Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels #2) by Lillianna Blake Page B

few growing pains along the way.”
    “Perfect for the next book, right?” Isabella smiled.  
    “I hope so.” I laughed and stepped out of the car.
    I reached the lobby in time to meet Max as he stepped off the elevator.  
    “How did you know I was here?” I hugged him.  
    “I hoped. I thought that if you weren’t, I might go out hunting for you.” He looked into my eyes. “I missed you this morning.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you. I thought one of us should get some sleep.”
    “You didn’t sleep well last night?” He narrowed his eyes. “I noticed a bit of tossing and turning.”
    “I just couldn’t fall asleep. I tried, I really did.” I stifled a yawn.  
    “Then maybe we should stay in today so you can get some sleep.” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want you to be exhausted for the book signing tomorrow.”  
    “No way, I’ve been looking forward to this. I just need to pick up some cream for my feet.”
    He looked down at the numerous bug bites on my feet. “I see meditation in the park may not have gone so well?”
    “It wasn’t my best moment, but I’m sure the rest of the day will be great. I can’t wait to find out what you have in store for me. Are you going to give me a clue?” I grinned as I looked into his eyes.  
    “It’s going to be a very sweet experience.” He winked.  
    “Hm. Sweet. Any time we spend the day together is sweet.” I pecked his lips. “I guess we should hurry, we don’t want to waste any time.”
    “Wait.” He pulled me close. “That’s what I don’t want you to do.”
    “What do you mean?” I gazed into his eyes.  
    “I don’t want you to hurry. I don’t want you to think about the time. I just want you to be with me.”  
    “I will be.” I leaned into his arms. “Always.”
    “I know, but what I mean is, I want you to be present with me. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, but I’d like you to try your best to let all that go. I just want one day where it’s just you and me—no books, no tour, no worries—just us.” He brushed his hand back through my hair and stroked the back of my neck. “What do you say?”  
    “I say that sounds like paradise.” I kissed him again, then pulled away.
    He pulled me back and kissed me again. Within moments I disappeared in the heady pleasure of his kiss. The sensation was one that I loved, but it also reminded me of how long I’d gone without it. Sure we’d been kissing, but not that deep soul-intertwining, outside-world-vanishing type of kissing. I lingered in the afterglow of it with his arms still wrapped around me.
    “Max, I love you.”
    “I love you too, Sammy.” He kissed the top of my head. “I love being here with you. I love that we’re going to spend the day together.”
    “Doing what, exactly?” I looked up at him with a sneaky smile. “Are you going to tell me, or do I have to keep guessing?”

Chapter 23

    “You can’t stand it, can you?” Max raised an eyebrow.  
    “You know I’m not a fan of surprises.” I stuck out my bottom lip.  
    “You mean you’re not a fan of not being in control?” He smirked.  
    “Stop!” I laughed. “Please, just tell me.”
    “Alright, fine.” He offered a dramatic sigh.  
    “We’re going on a gelato tour.”
      “A what?” I narrowed my eyes.  
    “A gelato tour. See?” He held up a piece of paper. “Each of these shops offers an assortment of flavors and this little guide will take us through the most unique ones. So we get a chance to try as many flavors as we like.”
    I looked at the glossy paper. Each building had a picture of a scrumptious-looking gelato. My mouth watered at the sight of them, but my chest also tightened. They were full of sugar. How was that going to fit into my diet?  
    “Max.” I frowned and looked up from the paper. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”  
    “Obviously I do, otherwise I wouldn’t have suggested it. What’s wrong with it?” The