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The main house is idyllic for this spot. It has a thatched roof made of thick layers of reeds. It reminds me of a tropical island, sunshine, and vacation time.
With childlike giddiness, I rush past Tiero and jog up a few shallow steps into a courtyard with the enormous swimming pool I could see from the boat. Another cabana is to my right, with another large daybed and a couple of low tables on either side.
A hot tub is on the opposite side of the deck. I can’t wait to test it out tonight. It will be magical to sit in there under the millions of stars that must be visible with no other lights around. This time I do squeal and clap my hands together.
I check my watch to see how many hours before nightfall… damn, more than half a day still to go. Never mind, I’m sure there’s still plenty more to explore.
I feel like a kid in a candy store, uncertain what to choose first.
My attention flies to Tiero, who opens a large set of bi-fold glass doors, and I step into the light-filled, airy space. High ceilings with dark, exposed timber beams are the first thing I notice. Warm timber floorboards connect all parts of this open-plan hut that mimics the island itself… in a sort of crescent shape.
To the left is a kitchen with granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. Two fruit baskets sit on the breakfast bar, laden with bananas, pineapples, mangoes, apples, and citrus fruits. It’s a season-free offering of nature’s abundance.
A four-seater lounge graces the middle of the room with three large armchairs facing it. A timber coffee table sits nestled in the center.
The absence of a television strikes me. Instead, floor-to-ceiling shelves filled to the brim with books fill the walls.
This is so cool.
As if on autopilot, I walk over and let my fingers glide along the spines. There are some thrillers, but most titles are about Italian and European history and mythology. I guess that explains a lot. Some of these books show signs of being read often and are clearly loved.
What a place!
I’m falling more and more in love with it. And to my worry, its owner is also burrowing into my heart.
Beside the bookshelves is a door that opens to a large bedroom. Taking center stage is a king-size four-poster bed with see-through white muslin fabric hanging all around it. Another door leads to the adjacent bathroom.
And that’s the extent of Tiero’s getaway home.
“It only has one bedroom,” I say. “This isn’t a place where you party.”
Tiero chuckles. “This is my place to recharge. Other than Mateo, nobody else comes here.”
“You don’t bring girls here?” I ask, surprised.
He contemplates me, his eyes softening. “No, never. You’re the first.”
I’m not sure what to say.
My heart swells, and the butterflies in my stomach have a field day.
Tiero steps closer and draws me into his arms. His eyes penetrate mine as if trying to tell me something profound and deep. And I melt—melt into his embrace, melt into his gaze until I don’t know anymore where he ends and I begin.
“Let’s test out the bed,” Tiero whispers huskily as he walks me backwards until the back of my knees hits the mattress. “If I recall correctly, it’s extremely comfortable.”
I smirk against his lips as he pushes me down and covers my body with his, kissing me deeply and carrying me off into a world where only he exists.
Can life get any better?
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ella
Thesunshinesonthe surface of the water, making it sparkle like an ocean of diamonds.
The sea is flat and calm—perfect for paddle boarding. It takes me a while to find my balance, but once I do, there’s no stopping me. I’m even trying a few yoga poses on my board but fail spectacularly, falling into the water accompanied by Tiero’s laughter.
After that strenuous exercise, we’re stretched out on the daybed by the beach, basking in the late afternoon sun. The sound of gentle waves lapping onto the shore and birds singing in the trees fills the air.
