Tidal Love

by KM Lowe

  Harleigh’s face falls slightly and she gulps deeply. I wish I could take back those words. “Something like that. It isn’t a time of my life that I like to relive. Let’s just say I’m a different person now.”

  I raise my glass and nod at her softly. “We all have parts of our life that challenge us. I think it makes us stronger.”

  “I’m working on it. So, what’s on your agenda for today?”

  I smile warmly at her brief change of subject. I’m happy with that, because I’m getting used to the carefree look on her face. I didn’t like the sombre look a moment ago.

  “Well, if you like, I’d like to take you to lunch. I know the perfect restaurant on the harbour if you like seafood.”

  “I love seafood.”

  And just like that, the excitement that radiates from Harleigh is back again. The scary part is that I could get used to having her around, and that thought terrifies me.

  “I know I say this all the time, but I don’t want to put you out. You must have work to do.”

  I shake my head. “I always have time to spare. I’d only be stuck in my office if I was back at the hotel. I‘d much rather have a day off with you. Besides, what’s the point of being the boss if I can’t make my own rules?” I shrug and we both smile.

  “Okay. On one condition.” She holds one finger up and points it delicately at my chest.

  “Name it.”

  “I pay for lunch.”

  “Oh.” I cringe. I don’t know what I was expecting, but that wasn’t it. “It’s a hard bargain, because I’ve been brought up to pay, but I think I can stretch to you paying for one lunch.” I emphasise the word one.

  “Then you have a date, Giovani. Well, not a date. You know what I mean.”

  Harleigh’s flustered look makes me reach over and take her hand. “I like the sound of a lunch date. It’s been so long since I had a date.”

  “Okay.” She tucks an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear and smiles at me.

  Harleigh is the opposite of the type of woman I’ve been attracted to before. She seems kind, quiet, independent. No woman has ever asked to pay for our lunch date. Maybe I’ve been attracting the wrong type of woman. Eurgh, what am I saying? Harleigh is only here on holiday. She won’t like the lifestyle I lead. I need to enjoy this time while it lasts because it will end very quickly. Life will return to normal in a couple of weeks and we’ll both be back to square one.

  Chapter 7

  Harleigh

  Today has been a lovely day. As promised, Giovani has been the perfect tour guide. I’ve had fun. In fact, I’ve had nothing but fun since the moment I arrived in Bulgaria. It’s refreshing to feel light and untroubled. I’ve not had to worry about a thing since I left Scotland, and I really like that. It’s amazing how stress free I’ve been since I arrived here. It’s good for the soul and my mental health.

  When Giovani and I arrived back at the hotel, he got called away to take care of something in his office. I found myself gravitating to the wonderful pool area. I ordered the cocktail of the day, found a sun lounger, took out my book, and started reading. The gentle chatter and laughter from the other holiday makers lull me into a relaxed state. I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting out here, but the sweat covering my body is a good indicator that I should probably cool off before I have to head out for dinner.

  “Drinking already. You’re a badass.” Lucca plonks himself down opposite me and lounges back on the vacant sun lounger.

  “Your brother said you were dead this morning.” I laugh.

  He still looks a little green around the gills, but he’s up, walking and talking, so that’s a good sign.

  “That was probably an accurate description. I felt like death warmed up when I did open my eyes. How was your day? I hope Gio treated you right.”

  “Like a perfect gentleman. Today was lovely. Just what I needed after our wild night.”

  “Speaking of wild, do you fancy another wild evening?”

  I groaned. “I’m not a big drinker. Another night like last night and I’ll be digging my own grave.”

  “I was being sarcastic. My head could not stand another wild evening too soon. My idea of wild is a barbecue, a few beers, and some decent company at my brother’s pool.”

  I think over everything Lucca is saying. I don’t want to intrude. “Wouldn’t Gio mind? He’s been more than courteous since I arrived. He doesn’t have to babysit me.”

  “Nonsense. Gio likes you. I like you, like an annoying sister.”

  “Wow! Thanks, bro.” I mock and throw the strap of my bag over my shoulder. “If Giovani doesn’t mind then that sounds like a plan.”

  “If Giovani doesn’t mind what?” His voice makes me jump.

  Thankfully, my big sunglasses are hiding my gaze as it travels up and down his toned body.

  “I was just asking Harls if she fancies coming over to your house tonight for a few beers and a barbecue.”

  “Definitely. And to help you make your mind up, I’ll cook so you don’t end up with food poisoning.”

  Lucca sits bolt upright and holds his hand over his chest. “I can cook, you’re just a cheeky arsehole.”

  I giggle at the two brothers. They remind me of my own siblings – fun to be around.

  “What do you say, Harls? You game for trying my cooking?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll bring some drinks. What do you both like?”

  “My brother owns a hotel. He has a cellar full. Just bring yourself.” Lucca jumps off the lounger and punches Giovani’s shoulder. “See you later, bro.”

  Giovani shakes his head at his brother and sits down on the lounger Lucca just vacated.

  “He keeps you on your toes.”

  “He’s going to be the death of me.” We both chuckle. “You’re a lovely shade of brown already.”

  “Good. The lobster look doesn’t suit me. So, about tonight, do you really not mind me tagging along?”

  “No, of course I don’t. I was coming to find you to see if you would let me take you to dinner, but Lucca’s idea sounds good. I’ll just have to get you to agree to dinner another night.”

  My cheeks heat even more. “I’ll hold you to that. I should get out of this heat, go for a shower, and get dressed for tonight. Thank you for today. I really enjoyed it.”

  “No thanks necessary. I’ll see you tonight, Miss Harleigh.”

  “That you will.” We both stand up together. “Bye, Giovani.”

  “Bye.”

  I turn away and practically skip away. I’ve never had as much excitement or so many plans in my life. I’m all work and no play, but I’m realising that makes a boring life.

  Just being away from Scotland has made a big difference to the way I view things. I’m not looking over my shoulder, wondering what’s going to happen next, or what will become of my existence. After this holiday I’m going to be changing the way I look at life full stop. I’m going to live for the moment and enjoy every single minute. I’m going to make plans and stick to them. I won’t let the past dictate my life any longer.

  Maybe this holiday will open up my mind to lots of new possibilities.

  Chapter 8

  Harleigh

  You’d think I was going for dinner with the Queen the way I’m primping and preening myself. Gio and Lucca won’t care what I’m wearing. They don’t seem like the kind of guys to care about the attire I choose, and I like that. Martin always had a say in what I wore. I wasn’t allowed to dress like a woman of my twenty-seven years. I dressed more like my grandma. Well, my grandma probably dressed more fashionably than I ever did during my relationship with Martin.

  I throw on a long black maxi-dress over my swimsuit. I’m not sure if I’ll have the confidence to use Giovani’s pool, but it looks better to wear a swimsuit than a bra. It feels better too. I’ve always been well-endowed; forgoing a bra is never something I can do unless I’m in my pyjamas. It’s something I like doing now, because when I was around my ex, he used to make
sure I knew how much he detested my curves. It was something he could do anytime of the day, around people or on our own. Even a year on, I still hear his snarky comments on repeat.

  I stand up straighter, push my chest out proudly, and ruffle my fingers through my hair. I like this don’t give a toss attitude.

  I grab the bottle of prosecco Giovani had sent to my room on my first day here. I’ll never drink it alone, so I’m as well taking it with me, and my new holiday buddies can help me devour it. I’ve never been to someone’s house for dinner without taking a small gift; it’s compulsory in my rule book. I grab my small bag, place the bottle inside, and leave my room. Soft music is echoing up the stairs from the lounge.

  “Good evening, Miss,” says Horatio.

  I can see what he means about never being away from this door. He was here when Giovani and I left at eleven a.m., and he’s still here at eight p.m.

  “Good evening, Horatio.”

  “Dinner time?”

  “It is. The sea air and sun are making me eat like a horse.”

  We both exchange a chuckle and I leave the hotel lobby. I’m pretty sure Horatio didn’t really understand everything I said, but he’s always pleasant to me.

  The moment I leave the hotel steps, the evening heat hits me. There isn’t a bit of air at all. It feels just like it did this afternoon, only more humid. I could get used to living like this. I think the jet set lifestyle would suit my newfound personality.

  I walk along the cobbled street with no cares in the world. It’s a good feeling. People are sitting in restaurants, browsing the shops, and enjoying their families. It’s nice to see so many different nationalities in one area.

  I turn the corner into Giovani’s street, and up in the distance, his house is glowing higher than all the other buildings in the area. It’s like it’s on a pedestal. All the other houses are dull in comparison. It’s an amazing house. I can see the beauty of it today in the dusk light. I’m also not inebriated by alcohol, so I can take in the elegance that radiates from the building alone.

  I slip through the small gate off to the side, instead of the double gates that allow cars to pass through into the driveway. I can’t take my eyes off the house.

  “Are you just going to gawp or are you coming up?” Lucca brushes past me with his arms filled with bags.

  “Let me help you.” But he’s walking at speed up the steps towards the house. I follow swiftly behind him, around the side of the house, and out into the back garden. Giovani is off to the far side, cooking on the grill. The barbecue aroma fills my senses and my stomach growls. I walk over to him and take out the bottle of prosecco. He turns just as I approach him. His smile lights up his face. He’s like a model. His shorts sit delicately on his hips, his polo shirt is untucked, but it’s his bare feet that make me swoon.

  Eurgh! I need to get a grip if I’m going to survive this dinner. I have absolutely no idea what’s wrong with me.

  “You made it.” He leans in and places a soft kiss on my cheek.

  Instead of recoiling at his touch, I relish in it.

  “I did. I brought this.”

  “You didn’t need to, but thank you. What can I get you to drink?”

  “Oh, whatever you have open. Don’t go to any trouble.”

  “Harleigh,” he asks sternly, but not in an uncomfortable way. “What would you like?”

  I feel my cheeks doing their signature party piece. “Erm, a white wine would be nice if you have it, but if not…”

  He cuts me off by lifting my chin. “I have everything, but if I didn’t, I would have sent Lucca to get some. It’s the least he could do since I’m feeding his arse.”

  We both laugh and I follow Giovani into his house. “Don’t you need to keep an eye on what’s cooking?”

  “It will be okay for a few minutes.”

  We enter his large kitchen from the patio area. Lucca is chopping and dicing some salad ingredients. He looks comfortable.

  “Ignore Gordon Ramsay over there. He’s a crabit arse when he’s in the kitchen.”

  I giggle at Giovani as Lucca continues to slice and dice. He doesn’t even acknowledge us in his space. Giovani hands me over a wine glass and pops the cork on the bottle.

  “Would you like some ice?”

  “Oh, yes, please. It feels hotter than the Sahara Desert right now.”

  “You’ll get used to it. Give it a few days and you’ll love the hot weather. You’ll never want to leave and return to boring Scottish weather.”

  “Oh, I’m already there. I could get used to the easy, carefree lifestyle.”

  I follow Giovani back outside and he pulls over a chair to the grill. “Have a seat. Take the weight off, relax, and have some fun.”

  You can tell that Giovani and Lucca are used to being in the hospitality trade. They’re always so friendly and happy to entertain people. I’m just glad my brother found the right hotel, because my trip would have been very different without this pair of brothers keeping me entertained.

  It’s crazy, because just a few days ago, the thought of being around strange men terrified me. Yet, here I am, living life and enjoying it. There is just something about Lucca and Giovani that makes me relaxed. The apprehension of my past is still knocking in the background, but with them, I can keep it in the background. I won’t let it put a dampener on the first friendship I’ve made in years.

  “I’ve probably told you this a dozen times, but you have a beautiful home.”

  Giovani takes a drink of his beer. “Thank you. I love it here. I wish I could live here all year round, but it isn’t really practical once the season ends. It’s like a ghost town come November.”

  “It’s hard to picture that, but I guess it’s like all the tourist areas, huh?”

  “It gives me time to visit family and explore other areas of the world that interest me. You like to travel?”

  I nod. “I do. Or I did. This is my first real holiday in a few years. I’m going to make it my mission to visit different places again. I get enough holidays to do so.”

  “Favourite place so far?”

  “Oh…” I think carefully, because I’ve enjoyed a few places. “Italy, I think. Or Paris. I loved both of those places.”

  “My parents will love you for saying Italy.”

  “Nothing beats Italian food, wine, hospitality, and countryside. It’s breath-taking.”

  “I’m sweating like a whore in a brothel. That kitchen is sweltering,” says Lucca as he approaches the table, placing plates down.

  I can’t stop laughing. He has a way with words and doesn’t care what people think about him. Maybe that’s why I like him so much.

  “Ignore my brother. He’s a nightmare.” Giovani laughs and shakes his head. “Come and stand at the grill. You’ll know what it’s like to be hot and sweaty.”

  “Nah, you’ve got that, bro. I don’t want to steel your crown.”

  Lucca sits down at the table and opens the parasol. It covers the whole table and then some. It’s huge, but it looks so cool and enticing.”

  “Come over, Harls. You won’t burn over here… or melt.”

  I do as asked of me and sit opposite Lucca, but still facing Giovani, because I hate having my back to people.

  “You look beautiful tonight, doesn’t she, Gio?”

  “Absolutely. She always does,” I hear Giovani mutter, but I don’t think I was supposed to hear the last bit.

  “Gio makes the best steaks. Just wait until you taste them.”

  My stomach takes that moment to growl loudly. I hold it and smile. “Excuse my stomach. I’ve eaten more since I arrived here than I have in the last month.”

  “Here, try my version of Shopska salad. Cucumber, peppers, onion, the best tomatoes around, covered in feta cheese. It’s amazing.”

  “It sounds it. Is it Bulgarian?”

  “Bulgaria’s speciality. Try it.”

  I accept the bowl that Lucca hands me and I spoon some onto a side plate. Oh my God,
the smell of fresh vegetables is amazing. I feel my mouth watering at the thought of all the different textures hitting my palate.

  I moan as the mixture tantalises my taste buds. “It’s delicious.”

  “One of my favourite dishes here,” Gio calls over to us.

  I feel like a starved woman because I haven’t stopped eating since it hit my plate.

  “I can see why. Those tomatoes are the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “I guarantee you won’t look at another tomato the same way again after eating a Bulgarian tomato,” says Lucca, very sure of himself.

  I devour the salad on my plate and feel content. At least eating salad is healthy. I won’t have to worry about any crash diets when I get home.

  Tonight gets off to a good start; good company, good food and wine, and the best location ever.

  What more could I ask for?

  ***

  “As much as I’ve loved tonight, this party animal needs some beauty sleep,” says Lucca. He raises his bottle, stands up, and leaves the table. “Night, bro.”

  “You have a good family.” I take a sip of the wine I’ve been nursing for a while.

  “Yeah, they’re not too bad. What about you? Brothers, you said, right?”

  Gio turns onto his side to face me, his ankle crossed under his thigh, and our knees brush against one another. He looks comfortable.

  “Two brothers. Older brothers. They’re very protective.”

  “Typical brotherly role. And your parents?”

  “Both retired. My mother is a retired English professor. My dad is a retired builder.”

  “They say opposites attract.”

  “Indeed. My mum and dad are like chalk and cheese, but I love them. I can’t imagine life without them.”

  “And no boyfriend or husband?”

  “Nope. Young, free, and very single. Very single,” I repeat nervously.

  “I find it hard to believe that a beautiful, talented young woman would be single.”

  “Charmer.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I was with someone. Engaged, to be more precise.”

  “I get the feeling there is more to this story.”