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We’ve ventured out of the city and are traveling farther and farther into the countryside. I’ve had to sit on my hands to stop my fidgeting because I am so damn excited. Ten whole days with just Dixon in Rome—it’s a dream come true.
My eyes widen when I see where we’re headed. “We’re staying here?” I ask, lungingforward to look out the windshield.
“Maybe.” Dixon gives a vague response. He’s so enjoying watching me explode in anticipation.
The gravel driveway takes us up to a beautiful two-story terracotta home set on a hillside. When Dixon turns off the car, I spin around to look at him. “Our own private villa? You’ve got to be shitting me!”
“Welcome home, honey,” he says with a dimpled grin.
I can’t stop my feet as I wrench open the door and dash up the steps of the house. It’s simply enchanting. The rustic building is surrounded by olive tree groves and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The air out here is so fresh and clear, I can’t help but take in a big lungful. As I turn in a circle, I see that there is absolutely no one around us. We have this entire paradise to ourselves.
“So it’s safe to assume you like it?” Dixon asks over my shoulder.
Without tearing my eyes away from the serene sight in front of me, I nod. “You assume correctly, Dr. Mathews. Thank you. This is perfect.”
Turning around, I thank him the only way I can. I catch him completely off guard when I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him passionately. It only takes a second or two before he catches up.
Something is changing in me. I can feel it. Every time I kiss or touch Dixon, a small piece of my past slips away, and before long, I think it’ll disappear. It’ll no longer rule me because I amno longer afraid. And that’s thanks to the man I’m falling deeper and deeper in love with.
I put all my love and affection into my actions, kissing him tenderly and tugging at the strands of hair curling at his nape. He returns the response by matching me kiss for kiss. Before long, I can’t keep up and allow him total control. He dominates my mouth and body, leaving me panting and desperately clinging on tight as I can’t get enough. The constant burn gets stronger and more painful, and I know the only thing that’ll douse those flames is him.
When Dixon slows down and steadily pulls away, I know he feels it too. “We better get inside. It’s getting late,” he says, his beautiful eyes appearing translucent under the bright moonlight.
I nod, not trusting my voice.
We gather our luggage and make our way up the concrete stairs to the front door. The moment I step foot inside, the reality of where I am and who I’m with sinks in, and tears sting my eyes. I can’t ever remember being this happy.
As the door closes behind me, I quickly wipe my eyes, not wanting Dixon to see me cry. “Wow.”
Dixon chuckles and gently brushes past me as I continue gaping around in awe. The rural feel continues inside, where the walls are painted in a dark beige, and the roof is supported by long wooden beams. As I step through the archway and into the spacious living room, I see an antique-looking chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. It complements the lavish oriental rug beautifully. The plush, cream furniture looks suitable for royalty, and I resist the urge to see if it feels as silky as it looks.
I’m lost in the beauty of my surroundings and don’t hear Dixon’s entrance until he wraps his arms around my waist and whispers, “I’ve put your bags upstairs.”
I’m barely able to contain my shiver. “And what about your bags?”
“They’re sitting upstairs next to yours. Is that okay? There’s a guest bedroom if you—”
I quickly cut him off. “You’re not staying in the guest bedroom. Of course it’s okay.”
He kisses the side of my neck. “Good because I was actually going to suggestyoucould stay in the guest bedroom.” I burst out laughing. “Would you like some wine? It’s from a local vineyard.”
“Sure, that’ll be nice.” Realizing I’m still in my work clothes, I say, “I might take a shower.”
“Of course. I’ll bring it upstairs. We can sit on the balcony for a while if you like.”
“That sounds wonderful.” I turn around and kiss him quickly before dashing up the carpeted stairs.
I try not to gape at the stunning artworks strewn along the walls for too long and find the main bedroom is the last room on the left. When I open the door,a swarm of butterflies takes flight in my belly. The room, which is decorated in shades of brown, beige, and champagne, seems designed to highlight the Victorian-style four-poster bed. A gorgeous gold canopy drapes down over the dark wooden posts, shrouding the bed in elegant luxury.
I ignore my sudden nerves and sit on the floor to hunt through my suitcase. Unzipping my bag, I pull out my toiletries and reach for my flannel pajamas. However, as I look up at the majestic bed, I boldly run my fingers over my satin slip instead.
I’ve never owned anything like this before, but when Dixon said he was taking me away for my birthday, I used the Victoria’s Secret gift card my mom gave me and splurged. The butterflies unexpectedly return, but I don’t know why. I’ve slept besideDixon countless times before, but for some reason, this feels different.
As I sneak another quick peek at the humongous bed in front of me, I know the reason. Being here, away from everyone and everything,has left me feeling like a normal woman on vacation with her normal boyfriend. All my troubles and worries have somehow been left in New York, and I feel like I can finally breathe. With that thought in mind, I gather my toiletries and new slip, and make my way into the extravagant en suite.
Twenty minutes later, I’m feeling incredibly relaxed after my scalding shower. Now that I’ve somewhat got over my shock of being here in Rome, I realize it’s almost dawn. Sadly, my exhausted body is still functioning on New York time, and I’m ready for bed.
Determined to stay awake for at least one glass of wine, I run my fingers through my hair and make my way into the bedroom. The wooden double balcony doors are open, suggesting that Dixon is outside. I wander out in bare feet, the cool stone floor feeling divine under my warmed skin.
