“I want to take you out on a real date—dinner, a romantic stroll, and a sweet goodnight kiss,” Zane said, his smile making my heart race.“I wish to see you in a dress, just not white, please,” he added, and we both laughed.
“I wish we could.But anyone could tell my parents if they saw us together,” I replied, feeling a pang of sadness.
“Maybe here, but in Rome…” he paused, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face.My heart leaped at the thought.
“Let's plan a date in Rome, just the two of us for an overnight adventure,” he suggested, gently cradling my face in his hands.
“You mentioned a goodnight kiss, not an entire night together,” I teased.
“After our night together, I promise you a perfect goodnight kiss,” he said, and we both laughed once more.
“What about tomorrow?”I asked, and his expression shifted.
“Do you think we can pull this off?”he questioned.
“I think I've got a plan—I just need to work out the details,” I replied with a smile.Then, he leaned in for another kiss, our bodies pressed together, sending shivers through my entire body.I was boiling hot.My body became boneless and weak, surrendering entirely to Zane’s, filled with hunger and anticipation.
“I should go,” I said, reluctantly pulling away.
“Alright, but I need to stay here a bit longer…” he grinned, “to cool off, you know.”I quickly planted a kiss on his lips and slipped out, already plotting my escape route.I texted Jessica to meet me at the coffee shop later, hoping everything would fall into place.
Time was of the essence, and I needed to move fast.When I arrived at work, I quickly shared my plan with Jessica, who immediately called her parents to ask if I could spend the night.As expected, they agreed.Next, I had to reach out to my mom.At first, she hesitated, but when I explained that Jessica had just broken up with her boyfriend and was feeling really low, she finally relented.Of course, that was a lie.My mom then confirmed with Jessica’s mom.That was step one completed.
In the evening, I packed a small bag with essentials: a dress that Zane had requested, matching underwear (all white, unfortunately), and a few extra outfits just in case, along with my toothbrush and toothpaste.If I had known about this sooner, I would have bought something more stylish.Jessica had her own important task to manage, but she assured me that Damiano would assist her.
Saturday at school was a blur for me, filled with anxiety and distraction.I crossed my fingers that everything would go smoothly.Zane had told his dad he was spending the night at a friend's house, which was a common occurrence, so I figured his dad wouldn't give it a second thought.Zane also mentioned he had booked an Airbnb near Piazza Navona, given the short notice.
Once I got home, I took a shower, shaved even parts I never thought I would, washed my hair, and styled it, which was a rare treat.By 6 PM, my dad dropped me off at Jessica’s house after exchanging a few pleasantries with her dad.
Now came the tricky part.Jessica informed her mom that we had already ordered pizza and were having a girls' night in her room—a frequent routine for us.At 6:15 PM, the pizza arrived, along with Damiano.
Jessica’s mom popped in to check on us, and we both wore our pajamas for the occasion.If she came in again, Jessica planned to say I had fallen asleep while she finished the movie.We had even set up some pillows to create the illusion of me being tucked in.
Our plan was to have me back by 8 AM, 9 at the latest.If Jessica’s mom caught us in the morning, we would say I had stepped out to get croissants, and if we needed more time, I could always pretend to be caught up in a chat with someone.
After Jessica’s mom left, we sprang into action.She tucked pillows under the blanket and even donned a blonde wig she had used for Halloween.
The next challenge was climbing out of the second-floor window.Once we opened it, Damiano was ready with a ladder.Thankfully, it wasn't too high, and the house was sheltered from prying eyes.I climbed down with my bag in hand, and that part went smoothly.I quickly hopped into the back seat while Damiano folded up the ladder and stowed it in his SUV.
Now it was time to meet Zane.Damiano drove a little outside town and parked behind Zane’s car.I thanked him and quickly slid into the passenger seat next to Zane.Moments later, we were off to the dream date we had planned.
My mind was racing with thoughts, and the reality of the situation began to sink in—I was in a car with Zane, headed to Rome for a romantic dinner and an overnight together.The thought sent shivers through me; my stomach knotted, and my heart raced faster with each mile we drove.Tomorrow, I would wake up next to Zane, and everything would change.
Chapter 36
We stood before a grand set of double doors, crafted from dark wood and adorned with intricate lion-head knockers, and flanked by an arched window situated above.To the left, a doorbell equipped with a camera caught Zane’s attention, and he pressed the button.After a brief wait, the door buzzed and swung open.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a narrow hallway, its floor decorated with colorful tiny stone mosaics.Small bronze statues added charm to the space, and a tall, antique wooden front desk beckoned us.A young woman welcomed us with a warm smile.While Zane checked us in, I admired the beautifully curated interior.
Shortly, she gestured for us to follow her up a narrow staircase to the second floor.We arrived at another bright hallway lined with six white doors—three on each side.She unlocked one door, inviting us inside without stepping in herself, wishing us an enjoyable stay before taking her leave.
The room was airy and spacious, with white walls and high ceilings adorned with light wooden beams.A queen-sized metal bed dressed in crisp white sheets and a dusty pink bedspread was positioned on the right side next to the door.
On the opposite side, a small cherry wood desk with two drawers sat beneath a mounted television.The bathroom, located to the left, was compact with just a shower.A single window overlooked a neighboring building, offering no worthwhile view.The parquet floor was worn with age, yet the room retained a pleasant scent.
Zane placed his backpack on the armchair in the corner and turned to me, an air of bashfulness about him.I felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how I felt.
“I think we should change and head out for dinner; it's getting late,” Zane suggested, his hands tucked into his pockets.
