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But ever since we had met, Sammie had done nothing but joke with me or take pleasure in letting me know that she did not think I was anything special.

A woman who is attracted to you does not compare you to a senior citizen.

It is true that earlier when she had touched my hand, I had felt a spark again, but she was just trying to comfort me after I told her that Biscotti was unwell.

But it was more than just the physical attraction. I felt a connection.

The conversation tonight flowed easily.

She made me laugh more than any other woman ever had.

Sammie was strong, confident and fearless.

She said what she felt without caring what others would think, which was a breath of fresh air.

Many of the women that were interested in me were always so worried about looking a certain way or saying the right thing to impress me that they did the exact opposite. They did not have their own opinion. They dumbed down their personalities to be the person they thought I wanted them to be.

But not Sammie. She was unapologetically herself and I loved that.

‘Grazie.’ I broke the silence.

We stood there for a few more beats, neither of us saying a word.

I should go. I should wish her goodnight and go straight to bed. But I was not ready for the night to end.

Of course, I was not suggesting that anything should happen between us.

Even if Edward had disappeared, Sammie was still his match.

And I was still her Love Alchemist.

That was when I remembered that the hotel grounds had cameras. If my bosses saw me gazing into the eyes of a guest, they would not be happy.

My gaze drifted to the reception entrance.

‘Are you okay to get to your room or would you like me to come with you?’

‘Oooh, you cheeky little thing!’ Sammie cackled. ‘I would’ve said that you should’ve at least bought me dinner first, but you’ve already done that.’

‘What?’ I frowned. ‘Oh…’ I said as I realised what she meant. If only she knew how much I would very much like tocome with her.‘Let me rephrase: would you like me to walk you to your room?’

‘I’m just pulling your leg!Grazie, but I’m a big girl. I can walk there myself.’

At that point, I thought she would say goodnight, but she did not move. We stood there again just staring at each other.

I was not sure before, but now I saw it. The attraction was mutual.

For the first time in years, I had a connection with a smart, sexy, funny woman.

And there was absolutely nothing that I could do about it.

26

SAMMIE

There was something wrong with my feet.

For the last five minutes I’d been telling myself that I needed to stop staring into Romeo’s ridiculously beautiful eyes and get my arse to my room and away from temptation. But here I was, my feet still rooted to the ground like they were covered in concrete.