Stop it! Just enjoy this for what it is, Luca, a holiday romance.
I booked us a luxury penthouse with views over Edinburgh Castle and the city. I asked for discretion when I arrived because of who I am. I know if I hadn’t, they would’ve made a huge fuss, and as far as Lilly is concerned, I’m just a businessman.
We pull up at the back entrance where a valet is waiting for us. I tell him we’ll take our own bags. He hands me the key to the penthouse and quietly drives off to park my car.
“Wow, this place is amazing.” Seeing the awe on Lilly’s face is amazing. She has no idea I can show her so much. I could whisk her away to some of my favorite places—Monaco, New York, the Greek Islands. We could explore the world—I want to see it all again through her eyes. I’d love to see how she’d fit into my world.
Would she think it’s over the top, or would she appreciate it? It’s never going to happen.
“Oh my God, this view.” She presses her face against the glass. We have almost a three-sixty-degree view over the entire city. “We’re going to be able to see all the fireworks from here. This is going to be spectacular.” The excitement she’s exuding is vibrating through her body.
“What I see is a beautiful woman standing against a window. One who I want to press her naked body against.” She turns around slowly, the blush is back across those cheeks.
“I don’t think anyone needs to see that,” she whispers.
“You’re right. I’d never share you with the world,” I tell her, pulling her face to mine and kissing her hard. Lilly’s fingers are in my hair in an instant, tugging at the ends, and our kiss grows frantic as we strip off the winter layers—scarves, jumpers, T-shirts, jeans, socks—all discarded onto the floor. Thankfully, the fire is on in the living room, and there’s a large fur rug on the floor where I place her gently against as I shimmy off her underwear. Lightly, I push open her legs for me. I have done this so many times that Lilly instinctively opens for me now, and I reward her for her eagerness with my tongue across her silky slit.
“Hmmm,” Lilly moans as her fingers find my hair again, tugging the dark strands, pulling me closer to her. I follow her instructions, feasting on her as if I’m a starving man. Showing her what life could be like with me. How I’d love her every single day.
“Yes, yes… oh God, yes.” She arches her back as the orgasm takes her over.
My hand is in my pocket quickly pulling out a condom. I know I should love her more, but I need to be inside of her and connected with her. Once I’m sheathed, I enter her slowly, and she rewards me by wrapping her legs around me. I hiss as I feel her wetness surround me.
“You and me,” I whisper, pressing our foreheads together.
“You and me.” She smiles, then kisses me.
17
Luca
Lilly is beyond excited, especially because she can stay in her pajamas and not have to dodge the crowds. It’s beginning to sleet as well. They must be freezing down on the streets, and here we are drinking wine and eating delicious food which has been laid out thanks to the in-house chef. This is the perfect New Year’s Eve—no responsibilities, no pomp, no paparazzi, just me and a crazy English girl who’s squealing at everything she sees out the window. How can you not get caught up in the excitement of this night?
“Everything is so awesome.” Lilly comes away from the window long enough to grab a few pieces of cheese and a cracker.
“It certainly is. I had no idea there’d be so many people.” There has to be hundreds of thousands of people on the street in the freezing weather.
“I’ve always wanted to do this, but it’s always seemed way too expensive. This must have cost you a small fortune. I mean… this view is unbelievable.”
“I do okay,” is all I tell her as she sits on my lap.
“Well, thank you. I appreciate it.” She kisses my cheek.
Has a woman ever thanked me for a gift before?
The genuine thanks that’s written all over Lilly’s face, have I ever seen that before?
It’s always expected that I’ll shower the women I’m with in expensive things. I’ve never noticed until now. A phone rings, and Lilly rushes over to it.
“Lolly,” she squeals. “You’re never going to guess where I am?” I can hear it in her tone, just how happy she is to hear from her sister. “Luke whisked me away to Edinburgh for New Year’s Eve.” I wonder if Lauren’s okay that I have done this. “I know. It’s so awesome. Our apartment looks over the castle, and I can see everyone in the streets. It’s freezing, and I’m wearing my PJs. Best New Year’s Eve ever,” she calls.
“Okay, Lolly. Love you, bye.”
“She’s having fun?”
“The very best. They are about to go out on safari.”
“You miss it?”
“A little. The break has been good, helped sort through things. I know I’m not going to give up being a doctor. Just not sure where to begin my new life.”
“I know some people in the charity world…” silence falls between us, “… I could put in some calls to some people I know in Italy.”
“Italy?”
“Yes, but I’m sure they have charities in other places around the world. It doesn’t have to be Italy.”
Why does her not being happy about a chance to work in Italy irk me this much?
“You would do that for me?”
“We’re friends, of course,” I answer with a shrug. I mean, in my world it’s all about who you know. Plus, I’m owed many favors. “You don’t have to decide now. I can find out where they need help and let you know.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much, Luke.”
