Page 249 of My Italian Love Affair

And I'm standing here, barefoot in a luxury hotel suite, while the man I’m rapidly falling for sleeps in the next room.

Rome had always been meant as a short-term assignment. Three months to cover football, write some tactical pieces, and then get back to my normal life in London.

Except London doesn't feel like home anymore.

Rome does.

With its chaotic charm, buzzing culture, warm sunshine -

And Matteo.

I set my water down on the windowsill and open my email app, knowing what I need to do. The cursor blinks at me expectantly as I draft my message.

Re: Permanent Contract Offer

Hi Richard,

Thanks for your messages this morning.

I’ve given your offer a lot of thought, and I’m thrilled toaccept the position of Senior Sports Correspondent here in Rome.

I'll get you the exclusive on the post-match celebrations later today. Let me know if you'd like a particular angle.

Best,

Daphne Sinclair

I hover my thumb over thesendbutton.

Deep breath.

I press it, and the email disappears into the ether.

That's it.

Decision made.

The relief hits me almost immediately. My shoulders loosen, my chest feels lighter, and a smile stretches across my face.

It’s official: I'm staying.

"What's got you smiling like that?"

I jump slightly as warm, tanned arms snake around my waist from behind, and my pulse spikes.

"Jesus, Matteo," I breathe, relaxing into his embrace as his chin comes to rest on my shoulder. "You scared me."

He nuzzles my neck lazily, his stubble scratching deliciously against my skin.

"Sorry," he murmurs, voice gravelly with sleep. "Woke up and you were gone. Couldn’t have that."

I turn my head to look at him. His hair is still a mess, his eyes heavy-lidded with exhaustion - but he's here, pressed against me, holding me like he has no intention of letting go.

"I was just getting some water," I say softly.

"And thinking," he guesses.

"Yeah."

---