So happy.
She knew this was a bite out of time. This wasn’t her real life and she had to make major decisions soon about that.
Yet being with Gio had given her a taste of something wonderful. Proof that happiness needn’t hinge on someone else’s approval. Particularly when that someone was a father who doled out affection only as a reward for doing what he wanted. All these years she’d strived to win love. Acceptance for who she was, not only what she could do.
She’d known it before, but these days with Gio crystallised and intensified that knowledge. Forged it into a weapon she could wield to carve what she wanted from life.
As she lay there, drowsily listening to the shower turn on in the next room, she pondered a bright, new possibility. Maybe she could find love that didn’t come with strings attached.
Gio showed her what life was like with someone who didn’t play games, who had no hidden agenda. Someone who appreciated her forherself.
She smiled, lazy warmth curling in her pelvis. She and Gio still hadn’t swapped surnames or details of their everyday lives. That had begun because she hadn’t wanted to reveal too much about herself, but now it felt like an exquisite, shared amusement. They were lovers who pretended to be strangers when in fact they understood each other intimately.
Sheknewhim, trusted him in ways that gave her hope for the future.
Stella snuggled lower in the bed. Sternly she reminded herself that neither she nor Gio had talked about the future. This interlude would end soon.
Her thoughts frayed as she felt a pang of regret.
But there was a whole world out there for her to explore. She didn’t need to accept an arranged marriage or tie herself in knots eternally trying to win approval.
She’d tell her father she wouldn’t marry the bridegroom he’d chosen. She’d persuade him to give her the professional opportunity she’d worked so hard for. If she didn’t succeed, she’d leave the family business and strike out on her own. It was possible she’d be pushed out of the family but did she really want affection that came with strings?
Determination filled her, and a sense of well-being.
Everything would work out for the best. Either she’d prove herself managing one of the company’s hotels or she’d earn that opportunity somewhere else. Right now that seemed the most appealing option.
She heard the shower switch off and imagined Gio towelling himself dry. Thought of him bringing a tray of food to share with her in bed. He’d tease her and tempt her and make love to her.
He’d make her feel like a goddess. And they’d talk, but today she’d tell him about herself. He’d accepted her request that they not discuss their lives in detail but there was no need now for that embargo.
Stellawantedto share with him. Not just her body but her past and even her problems. She’d love his perspective. She wanted to know so much more about him too. She wanted to knoweverything.
Maybe, just maybe, this connection between them might intensify. Perhaps this could be the beginning of a relationship that would strengthen over time.
Her heart beat faster and excitement quivered through her. What she felt for Gio was already powerful. She could imagine them building something special together.
It was a delicious possibility, one that made her smile as she slipped into sleep.
‘Gio?’
Stella moved through the downstairs rooms, but there was no sign of her lover. Her heart gave a little skip at the thought. Lover.
She couldn’t remember smiling as much as she had in the last few days. And when was the last time she’d laughed so freely or so often? When she’d felt so…appreciated?
She reached the kitchen and set down the tray she’d brought downstairs. It was mid-afternoon and she’d only just woken and devoured the breakfast Gio had left for her.
How many hours ago had he brought breakfast? She was grateful for the extra sleep yet wished he’d woken her. She’d rather have spent the time with him.
He was nowhere in the house. But eventually she located him far below the terrace, swimming in the sea.
Planting her hands on the terrace’s sun-warmed balustrade, she watched him swim across the small bay then turn and swim back. He had the rhythm and power of a professional athlete and it struck her that he had so much energy he must revel in the freedom of sea swimming. Yet he’d never complained about lolling by the pool with her.
It struck her again how often he put her needs first. He needn’t have offered her this fabulous hideaway. It was incredible he’d brought her, a stranger, to this private retreat. She wrapped her arms around her middle, hugging in delight at that proof she was important to him. He’d felt that immediate connection too.
So often he’d invited her to tell him about herself but she’d changed the subject, not wanting to discuss her family and her current, troubling situation. But increasingly she felt guilty about that, as if she were lying to him by omission. He’d trusted her so much, bringing her here and letting her set the ground rules of their relationship. Yet she’d repaid him by brushing off his attempts to understand her life better.
Surely the fact he wants to know more about your life is significant. He’s interested in more than sex.
