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It was now Thursday and there was still no word from Edward.

Since he’d left three days ago, I’d sent him loads of texts and voice notes asking if he was okay, but hadn’t heard anything back.

I knew he’d seen the first few WhatsApp messages, but the one I’d sent yesterday was still unread.

I’d been trying my best to be understanding, but I was starting to lose patience. I totally got that he was going through a hard time, but couldn’t he at least have sent me a quick message to update me? Even if it was ‘sorry but I won’t be coming back’, at least I’d know where I stood.

As hard as it was, I had to try to stay positive. There were eight full days left here, so there was still time for him to come back.

The last couple of days had been surprisingly good.

After we’d got back from Matera on Tuesday night, I’d just ordered room service. On Wednesday we had a picnic on a gorgeous beach, so it wasn’t too awkward because whilst all of the other couples stared into each other’s eyes, I went for a swim or buried my head in my Kindle.

Kim and Timothy were really nice, checking on me throughout the afternoon. Romeo checked on me too, asking if I was okay sitting on my own. I told him that with my Kindle I was immersed in a world with loads of imaginary friends, so I was fine.

I was grateful that I didn’t spend too much time with him, because after I felt those sparks at Matera, I knew I had to keep my distance.

When he opened up about his ex, I was surprised. I was convinced Romeo was a player, but after hearing about his long-term relationship and spending more time with him, I wasn’t so sure he was a big flirt.

But if that was true, then what happened with that guest that Jasmine mentioned? And why did he get complaints from male matches? I was dying to find out, but it seemed rude to ask and anyway, I was supposed to be keeping our interactions to a minimum.

Yesterday we took a trip to a pretty clifftop town called Polignano a Mare. We also visited Arco delle Meraviglie, a romantic bridge with a beautiful stone arch which legend says was built to connect the houses of two lovers who were forbidden from dating so they could see each other in secret.

During the visits, I was able to hang out for a bit with Kim again, but something told me that being able to keep Romeo at arm’s length again would be a challenge.

Today’s trip wasn’t until later because we were going out for dinner, so I’d taken advantage by having a lie-in and was arriving later than usual.

‘Ciao,’ Tommaso, the maître d’, oops, I meant, theDining Directorgreeted me as I stepped through the door.

‘Ciao,’ I said, a little disappointed not to see Romeo.

I’d gotten so used to seeing him as soon as I stepped into the restaurant that it was strange that he wasn’t here.

It wasn’t that I missed him or anything. The fact that he wasn’t here was good, because I was supposed to be keeping my distance.

After Tommaso showed me to my table, I placed my order. I was about to pull out my phone to text Stella, when I saw Romeo striding towards me.

Excitement fizzed in my stomach and when he flashed me a full, warm smile that was straight out of a toothpaste advert, my pulse quickened.

‘Ciao,’ he said when he reached my table. ‘I was just going to call your room to check that you were okay. Everything good?’

‘Yeah, great! Perfect!’ I blabbed, trying not to be affected by his smile, his scent, his… bloodyeverything.

‘You have ordered?’

‘Yep!’ My voice went high-pitched. ‘The usual. I was gutted that they didn’t have any of thosepasticciottopastries left. That’ll teach me to come to breakfast late!’

‘One moment.’ Romeo disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned a few minutes later, he was clutching a plate and when I saw what was on it, my mouth fell open. ‘Here.’ He placed it on the table. ‘I knew you liked them, so I saved these for you. One is the traditional custard and the other has Nutella.’

‘Oh my God, thank you!’ I gushed. That was such a kind gesture.

Romeo waved his hand dismissively like it was no big deal, but it really was.

‘I’ve been thinking about these pastries ever since I tried one on the coach. I even went to the back to get another one, but they were all gone. I wasn’t surprised though. Everyone probably saw them and took them straightaway.’

‘No.’ Romeo shook his head. ‘You did not find any more because there was only one. I brought that from the buffet to the coach just for you.’

Wait, what?