Page 223 of My Italian Love Affair

"How did you know?"

He smirks.

"I pay attention."

Warmth spreads through me as I accept the cup.

The coffee is perfect - rich and strong, with just the right amount of creamy foam. I sip it slowly while Matteo makes his own, then we move to the terrace and settle into the cushioned chairs.

The view takes my breath away.

The city stretches out below us, the rooftops of Rome glowing under the morning sun. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica peeks out in the distance, and far beyond that, the faint silhouette of mountains form a hazy blue backdrop.

"Wow," I breathe. "I don't think I'd ever leave if I lived here."

"That’s the trick," Matteo says, watching me over the rim of his cup. "You don’t ever have to leave."

The words linger between us, heavier than they should be.

I take another sip of coffee to distract myself from the implications.

"Okay," he says after a moment, breaking the silence. "You ready for a swim?"

"Mmhm," I nod. "Good thing I packed my bikini."

Matteo’s smile turns wolfish.

"A bikini, eh?"

"Yes," I reply, narrowing my eyes. "Andno, it’s not for your benefit."

"Of course not." He stands, stretching again. "Though I'll enjoy it all the same."

Upstairs, I change into the emerald green bikini I'd shoved into my bag at the last minute. The colour makes my skin look even more tanned than it actually is, and when I tie my hair into a messy bun and swipe sunscreen onto my arms and legs, I actually feelconfident.

Or, at the very least, not like an imposter pretending to live the life of a footballer's girlfriend for the weekend.

Fucking hell -what am I eventhinking?!

Matteo is already in the pool, swimming slow laps across the wide expanse of water. His powerful strokes cut through the surface effortlessly, sending ripples across the pool's glassy surface.

The sight of him like this - strong, focused and so perfectly at ease - makes my chest tighten.

"You're just going to stand there and admire me, or are you going to join?" he calls, his voice carrying across the water.

I roll my eyes.

"I was just taking a moment to feel sorry for your poor coach. You must be an absolute nightmare to manage."

"Terrible," Matteo agrees, grinning as he treads water. "Can't follow instructions to save my life. Now get in here."

I step to the edge of the pool and dip a toe into the water.

"Oh - it’s warm," I say, surprised.

"Heated," he confirms. "I’m a little fragile when it comes tocold water."

With a laugh, I jump right in.

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