step out of the bathroom, still drying my hair with one hand, the other gripping the edge of the fabric to keep it in place. The steam from the shower drifts behind me, curling into the cooler air of the hotel room.

Benito is sprawled out on the bed, scrolling through his phone, one arm propped behind his head. He doesn't even look up at first, just casually says, "You finally done? Thought you drowned in there."

I smirk, raising a brow. "What, no joke this time?"

He glances up briefly, then back down, lips twitching. "Nah, I'm on my best behavior."

Liar.

I walk toward the suitcase on the chair, pulling out a pair of jeans and an oversized hoodie. I can feel his gaze flick toward me as I move, the air still heavy with the tension from earlier.

It's different now, though. Playful, but restrained.

I smirk to myself as I turn back into the bathroom, closing the door behind me and pulling on my jeans, my hoodie, then towel-drying my hair a little more before coming out and finally sitting on the edge of the bed to put on my sneakers.

Benito stretches, letting out a lazy groan, and pushes himself up from the mattress. He doesn't bother changing—still in the same jeans and tee from last night, but he runs a hand through his curls, making them slightly less of a mess.

"We gotta make a stop," he says, slipping on his watch. "I need to freshen up."

I tie my shoelaces. "At your place?"

"Yeah." He grins. "Unless you want me walking around Miami smelling like rum and bad decisions."

I let out a soft laugh. "No, thanks."

He grabs his keys, his phone, then glances at me, eyes scanning me for a second longer than necessary.

"What?" I ask.

He smirks. "Nothing. You just look..." he waves a hand vaguely, "very... unproblematic."

I roll my eyes. "Because I'm wearing a hoodie?"

"Because you look like someone's little sister," he teases. "After last night? I expected something a little more... I don't know, desacatá."

I scoff. "I can be reckless in a hoodie."

His smirk deepens. "Yeah? Prove it."

I hold his gaze, my stomach flipping slightly, but I just shake my head and move toward the door. "Come on, before I change my mind."

The second we step out of the hotel room, I spot Leslie.

She's standing near the elevators, scrolling through her phone, but the moment she hears my voice, her head snaps up.

"Morning," I say, offering a small smile.

Leslie's eyes flick between me and Benito.

Once.

Twice.

Then, her expression tightens. "What are you doing?"

And just like that, my stomach knots.

Because I know exactly what she's asking.

Not where are you going? or what's your plan today?—but what the hell are you doing?

With Benito. With Nick. With everything.

I don't answer right away. I just shake my head lightly, keeping my smile in place. "Leslie, can you please announce that Nick and I are broken up?"