Rachel practically fell into bed. She was exhausted after all the socialising of the day. She heard Sean’s words again, “It truly was a memorable day”. Her whole being endorsed that sentiment - as did her lips. The touch of his lips on hers seemed to linger as she fell asleep.

She awoke early the next morning - once again with the morning birds of Rome. She lay there feeling relaxed, in that sated state of not wanting to move. She knew she didn’t have to move. She could stay...