A hundred hot summers

mer in

gold, Sophie woke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. Sh

narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market. She stopped at a sm

his villa this summer. He needed to find himself, and most of all, he needed peace. And he was mostly grateful because last night he made a new friend. "Friend?" He thought to himself. Sophie was pretty hot, and the last thing he needed was another hot friend. Stephanie was enough hotness.

ed the air full of a mixture of flowers and coffee coming from the coffee shop just ahead. His tummy grumbled, a reminder that he'd missed breakfast. He lifted his left arm in an attempt to check the time, but he realized he had left his watch and phone in

mewhat hot friend from last night. He made his order at the count

ought, she heard a familiar voice

her. They talked about their plans for the day. Sophie said she had nothing left planned out for the

apevines stretching out as far as the eye could see. He met the manager, and he escorted them to the sample room. They sampled different wines, laughing

rmth in her heart. She had never felt so comfortable and happy with someone bef

rmth in her heart. She had never felt so comfortable and happy with someone bef

n't help but smile as she thought about the day they had spent together. She felt a connecti

ng about her that drew him in, something that made him want to spend every moment with her. He knew that he was fa

r later in the day. They hiked through fields of lavender, the fragrant flowers perfuming th

sta before them breathtaking. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm gl

I never want to leave this place." She gazed at the sight be

He knew that he had to tell her how he felt, that

a short time, but I feel like I've known you forever. I feel a connection with you that I've never felt with anyone else

gently with an innocent look in her eyes. Luc breathed a sigh of both relief and regret. Relief that he didn't end up making a fool of himself again and regret,

he horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Sophie and

aying the day's events in her mind. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Luc, but she also knew that she

ie's smile from his mind. He knew that he had opened up to her, but he also knew that he needed

uaint villages, sampled local cuisine, and enjoyed each other's company. As the day drew to a c

Sophie said, breaking the silence

ed, smiling. "I've enjoyed ever

rt racing. She knew that she

tion with you that I've never felt with anyone else. But I also know that we need to tak

ie. I've been hurt in the past too, and I want to mak

y of the vineyards stretching out before them. The su

breaking the silence. "No rushing, no expectations. Just en

her. "I couldn't agree more," she said, reach

excited to see where it would lead.As the days turned into weeks, Sophie and Luc's bond grew stronger. They spent their days exploring the countryside,

taking things slow. They knew that they needed to build a solid foundati

ace watching the sun set, Luc turned

" he began, taking her hand in his. "I haven't

t. She had sensed that there was more to Luc than me

e said softly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "But I

steeling himself for wha

isper. "My parents were distant and cold, more concerned with their o

her heart breaking for the

t became my refuge, my solace. But even as I excelled in my

upped his cheek, her tou

more," she said softly. "I'm here for you, Luc

of relief and gratit

e filled with emotion. "Thank you for

and Luc knew that they had found something special in each other. And