Page 80 of Sicilian Sunset

“You weren’t alone,” she points out. “The musicians were behind the screen.”

“Good point. I hope they enjoyed the concert.” I cringe, blushing at the memories all over again.

“Who cares? You won’t ever see them again.”

I know Rhia is right, but I have trouble shrugging it off like her.

“Have you heard from Lex?” I ask, guiding the conversation back to her as I spear a juicy-looking strawberry onto my fork.

“Yeah. He got back okay, but it’s been radio silence since.”

She suddenly turns serious and scrunches up her face. “Ella, I think I have to go home early. I can’t get this proposal ready on time from here. I need to be in my office, where I have all the resources at hand. I’m so sorry to do this to you.”

My face falls. I knew in my gut this was coming, but it does nothing to lessen the disappointment. We’ve been looking forward to this vacation for so long and to cut it short sucks big time.

But this is a mega opportunity for Rhia to launch her business to the next level, one she has to take and succeed.

“I understand. When are we leaving?”

“Oh my God, Ella, you’re the sweetest, but let’s get one thing clear. You don’t need to come home with me. It’s bad enough I have to cut this trip short.

“I want you to stay and enjoy the next five days. I feel bad for abandoning you like this, and I’m doubly glad now you’ve met Tiero. I’m sure he’ll take good care of you,” she says with a self-satisfied smile, obviously content she kept pushing me in his direction.

It hadn’t even occurred to me to stay here by myself. But of course, she’s right. It’s not like I’ve never travelled on my own, and five days really isn’t that long.

“When are you leaving?” I ask, sadness filling me.

“I’ve booked a flight for tomorrow morning.”

I nod dejectedly. I was so enjoying our time together.

“Are you going to enjoy your last day on the island with me, or do you need to continue working your little butt off?”

“Unfortunately, the latter… There’s so much to do and so little time. I need every hour I can get. I predict there’ll be little sleep until this proposal is sent,” she sighs, but is still buzzing with excitement.

“Okay. Though let’s enjoy one last dinner together… no boys allowed, just us.”

“Agreed,” she smiles as she gets up, kisses the top of my head and goes back inside to slave away on her computer.

My phone pings with an incoming message. Jeez, this man has a sixth sense of knowing when I’m being ditched by my friend.

Tiero: Am I picking you up for a day of fun on my boat?

I can’t help the smile spreading across my face as tingling anticipation races through me.

I’m under no illusion of what I would agree to by accepting his invitation. It means a bed and privacy… alone time we’ve not had so far. It’s obvious where it would lead.

Do I want to go there?

Embark on some casual fun, knowing full well my heart is on the line?

Then I recall Tiero’s lips on me and the way his fingers pumped in and out of me… the way my orgasm nullified any rationale.

Am I ready for more?

My body screams ‘Hell yes’!

Laying in bed last night, there wasn’t much else occupying my mind. I’m so pent up with lust and desire for the man I seemingly don’t care anymore that this will never be more than a tryst, and that part of my heart will remain here with him.

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