Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels #2) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  A note from the author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Get a free book!

  Preview: Sammy in Holland (Single Wide Female Travels, Book 3)

  Preview: To Love Again (a sweet romance - FREE book)

  Preview: Lifeguards and Liars (a cozy mystery - FREE book)

  Other Titles

  Legal Notice

  Single Wide Female Travels

  (Book 2)

  Sammy in Italy

  By

  Lillianna Blake

  Copyright © 2016 Lillianna Blake

  Cover design by Beetiful Book Covers

  All rights reserved.

  LilliannaBlake.com

  Dear Reader,

  The Single Wide Female and B.I.G. Girls Club books are written for every woman out there who has struggled with their weight, self-esteem and any number of issues that we all face as we work to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

  They are meant to be light-hearted and fun, but I do hope that they will inspire you—to REALLY live your life to the fullest, loving yourself completely as you do so.

  You might prefer to get to know Sammy in the Single Wide Female: The Bucket List series first. You can pick up that first book for free here:

  1 Learn Pole Dancing

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R334AE4

  If you enjoy Sammy in Italy, I’d appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an honest review here:

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7UT7G0

  And…

  I have a FREE book for you!

  Wanna know what inspired Sammy to write her bucket list? Visit my website below and get your complimentary copy of “Sammy’s Big Plan!”

  LilliannaBlake.com

  Enjoy!

  Sincerely,

  Lillianna

  P.S. Also be sure to see the previews at the end of this book for additional free books that you can download at Amazon. :)

  Chapter 1

  Memories of France swirled through my mind. With Max by my side, I’d made a few big strides, not the least of which was experiencing a topless beach. Now a brand new adventure awaited. Italy—and more specifically, Venice. I couldn’t think of a more romantic place to spend time with Max.

  When I looked over at him, his nostrils flared a bit in his sleep. I couldn’t help but smile. He was cute, even while he slept. I slipped my hand from his and pulled a magazine out of my bag to look through. It featured Venice’s latest trends.

  It was hard to wrap my head around the idea that these were real women on the glossy pages. From flawless skin to perfect figures to deep soulful eyes—they looked more like goddesses than mere mortals. I shifted in my seat and flipped the page. It was important to me to have an idea of what women in Italy might think of as beautiful. To my surprise, I’d discovered in France that beauty could be quite different between countries. I wanted to be sure that I could speak clearly to my audience.

  After some time, the conductor of the train announced our arrival at the Venice station. With a light touch I tapped Max’s knee.

  “Not on the train, sweetie.” He brushed my hand away.

  I raised an eyebrow and tapped his knee again.

  “Alright, fine—if you insist.” He shifted in his seat and attempted to kiss me.

  “Max!” I laughed and snapped my fingers in front of his face to wake him.

  He blinked a few times, then kissed me anyway. When he broke the kiss he smiled sleepily at me. “Sorry, I was having a wonderful dream.”

  “We’ve arrived in Venice.” I pointed to the passengers who had begun to gather their belongings.

  “Wow, I can’t believe I slept through the whole trip. Did you?”

  “Not a wink.” I sighed. “I’m going to need coffee—and fast.”

  “Weren’t you comfortable?” He gathered a few of our bags.

  “I was. I guess I’m just too excited about Venice.”

  He took my hand and led me down the aisle and off the train. The station bustled with people headed in all directions. Max snagged a luggage cart and added a few of our bags to it. “That should be everything. Any idea where we’re going next?”

  “Yes.” I reached into my pocket for the itinerary, which included a voucher to rent a car. To my horror, all I found was pocket lint. “Oh no.” My eyes widened.

  “What is it?” Max gripped the handle of the luggage cart.

  “I must have left the itinerary on the train. I’ll just run back and get it.”

  “Sammy, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He reached for my hand, but I pulled it away before he could grasp it.

  I refused to start our first day in Venice like this. That itinerary was likely tucked in the magazine, just a few steps away.

  When I reached the entrance of the train, a staff member blocked my way.

  “No boarding.”

  “Oh, I’m not boarding—it’s just that I left something on the train.”

  “Sorry, miss, the train has been cleared.”

  “No, please. I just need to get one little thing. If you’ll just give me a second, I’m sure that it will only take a minute.”

  “I’m sorry, no one can board after the train has been cleared.”

  “Couldn’t you make an exception just this once?” I looked into his eyes. “I will look like such a fool if you don’t.”

  He sighed and pulled out a walkie-talkie. “Security.”

  It shocked me that he would summon security so fast. Now, not only was I going to look foolish in front of Max, I might even be reprimanded by security. I decided I couldn’t let that happen.

  “What’s that over there?” I pointed down beside the train. “Is that someone’s pet?”

  He looked down. I was fairly certain that what I saw was someone’s wig, but he didn’t know that.

  While he took a closer look, I hopped right onto the train. I just had to get back to my seat and then back off the train quickly. Everything would be fine.

  The only problem was, I couldn’t remember which seats we’d been in. They weren’t marked well, and I didn’t pay much attention when we’d left the train. One by one, I checked the seat pockets of each seat I passed. Finally, I felt the glossy pages of the magazine. I flipped it open to find nothing inside.

  “No!” I groaned.

  “Miss!” The staff member who had blocked me from the train stood at the end of the aisle. I gasped and turned the other way. A security officer stood at the other end. There was no way out.

  “Oh dear, I got a little turned around. I’m sorry.” I gulped as the security officer began to walk toward me.

  “Please remain calm.” He held up one hand in front of him.

  “I’m trying.” I frowned. “Please, I just made a little mistake.”

  “Where are you traveling from?” The
security officer frowned.

  “I’m on a tour.”

  “What kind of tour?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “A book tour.”

  “I knew it!” The man behind me shouted. I jumped and inched closer to the security officer.

  “Single Wide Female, right?” He grinned.

  “Uh—yes.” I looked between the two men.

  “My wife loves your books.” The staff member clapped her on the shoulder. “She told me you might be on board and begged me to try to get your autograph.”

  “Oh well, I’d be happy to do that. Maybe off the train?”

  “Sure. Come right along.”

  He led me off the train. The security guard followed after us. I could hear his heavy footsteps. Would he arrest me?

  When I reached the bottom of the steps, Max held out his hand to me.

  “Sammy.” He shook his head, but before he could say more, the security guard held out some papers to me.

  “These are yours.”

  I braced myself for what the consequences might be. The worst part was I hadn’t even found the itinerary.

  Chapter 2

  My hand trembled as I took the documents from the security guard. Once I had them in my hand, I looked down to see that it was a full copy of my itinerary and car rental voucher.

  “How did you get this?”

  “I called security to bring some replacement documents,” the staff member said. “I would have told you, but when I turned around you were gone. Now about that autograph?”

  “Thank you so much for your help. Here.” I signed the paper he held out to me. “Tell your wife if she wants to attend any of my sessions, she’ll be welcome.”

  “She’ll be ecstatic that I met you! The car rental is over there.” He pointed me in the right direction.

  I gripped the papers tightly as I walked toward the rental.

  Max caught up with me, tugging the luggage cart behind him.

  “What was all of that about?”

  “I thought I could find the papers.”

  “But you could have been arrested. We’re in different countries now—you can’t always get away with things like that.”

  “Ah, but I did.” I winked at him and paused at the counter.

  Max rested the cart against the counter and turned toward me. “Listen, if you’re going to do something like that, at least fill me in first, okay?”

  “Okay.” I smiled at him and kissed the tip of his nose. “Sorry I worried you.”

  He opened his mouth to say more, but an attendant walked up to the counter.

  “Is there something I can help you with?”

  “We have a rental reservation.” I slid the papers to him.

  “Ah, yes. Oh.” He frowned. He typed something into the computer, then looked up at me. “I think there may have been a mix-up.”

  “I’m sorry?” I frowned. “What kind of mix-up?”

  “What we have reserved for you is a motorbike.”

  “Not a car?” I shook my head. “I don’t think that will do.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s all we have left at the moment. I could call you a taxi instead…”

  “No, it’s fine.” Max smiled and reached out for the keys. “We’ll take it.”

  “What are you talking about, Max?” I looked over at him.

  “I’m sure it’s temporary. Isabella will get it all straightened out.”

  “But I can’t drive a motorbike—and what will we do with our luggage?”

  “I can drive it, and I’m sure we can have our luggage delivered to the hotel. Right?” He looked back at the attendant.

  “Absolutely—right away.”

  I hesitated. I didn’t like when things didn’t go as planned.

  Max grinned. “What’s wrong? Don’t trust me?”

  “Of course I trust you.”

  “Then let’s ride, baby.” He swept his arm around my waist and tugged me toward the parking lot.

  I tried to think of a few different excuses to make him change his mind. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Max, I just wasn’t sure that riding around a new country on a motorbike was the best idea.

  Another attendant met Max in the parking lot with two helmets.

  “Make sure they’re fastened well.”

  “Not a problem.” Max smiled and pushed the helmet down on top of my head. He tugged the chinstrap tight. “How’s that?”

  “Snug.”

  “Perfect.” He donned his own helmet. “Ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be.” I looked from him to the motorbike. It looked more like a dirt bike to me—much smaller than a regular motorcycle. “This is for both of us? How are we going to fit?”

  “Well, that’s the best part.” Max met my eyes. “You’re going to have to get in close to me and hold on tight.” He hopped on and patted the seat behind him.

  I laughed and climbed on to the back of the bike. Maybe it wasn’t what I would have normally done in the situation—I probably would have accepted the taxi—but the joy in Max’s eyes couldn’t be replaced by the comfort of a taxi. I wrapped my arms around his waist and realized just why he thought it would be a good idea. It was wonderful to hold him so close as he roared out of the parking lot.

  Venice flew by me as Max sped down the road. I tried to catch a glimpse or two of the things that I passed, but there was too much to see without stopping.

  When we finally did stop, it was in front of a majestic hotel. I was a little surprised by the size of it. Its steepled roof seemed to scream romance.

  Max helped me off the back of the motorbike.

  “See? That wasn't so bad, was it?” He smiled at me.

  “Ask me when my legs stop wobbling.” I grinned and looped my arm through his. “I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else.”

  “Good to know.” He guided me to the door of the hotel.

  When Max opened the door the bright light of the lobby greeted me. A lovely scent filled the air. The warmth of the lobby, combined with the lilt of peaceful music that filtered through speakers in each corner of the room, enveloped me with a sense of warmth.

  “It's beautiful.” I leaned my head against Max’s shoulder and squeezed his arm.

  “Made even more beautiful by your presence.” He winked at me as we walked up to the front desk.

  I gave the woman behind the desk the information for the reservation.

  “Ah yes, the honeymoon suite.”

  “Are you sure? It should just be a regular room.” I frowned as I tried to peer around her at the computer screen.

  “No mistake. Isabella insisted. She said that you and your husband should be treated to anything that you’d like, so feel free to peruse the room service menu.” She handed me a set of key cards. “These will let you into the room as well as the pool, the spa, and the gym.”

  “Wow! We don't need to leave the hotel.” Max laughed.

  “Only for the book signing. There will be some information on the sessions in your room. Isabella will try to meet you both for dinner. Her schedule is a bit busier than she’d expected. Until then, if you need anything just ring the front desk.”

  “Thank you.” I handed one of the keys to Max.

  “Have fun.” The woman smiled. “I'm looking forward to your book signing.”

  I nodded to her and smiled again. It was amazing to me how many fans I'd already run into. Maybe it would be a small amount to an actual celebrity, but to me it was huge.

  Chapter 3

  We rode the elevator up to the top floor.

  Max glanced over at me. “Are you excited?”

  “Very—and a little nervous.”

  “You’ll get used to it. By the time the tour is over, you’ll be a pro.”

  “I hope so.” I smiled and took Max’s hand as we stepped off the elevator.

  Instead of stepping off into a hallway, we stepped into a foyer that led directly into the honeymoon suite. The living space was filled with overstuffed furnitu
re and marble décor.

  “Wow, look at this place. Maybe we should call Isabella and make sure that this isn’t a mistake. Can you imagine how much this cost?”

  “Sh, don’t worry about that.” Max wrapped his arms around me. “This is your life now, Sammy, and it’s only going to get better. You’re in demand, and the more popular you become, the more luxury you’re going to be surrounded by.”

  “But what if I don’t want that?” I turned around slowly as I took in the full impact of my beautiful surroundings. “What if all this makes me uncomfortable?”

  Max slid his hands into his pockets and studied me. After a few moments he frowned.

  “What is it?” he asked. “Do you think you don’t deserve this?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “You deserve all this and more.” He brushed his hand across my shoulder and turned me to face him. “You’ve done all of this on your own. You’ve generated this desire in people to provide you with an amazing experience. How could that make you uncomfortable?”

  I sighed and looked into his eyes. “I don’t know, but it does. Maybe I have this feeling—like if I get used to it, it’s all going to disappear.”

  He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. “No one knows what the future will bring, but the important things—what we feel for one another and the impact you seem to be having on women around the world—those things will never disappear. So relax and enjoy it. Hm? If you worry yourself over it, then in five years when you look back you’re going to wonder why you didn’t just enjoy this moment.”

  “How did you get so wise?” I brushed my fingertips along the curve of his cheek.

  “I learned it from you, I think.”

  “Ha. I doubt it.”

  “And that’s the problem.” He kissed my forehead again. “You have to find a way to wash that doubt right out of your system, Sammy.”

  “You’re right.” I frowned and looked down at my feet. “Sometimes I really wonder how I can give advice to other women when I still struggle so much myself.”

  “That’s when someone gives the best advice, don’t you think? These women aren’t looking for someone to tell them what to do. They’re looking for someone who feels what they feel. Can I tell you something?”

  “Of course.” I looked back up into his eyes.

  “You promise not to argue with me?”

  “Uh.” I grinned.

  “You promise that you’ll try not to argue with me?” He winked.