A Gaze to Remember

Chapter 10 - A Night on the Spanish Steps

TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2024

"Reid, can you please stop eating so fast? I just started, and you're already almost done!" Vivienne said, her voice carrying a playful hint of annoyance. She wasn't actually irritated—she loved teasing him, and he knew it. He could see the way her eyes sparkled as she tried to look serious, but he played along because he enjoyed every moment of it. There was something about the way she pretended to be mad that made her even more adorable.

"I'm starving, woman! What can I do?" he replied, laughing between bites. His laugh was contagious, and soon, she was laughing along with him.

As the laughter died down, Vivienne suggested, "We should get some ice cream after dinner." The idea seemed innocent enough, but Reid couldn't resist turning it into something more playful.

"So I can lick it off your face again?" he joked, flashing her a mischievous grin. Vivienne blinked in surprise, her cheeks warming at the memory. He had said it so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world. She would never be bold enough to say something like that, but Reid? He was so effortlessly charming, always finding ways to throw her off balance. She still couldn't stop thinking about how he had called her sexy and squeezed her butt the day before.

"Are you flirting with me, Ree?" she asked, trying to sound playful, but her heart was beating a little faster. He just smiled at her, that easy, confident smile that made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

"For over a week now, darling. Thanks for finally noticing," he said, his tone just as playful. They both burst into laughter, but beneath the laughter, there was something else—something neither of them was ready to fully acknowledge.

In moments like these, the rest of the world faded away. It didn't matter what else was happening; as long as they had each other, everything felt right.

"So, about that ice cream. Still up for it?" Reid asked, raising an eyebrow. Vivienne nodded, a smile tugging at her lips.

They ordered ice cream, and Reid made sure to get Vivienne's favorite—chocolate. He didn't order any for himself, though. Instead, he sat back and watched her, his eyes lingering a little longer than usual as she took her first bite. There was something almost sinful about the way she enjoyed it, and Reid found himself captivated, even if he tried to keep his thoughts in check.

It was hard, though, because when he looked at her, eating that ice cream with such innocent pleasure, his thoughts were far from innocent. The air between them seemed to thicken with something unspoken, a tension that was both exciting and terrifying. Yet, neither of them dared to address it directly. They both knew they were treading on dangerous ground, but for now, it was enough to just enjoy the moment, savoring each other's company like the sweet taste of ice cream on a beautiful summer day.

"Where do we go next?" Vivienne asked, looking at Reid with a mix of curiosity and contentment.

"Where do you want to go?" he responded, his eyes fixed on her.

She thought for a moment before saying with a laugh, "I don't want to walk too much. My legs are still tired."

"That's not an issue," Reid replied, flashing her a playful wink. "As we both know, I can carry you just fine."

Vivienne shook her head, smiling at the memory of him effortlessly lifting her. "How about we get a bottle of wine and head to the Spanish Steps?" she suggested.

Reid's smile widened. "I like that idea," he said, his voice warm with agreement.

They made their way to a nearby store, where they picked out a bottle of wine. The shop was small and charming, the kind that seemed to hold hidden treasures. Reid chose the wine with the care of someone who knew what he was doing, and soon they were on their way to the Spanish Steps.

As they walked, the city around them hummed with life, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. There was something magical about the way Rome felt at this time of day, a mix of old-world charm and vibrant energy that seemed to make every moment feel special.

When they arrived at the Spanish Steps, they found a spot where they could sit comfortably. The steps were a popular spot, bustling with people, yet it felt like they had carved out a little corner of the world just for themselves.

They sat down, and Reid carefully uncorked the bottle of wine. He poured them each a drink, and they clinked their plastic cups together in a small toast.

"To another great day," Vivienne said with a smile.

"To another great day," Reid echoed, his eyes never leaving hers.

As they sipped their wine, they watched the world go by. Tourists snapped photos, locals walked by, and the sky slowly turned from bright blue to the soft hues of dusk. It was one of those moments that felt timeless, as if they were the only two people in the world, sharing a simple, beautiful experience.

The conversation flowed easily between them, light and full of laughter. They talked about everything and nothing, from the places they'd seen to the dreams they had for the future. But as the evening wore on, their words grew quieter, more thoughtful.

At one point, Vivienne leaned her head on Reid's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of peace wash over her. It was the kind of moment she wished she could bottle up and keep forever—a perfect memory of a perfect evening with someone who had quickly become so important to her.

The wine added a pleasant warmth to the air, and they both felt relaxed, at ease with each other in a way that was rare and precious. There were no expectations, no pressures—just the simple joy of being together in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As the night deepened and the lights of the city twinkled around them, they stayed there on the steps, not wanting the moment to end. It was a night that would stay with them both, a reminder of how special this time was, and how lucky they were to have found each other, even if it was just for this summer.

And in that quiet, magical place, they both knew that whatever happened next, they would always have this—their shared moments, their laughter, their connection. It was more than enough.