“If you hadn’t noticed, I’m kind of living day by day here. My plans and making routines have completely gone out the window, and I like it. I like being impulsive. Why? What did you have in mind?”
“I have a business property to see over in Sunny Beach. Maybe you can come with me. I’ll drive us over, and then I can show you some of what Sunny Beach has to offer. I can throw in lunch if you give me your honest opinion.”
“I can do that. Tomorrow sounds fabulous already.”
“I’ll pick you up at the hotel in the morning, say eleven?”
“Sounds good to me. Let me help you clear up before I go home.”
“Nah, leave it. I’ll get it later. Besides, I’m enjoying your company too much. If I walk you back to the hotel, I can spend more time with you.”
“I’d like that.” I smile brightly.
I honestly don’t know what it is with Giovani, but he is making me feel things that I’ve never felt before. Is it lust? I’m not sure. I’ve never had a holiday romance, and I don’t know if I’m the type of person to be with someone for a couple of weeks, go home, and forget all about them. That’s not the type of person I am. Could I be, though?
I guess only time will tell.
***
Giovani walks me right to my room door tonight. He said he has something to do in his office so it’s no bother. I rock back on my heels, feeling a little nervous. Giovani tilts my chin with his thumb and makes me look him in the eye.
“I don’t like to see the unsettled look on your face. I’ve come to like the untroubled look. The one that looks like you’re sticking your middle finger up to anyone who has wronged you over the years. And, just to let you know, there is absolutely nothing to be scared of when you’re around me. I will protect you. Nothing and no one will ever hurt you or upset you when I’m around.”
“I’m not scared of you, Giovani. I’m actually the most relaxed I’ve been in… such a long time.” I breathe out a sigh of relief. “I like spending time with you. I never imagined I’d be here with someone like you. I thought I would have spent my full holiday hiding away at the pool, but you make me excited to start a new day.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Harleigh. I like spending time with you too. And, just to set the record straight, that doesn’t happen very often. After what happened to me, I knuckled down with work and built up this empire. I didn’t let any women in. There is something different about you and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Well, when you figure it out, be sure to let me know.”
“What would you say if I said I needed to kiss you, right here, right now?”
My heart stutters in my chest. The excitement of what Giovani just said registers in my inebriated brain. Not that I’m drunk tonight. I’ve just got this warm fuzzy feeling floating through me.
“I’d say…” I look at Giovani’s inviting mouth and part my lips slightly. “…I think I’d like that very much.”
“Good.” Giovani leans into me. “That’s very good.”
He leans in closer and captures my lips with his. Our mouths become one. His tongue delves into my soul, caresses every corner, and gives me everything he has. I’ve never been kissed like this before; I don’t know if it’s the wine or the kiss that’s making me lightheaded. The ground underneath my feet feels like it’s moving.
Gio parts from the kiss, leans his forehead against mine, and breathes heavily. My heart is pounding, my breathing is ragged, and my body feels like it’s alive, with electricity zapping through me. I feel alive. How is that possible from one kiss?
“That was…” I pant. “Amazing.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’m going to bid you a goodnight, because if I kiss you like that once more, I’m afraid I won’t be able to walk away without taking you into that room, ripping your clothes off, and worshipping every inch of you. I’ll pick you up in the morning. Goodnight, Harleigh.” He leans in and places the softest kiss to my lips then walks away from me.
Did that just happen? Did Giovani just kiss me like it was his last? Did I just about orgasm on this spot from one mind-blowing kiss?
The pinging of the elevator snaps me back to here and now. I rub my finger over my swollen lips and remember every glorious moment of the minute I just shared with Giovani. If that was one kiss, I can only imagine what anything else is like. I fish out my key card, open the door, and walk into my room in a daze.
I am fucked!
***
I’ve lay in bed and tossed and turned for hours. I’m finally feeling tired, but I can’t get that kiss with Giovani out of my head. I liked it. No, if I’m honest with myself, I loved it. But there is this fear and anxiety coursing through my veins. Is it because I stepped out of my comfort zone tonight and let Giovani kiss me? Is it because I’m all over the place with being on holiday alone? I don’t know, and trying to analyse every damn thing is making me worse.
One kiss. One kiss, and my head is a mess. I’ve never felt that way over one kiss before. Christ, I used to be terrified if Martin ever stepped too close to me, never mind put his lips on me. Saying that, in the latter weeks and months, he would more than likely put his hands on me than show me any kind of love and affection.
I close my eyes and try to ease this turmoil, but now I’m consumed by Giovani and Martin.
