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‘Mamma,’ I warned. ‘I do not want to talk about that.’

‘Okay, but I don’t understand. You’re such a gorgeous man. Any woman would be lucky to have you. Is there really no one special?’

My thoughts immediately turned to Sammie, which was stupid because it was just sex.

Sì, I admit that the connection between us was incredible and Sammie was unlike any other woman I had met, but when Mamma saidspecialshe meant someone I was dating,properly.

‘How is Biscotti?’ I changed the subject. ‘When is her next vet appointment?’

Mamma launched into a long account of how much progress Biscotti had made since my last visit. I was glad about the level of detail because it kept her from asking more questions about my relationship status for the whole journey.

Once I had parked, I took out everything from the boot and we set off with Biscotti.

‘It’s so beautiful,’ Mamma said as she slid off her sandals and sank her feet into the fine, white sand.

‘Sì,’ I said, looking out to the crystal-clear turquoise sea.

Luckily, because it was not high season, the beach was reasonably quiet. There were many other beaches in Salento that were less popular with the tourists, but Mamma liked this one. Probably because she liked being around people from other countries, including England. Hearing their accents made her feel more at home.

After Mamma had chosen a spot, I took out the beach blankets, set up the umbrella and arranged everything whilst she went for a swim.

‘When Mamma is back, we will go for a walk,’ I said to Biscotti as she curled up beside me under the umbrella which I had angled over her to make sure she stayed cool.

Once Mamma had returned, I removed my T-shirt and led Biscotti down to the sea. We walked along the shoreline and we were only a few minutes away from our chosen spot when I stopped in my tracks.

My eyes popped.

Emerging from the sea like a goddess was Sammie.

What was she doing here?

Sammie was wearing a pink bikini and the sight of her set my blood on fire.

Those curves.

Those perfect breasts.

Those legs.

Her beautiful face.

Everything.

My cock instantly thickened and I wished that I could sprint over to Sammie, scoop her up in my arms, carry her somewhere secluded and fuck her all over again.

My brain was so focused on fantasising about all the different ways I would take her that I did not realise she had seen me until it was too late.

‘Hey, you!’ Her face broke into a smile, causing my heart to race. That was the other thing I liked about her. When she smiled it was like everything became brighter.

‘Ciao.’ I swallowed hard, warning my body to calm down. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘You recommended this beach to me, remember? I didn’t realise you’d be here today too!’

‘I came here with Mamma and…’

‘Oh my God! Is this Biscotti?’ She crouched down on the sand and started stroking her chocolate-coloured fur. ‘She’s gorgeous!’

Biscotti, who was normally wary of strangers, wasted no time getting closer to Sammie, before she started licking her face.