Page 106 of More Than Just Friends

She had real feelings. Deep feelings.

We were going to be fine. No. More than fine.

Me and Ali were for keeps.

This was the start of a happy and long-lasting relationship.

We were solid.

Nothing was going to break our bond.

Ever.

35

ALICIA

As Noah and I took our seats on the hotel’s grand terrace I gasped.

I knew that the wedding set-up would be stunning, I mean, hello. This was the Love Hotel. Everything they did was first-class. Even the toilet paper was extra luxe.

But this? What Sammie, the team and the wedding planners had done, was out of this world.

First up, let’s start with the view.

Obvs, Sammie and her colleagues didn’t build the hotel or create the sea, so I can’t credit them for that, but seriously, it was… wow.

A grand white gazebo decorated with pretty white and peach flowers had been set up at the edge of the caldera, giving us breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the volcano and surroundings.

Rows of white chairs with plush white cushions filled the space.

In one corner, a suited and booted male pianist played a classical version of a pop song that I knew, but couldn’t remember the name of on a white piano, whilst a female violinist dressed in a flowing blue dress played along.

Everything was sheer perfection.

‘Not bad, eh?’ Noah said.

‘It’s stunning!’

As the rows began to fill up, I waved and smiled at the people I recognised. When I saw Trish and Brian a big grin spread across my face. I was excited to talk to them and listen to their words of wisdom.

Last night with Noah was epic. I felt closer to him than ever before. And although it was risky, I was seriously considering starting a relationship when we got back to London. I knew that was what Noah wanted and if we could make it work, it’d be amazing.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I pictured us going for walks hand in hand, cooking together, laughing and spending long weekends in bed making love.

It’d be bliss.

But what if it doesn’t work?

Even considering the possibility of a relationship with Noah was a big deal.

Of course I wanted to, with all my heart, but I was still nervous about the risks.

Really nervous.

The butterflies in my stomach quickly disappeared and were replaced with knots.

Beads of sweat formed on my forehead and I quickly wiped them away with the back of my hand.