A Getaway in Rome

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Katie and Caitlin had been running on empty for what felt like months. Between their grueling football schedules, international duties, and the constant media buzz, they hadn't had much time for themselves. But this rare break, just a few days off, was exactly what they needed.

They'd decided on a getaway to Rome—a city brimming with history, culture, and a quiet romance that seemed to seep into every corner. It was the perfect place to recharge. They landed early in the morning, the first rays of sunlight casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets of the city as they made their way out of the airport.

Katie, ever the enthusiastic one, couldn't stop snapping pictures for her Snapchat. She was in awe of the ancient ruins that framed the city like a living, breathing museum. Caitlin, who was just as taken by the beauty of it all, smiled indulgently as Katie continued to fidget with her camera.

"I swear, you're worse than a teenager," Caitlin teased, laughing as Katie snapped yet another picture of the skyline for Snapchat.

"And you're lucky to be with me," Katie shot back, her eyes sparkling. "These are the memories we'll look back on, Foord. Trust me."

After a quick ride to their hotel, they checked in, and Katie was immediately drawn to the rooftop pool. The hotel was a charming boutique spot, a hidden gem nestled between the narrow streets of Rome, with a stunning panoramic view of the city from the top. The clear blue water of the pool shimmered under the sun, inviting them to relax after their flight.

Katie quickly slipped into a swimsuit, ready to unwind. Caitlin followed suit, though her bikini was a sleek black number that made Katie's heart skip a beat. As Caitlin dipped into the water, the sunlight caught the droplets on her skin, turning her into something ethereal. Katie couldn't help but admire the view.

"God, you're beautiful," Katie murmured under her breath, though Caitlin heard her anyway.

Caitlin glanced over, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You keep saying that, McCabe. It's starting to get embarrassing."

Katie raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "No one said I couldn't appreciate perfection."

Caitlin rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She loved this side of Katie—the playful, carefree one that emerged when they had time to themselves. For once, they weren't rushing to a match, facing down a media storm, or dealing with the pressure that constantly surrounded their lives. They were just *them*.

The afternoon passed slowly as they lay by the pool, chatting about everything and nothing, enjoying the simple luxury of doing nothing but being together. Katie couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed, the tension in her shoulders slowly melting away as Caitlin lay beside her, their hands brushing every now and then.

Around sunset, they decided to explore the city. They strolled hand in hand through cobbled streets, stopping to admire the quaint shops and old churches, the scent of fresh bread and coffee filling the air. They wandered aimlessly, caught in a bubble of their own, occasionally pausing to kiss under the shade of an ancient oak tree or to share a small, knowing look as they sipped their coffee. It was the kind of day they had been dreaming of for months—simple, unhurried, and full of quiet moments.

As evening approached, they found a small piazza with a rooftop restaurant that offered an incredible view of the city. They made their way up to the top, where they were greeted by the soft glow of candlelight and the soft hum of conversation around them. The view was breathtaking—Rome spread out below them, a tapestry of golden buildings and winding streets, with the Vatican peeking out in the distance.

"Couldn't have asked for a better spot," Caitlin said, her voice tinged with wonder as she looked out over the city.

Katie smiled at her. "I'm glad we picked this place. I can't think of anyone else I'd want to share this with."

The waiter brought their wine, and they spent the next couple of hours immersed in a delicious mix of food, laughter, and intimate conversation. They shared a plate of pasta, each bite richer than the last, while slowly sipping on red wine that Caitlin insisted tasted like heaven.

Katie was lost in the moment, but Caitlin kept catching her gaze, her eyes soft and full of affection. Every time their eyes met, Katie could feel a warmth in her chest—a mixture of love and gratitude. How had she gotten so lucky? To be here, with Caitlin, in this stunning city, with the entire world just... fading away for a few precious days.

Between courses, they exchanged soft, lingering kisses, the intimacy of the evening making every touch feel a little more significant. At one point, Katie squeezed Caitlin's hand, holding it against her chest as they shared a tender kiss. "I love you," Katie whispered, her words barely audible over the soft music playing in the background.

"I love you too," Caitlin replied, her smile genuine and wide, her eyes never leaving Katie's.

As the evening drew to a close, they decided to walk off the food by exploring more of the city. The streets had quieted, and the lights of Rome reflected off the ancient buildings in a way that made everything feel magical. They strolled along, their fingers intertwined, sharing little jokes and snippets of conversations, completely at ease with one another.

Eventually, they found a quiet set of stone steps that led up to a small, hidden square. Caitlin pulled Katie toward the steps, her touch confident but gentle.

"Cait, what are we doing?" Katie asked, laughing as Caitlin led her by the hand.

"Taking a picture," Caitlin said with a grin, guiding Katie to sit on one of the steps.

Katie's heart swelled as Caitlin's hand gently rested on her hip, her fingers tracing a line along her waist before settling on her backside. It was casual, but the gesture was intimate in a way that made Katie's pulse quicken. Katie glanced up at Caitlin, her eyes filled with unspoken affection. The way Caitlin looked at her—so lovingly, so completely—made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

They took a picture together—Katie with her arm draped over Caitlin's shoulders, Caitlin's hand on her backside. Katie's gaze was locked on Caitlin, a look of pure love reflected in her eyes. There was a certain quiet confidence between them, a knowledge that this moment, this love, was all theirs to hold.

Later, they pulled Caitlin's phone out for one more photo. This time, they leaned in for a kiss, their lips brushing softly as if the world had disappeared for just a moment. It was one of those perfect, unguarded moments—so real, so genuine.

But that photo never made it to social media. It was too private, too personal. It was a moment just for them, one that existed only in the quiet space between their hearts, sealed with the love that neither of them could put into words.

As they continued their walk through the quiet streets of Rome, Katie felt the weight of the world lift off her shoulders. There was nothing they had to prove here. It was just them—Katie and Caitlin, lost in the romance of the city, and the deep, undeniable connection that had already woven itself into the fabric of their relationship. Their fingers, naturally, found each other, intertwining without a word. The simple touch, the warmth of Caitlin's hand in hers, felt like a quiet promise, a reassurance that, no matter what lay ahead, they were in this together.

They walked side by side, the soft rhythm of their footsteps echoing in the empty streets, their hands gently squeezing every now and then, as if reminding each other they were both right there. The narrow, winding alleys of Rome seemed to wrap around them, like a secret world that was all theirs. Every now and then, Caitlin would glance over at Katie, her eyes soft, full of affection, and Katie would return the look, her heart swelling with a quiet happiness that only Caitlin could inspire.

With each passing step, the world beyond them faded. There were no games to play, no crowds to entertain, no cameras following their every move. It was just them, together in this beautiful city, letting the night unfold around them as they enjoyed the simple, perfect comfort of each other's presence. The soft grip of Caitlin's hand in hers grounded Katie in a way that nothing else could, a reminder that, no matter where they went, they would always find their way back to each other.

They were exactly where they needed to be. Together.

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