"Jesus Christ Lace, here I was about to send out a search warrant for you. And you were just busy shoving your tongue down some hot guy's throat. I suppose I can forgive you," Gabe's teases with a naughty grin. Sitting on Gabe's glass dining table, my feet are firmly planted on the black chair as I rest my face on my knees. Gabe put on a pot of Turkish apple tea, and it smells wonderfully aromatic. All is forgiven, considering I just left in the middle of the night, with his car no less, and didn't tell him when I was coming back. I've had chocolate, too, but nothing is helping to make me feel better."We didn't make out. We kissedI mean he kissed me" my face flushes at the memory of his full lips caressing mine. Those hands on my body. How can one kiss be so damn good? How could I just fall into the arms of another man, even if it was the most amazing thing to happen to me inyou know what? I don't want to compare it to anything.There was nothing like it, which is embarrassing consi

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 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

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 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