“Hello…”
I watch her carefully, but there’s a heaviness on her shoulders that wasn’t there a few moments before.
“Unknown number and no one speaks.” She holds the phone out as if she’s studying it.
“Maybe a wrong number.”
“Maybe.” She tosses the phone back into her bag. “I’ve had a lovely day, Gio. I…” She shakes her head and bunches up her shoulders. “I never imagined any of today to happen, but I’m glad it did.”
“Me too. What about that shopping I suggested?”
“Can we do that another night? I’m exhausted. I don’t think my feet will carry me much farther.”
“Of course. We have plenty of time. Do you want me to walk you back to the hotel, or would you like to come back to my house?”
“The hotel, please.”
“Okay.” I feel deflated that she doesn’t want to come to my house, but she puts her hand over my arm and stops me from standing.
“I only said the hotel because I don’t want to make Lucca feel uncomfortable. It’s his house, too. In the hotel, it’s only me. I don’t need to take other people’s thoughts into account.”
I nod. I don’t know why the thought of leaving her at the hotel alone hurt me. I don’t want to spend a moment away from her. I’d quite happily spend the rest of her holiday in her company.
“Okay then. Let’s get out of here.”
I throw down the money on the plate with the bill and hold out my hand for Harleigh’s. Her small, delicate fingers entwine with mine. The electricity ignites and sparks through us. I’ve never felt that connection before, but now I have, I’m not sure I want to let that go.
Since Harleigh walked into my life, time seems to be against us. She’s on holiday. Her life is in Scotland. She’ll return to her life and I’ll return to my daily routine here. The thought of that sounds boring.
The thought of being here without her is daunting. Having her around feels natural. Nothing is strained or awkward. It’s like we’re connected in every way. It’s like I’ve known her my whole life. Being with Harleigh is as easy as breathing.
Chapter 12
Harleigh
Lying with my head on Gio’s naked chest is soothing to my soul. I’m calm, relaxed, and in a little bubble of my own. I feel paralysed, in a good way. A contentment rushes over me that I’ve never felt before.
Gio’s fingers running up and down my spine sends tingles to all the right places. It’s weird, because I’ve never been into sex before. I’ve never felt like I could voice my opinions on what I liked or disliked, but with Gio, it’s different. My libido has been awakened and I’m happy to experiment with things I’ve never tried before. It makes a difference because sex was always a chore, but now it’s a need I’m happy to explore. To feel what it’s like to be loved and cherished by a man is a power of its own. It’s a consuming feeling the takes over my whole body. It’s like an addiction, but one I don’t mind being addicted to.
Even half asleep, Gio can make me feel cared for. It’s an unusual feeling for me, but one I could certainly get used to. I didn’t know that this was how it was supposed to be between a man and woman. I’ve read so many books with a happy ever after, but I thought that’s where the stories ended, on the pages of a book. It’s nice to know that men like Giovani really do exist, and women can be treated like a queen.
“Feeling your soft body leaning against me feels like I’m in heaven,” whispers Gio.
“You’re nice and warm, and firm, and comfortable,” I ramble. “I could sleep for a week.”
“Try not to sleep for a week, because it will waste our time together, but please do fall asleep on me. It will be nice to fall asleep and wake up with you in my arms.”
“Don’t you need to get back to Lucca?” I tilt my head back to look at him.
“He is a grown-arsed man. I’m sure he can fend for himself for a wee while. Besides, I text him earlier and said I was with you. Stop worrying about everyone and just feel this moment.”
He leans in and captures my mouth. My hand roams up his smooth chest and finishes on his cheek. His warm hands, muscular body, and minty breath send a jolt to every nerve ending in my body, and just like that, I’m fully awake. He turns me over quickly, and a small squeal leaves my lips. He leans over me, staring into my soul. I feel like I’m dreaming. This kind of thing doesn’t happen to me usually.
“You don’t have to answer me, but I’m going to ask a question.”
I nod. I’m not sure if I’m ready for the question, but I feel like I owe it to myself and Gio to be honest.
“I noticed the scars across your shoulder blade and stomach when we were in the shower. Was that him?”
