Not going to lie, that was one of the best and worst blow jobs of my life. Best, because that woman has a phenomenal mouth, and worst, because, well, my load ended up all over me. Next time, I know to be more forceful with my tapping, she seems very lost in giving me head. Thankfully, we were both able to laugh about it. Lilly’s preparing something in the kitchen while I have a shower. She’s different to the other girls I’ve dated, not that we are dating. I couldn’t imagine any of the models or socialites acting the way she does, no makeup, her hair tussled in a messy bun, walking around the cottage in leggings, falling asleep during sex. No, those girls are perfect, super-human even, they would have taken whatever I gave them and asked for more. But, I’m coming to realize it’s the dents and kinks in someone that makes them who they are. Having a flat, shiny surface loses its appeal after awhile, they all end up looking the same.

“All clean,” I say, walking into the kitchen, which is filled with delicious aromas. The scene is oddly domestic and I kind of like it. As I pass Lilly, I give her a kiss on the cheek and a tap on her bottom, this makes her giggle.

“Who said you could touch me so freely?” She raises an eyebrow at me as I grab two beers from the fridge.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize it was a one-time kind of thing.” Genuinely, I’m surprised. She looks away, flustered, as she stirs something in the pot.

“I…just …didn’t think you would … you know…” she says nervously. I want more time with her, especially in bed.

“You can have me for as long as you want.”

“For as long as the snow storm is for.” I shake my head, because I want her for the whole time. She’s taking my mind off of things and it’s what I need at the moment, which kind of sounds selfish.

“At the moment, I’m enjoying your company, and the way I see it, you might as well stay, it is your home after all and you’ve just travelled halfway across the world to see it,” I tell her, cracking open the bottles of beer, handing one to her, which she takes, having a big sip. I do the same.

“But, you paid for it. I can’t keep the money.”

“No. Take it, please, I am still staying here and you are cooking for me. I think that evens itself out, don’t you?” She doesn’t look convinced.

“Maybe, but I still feel bad about crashing your holiday.”

“Honestly, I just needed to get away from my life for a while, and I chose the furthest point away from my home.”

“And your home is?” I knew she would have questions about who I am.

“Roma, Firenze sometimes Toscana.”

“You live in Rome, Florence and Tuscany?”

“Si.”

“Like, seriously, what on earth do you do? Those are some of the most beautiful cities in the world.”

“I’m a businessman,” I tell her, hoping she won’t ask any more. She eyes me suspiciously but decides to not press me further. I help her set the table, while she serves out the food.

“I took a risk making spaghetti Bolognese for an Italian, but it was quick and easy.”

“It smells good, plus, I’m starving, and I didn’t have to cook so that’s a bonus,” I respond, giving her a wink.

“Saluti,” I say, holding up my beer.

“Saluti,” she cheers back. We both dig in furiously.

“This is delicious,” I say between mouthfuls.

“Wow, that means a lot coming from you.” She gives me a crooked smile.

“Now, if you can find me proper coffee, then I might have to think about marrying you.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen around here, so you better call off the priest now.” We both laugh.

The conversation flows between us easily, she tells me about her childhood nanny and the crazy things they got up to, she also told me about her Nan and the fun times she had sitting in this cottage. This is a far cry from the privileged upbringing I had.

“Wanna play a game?” Lilly asks. My brows raise. She’s kinky as well, this girl is full of surprises. “Get your head out of the gutter, Luke. I was meaning a board game.” I don’t remember the last time I played a board game or even if I have.

“Um, sure.”

“Don’t look so scared. I promise to go easy on you.” Lilly gives me a wink as she excitedly jumps up from the dining table and rustles in the hallway cupboard. She walks back with a dusty box and places it down on the table.

“Monopoly, what is that?”

“What?” she screeches. “You have never played Monopoly?” Lilly looks at me as if I am some rare breed of alien.

“No, we didn’t play board games in my family.”

“Oh, my God. I feel sorry for you; what kind of childhood did you have that there was no Monopoly.” She says it as a joke but little does she know how rigid of a life I grew up with. “It’s one of the greatest games on earth. I thought, you being a businessman and all, that this would be right up your alley.”

“Be warned, I am a ruthless businessman and I will be an even more ruthless opponent,” I tell her, taking my seat back at the table.

“Game on, then.” She is glaring at me over the table.

“What, no! What do you mean I have to pay you rent, I don’t have any money left?” I exclaim, looking at the board.

“You have to sell everything and pay or declare bankruptcy and I win.” How on earth did this woman beat me at a game of real estate.

“Take pity on me, woman, this is my first time,” I tease her.

“Hell, no. I’m one of the most competitive people you will ever know, there is nothing that you can offer me that would make me change my mind.” Challenge accepted. I stand up and walk around to her, and start kissing her neck.

“What… what are you doing?” Her voice is shaky.

“You said there was nothing in the world that would make you forfeit the game and I’m just testing this theory.” My lips trail all over her skin, tiny goosebumps prickle under my lips.

“This is cheating, you know…” Her words trail away as my lips continue their assault.

“Or, I’m switching to a new game, one that we both can win at.” This makes her laugh.

“That seems like a valid suggestion.” She giggles. I walk around the chair and ask for her hand, which she gives me willingly. I pull her up out of the chair, then throw her over my shoulder. “Luke, Luke,” she screams with delight, thumping my back. Luckily, the cottage is small as I rush towards my room, kicking the door open and throwing her on the bed. “You’re crazy.”

“I guess your crazy is rubbing off onto me,” I say, giving her a smirk. I open the bedside table and pull out a condom and throw it onto the bed, her eyes widen at the action.

“Guessing the game is getting serious.” Her eyes darken to an almost sapphire as she starts to undress, the timidness that she had shown before now gone, as she's feeling comfortable in my company. I follow her lead and strip off my t-shirt and track pants. She throws her leggings at me, which makes me laugh. I settle myself over her, hovering enough that I don’t squash her.

“You were a pleasant surprise.” She smiles up at me.

“So were you.” The moment settles between us, both of us surprised at the ease we find ourselves in, seeing as we are very much strangers, but at this moment in time, I feel like I can be myself, not the person my family wants me to be, no responsibility, no pressure, no pretending. Just me. Luca.