into something that she couldn’t handle. She didn’t understand herself well enough, and wouldn’t be able to cope.
But Gianni was there. He reassured her, and seemed confident of what they were doing. Plus, there was no way to turn away from him. What they did together was exactly what she wanted more of. Where it would end didn’t matter as much as it should have.
She soaked up every experience Gianni could give her. Like a bloom that had been too long in the shade, Leah opened up and came to life with the light he provided. It wasn’t a choice. She couldn’t walk away, even knowing the risk.
One day, she might be alone again. But at least she would have the memories, and know that she’d had what she needed. If only for a little while. Whether she could be content with that, Leah wasn’t sure. But to resist the sexual pleasures when Gianni offered them wasn’t possible.
Pulling back the sheet, Leah slid from the bed and went to the bathroom. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, she could tell she looked different. Her skin tone and the gleam in her eyes were signs that she was coming to life. Of her blossoming under Gianni’s touch.
Once she was presentable, Leah found a fluffy hotel robe and put it on. She opened the bedroom door and looked out. There at the dining table, Gianni sat, drinking coffee and typing on his laptop. She took a moment to gaze at him.
Sensing her presence, Gianni turned. His eyes were soft, and Leah was glad, because she didn’t have to be ashamed of anything they’d done together. His look reassured her. “Good morning, baby.”
He turned and opened his arms. Leah went to him and sat on his lap. Gianni was fully clothed, and it occurred to her that she only had the blue dress to put on. He hugged her tightly, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I thought you should sleep,” he said.
“I did, but I missed you.”
Gianni put his hand in her hair and pulled her down for a kiss. “I’m here.”
Leah was glad the dream hadn’t ended yet.
He ran his thumb over her lips. “How are you this morning, beautiful?”
“A little stiff, and sore.” She smiled. “It feels good, though. It reminds me of you.”
Gianni kissed her again, deeper and longer. “You need time to relax and recover.” He brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek. “Would you like some coffee?”
She nodded, and slid off his lap to get a cup. Next to the silver pot was a tray of food. Leah took a hardboiled egg and some fresh fruit.
Gianni glanced at her plate, and nodded in approval. “I have plans for us today.”
She chomped on a sliver of watermelon. “You do?”
Gianni frowned. “You don’t have other commitments, do you?”
“You are my only commitment. Where are we going?”
“I thought we could go to the Tribeca Film Festival. Would you like that?”
Leah poured her coffee and took a sip. “Of course. But I don’t have anything to wear. You’ll have to take me home first.”
He shook his head. “No need. I had the concierge bring some things up. Take a look and see if they are okay.”
There was a big bag on the table with the hotel logo. Leah put down her cup, and reached inside the bag. She lifted out a dark blue pencil skirt, and a cream-colored top with a sweater to match. There was more. Navy pumps to go with it, plus a satin bra and underwear.
“How do you know my size?”
“I’ve had you in my arms enough.” Gianni grinned. “Actually, I took your blue dress down there, and the clerk figured it out from there.”
“This is all very expensive.”
“I wanted to get them for you. It will make me happy to see you in them.”
Leah knew that her choice of wardrobe was often lacking. But she tried not to take his gift as an insult. “Okay, let me shower first, then I’ll try them on.” She headed toward the luxurious bathroom, which was as big as the bedroom, carrying her food and coffee.
The clothes fit perfectly. Leah loved the feel of the