Savoring each bite, I can taste the hint of rum that adds another layer, enhancing the overall experience.
Glancing up at Gabriel, I notice he is captivated by watching me experience authentic tiramisu.
“This is the most incredible tiramisu I’ve ever had,” I say, smiling in between bites.
As I continue to indulge, I can see the wheels turning in his eyes.
I almost ask him what he is thinking, but the waiter arrives with our check. Gabriel hands him a card and pays for the dinner.
“Thank you for dinner. I had an amazing night.”
“Who says the night is over?”
We step out onto the cobblestone streets of Lake Como, hand in hand, the moon casting a silvery glow on the water.
Being in Lake Como this past week has been amazing. The town feels surreal during the day, but seeing it at night is enchanting.
The quaint buildings line the lakeshore, their warm lights twinkling like stars in the night sky. I take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of the lake, which mixes with the nearby blooming flowers.
We pass the small shops we visited earlier. The insides are dark. I feel a sense of intimacy as we explore the streets after hours.
I glance up at Gabriel, feeling the warmth and safety of his presence next to me.
We reach the bridge where Gabriel intercepted the creep yesterday. The vibe is completely different.
Gabriel leans against the railing, taking in the view.
“Do you ever miss this? Waking up in one of the most beautiful places?” I ask, looking out at the moonlight dancing on the water.
He straightens. “I miss the feeling of being close to my family. However, I’m finding a sense of family on my own.”
Feeling a thrill at his words, I smile at him, our eyes locking in a moment of connection that feels electric.
There’s a beat between us—a pause that says everything words can’t. I feel it in my chest. The tight, dizzying mix of want and wander.
We walk down the path, the breeze brushing against my skin. Gabriel pulls me closer to him, trying to keep me warm.
Gabriel points out little details I wouldn’t have noticed if I weren’t with a Lake Como native.
He shows me a tucked-away fountain surrounded by wildflowers and a tiny stone chapel set back from the road. It has stained-glass windows that glow in the moonlight. We don’t speak for long moments, just absorb. It feels like he’s showing me pieces of his heart rather than the town.
After walking a while, we find a bench to sit on. Our hands remain intertwined as we take in the night's beauty.
“I wish this could never end,” I whisper, feeling at ease. Gabriel turns to me, his expression soft. “Me too. This entire trip with you, really. I could stay in it forever if I could.”
“Then stay in it,” I whisper, half teasing but entirely serious. “Stay in it with me.”
He smiles at that, but it’s different—like he’s heard something deeper than I meant to say. Like he’s considering it.
When we reach the car, he opens the door for me again, continuing to make me feel special. The ride back to the villa is filled with comfortable silence as our hands brush against one another.
The stars above us blur as the car glides along winding roads, and for a moment, I imagine a future like this. Dinner dates. Late drives. Our kids asleep at home. It’s not terrifying. It’s perfect.
When we arrive at the house, he parks the car, he isn’t quick to move.
Reaching across the center console, Gabriel takes my face in his hands and kisses me on the lips. He wraps his fingers in my hair, deepening the kiss.
There’s hunger in the kiss. But more than that, there’s reverence. He kisses me like he know’s exactly what this is. Like he’s wanted it longer than he’s said.
