BOOK TWO: AMALFI COASTPushing the heavy mahogany door open, I walk into the room breathless. Not because I'm sweating underneath my black Capri pants and t-shirt, not because the bus ride stopped half a mile shorter than expected, and not because Gabe and I had to walk up several flights of stairs with our heavy luggage in tow. No, I'm breathless because of this view in front of me. White walls from floor to ceiling. Blue embroidered carpet. Crystal blue skies outside the large white windows.?I set the suitcase at the door and drop my black leather handbag on top of it to explore the room: the classic lined wallpaper, the antique circle dining table, the pure white starched sheets. I've been transported to interior design paradise. I'm. In. Italy. I have to pinch myself that I'm really here, on the Amalfi Coast. More specifically, I'm staying in the Grand Hotel Villa Galleria, one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Southern Italy. It looks more like a 14th century castle th
I lean into the circular gilded mirror, taking inventory at my reflection. After the afternoon pool lounge session with Gabe, I now have a nice light tan and I like the colouring on me. Two thick coats of mascara have been applied, a bit of blush has been dabbed on, my hair is as straight as it can be but in this humidity I doubt it will last long before it frizzes.The only solution is to tie it up in a casual half pony-tail that makes it look even more full and voluminous. My long black dress feels snug and comfortable, and I've just painted my toenails dark green to go with my brown sandals. Happy with my efforts, I grab my purse and head out of my hotel room, eager to catch up with my old friend.The hotel lobby is uniquely Mediterranean. From the yellow terracotta tiles to the high ceiling fans, there is so much light and openness here that it feels more like an opulent villa rather than a hotel. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face amongst the sea of relaxed tourists. A
I'm in bed with a man. He doesn't have a face, just a perfectly sculpted physique. Lying on top of me, my arms are pinioned above my head as his muscular arms hold me down. His adept hands explore my naked body, roaming up and down. Caressing my waist, tracing my stomach, flicking across my erect nipples. A moan leaves me as those magical fingers go down, all the way down.?His hips pinned to mine, he leans in to capture my mouth, his tongue skillfully working my own. Then his fingers find their way to the apex of my bare thighs and I arch my back, keen for him to touch me, conquer me. Without hesitation he drives a finger right now, hitting my sweet spot with a sharp slap, and godoh godit's glorious, I'm going to come, I'm going to come. And then I look up and I see whiskey coloured eyes.Abruptly I wake up, sitting up from the bed, gasping for breath, covered in sweat. Did I justhave a wet dream? And did Ihave it about a certain someone? I'm completely confounded. What the hell just
I'm short of breath, god I wish I was more fit. "Lacey. Ciao!" His gaze is steadfast, full of confidence.What the hell is he doing here looking all dreamy and dishevelled-in-a-sexy-way in his relaxed roll up top, jeans and loafers? And why am I makeup free, squinting back at him, soaked in sweat?"Matteo!" I say way too enthusiastically, taking a deep breath. His eyes are burning with humour as he hands me the yoga mat and I take it with clammy hands. I can see he's holding a large sketch book, and a pencil is lodged behind his left ear. "What are you up to today?" I point at the notebook."I am drawing, thethe il panorama. How do you say, scenery?" He gestures towards the marble busts standing on the edge of the black railings, which overlooks an endless blue sky. It really looks out into the never ending sky. He's artistic too? Wow "So, you're an artist as well?" A faint smile appears on his lips and he casts his eyes to the ground, embarrassed by my remark. "No, just
"What's the word on the delivery truck? Are they able to come an hour earlier?" I ask Gabe, my eyes flicking through the checklist on my clipboard.Gabe glances down at his phone, checking his email. "Yep, they can do that, but they will charge us.""Fine. But they?definitely?know where the bakery is, right?" I frown, failing to sound calm."Yes, the guy was saying how his mum buys from there all the time. He knows where to go.""But they know how to get here, right? To the hotel." Gabe stares at me. "Hun, I love it when you treat me like I'm on death row and all, but it's under control."I pop the last of my vanilla infused chocolate in my mouth, instantly feeling better. "Sorry, it's not you. I don't want to screw this up. I can't." I'd rather ask the annoying questions now, rather than have it all blow up in my face on the day. I'm being pedantic, but I have to be.The wedding is still another three days away but I'm treating it like it's happening in two. Some of the gues
Peering down my watch for the fifth time, I tap my feet out of impatience and nervousness, my silver clutch hanging by my hips. 7:58pmMy nerves are almost obstructing me from enjoying the beauty that is this spot. The sunset is piercing, a fiery red orb of light slowly sinking beneath the horizon, dyeing the sky a light first pink. Where is he? Maybe he meant another spot? Surely not. Maybe he's changed his mind and doesn't want to meet anymore. I've checked my phone a few times, nothing. God I hope I didn't waste my time getting all dressed up, otherwise I will feel like a fool. I toiled over countless outfit options before settling on my black maxi dress and chunky knit cardigan. Casual? Sexy? Cute? I hoped to look all three, and with my hair cascading past my shoulders I thought I looked good. I've worn a bit more makeup than usual but I don't want to take any chances I'm getting drawn for god's sake. I look at my watch again, then I become aware of someone looking at me. T
My pen travels up and down the page for what feels like the millionth time. Notes are scribbled all over it. I've made such a mess that I might as well print out another checklist."Everything's been done, right?" Gabe asks."Come on, babe. You've been so good this whole time. Don't freak out on me now," I say calmly, trying to encourage him along.He sighs and nods. "Alright, sorry. I know it's just the rehearsal today, but as far as I know everything has been booked that I know of."Good. I trust Gabe completely and if he says it's been taken care of, I know he means it. I keep my eyes on the page, going back up to the top. "Okay, the officiant will be attending today. Just confirmed with her and I got her to arrive ten minutes early just to double check things.""Brill. What about the musicians?""The orchestra won't be coming early as it will incur a costly fee, but the DJ will be attending so we'll just get him to play the ceremony music on his decks. He will be arriving thi
My head shakes disapprovingly as I study the overdone flower arrangements at the buffet table. I asked for a delicate and tasteful bouquet of white roses and lilies, not a bloody jungle!"Can you please pluck out the green leaves? Put them on the aisle carpet, we can still use them as floor decorations," I click my fingers at Gabe. Gabe does as I ask, pulling the long reeds out from the white pots. "So the caterers are all okay?""Yep, they are already making the canapés. The head chef complained, something about the oven settings not being hot enough but I got the hotel manager to sort that out.""And the cake?" He asks.Ugh. The cake, the brunt of my stress. "The delivery guy said they are having trouble with traffic, but he insisted he will be here in roughly thirty minutes, so that's still plenty of time to put it on the table. Can you meet him and direct him to the kitchen? I have to check on Amelia then, make sure she's ready to start making her way down," I order, rubbing