| |
Edo shook his hand to release the tension built up from hours of working at his computer. His eyes hurt from staring at the screen, and all he really wanted was to be outside on a hike with a certain beautiful guest.
Edo couldn't get her out of his head. He was usually good at using work to force aside thoughts of anything else, but not today.
He also couldn't help worrying over the look on her face when she'd crashed into him earlier. He'd been going to find his father to ask about repair costs for a ceiling that had had to be replaced after a guest had overflowed a bath, but she'd come flying around the corner just as he'd left his rooms, and smashed into him. He'd expected her to laugh, or to tease him, but she’d just seemed hesitant and withdrawn. Did she regret kissing him? He ought to regret kissing her, but he didn't. But he should?
He needed to at least get out of his room. Heading downstairs and out into the bright sunlight of a warm April day, Edo aimed for the herb garden, where he knew his mother would likely be sitting and reading this time of day. That knowledge sat warm and certain in his chest, part of a feeling of comfort and belonging that had been growing every day since he’d returned. Every day since he’d seen Samantha’s reaction to the Castello and started noticing its charms again.
Sure enough, his mother was there, and rose to greet him with a smile.
“Where have you been today?”
“Working, of course. Isn't that why you brought me home?”
His mother, instead of looking proud, looked disappointed. “I thought you were guiding Samantha while she was here?”
Edo felt like a little boy being scolded for not doing his chores. “I didn't know you expected me to spend every day with her.”
“You don't have to, but I thought... I hoped—never mind.”
Edo knew exactly what his mother hoped—it had shown in her eyes when she'd told him to take Samantha dancing, and when she'd first pushed him to take Samantha into the city. She was matchmaking even harder than usual, and with a girl who was totally pointless since she would be leaving in a week.
But her instincts weren't too bad if that kiss last night was anything to go by.
Still. Edo went and sat down on the bench beside his mother, putting his arm around her. “You've been hostess too long; when are you going to let someone take care of you instead? When are you and dad going on your cruise?”
“Soon. August or September, after the biggest season.”
“And you're going to try to get me married before then?” Edo clucked his tongue. “That's not much time.”
“Time? Who has time?” She whacked him in the chest with the softcover book she was reading. “Haven't you used up enough time on work already? Why don't you follow her to the ruins?”
Edo ran a hand through his hair. “She's leaving in a week. Why are you pushing me at her?”
“Because you need the practice.” His mother stood up and crossed her arms. “Besides, maybe if you made an effort, she'd stay. She loves it here; I can tell.”
“You don't even know her—she's only been here a couple days.”
“So? I knew I’d marry your father after one hour.” She managed to look both miffed and pleased as she continued, “It just took me a little while to convince him. Besides, she makes you smile more than anyone has in years.” She kicked softly at Edo's toe. “You have a whole week. Make her want to stay.”
Edo stood and wrapped his arms around his mother, squeezing her tightly. “I know you're worried about leaving me alone, but I'm a big boy now, and I've been living on my own for a long time. I'll be fine when you leave.”
His mother pulled away with a laugh. “Who says this has anything to do with you? I want grandbabies.” And she turned and walked into the house.
#
SAMANTHA'S LEGS ACHED by the time she got back to the Castello. She'd sat at the ruins most of the day, not wanting to run into Edo and be awkward again. Most of the walk back, however, had been uphill, and she'd been wishing she had come back earlier so that she could take a nap without throwing off her body’s internal clock any more than it already was. The time shifts were starting to get to her.
She opened the door quietly, hoping not to catch any attention as she slipped up the many flights of stairs to her suite. On the second flight, however, Edo's mother saw her. “Samantha! Did you enjoy the ruins?”
“Yes, they were lovely.” It wasn't a lie—the ruins were lovely, and she would normally have enjoyed herself very much. She was just facing some uncomfortable truths today.
“You will join us for dinner again, right? I'm making—”
“I'm sorry,” Samantha said, interrupting before she could hear about the wonderful food she wouldn't be trying, “I'm pretty worn out from jetlag and lots of walking. I'm just going to eat a snack and go to bed early tonight.”
“But—”
“Thank you so much for inviting me. You're the best cook, and I'd love to eat with you again another day. I just need some rest today.”
Maria looked disappointed, but let her continue up the stairs. Samantha didn't see Edo. A good thing. She was pretty sure.
Samantha had spent all afternoon weighing her options in regards to this impetuous romance she’d started. But she had already figured it out this morning, really, when she'd realized how attached she was already getting—to Edo, to his sweet mother, to the Castello, Florence, Italy—it was all too much. She'd been too free, and she was already going to hurt too much when she left. It wasn't worth continuing, because then it would only be worse.