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My pulse pounds so hard I'm sure he can feel it.

“Damiano...”

His name barely leaves my lips before his forehead touches mine, and for one breathless second we stay like that, so close his nose brushes softly against mine.

Then his eyes close and his lips finally touch mine.

Oh…wow.

I’ve read about first kisses.

I've lived through hundreds of them inside my books.

I've felt the excitement of a thousand heroines finding their happily ever after.

But nothing could have prepared me for this.

Nothing.

Damiano kisses me gently at first, as if he's afraid I'll disappear.

Then deeper.

And I lose myself completely.

The strangest feeling takes over my whole body.

Like something inside of me finally clicks into place.

Like somehow...I just found something I didn't even know was missing.

And right at this moment reality feels better than every romance novel I've ever read.

***

We become practically inseparable after that kiss, and the more time I spend with Damiano, the harder I fall.

Our families become close. His parents come over for dinner. Mine invite them back the following week. Sunday lunches turn into all-day affairs filled with too much food, loud Italian conversations, and arguments about whose region makes better pasta.

Seven months fly by in a blur of laughter, stolen kisses, and evenings spent cooking together.

Before I know it, spring has arrived.

“Vita mia.”

The sound of Damiano's voice makes me smile before I even reach his Vespa.

Ever since our first date, he's been picking me up for school every morning, and honestly? It's become my favorite part of the day.

“Hello, handsome.” I wink.

The grin that spreads across his face is worth every bit of embarrassment.

I never thought I'd be this flirtatious, but somehow Damiano brings out a version of me I didn't know existed, one who winks at her boyfriend and doesn't immediately want to hide afterward.

And I really like this Nora.

He opens his arms and I walk straight into them.