Oh,myGod!I scream internally. This can’t be happening. He and I in the same bed will be too hard to handle. I glance at him, seeing the cool smile on his face as he speaks to the receptionist.

“Thank you for understanding, sir.” The receptionist gives a card to Lance and motions for a staff member to come forward. “Please, follow him. He’ll lead you to your room.”

The bellboy with our luggage walks ahead as the designated staff member begins to lead us to the elevator. I feel Lance’s hand wrap around mine. I squeeze his hand, smiling up at my handsome boss. I take the time to drink in the magnificent sight of the hotel lobby. I gaze upon marble floors with floral designs that pull my eyes to the monumental Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby with a golden star on top. It is wrapped in colorful, twinkling lights. Soft Christmas music plays in the background. We step on plush red carpet, leading to a gold-plated elevator. The high ceiling of the hotel boasts hanging lights. They are like floating orbs when looked at from below. On the walls are mounted large screens, displaying the hotel’s name and logo, La Dolce Vita, meaning the sweet life.

The lobby has a cozy lounge area where guests sit, talking or busy on their phones taking photos. There are comfortable sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables arranged in a circular pattern around a holographic fireplace. Above the fireplace is a winter landscape, showing a snowy village and a sleigh. The Christmas music I realize is coming from a grand white piano with gold designs.

I can’t take my gaze off the beautiful scene. I feel Lance letting go of my hand and putting it behind me.

“You seem carried away. We still have the countryside of Italy to see and more.” I listen as we enter the elevator.

The doors close and the staff member leading us stares at the doors, not speaking. I blush not knowing what to say to Lance with the staff there. Lance doesn’t care. He watches me, waiting for my response.

“That sounds like fun. Do you come around here frequently?”What a silly question, of course he does.“I mean, other than for business.”

“I do. Italy is a beautiful place and I’d love to show you around.” The elevator stops and the doors slide open.

We step out; and from the opposite elevator, the bellboy exits, our luggage in tow. The floor we’re on is lined with a thick beige carpet and brightly-lit wall sconces. The corridor is quiet and serene as the floor is reserved for executive guests. We walk past several doors, each with a brass number and a security card swipe.

“We’re here, sir. Your room.” The attendant points toour room. It’s marked with the number 1201 on a gold plaque.

“Thank you.” Lance takes his right arm from my back and inserts the key card into the slot. We hear a beep. The bellboy goes in first, setting down our luggage then leaving. “Shall we?” He holds my hand, taking the first step into the room.

“Yes.” I giggle at his gentlemanly air. We enter a spacious living room. I am in awe as I look around. The other door must lead to the bedroom. Lance and I head to the bedroom, which has a king-sized bed, a sofa, a flat screen TV, and a full minibar.

Lance immediately starts taking off his clothes. I look away, heading to the window. I part the curtains and reveal a stunning night view of Italy’s skyscrapers. I feel Lance’s hands on my shoulder. He rests his chin on my right shoulder, his breath tickling my ear.

I sigh, leaning into him. I realize that he's out of his clothes, standing half-naked behind me. My face warms up. I imagine the last time he and I were in a room together.

“This is such a beautiful sight. Pity I’m tired. I'd love to see it.”

“We’ll be here for a while. The possibilities are close to endless. Come, I’ve ordered room service.” He takes his hand away, going to the foyer.

“I’ll come join you. Let me get out of these clothes,” I announce. He responds with an affirmative grunt. I get out of my clothes and go into the bathroom. I spot the Jacuzzi. Oh, wow, I could fill it up right now and get in, but Lance is waiting for me. Instead, I take a quick bath and choose a black silk nightgown.

I find Lance with a feast spread in front of him. His torso is bare, and he’s wearing joggers. His length swings when he moves, showing that he isn’t wearing his briefs. I know there’s no use telling him to cover up; besides, I like seeing him this way. My mind is filled with scenes of us in bed. His six pack and sculpted physique makes me want to go on my knees and worship him.

He sees me staring and sits with his legs spread wide open. “Join me. I can’t finish this, although if you want me, you can always check in with me.”

“Oh, I’m thinking about it.” I take my seat beside him, and we begin to eat.

We retire to bed early, having had a long flight and needing to be on our way early to get to the vineyard in the morning. However, while I insist Lance take the bed, and I take the couch, he refuses.

We both stand at the door to the room, arguing.

“Lance, the couches are quite comfortable. The room and bed are yours,” I say slowly, emphasizing my words.

“Of course, that’s why I want you to sleep on the bed. You know what? I’ll carry you in there,” he threatens, reaching to lift me.

“Okay, we can both sleep in the bed. However, we can make a wall between us. A wall of pillows!”Who am I fooling? I would love it if he takes me any which way from here until Sunday.

He looks amused but nods. I wonder how pillows are going to protect me from my errant mind and desire when we’re sleeping in the same bed. We make the wall and get in bed. I fall right asleep with the thought of Lance doing dirty, dirty things to me. I blame him for waking up such a fierce sexual desire in me.

In the morning, I wake up to find the wall gone. I’m entangled with Lance in bed. I have my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat and his arms are around me, caressing my ass through my nightgown.He’s awake!

“Lance!” I hiss, his arms tightening around me, keeping me pressed to his chest. He chuckles darkly, kissing my forehead. The wanton caress he gives my ass and back elicits moans from me. I feel warmth rising in my core.

With me pressed on him, I feel his erection pressing against my abdomen. “Just stay here with me for a while. It feels great, doesn't it?” He purrs. I hear the echo of his voice in his chest.