“May have?!” she snaps, aghast.
“Was I?” Taking a step closer, inches away like I was on the beach, I search her face. “Because I was so into you it scared me. Did you notice I couldn’t look at you after we were introduced? Could you tell I wanted out of there?” Confused, she nods once. “That’s because I hadn’t felt an attraction as strong to anyone since back in college when I met Leah. I know some married guys see a beautiful woman and let their minds wander, but I never did that. Nobody got through. When my friends and I walked up and you looked at me, something kicked me in my chest. I hated it. I hated you. I wanted nothing to do with that feeling or with you. You think I was rude. I wasn’t. I was terrified. It was too soon, and I wanted no part of it. Do you understand?” Dragging my hand down my face, I blink at the sun. “You can’t understand, what am I saying?” Locking eyes with Tempest, I hold her stare. “I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find someone that I feel this way about. I thought I was going to be alone, and that I should be. That Leah would want that, but I know her. She would never want that for me. Or Will. Ever. In fact, I know that, if she’s been watching over me as everyone says she has, she’s been disappointed. Until now. When I was on that plane coming here, I felt right again. I knew what I was doing. I knew she would be happy for me. I could feel it in my heart. I loved her so much, and I always will. But I’ve been falling in love with you since I first laid eyes on you, and I don’t want to hate you anymore. Do you know what it feels like to let love in?” Tempest shakes her head. “It feels like this.” I kiss her, pressing my lips to hers and wait for a response. She throws her arms around me, and I crush her body to mine, the kiss returned as her mouth yields, softens, and lets me lead the way, kissing her with an angel watching over us, the smell of salt water mixing with Tempest’s sweet scent. I look down into her beautiful face. “Tomorrow, we have some free time. Let’s ride along the coast.”
Dazed and happy, she nods with a growing smile, “Okay,” and a tear slides down her cheek.
I kiss it and whisper, “Was this for me?”
“Yes.”
“Is it a happy tear?”
“Very!”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
Chapter 25
During our meal back at the villa, we sat together, but the table held six and conversation flowed evenly, and she didn’t let on what happened between us. I understood it — this is her work.
Dinner was interesting. Almost ordered two meals I was so hungry. Glad I didn’t because our nighttime practice proved to be less relaxing than the night before.
“You’re battling jet lag, so I’m going to knock you out tonight,” Tempest informed us all, “Give you a good night’s rest.”
After the night’s practice I stayed behind and walked Tempest to her room, kissed her goodnight, lingering before she kicked me back to mine with a firm, “I have to be up early.”
The next day the group visited two museums, had lunch at Piazza Tassa — the main square — where everyone split up to follow differing tastes.
I didn’t get Tempest alone until the third day after the group had lunch in Positano, one of the most charming places I’ve ever visited in my life. I picked up the check for everyone, arguing with Ms. Tuck that it covered a couple days of my included meals I never paid for.
We all went shopping in Amalfi — a tourist trap, unfortunately, and when they headed back, we had hours of spare time, and rode along the coast on our rented scooter, her holding tight to me as we pointed out to each other every beautiful sight that grabbed our attention.
For the next few days we were inseparable, but during her classes and with the group, we kept affection private, out of deference to her position and goals. I knew people were beginning to suspect, no matter how chaste we tried to appear, and it struck me that hiding it might cause resentments that she wasn’t being forthright.
I paid for more meals, but made sure it was fair since everyone had paid. She shouldn’t have more profit just because I was picking up the bill.
We handled ourselves well.
Nobody could fault us, her, or the retreat she’d assembled. In fact, everyone was having an amazing time, and it’s been an incredible thing to be a part of. Especially because, on a personal note, the time Tempest and I spent, with the group and without, gave us a chance to get to know each other, and just be together. They say if you can travel together you can be happy, too.
The days have passed in a way that felt natural, unhurried, aligned with the lifestyle of Italy.
Then today, after morning practice and breakfast, the group traveled to Naples, a city that exhausted many of us after the quiet life we’ve been enjoying.
I passed out as soon as we got home with a nap that felt like I’d never slept before. My shower should have been cold with how my cock ached for alone time with her.
I was done waiting, even stroking myself as steam fogged the mirror and tiled walls until I broke open, didn’t take the
