By the time we leave, we have little bags for Matt, Zara, and Yana.
The sun is starting to dip low, painting the sky pink and gold. I lean into him, feeling like I could melt into his side forever.
“You know,” he whispers, “I could get used to this. Traveling with you and doing simple, mundane things with you.”
I tilt my head to look at him. “Me too.”
He smiles, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Good. Because I’m never letting you go.”
As if I would ever want that.
We ducked into a tiny gelato shop, its walls pastel and slightly worn, with glass cases displaying tubs of every shade imaginable.
The smell of waffle cones and chocolate makes my stomach twist in the best way, and Luca’s grin immediately makes my chest flutter.
“Decisions, decisions,” he says dramatically, surveying the colorful flavors as if it were some grand contest. “Which shall it be today?”
I roll my eyes at his theatrics. “I think, chocolate hazelnut. Or strawberry?” I gesture at the soft pink scoop, feeling indecisive for once.
“No need to pick,” he says, “Two scoops, then, for my very favorite girl.”
I laugh at the way he says it, that teasing lilt in his voice making my heart skip.
Outside, the bench we find is tucked under a striped awning, just enough shade to keep the sun from blinding us.
Luca hands me a spoon with a flourish. “Ladies first,” he says, leaning closer, the teasing sparkle in his eyes making me melt.
I take a bite, savoring the rich, creamy chocolate.
Luca digs his spoon in, and before I realize what’s happening, he flicks it on my nose.
“Luca!” I squeal, but the sound dissolves into laughter when he leans in and brushes a kiss over it. “You’re impossible,” I manage between giggles.
He smiles, and I love how it softens his features.
His forehead smooths out, and his right cheek shows a small dimple.
I lean against his shoulder, the city bustling around us, people passing, the faint echo of street musicians playing in the square.
But it all feels distant, like we created a little bubble around ourselves.
I can feel his heartbeat through his chest, steady and strong, and I just want to stay here forever.
“You know,” I say softly, “this might be the perfect afternoon.”
He turns his head, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Because of the gelato?” he asks, feigning innocence.
“Exactly.” I tease.
“No other reasons?”
“Not really.” I pretend to think.
“Well, for me personally, I think sitting here next to you, mygirlfriend,is the best part.”
I feel my cheeks heat and my heart twist in the sweetest ache.
“Ok, fine, myboyfriendmakes it ten times better.”
