Page 13 of The First Time

The food is just as good as the wine. We manage to eat in peace without any further bickering. When it comes time to sleep, we are in bed by eight. I put up a wall of pillows in between us, but I think we’re both too tired to even be aware of the other’s presence. I think I passed out seconds after hitting the pillow.

Chapter Six

Josh

I turn my head to the side, feeling the soft pillowcases against my skin. It’s my first reminder that I’m not in my own bed. Luckily, sleeping next to Layla wasn’t so bad. I think she even passed out before I did. The Great Wall of China she constructed with pillows made it feel like I was alone most of the night.

I peek to my right and notice her side of the bed is empty. There’s no sign of her on the couch or at the table.

The clock lets me know it’s seven in the morning. I think I slept for almost twelve hours. Shit, I hope that at least means I slept through any possible jet lag.

I should get up to see where Layla is. I don’t know what the plans are, but I think I’m supposed to spend the day with her. Why else would I have come? At least, I don’t think she’s planning on going off on her own.

The warm summer breeze comes through the door leading to the terrace. I spot her outside, sitting on a comfy chair, coffee in hand.

Damn. I forgot she was in my clothes. Seeing her in them last night was a sucker punch to the gut. A chance to see what she would look like if she were mine. If I were good enough for her and made enough money for her to bring me home to her parents.

Not that I don’t know her parents, but I don’t think I’m what they had envisioned for their little girl.

“Mornin’,” my sleepy morning voice rasps.

She turns around quickly with a bright smile. A strange sensation takes over in my chest, familiar to the one I had yesterday. I don’t know what she is doing to me.

I’m used to putting her in a certain category at home while having to be on my best behavior because her brother is around. I think this one-on-one time is getting to me, making me feel things I shouldn’t be feeling. Things that are easier to ignore in a group of loud, obnoxious friends.

“Good morning. There’s a nice single-serve coffee maker over there. Lots of options.”

“Nice. I’ll grab some. Be right back.”

After I make my coffee, I grab the seat next to her. The first sip hits the spot. It’s different from the kind we have at home. Stronger.

“Ever have a view like this with your morning coffee?” I ask.

She smiles behind her cup. “Not even close.”

“I still can’t believe we’re in Italy. Never thought I’d be here.”

Her eyebrows raise. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

I smile. “It’s a good thing. So, uh, what’s on your agenda for the day?”

Her head tilts to the side as she looks at me uncertainly. “My agenda?”

I shrug my shoulder. “I didn’t want to just assume you wanted me with you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to spend the day with me if you don’t want to. I can just…”

I stop her before she even finishes. “I never said that. Layla, I’m here to spend the time with you.”

She bites her bottom lip, drawing my attention to her mouth. I’ve only felt those lips on mine once, but I could never forget the feeling. Soft and full, perfectly kissable lips.

“Okay,” she gives me a small, tentative smile. “Well, I wanted to start with taking a water taxi to Como to do some sightseeing. Just kind of stroll around, then get some lunch there.”

“Sounds cool with me. Do we want to grab some breakfast first?”

“I might grab a bar or something to have on the way. But I know I’m about to eat my way through this place, so I’d rather save the calories for lunch and dinner.”

“You got it. No breakfast. Shoving our faces for lunch and dinner. I’m down.”

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