Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

“Why?”

He shrugs. “I had no real attachment to them. I only saw them once a week. I need sex more than that.”

I narrow my eyes. “No attachment at all?” He shakes his head and frowns. “Up until I met you, I didn’t think I had the ability to love anyone.”

Did he just say…

No. Stop it.

“And now?” I whisper as I pick up his hand and hold it in mine.

His eyes glow with tenderness. “I think you’re a witch who has turned me into this pathetic, lovesick schoolboy.”

I lift his hand and smile against it. “Why?”

“Because I think about you all day, and the thought of being with someone else, having someone else touch me...” He frowns and shakes his head. “It turns my stomach.”

The air swirls between us. What is it about Rome that is making him all open and swoony?

“You know, I’m beginning to think that I’ve never been in love before, either,” I whisper.

He leans over and kisses me softly. “So, what were the other men in your life then?”

“Just… practice.”

“For what?’

“For you.”

He smiles against my lips and we completely forget that we are in a crowded restaurant, our kiss turning passionate.

“I have a new favourite truth serum.” I smile.

“What’s that?”

“Champagne limoncello cocktails.”

Julian is spinning me around the dance floor, even though it’s now 1:00 a.m. We’ve laughed, drank, and eaten our way around Rome. Your Song by Elton John plays as I smile up at my man. We are the only two on the dance floor and the club is nearly empty. My arms are wrapped around Julian’s broad neck, while his hands rest on my hips as we sway. He’s happy, carefree, and everything I knew he could be. I smile as I listen to the words. I’ve never liked this song before, but being here with him, I think it may be the most perfect song in the world.

“I have a confession to make, Mr. Masters.”

“What’s that?” He grins.

“From the moment I met you at the airport, I knew you were special.”

His eyes search mine and he frowns as if battling something internally. “I also have a confession to make, Miss Brielle.”

“I’m listening.” I smile goofily up at him.

His eyes widen, and his lips soften. “When I told you I have never been in love before…. I lied.” He swallows the lump in his throat.

I stare into his big brown eyes.

“Because I’m in love with you,” he whispers.

I frown as my world stops. "But... I thought you didn't know how to love?'

“I don’t.” He kisses me softly. “But apparently my heart does, with or without my permission.”