Page 30 of Sicilian Sunset

“Hmm. You’d think a guy would normally go for roses. Especially given your middle name.”

“Exactly.”

“And how did he get them into your room?”

“I assumed the hotel staff put them here.”

Rhia shrugs her shoulders. “I suppose. It doesn’t really matter, anyway. What matters is that he’s wooing you.”

“Hey girls. Do you think these shoes go with this dress? I’m really not sure if…” Zoe walks into my room and halts abruptly, just like Rhia and I did when first spotting this floral extravaganza.

Her mouth hangs open as she stares at the sea of flowers. “Oh my God. This is insane. I guess I really can kiss my foursome fantasy goodbye.”

“You were serious about that?” I ask.

Why am I sounding surprised? This is Zoe we’re talking about.

“Hell yes, I was. If I’m missing out on this Black Sheet party, this would have been the next best thing.”

“What would you even do with three guys?” I ask, rather naively. “How do you figure out the logistics?”

“Oh my innocent friend,” Zoe pats me on the shoulder. “You have three holes. Why not fill them all?”

A shudder runs through me—and not a pleasant one. I have trouble focusing on one lover at the best of times, and chasing my big O. Throw two more men into mix or even just one extra and I’d be completely overwhelmed.

“How could this possibly be enjoyable? There’d be too much going on to actually feel anything properly.” I glance at Rhia.

“Don’t look at me for answers. I’ve never even got to have a threesome. Lex entered the scene before I could tick that one off my bucket list.”

“Well, let me enlighten you both. Double penetration is frickin’ amazing. There’s nothing like it.”

“Now that part is true.” Rhia smirks. “But you don’t need a second man for that. There are plenty of other ways.”

“That’s hardly the same. Being wedged between two hunks… two sets of hands on you and two cocks inside… it’s just so… so… God, I can’t even describe how orgasmic that is.”

“Well, I’m very satisfied with the way things are. I don’t ever want another set of hands on me. Lex is all I want.” Rhia grins at her sister, who stomps back to her room, muttering, “You two are so boring. The flowers are cool, though.”

The flower surprise slowed down our prepping for dinner, but Rhia and I are now applying the last touches of our makeup in her bathroom.

Zoe hasn’t emerged from her room since she stomped off, and Rhia and I are a little worried about what she’ll wear tonight. My guess is it’s going to be provocative. Her single-minded aim is to seduce.

It’s almost seven o’clock and the queasiness in my stomach makes me want to regurgitate the linguini I had for lunch. The heart flutters I’m experiencing aren’t helping me to calm down either.

God, I’m a nervous wreck. Is it too late to cancel dinner?

I smooth the front of my coral red dress just to do something with my hands. I watch Rhia, who has finished straightening her hair and looks stunning in her simple emerald green dress with spaghetti straps. It flows beautifully over her flat stomach and the curves of her body, and ends right above her knees. The jewel green tone and her red fiery hair are a match made in heaven. She looks vibrant and full of life. Joyful anticipation is pouring out of her in spades.

While I, on the other hand, look more petrified than alive. The jitters are hitting me hard and my stomach does nauseating somersaults.

“You’re going to have dinner with an Italian god,” Rhia beams at me in the mirror.

Oh no, here she goes again. I don’t know if I can take any more of her excitement. “Holy cow, I’m so excited, I could pee myself!”

I roll my eyes at her. “Calm down, will you?! For starters, there are four other people having dinner with the Italian god, not just me.”

“He’ll have eyes only for you. And remember, you are Opposite Ella tonight.” Rhia looks sternly at me. “Don’t be intimidated by his looks, El. You’re just as beautiful, if not more so!”

I scoff at her words.

---