Page 31 of Finding Love in the Clouds

They ate in companionable silence for a while, savoring the chewy crust and rich toppings. “This is amazing,” Sophie said between bites. “I can see why Neapolitan pizza is so famous.”

Fernando nodded in agreement. “It’s perfect. I could get used to this.”

They lingered at the table a little longer, talking and laughing about the day’s adventures while sipping their glasses of Chianti. The pizzeria hummed with the sounds of locals and tourists alike.

A group of young American tourists entered and began snapping selfies, causing Fernando to move closer to Sophie, wrapping his arm around her in a romantic embrace. He had forgotten his ballcap on the bus and felt exposed. One young woman, observing them carefully, squealed, rattling something to her friend, who instantly looked over at them before whispering furiously to the others in the group. The first young lady was already making a beeline for their table. Fernando quickly cupped Sophie’s cheek and pressed a kiss to her lips. He heard a gasp but couldn’t be sure if it came from Sophie or the disappointedfan. Not wanting to make any more of a scene, he led Sophie back to the hotel, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, tucking her close to his side.

“Sorry about that,” he whispered as they walked down the sidewalk. “I know we didn’t discuss how far we were willing to go with this ruse. It was a knee-jerk reaction when I saw that female charging us. I hope I didn’t offend or startle you.”

“It’s fine,” Sophie assured, her heart still racing from the impromptu lip lock. “I prefer my kisses to have meaning, but I did agree to provide you cover from the fans, so I can’t be offended when that includes a chaste kiss. A little warning might be nice next time.” Her tender smile let him know all was well, and she was teasing him.

“I will keep that in mind and do my best,” he promised.

Feeling exhausted after a long day of travel and exploration, Sophie and Fernando checked in and gathered their waiting luggage from the reception desk where Alessandro had left them.

Outside Sophie’s door, Fernando paused. “I had a great time tonight. Thanks for sharing this with me.”

“Me too,” Sophie said, feeling a warm glow inside thinking about the kiss they had shared. “Goodnight, Fernando.”

“Goodnight, Sophie,” he replied, watching as she slipped into her room, her smile lingering in his mind. As he walked to his own room further down the hall, he couldn’t help but feel excited about the adventures that awaited them the next day. He hadn’t planned for that kiss, but he certainly wasn’t going to regret it.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The following morning, they reconvened in the hotel’s dining room for an Italian breakfast of pastries, fruit, and freshly brewed coffee. “Buongiorno,” Alicia greeted them as they took their seats. “Today, we’ll be journeying to Assisi, a charming hilltop town known for its stunning architecture and rich history.”

The bus ride to Assisi was filled with stunning scenery of rolling hills dotted with ancient olive groves and vineyards. The azure sky stretched endlessly overhead, merging seamlessly with the lush countryside below. Along the winding roads, quaint villages nestled amidst the hills, their terracotta rooftops gleaming in the warm sunlight. Towering cypress trees lined the roadside, their slender forms casting long shadows across the golden fields. In the distance, the majestic peaks of the Apennine Mountains rose like silent sentinels, their snow-capped summits piercing the horizon.

“Just when I think it can’t get any more beautiful, it takes my breath away once more,” Sophie commented, peering out the window.

“It is a sight to behold. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Do you prefer the country or the city?” Fernando asked.

“Oh, um, I don’t really know. I live in the suburbs right now, and it is fine. I definitely would not like an apartment in the middle of the city or in a high-rise. I prefer at least a little grass and a patio to sit on and enjoy outside time. Maybe someday a pool would be nice. Although I’m really enjoying this rural landscape, I don’t think I could live this far out of town. I enjoy short trips to the grocery store too much. What about you? You just built your new house in the hills, but you sleep in your office half the time. Where do you enjoy living?”

“I don’t enjoy the city even though that is where I spend all my time. I prefer a little peace and quiet. I just spent an exorbitant amount of money buying up that land in the hills to build my house. It sits on ten acres and has tall walls around it, so there is plenty of privacy until the drones start flying over to get a look at who lives inside. The pool is amazing, with a rock waterfall and grotto. I had a slide hidden amongst the rocks for when the nieces and nephews get old enough to visit and enjoy it. My McKenzie family had a good time at Christmas this past year. When we get back, you will need to come to Saturday lunch with your family and hang out. There is a spacious patio and outdoor kitchen. I’m not exactly a grill master, but Garret does an amazing job with steaks.”

“Wait, you and Garret eat together?” Sophie asked, astonished.

“Of course, not every night, but often enough. He lives in an apartment over the garage and often comes into the house to check on me. Like you, he is more a friend than an employee. I spend more time with him getting driven around than anyone else, save you. Sometimes the security team without families stick around after their shifts and eat with us or play some pool. Although that will likely change after my brothers overhaul my security.”

“Why are they doing that? I thought you liked your guys?” Sophie asked, confused by the change and a little annoyed she hadn’t been informed since this would impact her as well.

“I do, but I recently had a test of my security, which failed. Don’t worry; the guys on this trip with us have passed all the requirements to stay on and were personally approved by Julio. The security firm has been fired, and Julio’s company will be taking over. It should be all sorted out when we get back so you can meet everyone. We will probably do a briefing together since you’ll work so closely with them organizing my schedule, transportation, and everything else in my life.” Fernando squeezed her leg gently to let her know he understood her situation.

“So, do you think you could enjoy living in a mansion on a hill someday?” he asked, returning to the previous topic.

“Yeah, I mean, I would never make the kind of money needed for that kind of setup, but if I had the opportunity, the location sounds amazing. Honestly, as long as I have my family around me I could live just about anywhere and be happy.”

“When you say you need your family around you, how close are we talking? I mean, my family lives all the way across the continent, and it is way too far for my liking, but I can’t do anything about that. What kind of distance are you comfortable with?” Fernando appeared to be looking out the window but was really watching Sophie as she continued to gaze at the scenery passing by.

“Oh, I come from a traditional Spanish family; I prefer right down the hall.”

Fernando could feel his eyes widen, much like a cartoon character whose eyes bulged out of their head in shock, and quickly schooled his features to hide his feelings.

She sensed Fernando’s surprise and turned to look at him. “What? Haven’t you ever heard of multigenerational homes before? You know, ‘It takes a village’ and all that?” she added.

“I mean, yeah, I’ve heard of them, but I don’t think I actually know anyone who lives with their family, like when they have a family of their own. Not unless they are strapped financially. It’s not like they actuallywantto live with their parents.”

“Well, I do. And many in my culture do. My family just recently moved out of my Tio and Tia’s home, where twelve of us lived in a five-bedroom house. That wasn’t ideal, but you get close to your family when squeezed in like sardines.” Sophie chuckled at the analogy, thinking back to the sleeping arrangements and how accurate it was.

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