Chapter Four #2
His voice was harsh, not surprising given his annoyance. To let this woman under his skin even for a moment should be impossible.
‘Yes, you’re probably right.’ She lowered her gaze, long lashes hiding her expression.
Then she looked up with a smile that held none of the joy he’d seen earlier.
Her eyes didn’t shine this time. ‘I’ve taken up enough of your time, Gio.
It’s been enormous fun, wandering the city with someone who knows it well. Thank you.’
‘I’ve enjoyed myself too. Come on, I’ll walk you back.’
She shook her head and twisted the plain gold bangle on her wrist. ‘Thanks, but there’s no need. There’s nowhere I have to be today. I’ll explore a bit more.’
She stepped back and shock slammed him.
She was going to let him walk away. He’d been sure she’d cling like a limpet. Her action confounded him.
Stella was playing a long game. Had she registered that moment of intense attraction and decided to bide her time then accidentally on purpose run into him at the hotel later? Was she so sure of him? The idea made his gut curdle.
He could confront her and demand answers, but he’d rather wait until she’d revealed what she wanted. If he sought answers now she’d tell him nothing.
‘You’ve got the whole day free?’ He gave her a smile he knew women found charming. ‘I hadn’t realised. I did have a meeting this afternoon but it got cancelled.’ He’d cancelled it, deciding Stella Barbieri took precedence over his schedule. ‘If you’d like company…’
This time her smile was immediate and dazzling. ‘You have the afternoon free? I thought you’d have business.’
Gio’s pulse quickened at the mention of business. Now perhaps she’d reveal a hint about what Barbieri was after. ‘I don’t remember mentioning business to you.’
‘I assumed that if you were in Rome for pleasure…’ She shrugged and looked away.
Was that a hint of a blush? ‘If I were here for pleasure, what?’
Her mouth twisted ruefully as she met his eyes again. ‘I thought if you were vacationing, you’d be with someone.’
There it was again, undeniable feminine interest. Satisfaction rose. Naturally he didn’t really want her interested in him, but it meant she was changing tactics, which meant he was closer to discovering her goal.
She was the reason he’d returned to the city. This trip was strictly business.
Except, surprisingly, he’d enjoyed her company. But she’d been coy, not once sidling closer or touching him. That both intrigued and fed his impatience. But as time passed, she’d relaxed, apparently believing he had no idea of her purpose. Presumably soon she’d make her move.
‘Well, I’m alone in Rome.’ He spread his hands in an open gesture. ‘So, Stella, where next?’
Stella couldn’t remember a day like this.
How long since she’d totally relaxed and enjoyed someone’s company? Gone with the flow and not worried about the time or anyone’s expectations?
Even with her father’s appalling ultimatum at the back of her mind like a niggling hum of pain, or maybe because of it, this afternoon had been special. An act of deliberate defiance. Like drawing air into lungs starved of oxygen.
She felt lighter, freer.
Maybe because she’d defied him and refused to answer the texts that pinged in from various family members. Even her sisters-in-law had tried to discover where she was.
Maybe because of the deceptively alcoholic spritz she’d sipped as she and Gio sat at an outdoor café, watching the passeggiata, the stroll of Romans and visitors taking the evening air.
There’d been wine too over a meal shared at a family-run restaurant notable for its delicious food and relaxed charm.
It had been such a change from the prestigious but sometimes soulless restaurants her family favoured. A tiny place, not fronting a busy boulevard but down a back alley off a quiet street.
Gio didn’t feel the need to be seen at exclusive venues. His clothes and grooming made it clear he had money. His watch alone cost as much as a limited-edition luxury car. Yet he’d spent hours ambling, snacking from roadside stalls and eating ice cream.
Her thoughts kept circling back to him.
Stop kidding yourself! You know exactly what’s made today special.
She cast a veiled glance at the big man walking beside her down the street. Even silent, his presence was reassuring and companionable. And more.
Stella couldn’t explain the excitement fizzing in her blood or her heightened awareness. As if part of her brain acted like radar, registering his every move. The easy swing of his arms and the way he shortened his pace to match hers.
Had any man ever slowed his pace to accommodate her? As far as she could remember no one ever had, except her mum when she was little.
But her reaction to him wasn’t because of that courtesy. There was something about him, something she felt deep within, like a half-remembered melody or memory of exquisite happiness. It had strengthened with each passing hour, making their time together feel right.
Gio. She didn’t even know his last name. Was that part of the allure? They’d enjoyed each other’s company with no expectations. No surnames, no personal details. No talk of serious matters. It had been the most stress-free day she’d spent in years.
In the gloom his deep voice wrapped around her. ‘Is everything okay, Stella?’
She turned and found him watching her, his expression unreadable. ‘Of course. Why do you ask?’
‘That was a very big sigh.’
Her pulse jumped guiltily but he couldn’t know she’d been thinking about him. One of the things she’d enjoyed about today was that, while they’d talked easily, their silences had been comfortable too.
‘Was it? I didn’t realise.’ She sensed he waited for more. ‘I was thinking what a nice day it’s been.’ Ahead she saw the corner they’d turn to reach the hotel and suddenly it felt as if time was running out. ‘Thank you, Gio.’
‘There’s nothing to thank me for. I’ve enjoyed myself.’ His chuckle, rich and addictive, was like a warm embrace. ‘It was much more fun than the meeting I’d planned. Thank you, Stella. You’ve been great company.’
Did she hear a note of finality?
She wanted to say more but stopped. What was the point?
Neither had said it out loud but she knew today was a one-off.
Gio hadn’t asked her surname after that initial query when she’d fobbed him off.
If he’d wanted to see her again he would have pushed for details, asked how long she was in Rome or for her number.
She wanted to see him again. Her footsteps slowed as regret formed in the pit of her stomach.
But she had so much to sort out in her life. Plus she was too proud to pursue a man whose unfailing courtesy made it clear he had no interest in taking the acquaintance further.
Face it, he’s not attracted to you.
She waited until they saw the bright lights of the hotel’s entry ahead. ‘Here we are. I’ll say goodnight.’
‘I’ll see you to your room.’
Stella’s head whipped around in surprise, excitement jolting through her. Did he mean…?
Bright eyes locked on hers as they reached the porticoed entrance. ‘After that I have a couple of late calls to make, but I was brought up to see a woman safely to her door.’
Her tentative smile froze as she struggled not to reveal disappointment.
Would you really have invited a stranger into your room?
But Gio didn’t feel like a stranger. She’d never taken to anyone the way she had to him. He’d been the perfect companion.
You’re attracted to him. You get breathless at the accidental brush of his hand. You’ve spent half the day wondering how that hand would feel, exploring your body.
They’d stopped and his gaze sharpened. ‘Stella?’
Her face flamed. What did he see there? ‘Of course I don’t mind. That’s very…kind.’
The elegant lobby was quiet but for smiling staff who kept a discreet distance. All too soon she and Gio emerged on the second floor. ‘This is me.’
She winced at her artificially high voice, as if she tried too hard to sound nonchalant. But Gio didn’t seem to notice, just nodded and followed her.
Despite her knowing he was simply seeing her to her door, her body hadn’t got the message. Her heart beat quicker, her flesh tingling down one side, responding to his nearness.
It was one thing to walk with Gio outdoors. It felt different, intimate, in the hushed corridor. His shoulders seemed broader, his arm closer and again she caught a drift of cedar and lemon on warm male skin that made her insides squirm with delight.
Stop it, stop it, stop it.
‘Mine’s the last room,’ she murmured as they passed yet another door. The corridor hadn’t been this long earlier. Finally they reached the end and she didn’t know whether to be glad or disappointed.
She fumbled for her key card, holding it up and fixing on a smile. ‘So, again, thank you, Gio.’
His expression caught her breath.
Did he look…disappointed? Those silvery eyes blazed down at her, his sculpted face taut with what looked like expectation.
Excitement clawed her chest. Perhaps the attraction wasn’t one-sided!
Even if it’s not, you’ve only known him a few hours.
Of course she wouldn’t invite him in, under normal circumstances. But today wasn’t normal. Today was better than any normal she’d known, because of Gio.
Her fingers wrapped around the keycard until its edges threatened her circulation and logic reasserted itself.
This was out of character. The attraction might be real and more intense than anything she’d ever felt but she couldn’t trust her judgement.
What if her response to Gio was because she was desperate for solace after her father’s harsh demands?
She’d never felt this incredible rush of attraction to a man. Never felt the coiling urgency in her belly or the softening between her thighs from a single, searing look.
‘I told you, there’s no need for thanks, Stella. I enjoyed myself.’
Did he move closer? Her breath quickened. No man had ever regarded her so intently, as if wanting to learn everything about her, or committing her to memory.
His gaze grazed her skin, making it tingle. It roved her features, slowing at her lips that parted in response, then lifted to her eyes.
Something jolted through her, making her body hum. Stella’s heart thundered as she waited, willing him to move closer.
That bright gaze dropped again to her mouth and she realised she’d licked her bottom lip. She could almost feel his mouth on hers.
‘I—’
‘Goodnight, Stella. I’d better make those calls.’
He nodded and strode away, not looking back. She knew because she stood there until he disappeared.