I giggle. “You’re terrible.”
Gio leans in and kisses me tenderly. I feel every nerve in my body standing to attention, but this time for a totally different reason. You wouldn’t think that ten minutes ago I was close to a panic attack. Yet, a few moments in the arms of Giovani, and my heartbeat is racing for a whole other reason. The goosebumps are rising on my skin and my body feels like a pile of mush, but not because I feel weak. No. I feel powerful and on top of the world.
“I think we should go to dinner before I end up stripping you out of this delectable dress and having my wicked way with you right here in this lounge.”
“Promises,” I tease and walk on wobbly legs to collect my bag. “Before you carry out your threat, I think we should get out of here because I’ve been neglecting my stomach this afternoon. Not that it will do me any harm.”
Gio captures me around the waist and draws me back to his chest. “It will indeed do you harm. I happen to love your body the way it is. You’re stunning, Harleigh. I’ll spend every day of your holiday showing you - telling you - just how beautiful you are.”
I can feel the smile on my face as wide as it ever has been. Nothing and no one has ever made me smile the way Giovani does. I wish I could bottle him up and take him home with me. Have my own little dose of Giovani whenever I want.
He twirls me out of his arms - I’m glad I’ve got flat sandals on - and he takes my hand in his. I grab my bag and we walk out of my room like a couple on holiday would. Only, what are we? A holiday romance? Friends with benefits? Fuck buddies? Eurgh…why do things need to have a label? It only confuses things more.
We make our way down to the lobby in no time at all. Lucca is walking in through the main double doors, dressed in black trousers and a pink shirt rolled up at the sleeves. He looks different to the carefree man I’ve come to know. I don’t think I’ve seen him in anything other than shorts and a vest.
“Is Lucca coming with us?” I ask, trying to remove my hand from his, but he holds on tighter.
“No. He’s working the bar tonight. I said we’d come in for a drink on our way back.”
“Remember me when you’re eating, drinking, and having fun. Remember I’m the party brother, Harls,” Lucca calls over his shoulder as he passes by and heads towards the bar.
I can’t help but laugh at him. I know from working with kids that egging him on by laughing is the worst thing I can do. Lucca is just like a doe-eyed child. The boisterous child in the class that likes to get up to mischief. That thought makes me smile.
Gio walks towards a black car and pulls open the door. “Sorry, Giovani. I was taking a business call.” A man jumps out of the driver’s seat.
“No worries. Rio, this is Harleigh. Harleigh, this is Rio, our driver for tonight. He runs this taxi company.”
“Nice to meet you, Rio.”
“Likewise, Miss Harleigh.” He runs around the car and holds his hand out to me. “I hope you have a good evening.”
I shake Rio’s hand and climb into the well-maintained car. It’s comfortable and cool, nothing that I expect from a local taxi. This is luxury at its finest.
One thing I’ve picked up from Bulgarians is the respect they show to tourists. I’ve not come across a horrible person yet. Back home in Scotland people wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire, especially if it didn’t have any gain for them. It isn’t until you come to foreign countries that you see the stark contrast. It upsets me, because Scotland is a lovely part of the world. The people leave a lot to be desired
We set off and I look out of the window, taking in the sights Bulgaria has to offer. People are milling around in their beach attire, laughing and joking. I’ve not really had a chance to get to know anyone else in Bulgaria. Once I met Gio and Lucca, anything I planned to do was forgotten about. Now, I’m quite happy to be chauffeured around and shown all the best places. I wouldn’t have done half of what I’ve done so far if I was on my own.
“You’ll love Khan’s tent. My mum and dad go every time they come out here. It never gets boring.”
“It sounds….” I pause and think about the best word. “Interesting.” I turn my attention to Gio and our knees brush, sending sparks straight to my core. “When was the last time your parents were out here?”
“Last year. They’re due their yearly visit, but they just turn up and surprise us. At first, when I didn’t have the house, I was never organised, and by luck, I always had a room spare in the hotel they could use. Now, with the house just around the corner, they can stay with me if they so desire, much to Lucca’s annoyance. He’d much rather I flung them in the hotel and forgot about them for their entire stay.”
“Lucca and your dad really don’t get along, huh?”
“They’re just so alike, but neither of them would admit that. I keep hoping that one day Lucca will settle down, find the one, have kids, and then realise my dad isn’t as bad as he thinks. Lucca just sees Dad as a nag, trying to control his life. And I’m not condoning what my dad is like around Lucca, because it’s wrong, but I see both of their sides. My mum just sits back and watches the fireworks, because she’s old school and doesn’t interfere with anything her husband says. It annoys Lucca, because he thinks Dad takes the piss because Mum is so laidback.”
“Let’s hope the right woman comes along one day and sets Lucca on the right path.”
“I’m not going to hold my breath on that one, sweetheart. Lucca is a free spirit.”
I look out of the window beside Gio and notice we’re climbing up a hill. The hustle and bustle of Sunny Beach has faded. It’s like another world… again. Every time I think nothing else will surprise me here, something comes along and changes my mind. Each thing I see is more beautiful than the last.
“I bet you wonder where on Earth I’m taking you now.”
“Just a little. But I trust you. I’m just enjoying the ride.” I smile.
I’m glad my face is caked in make-up to hide the blush that’s usually permanently stuck to my cheeks.
