Page 87 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8

‘Breakfast together sounds wonderful. Thanks.’

Gio kissed her lingeringly and his gentleness was as compelling as his passion had been. She’d experienced both in the week they’d been here. Glorious, satisfying days. Was it any wonder her feelings for him eclipsed anything she’d known?

Finally he pulled away and took a deep breath, brushing the hair back from her face. He looked like a man who wanted to stay just as much as she wanted him to.

Then he got to his feet, drawing the crumpled sheet up over her nakedness and smoothing it before heading to the bathroom.

Exhausted though she was, her avid gaze ate him up. The play of muscles across his back. The easy swing of his arms and shoulders as he walked. The tight bunch and release of round buttocks and the strength of those long legs. Even the rumpled splendour of his dark hair made her want.

Stella was so needy. For his body obviously, his sublime lovemaking. But for far more. She craved his company. It was rare to feel so completely at ease with anyone else, so accepted.

So happy.

She knew this was a bite out of time. This wasn’t her real life and she had to make major decisions soon about that.

Yet being with Gio had given her a taste of something wonderful. Proof that happiness needn’t hinge on someone else’s approval. Particularly when that someone was a father who doled out affection only as a reward for doing what he wanted. All these years she’d strived to win love. Acceptance for who she was, not only what she could do.

She’d known it before, but these days with Gio crystallised and intensified that knowledge. Forged it into a weapon she could wield to carve what she wanted from life.

As she lay there, drowsily listening to the shower turn on in the next room, she pondered a bright, new possibility. Maybe she could find love that didn’t come with strings attached.

Gio showed her what life was like with someone who didn’t play games, who had no hidden agenda. Someone who appreciated her forherself.

She smiled, lazy warmth curling in her pelvis. She and Gio still hadn’t swapped surnames or details of their everyday lives. That had begun because she hadn’t wanted to reveal too much about herself, but now it felt like an exquisite, shared amusement. They were lovers who pretended to be strangers when in fact they understood each other intimately.

Sheknewhim, trusted him in ways that gave her hope for the future.

Stella snuggled lower in the bed. Sternly she reminded herself that neither she nor Gio had talked about the future. This interlude would end soon.

Her thoughts frayed as she felt a pang of regret.

But there was a whole world out there for her to explore. She didn’t need to accept an arranged marriage or tie herself in knots eternally trying to win approval.

She’d tell her father she wouldn’t marry the bridegroom he’d chosen. She’d persuade him to give her the professional opportunity she’d worked so hard for. If she didn’t succeed, she’d leave the family business and strike out on her own. It was possible she’d be pushed out of the family but did she really want affection that came with strings?

Determination filled her, and a sense of well-being.

Everything would work out for the best. Either she’d prove herself managing one of the company’s hotels or she’d earn that opportunity somewhere else. Right now that seemed the most appealing option.

She heard the shower switch off and imagined Gio towelling himself dry. Thought of him bringing a tray of food to share with her in bed. He’d tease her and tempt her and make love to her.

He’d make her feel like a goddess. And they’d talk, but today she’d tell him about herself. He’d accepted her request that they not discuss their lives in detail but there was no need now for that embargo.

Stellawantedto share with him. Not just her body but her past and even her problems. She’d love his perspective. She wanted to know so much more about him too. She wanted to knoweverything.

Maybe, just maybe, this connection between them might intensify. Perhaps this could be the beginning of a relationship that would strengthen over time.

Her heart beat faster and excitement quivered through her. What she felt for Gio was already powerful. She could imagine them building something special together.

It was a delicious possibility, one that made her smile as she slipped into sleep.

‘Gio?’

Stella moved through the downstairs rooms, but there was no sign of her lover. Her heart gave a little skip at the thought. Lover.

She couldn’t remember smiling as much as she had in the last few days. And when was the last time she’d laughed so freely or so often? When she’d felt so…appreciated?

She reached the kitchen and set down the tray she’d brought downstairs. It was mid-afternoon and she’d only just woken and devoured the breakfast Gio had left for her.