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I loved the way she responded to my touch.

I loved the way her body moved beneath mine and how amazing it felt as I buried myself inside her.

I loved the way she screamed my name when I made her come. Twice.

I lovedeverything.

But I hated the fact that I wanted to do it all over again. Because we could not. There was too much at stake.

That was why I had taken her back to her driver’s meeting point after lunch yesterday and had not contacted her since.

Despite that, I was sure there was not a minute that had passed when I had not thought about her.

And that was why I could not message to invite her out. Even if I wanted to.

It was a bad idea anyway. Today I was taking Mamma and Biscotti to one of the most beautiful beaches in Salento. Mamma loved it there and I was sure Sammie would like it too. I’d already crossed too many professional lines. I could not start crossing personal boundaries too by introducing her to Mamma.

Mamma would get excited that I was spending time with a woman and start asking questions which would make things more complicated than they already were.

I shook my head, slid my phone into my pocket, picked my keys up off the desk and headed to my car.

As I climbed into the driver’s seat, started the engine, then set off, I exhaled. I loved working at the hotel, but it was good to know that I had time off.

During the second week of our guests’ stay, things were much more relaxed.

Most of the couples had breakfast in their villas, but I tried to spend at least a few days doing breakfast service at the restaurant just in case. Afterwards I would work in my office for an hour or two, helping the guests organise their couples excursions. Then I would have the rest of the day to myself, before returning for dinner service to catch up with the guests, ask if they’d enjoyed their trips and find out their requirements for the following day.

This evening, though, I would not be working and tomorrow I had the whole day off. After working long hours all last week, I was glad to have a break.

Once I’d pulled up outside of my parents’ house, I switched off the engine. I had barely stepped out of the car when Biscotti raced over.

‘Ciao, Biscotti!’ I crouched down and stroked her beautiful chocolate fur. She had made an incredible recovery and seemed more like herself which was great to see.

‘Hello, son.’ Mamma threw her arms around me and squeezed tight like it had been three years since she had seen me instead of just days.

‘Ciao, Mamma.’ I kissed her on both cheeks. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes, I just have a few things in the hallway. Can you carry them out for me?’

‘Sure,’ I said, ruffling Biscotti’s fur again before striding towards the hallway. I was relieved to see that Papà’s shoes were not there. I always preferred it when he was out. I picked up the beach umbrella, two folding chairs, a large bag and cooler box, then carried them to the back of the car. ‘What do you have in here?’ I asked as I heaved them into the boot. ‘Rocks?’

‘Just a few essentials for the beach, snacks for Biscotti and of course some things I made for lunch.’

‘Feels like there’s enough to feed an army!’

‘With all of the long hours you work, I have to make sure that you’re well fed,’ Mamma said, as she strapped in Biscotti with the special dog harness then checked she was comfortable on the back seat, before sliding herself into the passenger seat. ‘Are you eating properly?’

‘Sì,’ I said as I set off to the beach. She had asked me the same thing when I visited on Sunday.

‘I wouldn’t have to worry about you so much if you settled down with a good woman to take care of you.’

‘Mamma.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘I do not need a woman to take care of me and I keep telling you. Times are different now. Women have their own careers. Like Mirabella.’

‘Your sister works too hard. Youallwork too hard. When will you have time to find a wife and have a family with all of thisworking?’

‘I am happy.’

‘I’m not so sure,’ she huffed. ‘I can’t remember the last time you brought a woman to meet me. Not since…’