Page 235 of My Italian Love Affair

"Hmm. I suppose youaresupposed to be thinking about football…"

"It’s okay. I can multitask," he murmurs, dipping his head to press a quick kiss to my lips.

The heat of his mouth is enough to make my knees go weak, and Matteo must notice because his grip on my waist tightens.

For a few seconds, I forget where we are. The noise of the crowd fades, and the hot air, the concrete beneath my back, the game itself - all of it disappears beneath the intensity of his kiss.

Eventually, though, he pulls back with a groan.

"We shouldn’t be doing this here."

"Definitely not."

He smirks. "One more?"

I narrow my eyes. "You're impossible."

But I let him kiss me again anyway.

When he finally steps away, his pupils are blown wide, and his breathing is slightly uneven. I resist the urge to gloat about how easily he comes undone.

"I should go," I say reluctantly.

"I know," he says, catching my wrist as I turn. "But you'll come find me after the game?"

"Of course."

"After mywin," Matteo corrects, eyes glinting.

"Confidence looks good on you, Rossi," I grin. "Just don't get cocky."

"Too late for that."

I laugh, squeeze his hand, and step away.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Daphne

The press box is already buzzing when I arrive.

The elevated section offers a sweeping view of the pitch below, where the players are warming up under the blistering afternoon sun. The stands are already filling with fans dressed in their team colours, their loud chants echoing through the concrete stadium corridors.

I adjust my press lanyard and scan the room.

A few familiar faces nod in acknowledgment as I pass - journalists I’ve bumped into during post-match interviews or press conferences over the last few months.

"Sinclair," an older reporter greets me with a lazy nod.

"Morning, Paolo," I reply, forcing a casual smile.

My heart is still racing from the encounter with Matteo, but I tuck that away for now.

Work mode, Daphne.

Focus.

I find a seat near the middle of the box and set my bag down. The press box has been stocked with refreshments - a fridge filled with water, cans of fizzy drinks and fresh juices, alongwith a side table stacked with plates of small sandwiches and pastries.

---