When Bella said she wanted to stay with me it made my heart flutter. It was as if every blood cell in my body was awoken, and every nerve was dancing on end. I couldn’t help but smile knowing that she would be safe with me. I knew I would never let anything bad happen to this woman. Just the thought of something bad happening caused my stomach to drop. Glancing over at her she was glowing, if the moon had been out, she could have taken my soul from my body and claimed it as hers. I couldn’t help but wonder how she could be so content with a stranger. Were they strangers though? It was as if they really had known one another for their whole lives and maybe even more.

Bella thinking, I could tell there was something that Leo had wanted to say. Why were they so nervous around one another? I decided to unbuckle my seatbelt and I moved into the middle seat. Laying my head on his shoulder while he was driving felt amazing and right. Every worry, doubt, or uneasy feeling was instantaneously gone. Feeling his warmth, smelling a heavenly scent of rain mixed with sandalwood on him, listening to his heartbeat, and the calming of his breathing with his chest rising and falling forced my eyes to close. It’s as if my body knew what it needed. I was safe, happy, I was where I belonged. Having these thoughts made me smile as I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

She surprised me when she unbuckled. Was she wanting to escape? No, she slid to the middle seat right next to me. She was so close to me that I could warm vanilla with hints of water lily and the rain. She smelt incredible. She skin was so soft. I noticed when she laid her head on my shoulder. Instinctively I placed my hand on her thigh. My fingertips tingling as they touched her perfect skin. She didn’t move my hand from her thigh. She didn’t move away either. We still had about a forty-five-minute drive until we would be home. I love how it sounded saying home with her. Listening to her breath I could tell she had fallen asleep. She was like an angel sleeping peacefully on me. I knew right then I would give the world for this woman. She had me woven around her fingers. She could ask me for anything, and I would give it to her plus the world. If this was true love, I never wanted it to end or change. I just wanted it to grow and turn into the most beautiful love story anyone could want.

Waking up she thought to herself how did she get into this room? How did she get into this oversized t-shirt. So many questions going through her mind. Feeling under the shirt she found that her panties and bra were still on. She started to calm down. After taking a few deep breaths she started to look around. This room was huge. Masculine furniture yet the paint on the walls and the bedding were light almost feminine in nature. Drawing the curtains open she realized that there was a balcony. Dawning on the red satin robe tying it around her waist, she stepped out onto the balcony. There was a beautiful wrought iron table and matching chairs. Taking a seat at this adorable table she could hear people below her barely above a whisper. She could not make out what they were saying. Looking over to her right she could see the sea crashing into rocks. It was a sight to be seen and so peaceful. The sun was starting to rise, the colors contrasting against the ocean made her feel at peace. She heard a knock at the door. Not to keep whoever it was waiting she got up and walked over to answer it. Hoping it was going to be Leo she opened the door rather quickly. Upon opening the door, she was not met with the tall and tan handsome man that she was hoping to see, instead she was met with a younger girl possibly around 18 to 20 years old and a very beautiful put together older woman.

Maria not knowing if Isabell was awake wanted to make sure she had everything she could need for the day. Martina kept pushing for them to go and meet this woman that Lorenzo so worked up. Agreeing with her insistent daughter the pair took some fresh towels, toiletries, and some fresh under garments for their guest. At that moment, it hit Maria like a ton of bricks. Isabell must be concerned of who undressed her and tucked her in. She needed to make sure that she told her that it was herself that had taken Isabella out of her soaking wet clothes. Not having any pajamas in the room, she had grabbed one of Lorenzos undershirts. She most definitely did not want this young lady to think or worry about anything. Martina knocked on the door to Leo’s room loudly. She must have hurt her knuckles since the door was solid oak. Laughing Maria told her it's what she gets for not being patient.

Martina could barely contain her excitement. She had never known her brother to be interested in any woman before. She was beginning to think he would be alone for the rest of his life. Okay that may have been an over exaggeration but still he was about to be forty. This was one thing that always worried her Nonna, her mom, papa, and of course her. Seeing Lenny with a woman in his arms last night made everyone so very happy. Her brother looked like he had found his missing puzzle piece. This mystery girl was beautiful. Martina could tell there was something different about this woman as her older brother was very protective of her.

As Leo and Bella arrived at his family's home it was just about to be one in the morning. The storm had finally settled allowing the sky to clear. He could see the stars and the bright beautiful moon. The way the moon rested softly on her skin made him catch his breath. Stepping out of the truck and shivered there was slight bite to the fall air after all the rain. Trying not to wake Bella, he slowly lifted her into his arms. She took a deep breath in and let it out. Rustling a little she nuzzled into his neck. Her lips brushed his skin and sent a course of electricity through him. Carrying her into his family’s home with one arm under her legs and the other on her back he realized that he would never let her go. She would be his forever. Walking into the house he was met by his mother and his younger sister. “She is drenched, put her in my room. She can stay as long as she wants, and my room will be hers until she decides otherwise. I will be in the guest house. Please let me know when she wakes up”.

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That night Lorenzo could not sleep. He tossed and turned getting up multiple times to walk to the guest houses bay windows to look up at his balcony. He kept hoping she would wake up walk to the balcony look left and have their eyes connect with the warmest smile he had ever seen. This was torture being away from her even if she was less than a few meters away. This felt like she was way to far from him. He wanted nothing more then to be there when she woke up. He had to keep his emotions cool because he had never felt like this, and to be frank it was slightly scaring him. He didn’t want to say it aloud though because he would have to face that reality and he would have to process everything. This was all new and confusing. It was terrifying how one woman could come in and make him so uncertain about his life and what he wanted. He was on track to be the towns private physician. How could he allow one woman to have such a place in his life? Is this even what he wanted? So many questions needed to be answered. He could see his life with her. Having a large family, at least four daughters and a maybe one to three sons. That would be the perfect number for them. At the same time thinking about what their children would look like he started to panic because he felt as if his whole world was being turned upside down. He most definitely had a lot to think about. One thing he was certain of is that he could not get her off of his mind no matter how hard he tried.

When Bella had opened the door, she was met with a very loud squeal that she felt could wake the dead. This girl standing in front of her had way too much energy. Next thing Bella knew this girl that she did not know had her arms thrown around her and she was hugging her so tightly that she could barely breath. Frozen in place Bella asked who the young girl was. The older lady with the gentle eyes and a warm smile reminded her of Leo. She must be his mom. This younger girl must be his sister. She was a spitting image of Fernando and Maria. She also had Leo’s eyes.

Maria could tell Bella had frozen when Martina put her arms around her. She could not tell if Bella was worried or afraid. Martina give Isabella some space. She does not know who we are. You will need to let her get to know us, plus how we greet people is different from her country. Maria was scolding her daughter in a playful manner. This helped get her daughter off Bella. I know Marti is excited for another woman to be in the house, but my goodness does she have so much energy. Please forgive us for being rude and a little on the touchy side.

Bella started laughing at the whole situation. Of course, these two beautiful women were most definitely related to Leo. She could see it in not only their facial features but also their personalities. Bella looking at Maria thanked her for making sure she was comfortable. Her next question took Maria by surprise. Bella had asked where Leo was. Not waiting for an answer, she realized she was still in a robe and needed to get dressed. She asked both ladies if they by chance knew where her clothes were.

Marti still giggling because Bella clearly had Lorenzo on her mind. She let Bella know that Leo slept in the guest house. If you go out to the balcony and look to your left you will see glass bay windows next to the glass double doors. If my brother left the blinds and curtains open you should be able to see right into the bedroom he is sleeping in. Also, Bella, your clothes are right here on the sitting sofa. Mom and I washed them last night for you. Don’t worry we tucked you into bed too and we promise nobody saw anything.

Bella started blushing when Marti was talking. She was very specific to tell me exactly where Leo was and how I could see him. Turning her face to focus on anything else she saw her clothes folded up and laying right on the back of the sitting areas sofa. There was a private place for her to change. Not missing a beat, she asked if it would be okay if she could take a shower. She had noticed the items Maria was holding, she felt bad that she had yet to take them from her. Do you think you could show me to the shower so I can freshen up?

Maria smiling handed the items to Bella as she had held her arms out. Yes, my dear of course you can shower. Lorenzos room has a private bathroom. If you walk to the solid doors over here, you just need to push the handle down and you will find everything you could need. There is a shower, a separate bathtub, a commode with a bidet, a sink, a steam room, and a hot tub. Why Leo needed all of this was interesting to me. Taking Bella by the hand she led her to where she had been talking.

Oh, my goodness this bathroom is huge, exclaimed Bella! It was like she walked into a full-service spa. You could fit five of her apartments in here! This bathroom was floor to ceiling marble with a huge vanity. The shower was beautiful. Turning around she asked if there was anything that she needed to be made aware of when trying to turn on the shower. She didn’t want to break anything in this beautiful room. She would never forgive herself if she did.

Marti let out a chuckle again. No silly the showers work the same way here as they do in New York. You turn the hand to where it says hot, and the hot water comes out. I will say that this bathroom does get very steamy. I do recommend opening the windows. If not, it can become a little hard to see in here. I think Leo left some of his perfume and maybe even his shower stuff. I can move all of that for you if you would like for me to.