doesn’t press me for conversation.
My mind is sluggish but keeps trying to go over the day. How lucky I was to have that signing, how fortunate I am that the book actually got finished and published, and that (most) people love it. And how amazing it is that I have Claudio by my side, that we’re going to be married one day, and that I will love him forever.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks me quietly, his fingers playing with my hair. We’ve sat in silence for a long time.
“Everything,” I tell him. “But mainly you.”
He angles his face toward me, smiles his beautiful smile, and then kisses me on the cheek. His lips are soft and lingering, causing a thrill to run up my spine.
I pick up my glass and finish my cocktail. Aperol Spritz, naturally, even though it’s not as good as the ones Claudio makes for me back home.
Home, I think, and it makes me sad for a moment. I’m excited to travel, and to do these events, but I’m going to miss Villa Rosa. It really is the best spot on earth, a place that both inspires me and makes me feel grounded. A place to belong to.
Though, when I think about it, a part of me will be there even when I’m not. The marble statue of me with the roses sits just beside the bar downstairs. It was Claudio’s joke to have her guarding the wine.
I think it’s funny, but also she’s beautiful. She’s like me, but she isn’t me, and every time I pass by her I’m reminded of his days sculpting me, and how we got together. It will remind me of the beginning of our love for the rest of my life. He named the statue, “Your Precious Heart,” taken from the lyrics of an INXS song.
“Let’s go back to the room,” I tell him.
He wags his brows at me. He knows what I mean. He finishes his cocktail and then we’re going up the elevator to our room near the top floor.
Our room is pretty swanky and happens to have a balcony overlooking London. It’s a funny city in that when you’re at street level, things kind of feel like a maze, but when you have a chance to be up high, then the city really opens up.
Right now it’s shining and golden and beautiful, matching how I feel on the inside. Like anything and everything is possible and I can’t wait for what’s next.
While I’m staring at the view, Claudio closes the door behind us, and then grabs me by the elbows spinning me around into a kiss.
I sink deeply into his arms, falling into the kiss, our mouths opening against each other with tenderness that will soon morph into hunger. We fit so well together, it’s amazing we’re even able to come apart. My hands go to the small of his back, pulling up his shirt so that I can slide my palms over his smooth, hot skin. I love the feel of him, that even after a year, I never get tired of this. It’s like I need this connection with him to feel alive and whole.
He pulls away, cupping my face, his head resting against my forehead. “I am so proud of you,” he murmurs. “You did so good today.”
“Because I had you there.”
“No,” he says. He gazes deep into my eyes and I am lost in the dark depths of his. “Because you are you, Grace Harper. This is who you are. Who you were born to be. I merely showed you this. You were already there.” He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Musa. And now, you inspire so many others, not just me.”
I close my eyes and let it wash over me, knowing how much we belong to each other, and that our future together is only just starting.
I am his, and he is mine.
Inspired, desired, and completely in love.
THE END
What to read after One Hot Italian Summer
If you’re looking for something else to read from me that’s similar to One Hot Italian Summer, do I have some recommended books for you!
The Forbidden Man - After moving to Madrid to become the first female physiotherapist for the Real Madrid football team, Thalia must resist the temptation of the much younger player Alejo Albarado. Steamy, sensual and highly emotional, this book will sweep you off to Spain, break your heart and put it back together.
Tropes: Forbidden romance, sports romance, younger man/older woman
Love,