'When I See You' by Fantasia

Shane's POV

"Do either of you ladies speak Italian?" I have got to learn Italian.

"I do, Shane."

"Thanks, Andrea." Once we entered the store, a salesperson walked over to where we were standing.

"Ciao, mi chiamo Mario. Come posso aiutarti questa sera?" (Hi, my name is Mario. How can I help you this evening?)

"What would you like me to tell him?"

"I want something that says, 'I love you, and will you be mine forever?' Also, I don't care how much it costs."

"Okay. I'll let the sales guy know."

"Thanks."

"Il mio futuro cognato vuole sorprendere mia sorella. Vuole qualcosa che dice 'ti amo molto e sarai mio per sempre?' E, ha detto che il costo non è un problema. Vuole farle una collana e un anello." (My future brother-in-law wants to surprise my sister. He wants something that says, 'I love you very much, and will you be mine forever?' And he said cost is not an issue. He wants to get her a necklace and ring.)

"Va bene. Seguimi prima sulle collane." (Okay. Follow me to the necklaces first.)

***************

Narrator's POV

They spent a little over one hour in the jewelry store. Andrea found Bliss a necklace, and Jessica found the ring. Once Shane paid for the jewelry, they left the store. Shane, Andrea, and Jessica also went to a wine store and a grocery store. Then, they went home.

Little did they know someone was following them.

Bliss' POV

"My stomach has been in knots every day since September. It happens every time I am around Shane. Is that how one is supposed to feel when you like someone?" I asked everyone while we were eating dinner. Shane, Jessica, and Andrea have not made it home yet.

Kevin answered, "Bliss, I can tell you that I was nervous as heck about Aris when we first met. I still am. Don't worry about a perfect relationship with Shane. As long as you love each other, that is all that matters."

"How does one know when they are in love? I can't say that I love Shane yet. But I do know that I am attracted to him. And, what if I tell him, and he doesn't like me like that?"

Adrian replied, "Honey, that man loves you to pieces. I see it every time he looks at you. You have his heart and mind."

"Bliss, every time Shane and I talk on the phone, he asks about the kids. And he talks about you. I have never seen him so happy."

"Thanks, Nina."

"Sweetheart, Shane is all yours. And, please call me 'dad.'"

"Thanks, dad. Come to think of it, you and Shane favor each other. Are you both related? You both have those beautiful blue eyes. And that sexy, British accent."

Besides Adrian coughing, it was silent. Then he answered, "Shane is my nephew. His father stays in London. We told him about you, and he can't wait to meet you."

"Aww. That is sweet of Shane's dad. I would love to meet him one day too."

I heard the door open, so they must be home.

"Ladies, don't worry about the dishes. Kevin and I will take care of them. Relax for the rest of the evening."

"Thank you, gentlemen."

After taking my dishes to the sink, I changed into my bathing suit. I put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt over my swimsuit. I have to respect that others, besides myself, are in the house. I grabbed a towel from the bathroom, then headed toward the pool.

Once I reached the pool, I took off my shorts and t-shirt, then got in the water. I noticed the beautiful sunset while I was swimming. It was absolutely beautiful.

After about an hour, I started feeling chilly. So, I swam over to the stairs to climb out. As I climbed up, I saw a hand extended to help me. It was Shane.

"Thanks." Shane handed me my towel. "It is beautiful at night out here."

"It really is. That is one of the reasons I bought this house. You are shivering. There is a fireplace in the enclosed patio."

"Lead the way."

Shane was walking extra close to the pool, so I decided to trick him. I started walking next to him then I shoved him into the water. Then I tried to run.

"Oh, Ms. Sanders, you are in trouble." Shane came out of the water and that fast cornered me. "And where do you think you are going?"

"To get warm."

"Not yet, honey."

Shane started tickling me, picked me up, and headed toward the water. I asked for it but screamed anyway. I wanted to do something spontaneous and fun.

He got up on the diving board and was about to jump. "Shane, put me down this instance!!"

He started counting down. "Oh, I am going to put you down, alright."

"One."

"Two."

"I'm sorry!!"

"Too late."

"Three!"

Shane took a giant leap and, "Splash!!"

In the pool, we both went. Once we both came up for air, I started splashing Shane with water. Then, he grabbed me and started tickling me again.

I tried swatting his hands away but to no avail. "I am ticklish, Shane. Stop it." I could not stop laughing.

"You shouldn't have told me that," Shane said as he tickled me.

His eyes are so mesmerizing up close. "Your eyes are more beautiful up close."

The next thing I knew, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed Shane in the pool. He pulled me closer to him, and it started getting heated. I could even feel Shane's friend getting a little too happy. I pulled back.

"Sorry, I couldn't hold it in any longer. And, calm your boy down. He was getting happy down there. Aris and I were pulled into the office on the plane because I didn't know how to express my feelings. I really like you, Shane. Since September, when you grabbed me from being hit by that car, I can honestly say that was the day I started liking you. I have had knots in my stomach whenever I am around you since that day. But, a part of me was afraid to tell you. I was scared of your reaction."

Shane pulled me closer to him again and crashed his lips with mine. This time it was different - with so much passion and love. "You don't have to feel afraid of me. What did I tell you when you first started working with me?"

"You told me that you were going to win my heart." Shane started running his hands through my hair.

"And, have I not done that?"

"Well, yes. But I am still nervous."

"Listen to me, Bliss. My feelings have never changed. The only thing that changed is that I don't like you."

"You don't?" I started feeling sad and couldn't look into his eyes anymore.

"I don't like you because I love you," Shane says to me as he put his hand under my chin so that I could look into his eyes.

"I have since the first day I saw you at your computer while you were Mr. Anderson's secretary. You could say it was love at first sight. I understand you are nervous because you were independent for many years. I am not going to rush you into a relationship. When you are ready, just let me know."

I gave him the biggest hug, then a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, Shane, for being so sweet and caring. Now, I really need to get out of this water and into some warm clothes."

"Come on." Then, we swam to the steps and got out of the pool.

"I can't go in the house with wet clothes."

"Follow me to the patio room, and I'll turn on the fireplace."

I grabbed Shane's hand, and we walked to the patio.

"I'll be right back." Shane turned on the fireplace and then left the room.

I couldn't believe that I had kissed him on my own. I just can't stop blushing about that. I wish my parents were here to see this.

Shane came back with a shirt and a pair of shorts. "I didn't want to go through your clothes, so I grabbed a shirt and shorts from my room."

"Thanks." I took off my wet t-shirt and shorts, then grabbed the towel I had and dried myself off. Then, I put on Shane's shirt and shorts. "Can we cuddle on the couch as we did back in September?"

Shane grabbed my hands and pulled me over to the couch. We then rested on the couch. "Now, what would my beautiful friend like to do tomorrow?"

"Spend the day touring Rome. Tomorrow, I want to spend the day with you and my sisters."

"Then, that is what we will do."

***************

Narrator's POV

Shane and Bliss eventually fell asleep together in the patio room. Adrian and Brently eavesdropped on their conversation. They were thrilled that Bliss overcame her shyness and told Shane how she felt. After their happy dance, Adrian and Brently went to their rooms and settled in for the night.

The next day, Shane, Bliss, Jessica, and Andrea toured Rome. They took numerous pictures together. They spent the day walking the streets of Rome - taking in the sights and sounds, shopping, eating, and even signing up to take an Italian cooking class.

They spent several days together by themselves throughout the week leading up to the gala. Shane took Bliss on a winery tour. He flew Bliss to Florence and Venice. While in Venice, they took a few gondola rides.

Bliss loves it so much that Shane will bring her back before they leave. And, of course, they had their share of Italian food. Bliss and Shane even took a short plane ride to the Amalfi Coast for two days.

Sadly, Milena stalked Shane and Bliss the whole time without them knowing. She could not believe how Shane could date someone like Bliss. But she has a plan that will break Shane away from Bliss. Jealousy is an ugly thing, isn't it?

The day before the gala, everyone took a short plane ride to Milan to go shopping.

November 2nd, 2018

Bliss' POV

"Look, Shane, we know you want to spend time with Bliss, but we are stealing her for a couple of hours. You will see her later. We'll meet back here around 5 o'clock. So, get your kisses in now. We will give you both a few minutes," Mama Adrian said.

"You wouldn't let me buy you anything this past week, so take this." Shane opened his wallet and gave me a credit card. "Whatever you want throughout the day, please use it."

"But, I can't let you do that. You have already spent enough. We have visited many beautiful places here in Italy - Venice, Florence, and even the Amalfi Coast."

"I insist. Please, I have waited for the day when I can spoil you. It is here. Tomorrow, you can go back to spending your money."

Shane got on his knees and gave me puppy dog eyes. Suddenly, people started staring at us. "You know your eyes are my weakness, right?"

"I sure do. That is why I am doing this." Shane started planting kisses on my hands. "I love spoiling you, and I will never stop."

"Fine, but only for today. For the rest of the trip, I will use my own money. Now, get up because I know your knees are hurting."

Shane stood up, then leaned down to smash his lips to mine. "Enjoy your day, love." Then, the guys went one way. And we went the other way.

We went to a Gucci, Prada, Dolce, and Gabbana store and a Versace store. Mama Adrian took us to all of her favorite spots. I felt guilty, and somehow Shane knew because he sent me a text to tell me to stop worrying.

Shane has done so much for me on this trip, so we stopped in a Giorgio Armani store. I bought something for Shane with my card. We shopped until we dropped. Good thing I wore flat shoes.

At the last place we went, I found the dress I wanted to wear to the gala tomorrow. It was beautiful, classy, and sexy all in one. I found a pair of shoes, as well as accessories, to go with the dress.

"Ladies, after this store, I am so done shopping. My feet are screaming at me, and I am hungry. Thank goodness the guys took our bags back to the plane."

"I know, right?" Andrea said.

"It's almost 5 o'clock. So, let's pay for our things, then meet the guys. Bliss, Shane is going to love the dress that you got."

"Thanks, mom."

We paid for our things, then headed back to the meeting spot. We walked up to the meeting spot, and the guys were waiting for us. I gave Shane his card back.

"Thank you, Shane, for today. I hope you are not mad at what I spent. I got a little too happy. I can pay you back."

"I'm not mad at all. Of course, I checked to see if you used it because I know how you are. You could have spent more. It wouldn't have mattered. That's why I have it. And don't even think about paying me anything, understand, shortie?"

"Okay." I gave Shane a playful jab to his ribs. "I can't help that I am short. But I won't be so short with the heels I got for tomorrow. And, no peeking at my dress, mister."

He gave me the puppy eyes. "Not even a little peek?"

"No, not going to work this time. I will at least tell you that it is purple. I want you to be surprised."

"Come on, everyone. Let's get something to eat before we go back to Rome."

Shane took us to a place called Solo Mio. It was a lovely and romantic place - well-lit with modern decorations, a large chandelier, and pictures of famous Italian actors and actresses. Of course, Shane sat next to me and put his arm on the back of the chair, and I loved it.

After we ate, we returned to the private airport for the short flight back to Rome. Even though it was a short flight, I still fell asleep. But, this time, I didn't need anyone to wake me up. Once we arrived in Rome, we made the 38-minute ride back to his house. Everyone said goodnight and settled in for the night.

***********

Saturday evening, before the gala.

After I showered, I dried myself off and put on my underwear. Then, I dried my hair and styled it in a puff. It turned out great. It is time to put on my dress, which I placed on my bed.

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it. After putting on my necklace and earrings, I left my room.

The ladies are going to make their grand entrance down the spiral staircase. And, I was to go last. The guys wanted to take pictures of us for the company's webpage that will be created for the trip. Shane told all his employees to do the same thing. Once everyone made their way downstairs, it was now my turn.

Shane's POV

I am a nervous wreck. This past week with Bliss has been pure bliss. And hearing her say that she liked me was the best thing ever.

Bliss is money cautious, so that is why I called in on my card to make sure she used it. I did not care about the amount she spent.

Today is the day that I want Bliss to officially become my girlfriend. I ensured I had the ring I had bought for her in my pocket. And I have the necklace for her behind my back.

Now it was time for Bliss to come down the stairs. And, as usual, she doesn't disappoint. Bliss looked stunning in the dress that she bought. I made sure to take a picture for myself to use it as a screensaver on my phone.

Once she reached the final step, she walked over to where I was standing.

"You look amazing in the dress, darling." I leaned down and kissed Bliss's cheek. "And you are right about your shoes. You seem taller."

"See, I told you." And, Bliss did her smile that makes me melt every time.

"Shane, while shopping yesterday, I got something for you." Bliss pulled a box from behind her back and handed it to me. "I bought it with my card. I hope you like it."

I gave Bliss the jewelry box with the necklace. It was a pair of cufflinks and a money clip. This time, I leaned down to taste those beautiful lips. "Thank you. I love it. Tonight is a special night, so I have a couple of surprises for you. Here is the first one."

"Catch me, please, because I am about to faint. It's beautiful. And I love it. It must have cost you a fortune."

She wasn't kidding. Bliss's legs were buckling, so I held her up.

"Andrea picked it out for you. She said you would love it. One day you are going to realize that you are worth spoiling. Turn around."

Bliss turned around, and I took her necklace off and put the one I got for her on. Bliss put the earrings on herself.

I saw a few tears fall from her eyes as she said, "Thank you, Shane. I love this necklace and will cherish it forever."

"You're welcome. Now, let's leave."

Since there will be plenty of wine and food for everyone, I got limousine buses to carry the employees to the gala. For us, at my house, I got two limousine SUVs.

As I said, my employees are my family. They have helped me achieve the success that I have. So, I want to give back.

In the first limo, it was me, Bliss, Jessica, Andrea, my parents, Nina, and Carly. Kevin, Aris, Reg, her husband, Wyatt, Mercedes, Natalia, and her husband were in the other limo.

The venue is in the heart of Rome. It will take us about an hour to get there.

***********

We finally arrived at the venue. The guys got out first, so we could help the ladies out. My father helped Nina, Carly, and my mum. I helped out Andrea, Jessica, and Bliss.

Before we walked inside, I made sure to grab Bliss's hand. Then we walked inside.

"This place is beautiful, Shane."

"Not as beautiful as you." Bliss started blushing. "Let's go to our table." Once everyone sat down, I went to the stage to give a welcome speech.

"Welcome, all, to the gala for this year. Thank you all so much for your hard work and dedication this year. I'll keep it short. Please enjoy the gala tonight and the rest of the trip. Once we return to the states, please enjoy a few days off to recuperate from the trip. Dinner will now be served."

Everyone applauded as I exited the stage.

Whenever I used to sit next to Bliss, she would be nervous. But not anymore. I saw several people staring in our direction, but I didn't care, and neither did Bliss. If they have a problem, then I will be the one to rectify it. It is not my problem people can't respect my choosing Bliss. My family loves her, and so do I. That is all that matters.

"I made sure to special request your food because there are a lot of seafood dishes tonight."

"Thank you, Shane."

Dinner was excellent. And Cris' wine was a perfect choice to be paired with the meal.  After dinner, the servers brought dessert for everyone, and it was dancing time.

"You have to dance with me at least one time, Shane. We are not leaving until you dance with me."

"Darling, I can't dance at all."

"But, I can. This song right here is perfect because it is slow." Bliss grabbed my hands, then led me to the dance floor.

"Put one arm around my waist, and I'll do the same thing with you. Then, hold my empty hand while we glide on the floor to the slow rhythm of the song."

I think I stepped on her foot once because I heard, "Ouch."

"Sorry, love." I just stared into her beautiful brown eyes. And, occasionally, stole a kiss or two. After that, it felt like we were the only two people on the dance floor.

Once the slow-dancing song was done, everyone clapped, and then fast-paced music came on.

"I want to give you surprise number two. Let's go to the balcony that I saw."
I grabbed Bliss's hand, and we walked to the balcony. We took a ride on an elevator. Once we stepped off, then we walked to the balcony.

"The view of Rome is beautiful from up here."

I took this as my opportunity to snake my arms around her waist and pull her toward my chest. "I knew you would like it and thought it would be the perfect setting for my surprise. Let's take a selfie."

After pulling out my phone, I snapped a picture of us. Then, I put my hands over Bliss's eyes as the musicians came in to set up the scene.

I had a bottle of Cris' red wine, her favorite, placed on a table with a dozen white and red roses. And there was a tray of chocolate, covered strawberries as well.

"I covered your eyes, so you wouldn't see what I have planned."

"Shane, I need to use the restroom first. Sorry."

"That's okay." I walked her back towards the door. Then, I closed the curtain on the balcony. "I'm not sure which way the restroom is."

"I'll find it and come straight back." Before Bliss left, I stole another kiss. I am definitely going to love doing that.

Bliss' POV

As I was walking on the floor, I asked the receptionist at the desk which way to the restroom. She told me, and I was on my way.

Once inside, I used the facilities and then washed my hands. I tried to open the door to leave, but it was stuck. I banged on it, hoping someone would open it.

About 20 minutes later, someone came to open it.

"Thank you," I said to the receptionist. Then I made my way back to Shane. Once I approached the curtain, I heard romantic music playing.

So, I pulled the curtain back, ready to walk in.

"Shane, what the?!!"

*****************

Thank you all for reading chapter 18.

1. Bliss' gala outfit courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Андрей Миндаль

2. Diamond necklace - courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can StockPhoto / bburgess

3. Gala venue - courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / gregory21

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘