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‘Today we are going to a place which involves a lot of walking, so you will need energy. I have something that I think you will like. One moment.’

Romeo disappeared down the aisle towards the back of the coach.

Seconds later he was clutching a takeaway coffee cup and a small white box.

‘Here.’ He handed the box to me, then pulled the fancy chrome tray table down from the seat next to me and rested the coffee cup in the holder.

I quickly opened the box, eager to see what was inside.

‘Wow, what’s this?’ It looked like a circular shortcrust pastry pie which was roughly the same size as a cupcake.

‘This is apasticciotto– it is very typical to eat for breakfast or a mid-morning snack in Puglia. Inside is like a vanilla egg custard. The Cuisine Champions said you like a cappuccino, but I have orange juice in the fridge if you prefer?’

My heart inflated and those crazy butterflies erupted in my stomach yet again.

‘You did all this forme?’ My eyes widened, then I cringed. It was a dumb thing to ask considering he’d just handed me the cappuccino and dessert box and not someone else. ‘I mean, that was really kind of you,grazie.’

‘Prego. We like to take care of all of our guests at the Love Hotel.’

‘Oh… course!’ I added, feeling like an even bigger plonker.

He was just doing his job. I wasn’t getting special treatment. Maybe this was all part of his flirty routine. It was still kind of him though.

‘I hope you enjoy. If you need anything else, I will be at the front of the coach.’

‘Great!’ I squeaked. ‘Thanks again.’

Romeo continued up the aisle, checking on the guests, and I tore my gaze away and back to the pastry in front of me.

I lifted it out of the box, then up to my mouth before taking a bite.

‘Oh my God,’ I groaned a little too loudly. It was bloody delicious.

What was it about the food in Italy? How did everything taste so good?

I inhaled the pastry so fast, I was glad that the couple adjacent to me were deep in conversation, so they didn’t see me gobbling it up.

Whilst Romeo chatted to other guests, I snuck to the back to see if there were more pastries left, but there was just some fruit.

For the rest of the journey, I took in the sights from the window and pulled out my Kindle to start reading a new romance book. I’d barely read two chapters before Romeo announced that we’d arrived at our destination. Apparently wherever we were going had restricted parking, so we needed to walk the rest of the way.

I gasped as I took in the magnificent views in front of me. And this time I wasn’t talking about Romeo’s face and body.

‘Benvenuti aMatera,’ he said. ‘This is not just the oldest city in Italy or Europe: it is one of the three oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.’

‘Wow,’ a lady opposite me said.

The city was carved into the limestone cliffs and was breathtaking.

‘Instead of using a guided tour, we have prepared a list of recommended places, because we think it is better for you to discover the city together.’ Romeo handed out a glossy brochure and tickets which I assumed gave everyone entrance to key sites. ‘But if you get lost or would like recommendations, call me.’

‘Will do!’ a lady, whose name I think was Kim, said.

‘Edward, Samantha’s match, has unfortunately been called to attend a family emergency in London. Hopefully he will return soon. But in the meantime, sadly Samantha will be stuck with me accompanying her around the city.’

‘Lucky lady!’ Kim said and her partner’s eyes bulged. ‘Only joking, sweetheart.’ She pecked him on the cheek affectionately.

‘This place is stunning,’ I said as we wandered down the cobbled streets. ‘I’ve never heard of it before.’