“Hmm.” He paused, looking mockingly thoughtful. “What a coincidence. That’s exactly how long I’m staying.” They both laughed.
She was surprised at how easy their conversation went after that. Instead of picking and prodding at too many personal details, which even without her circumstance, she would hate to do on a first date, they talked about the places they had been to, covered art and literature, and even realized they were both history buffs. They were like any other couple in the room sharing a delicious meal. It all felt so normal. She both longed for and liked this normalcy.
“Sweets for the sweetness,” Rome said as he took the proffered dessert menus.
Sasha was stuffed to the brim, but she’d eat her weight in dessert if it meant spending more time with Rome.
They ordered two desserts to share, a mango sherbet, and a chocolate mousse cake, along with an espresso for him and a cappuccino for her. In her mind, she equated both desserts to being better than the best sex she’d ever had, though she imagined it would certainly not be the case with him.
He drove that point home with his touch alone when he used the pad of his thumb to swipe the chocolate off her lips, and then he brought his finger to his mouth and sucked it clean. Suddenly, she became warm all over, and yet she could feel gooseflesh forming on her bared skin.
He cleared his throat, and she noticed a slight flush appear on his cheeks. Apparently, he was not unaffected by the mood either.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?” he asked
“I am going to check out some touristy sites and a few off the beaten path.” She’d be writing about the locations, atmosphere of the crowds, as well as vendors, and checking out the shops. “I wouldn’t mind company if you’re not opposed to being dragged around all day.”
She nearly choked on her coffee when he said, “There are worse things in this life than being dragged around by you.”
She had no witty comeback.
They walked around a bit after they finished eating. Rome hadn’t been kidding about refusing to let her pay. He wouldn’t even let her leave the tip. In fact, he looked offended by it, and she didn’t offer again that night when they stopped for gelatos.
Sasha didn’t want the evening to end. She had never done the one stand thing, but then again, her body had never reacted to anyone the way it did to him, but only having just one night with him would never be enough. His mark on her already ran deep, and he hadn’t even kissed her yet.
He walked her to the front of her hotel, looking just as reluctant for the evening to end, and then he cupped her face in both hands this time, and kissed her. As soon as their lips met, she opened for him, and he took full advantage. The kiss was slow, their tongues and lips exploring, tasting, causing her heart to thump wildly in her chest. Stabs of desire coursed through her lower belly. She hadn’t even realized she was fisting the front of his shirt until their kiss ended.
“Until tomorrow,” he whispered while still cradling her face. He then skimmed his nose against hers and placed a chaste kiss on her lips, before releasing her.
Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough, she thought as she walked into her lobby alone, feeling his gaze follow her in.
