SHAY STARED UP at the ceiling tile in Dr. Tucci’s office, her hands folded around her belly as she took deep calming breaths. She was still feeling a bit shaky, but she felt fine; it was the baby she was worried about now. Dante was sitting next to her, which was a relief, because a moment ago he was pacing.
“You know, Dr. Tucci wasn’t even on duty. He was at home,” Shay said. “This is very good of him to see me like this. We seem to keep paging him at odd hours. First the paternity test and now this.”
Dante just grunted and then got up and paced again. “I thought you were going to make an appointment.”
“I did,” she countered. “It was for next week. I’m only nineteen weeks, Dante. It’s not until I’m in my third trimester that I see an ob-gyn every week. You’re a doctor, you should know this.”
It was a tease, but Dante didn’t take the bait. He shot her a look of frustration. He dragged a hand through his hair and glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was at that moment that Dr. Tucci walked in.
“Scuse, I’m sorry that I took so long,” Dr. Tucci said. He saw Dante. “Dr. Affini, I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you were on duty.” Dante sat down muttering under his breath.
“I’m the father. Nurse Labadie is now my wife, so I just went off duty.”
Dr. Tucci’s brows arched at all the answers Dante was giving him, and then he grinned. “Congratulations. I guess I should call you Principessa now.”
“You don’t need to,” Shay said quickly. “In fact, I’d rather not be referred to as that.”
Dr. Tucci chuckled and Dante rolled his eyes.
“So what happened, Shay?” Dr. Tucci asked.
“She fainted,” Dante said. “Her blood pressure was low. I took it in the emergency department.”
Dr. Tucci nodded. “How far along are you?”
“Nineteen weeks,” Shay said. “I think I felt a Braxton Hicks.”
“I think it’s too early,” Dante said firmly.
“No, not too early. She’s nineteen weeks. They can be felt as early as sixteen weeks. Especially if the mother is tired or under stress.” Dr. Tucci shot Dante a knowing look.
Shay couldn’t help but laugh. “So it was Braxton Hicks?”
“Well, let’s have a listen to the baby’s heart.” He pulled down the Doppler monitor and lifted Shay’s shirt. “The gel will be cold, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to it.”
Dr. Tucci squirted the gel onto her abdomen and turned on the Doppler. He pressed into her belly and Shay held her breath, waiting to hear that familiar rapid beat of the baby’s heart. Dante was frowning and she could see worry etched into his face.
He hadn’t heard the baby’s heartbeat yet. He hadn’t even so much as touched her belly.
Then the familiar thump of the baby’s heart sounded on the monitor and Dr. Tucci grinned at her. “Sounds strong, Shay.”
She smiled and then glanced over at Dante. The frown of worry was gone and now wonder was spread across his face as he listened to the heartbeat from where he was standing.
“Have you had any bleeding?” Dr. Tucci asked, wiping the gel off her belly with a towel.
“No,” Shay answered. “I had some mild cramping.”
Dr. Tucci frowned. “The baby’s heartbeat is fine, there’s no bleeding, so I just think you’re overdoing it. Let’s check, though.”
“How?” Dante asked.
“Ultrasound,” Dr. Tucci said. “Just to make sure the baby is doing well and there’s no internal bleeding from the placenta. I want to make sure it’s intact.”
Dante leaned forward, staring intensely at the screen, and Shay couldn’t help but smile. He usually was so detached, but this was different. This was nice. He was so concerned about their child in this moment.
Dr. Tucci squirted more gel onto her belly and placed the wand on her belly. The screen lit up and her breath caught in her throat at the grainy image of her child.
Their child.
Dante was beaming as he watched their child and tears stung her eyes at his reaction. Usually he was so guarded, but there was no sign of that now. Perhaps he wasn’t as cold as she’d first thought. Maybe she had nothing to really fear and he’d be there for their child.
“No bleeding,” Dr. Tucci said.
Dante reached out and gripped her hand, grinning at her as he squeezed it and whispering, “Good.”
Dr. Tucci took some measurements and then shut off the machine, wiping her belly again. “You’re a nurse with the United World Wide Health Association program, sì?”
“Yes,” Dante grunted, his smile instantly fading. “She’s running the simulation training as well as assisting me in the emergency room for the next nine weeks.”
Dr. Tucci raised his eyebrows. “You’re overdoing it, then.”
“I eat small meals. I rest—”
Dr. Tucci shook his head, interrupting her. “You need a couple days to rest. I’m ordering it.”
“Good,” Dante said. “I’ll take her home and make sure she rests.”
“I’m on bed rest?” Shay asked, confused.
“No,” Dr. Tucci said. “I want you to take three days off, and then you will go on light duty. Only half days. And that’s an order.”
“Grazie,” Dante said. “And thank you for coming in on such short notice.”
Dr. Tucci nodded. “I will see you next week and then for the scheduled ultrasound at twenty-six weeks. We’ll make sure everything is still going well and take some more measurements.”
“Okay,” Shay said, but she wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of going down to half days. That wasn’t in her nature. Work was the only constant thing in her life, except now that it wasn’t. What was she going to do with herself?
Dante shook Dr. Tucci’s hand and then turned back to her when they were alone. “I’m glad the baby is well and that you’re well. That it wasn’t serious.”
“Me too,” she said. She sat up slowly. “Told you it was Braxton Hicks.”
“It scared me when you fainted like that.”
“I’m glad you were there to catch me.” Then she blushed. “I’m okay.”
He nodded and took her hand. “You will be. I’m going to take the next three days off as well and I’m going to make sure that you get rest. Proper rest. I’ll cook for you and take care of you both.”
Warmth spread through her chest. No one had ever taken care of her before. The idea of Dante being there for her was nice.
You can’t rely on him always taking care of you. Remember this is just for a short time.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to do that.” He grinned. “Besides, I have some business to attend to in Tuscany and we can spend a couple days at my vineyard. It’s quiet there and I think you’ll get more rest there than you will here in Venice.”
The idea of spending a couple days in Tuscany sounded heavenly, and if she couldn’t work, then she was going to do what she always wanted to do, but never found time for, and that was explore.
“That sounds great.” Her stomach grumbled and Dante chuckled.
“Let’s get back home and get you something to eat. It’s still early. We can hit a local bistro on the Lido if you’d like. I think we’ve both had a long, trying day.”
“Now, that’s something I can really get on board with.” She took his hand as he helped her to her feet.
They grabbed their coats and she had her purse. She informed the other United World Wide Health Association nurses that she was ordered by Dr. Tucci to have three days of rest. She left her simulation training in the capable hands of Danica, who could take over for her because Shay had made up copious notes and prepared the next several simulations.
She and Dante then walked to the ferry pier and caught a ferry to the Lido.
After a short ride, they disembarked.
“The bistro isn’t far from here. It’s right across the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta.”
“Good, I’m starving.”
Dante grinned and took her hand. Just as he’d done in Oahu when they were walking along the beach at sunset. It felt so good, her hand in his large strong one.
“What’re you doing?” she asked, shocked that he was holding her hand. She liked it, but she was surprised by it. He’d slung his arm through hers before, but holding her hand was more intimate. And she had to admit she liked it. It made her feel safe.
“For any press lurking around. You are my wife after all,” he said, explaining it, and though it made perfect sense she was a bit disappointed in the answer.
What did you expect?
She didn’t know and she didn’t know why it bothered her so much.
The little bistro faced the Adriatic side and the warm breeze coming off the water was heavenly. The bistro was filled with tourists from the nearby hotels, but the maître d’ found them a table out on the patio underneath lemon trees that were strewn with twinkle lights.
It was perfect and the angel-hair pasta with sun-dried tomatoes was heavenly.
It was delicious.
“You know, you make funny noises when you eat,” Dante teased.
“What?”
He grinned, his eyes twinkling as he mimicked the noises she was making, noises that sounded decidedly naughty.
“Making those noises is a compliment.”
“Sì, I know.” He winked at her, grinning.
Her pulse began to race and she thought about the last time he’d looked at her like that and where it had led to.
“Have you been to this bistro a lot?” It was a foolish topic change, but she didn’t want to start thinking about the last time they had shared a meal or a drink together so close to a beach.
“Sì, I have been here a few times, but never with a woman before if that’s what you’re getting at.”
“No, I’m not.” She looked away, knowing that she was blushing.
He winked and took a drink of his red wine, which looked so good, but she couldn’t have a drop.
“Oh, I have this for you.” Dante reached into his jacket pocket and slid a paper toward her. “It’s in English. It’s our marriage contract. It outlines our fifty-fifty custody, stipend for living and money for our child. As well as schooling.”
Shay nodded as she read it over. The contract benefited her and their child. There was nothing hidden in the contract. It was straightforward.
“Also your visa, cara, is taken care of. My attorney arranged for it to be extended indefinitely.”
“Indefinitely? I thought our marriage was only for a year.”
“We’re putting on a show, cara.”
“Right. Good.” She tensed. It all seemed too easy. Why was she uneasy about it?
Because you’re having a hard time trusting him.
She didn’t know how to trust.
Dante is not your father. He won’t abandon our baby.
Shay signed the contract, although her stomach was doing flip-flops.
“Here you go,” she said, sliding it back toward him. His fingers brushed hers and sent a jolt of electricity through her.
“Grazie, cara.” He took the contract and placed it in his jacket. “Are you okay? Is it Braxton Hicks again?”
“No, I’m just tired.” She rubbed her belly and the baby kicked. Hard, for the first time. She smiled, the kick reminding her why she was doing this.
“Is everything okay?” Dante asked again.
“Yes. I think everything is going to be okay.”
Dante smiled and then paid the bill. He stood, holding out his hand. “Come, let’s go.”
Shay took his hand and he led her down to the beach. Her pulse began to race, thundering in her ears. She desired him. She still wanted him, even though she couldn’t have him.
Dante affected her so.
They walked along the boardwalk instead of the sandy beach. It was a beautiful night. They didn’t say much, but she wasn’t worried about the silence between them. It was nice not talking and just enjoying the evening.
“It’s a gorgeous night,” Dante said.
“It is.” She squeezed his hand. “Thanks for being there for me today.”
“It’s my job. That’s our baby you’re carrying, cara.” And the way his dark eyes glowed she forgot for a moment who she was with and how this was only temporary.
She nodded. “Still, I appreciate it. I’m not used to having help.”
“I understand.” He stopped and tilted her chin so she was staring deep into his dark eyes. “I will be there. I’m here to help you. You can rely on me, cara.”
And though she wanted to believe him, she was having a hard time letting her heart do just that.
* * *
They sped along the winding road that was lined with tall cypress trees. Shay enjoyed the drive in Dante’s luxury car. She hadn’t even known that he owned a car, until they’d got to the mainland from the ferry and he’d walked her to a car park where the red two-seater was waiting. And she had to say it was a beautiful sports car.
Dante didn’t say much on the drive, but she could tell that he was visibly relaxing. He wasn’t as tense as he was when he was in Venice. He was smiling to himself the closer they got to Arezzo. Dante’s villa was on the outskirts of the city, lying in a valley below the city, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
“You know,” she said, “this is a very nice sports car.”
“Grazie.” He grinned at her briefly.
“Not very practical, though,” she teased.
“What does practicality have to do with it?” he asked.
“There’s no backseat—where are we going to put the baby?”
“We?” he asked.
“You.” She cursed under her breath for making that assumption. This wasn’t a real marriage. There would be no we at all in the near future. Just you or I.
“I can get another car for when I have the baby.” He tensed, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel.
Shay wanted to change the subject. Obviously a touchy matter for him and it annoyed her that she got so upset about it. She knew what she was getting into, but she was so sensitive lately. One moment she could be fine and then next in tears.
“Why don’t you tell me a bit about the vineyard?”
“It’s been in my mother’s family since the seventeen-hundreds.”
“Everything in your family is so ancient.”
He grinned. “Sì, you should’ve met my Zia Sophia. She was very ancient.”
Shay laughed. “I don’t think any woman appreciates being referred to as ancient.”
“She deserved the title. Enzo and I would make bets on how old she actually was when we were young, because every year she seemed to get younger. I swear her last birthday she was claiming she was younger than me and I was twenty when she passed.”
“So how old was she?” Shay asked.
“No one knows. There were no birth certificates, but the doctors suspected that she was over a hundred.”
“I take it you didn’t like her?”
“I adored her. Even if she hid her age. She was young at heart.”
“Was she royalty too?”
He shook his head. “No, she was part of my mother’s family. I think she was my grandfather’s aunt, as he referred to her as Zia Sophia too. What about you? Any elders in your family.”
“No.”
“No?” he asked, confused.
“Well, there probably was. I wouldn’t know. My parents were quite young when they got married and...let’s just say their families were extremely religious and didn’t approve of a child conceived out of wedlock. My mother was disowned and my father...” She couldn’t finish that sentence.
“Sì? Your father...?”
Abandoned me.
“My father didn’t talk about his family. All I know is the name is Acadian and most of my, I guess, blood relations are in New Orleans, but they didn’t want anything to do with us.”
Dante frowned. “That’s terrible.”
She shrugged. “I’m used to it.”
“Still, not to know where you come from...”
“I know where I come from. I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s where I’m from.” She sighed. She didn’t really want to talk about the fact she knew exactly who her family was; she’d seen them. Her mother’s parents and siblings. They were a family of wealth and worth in the Garden District.
And they’d let Shay’s mother suffer. They’d let her live in poverty.
And when her mother had died, none of them had come to the funeral. None of them had acknowledged Shay’s existence. Frankly, she was better off without them. She’d made do without the traditional family for a long time.
Her baby wouldn’t have a traditional family either, but at least he or she would have two parents who cared about them. Two parents who would give him or her all they needed.
Does Dante care?
She wasn’t sure. He’d seemed concerned when she’d fainted, fascinated when he’d seen the baby on-screen and relieved when the baby had been deemed well, but she didn’t know if it was because of a sense of duty or because he genuinely cared about the baby. He said he wanted to be a father. She still didn’t know what was in it for him. He didn’t touch her belly, didn’t plan for the baby or talk about her pregnancy, other than insisting she marry him.
Yet he was always concerned about her getting her rest, feeding her, making sure she took care of herself. He was taking care of her now in a way no one had before.
That meant he cared, right?
“Ah, we’re almost there,” Dante announced as they turned off the main road, down a small dirt road that went through a small village. “It won’t be long now.”
“Oh, good,” Shay said. And she enjoyed the sights of the small village as Dante slowly drove through, the dirt road giving way to a cobbled stone street. They went over a narrow stone bridge suspended over a gorge, a river tripping over rocks as it wound its way down the hill the village was on.
As they rounded a small square featuring a tall bell tower on the church, the dirt road dipped again into a valley. And when they turned the corner Shay gasped at the sight of acres of vineyards, stretching as far as the eye could see.
“Bellissimo, isn’t it?” Dante asked, the pride evident in his voice.
“Sì,” Shay said happily.
He turned up a long dusty drive. The name over the gate they drove under read Bellezza Addolorata.
“What does that name mean?” Shay asked.
“It’s the name of the wine this vineyard produces. Sorrowful Beauty.”
She cocked her eyebrows. “Ooh. Sounds wonderful.”
“Sì, when you have the baby, we’ll celebrate with a wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion. One my grandfather laid down.”
“I look forward to that.”
Dante parked in front of the house. When he opened the door to climb out, an older couple came out, smiling. Shay almost wondered if they were his grandparents, but by the looks of them they were too young. She got out of the car as Dante was embracing the couple.
He then turned, grinning, and gestured to her. “Mia moglie—Shay.”
The woman shouted with happiness and then rushed her. Taking her in her arms and kissing her, while who Shay could only assume was her husband grinned, his hands thrust deep into his pockets.
Shay was bowled over by the woman clinging to her, saying things Shay could not understand but could only interpret as happiness.
“Who is this?” she asked, smiling back at the woman, who had finally let her go.
“This is Zia Serena and Zio Guillermo. Not relatives, but they have worked with my grandfather their entire lives. They’re caretakers of the vineyard. Zia Serena took care of my grandmother after my grandfather died. They treat me a bit like a son, since they don’t have children of their own.”
Zia Serena nodded and then motioned to Guillermo as they marched back into the house.
“Well, the villa is big enough for them to live here.”
“They don’t live here. They own a house on the other side of the property. I called them and let them know we were coming. Zia Serena made sure the house was stocked. She’s made lunch.” Dante grinned. “We’ll get you fed, and then you can rest in our room while I go inspect the vineyards with Zio.”
Shay’s stomach did a flip-flop. “Our room?”
He turned around. “Of course. We’re married and Zia won’t understand that ours is just a marriage of convenience. She’s only prepped one room. There’s a couch in the room. I can sleep there.”
Her pulse pounded in her ears at the thought of sharing a room with him.
Even if he was sleeping on the couch.
She was apprehensive, but honestly she had no one else to blame but herself. She’d decided to sleep with him that night five months ago and she’d agreed to the marriage of convenience.
* * *
Dante had forgotten how much he loved sitting around his late grandmother’s rough-hewn wooden table in her kitchen. Even though his grandmother had died a few years ago, he could still feel her presence in the brick walls and could still see her rattling the copper pots that swung on the ceiling in the gentle breeze wafting in through the open back door to the garden.
Zia Serena had prepared a light lunch, with a Caprese salad and fresh-baked bread. There was espresso and biscotti. Zia Serena didn’t speak a lot of English, but she knew enough to tell Shay to eat and a few stories about Dante when he was young.
Much to Dante’s chagrin and Shay’s delight.
Once they were done with their food, Zia Serena insisted on cleaning up. Dante made sure that Shay was settled into bed with strict instructions to nap, before he followed Zio Guillermo out the back door and down into the vineyards.
“You’ve been gone too long,” Guillermo remarked.
“I’m a surgeon. I’ve been busy.”
Guillermo just harrumphed and then stopped to examine a leaf. “It’s good you got married. Your grandfather would be proud.”
Dante’s stomach knotted when Guillermo mentioned his grandfather.
Would his grandfather be proud of the fact he’d got married only to legitimize the child and keep the land? Essentially his marriage was a sham.
He didn’t think his grandfather would be so proud about that. However, the fact Dante was thinking of his child, willing to do whatever to properly raise his child, would make his grandfather proud.
His grandparents had loved each other. When he’d spent summers here, he could see the love between the two of them. Something his parents had never had. Although Dante was sure that his mother had loved his father at some point.
“You know, there were some men here last month with your father,” Guillermo said with disdain. Dante knew Serena and Guillermo didn’t think much of the man who’d broken his mother’s heart. The royal title and status did not impress Serena or Guillermo one bit.
“Oh, yes?” Dante inquired. “What were they here for?”
But deep down he knew.
They were eyeing up the land to sell when Dante’s thirty-fifth birthday came at the end of spring and the trust slipped into his father’s hands. Thankfully, the marriage put a stop to that, and once the baby was born, then it would all transfer to Dante. And Dante knew that his father was not at all pleased about the prospect.
“Your father was going to sell this vineyard, sì?’
Dante nodded. “They came to the Lido villa too, Zio. I sent them away.”
And he had. He’d chased them off.
His father had no right to send out Realtors to his property, even if time was running out for Dante to wed and have a child.
Guillermo chuckled and then clapped Dante on the shoulder. “I would’ve liked to have seen you chase them away. I would’ve liked to have seen your father’s expression.”
“He wasn’t with them.”
His father knew better than to come near Dante.
Dante had made it clear in no uncertain terms that he wanted nothing to do with him.
His father had done enough damage over the years, lying to them, breaking promises.
Guillermo spat on the ground. “He’s a coward.”
“Sì. I couldn’t agree with you more.” He dragged his hand through his hair. “Show me the rest of the vines you were worried about so we can figure out what’s going on.”
Guillermo nodded and kept walking on.
Dante trailed behind him, taking it all in, trying to remember everything his grandfather had taught him about the delicate art of winemaking. He glanced back up at the house and saw Shay standing on the terrace in a white summer dress. His heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t looking at him; her eyes were closed and her face was tilted up toward the late-afternoon sun. There was a smile on her face and the wind blew back her short blonde locks.
He could see the swell in her belly, the perfect roundness, and his heart swelled with pride. When he’d seen his baby for the first time on the ultrasound, he’d realized that this was more complicated than a simple marriage of convenience.
He liked things simple. Cut and dried, but this was more. Shay was carrying his child.
His child.
She was more than a wife on paper. Inside her was a piece of him.
It wasn’t just him alone anymore.
That was his baby inside. The fact that Shay was carrying his flesh and blood made him desire her all the more.
His. Yet he was afraid to think possessively over the baby. To reach out and feel the kicks.
Olivia had made him so wary. He’d been so hurt when he’d found out the baby he’d been hoping for back then wasn’t his. She’d shattered all his hopes of a family. Shay promised him an inkling of something more, but he was so afraid to reach out and take it.
She turned back toward the open doors and headed back into the bedroom.
Dante sighed and turned back to the vines.
It was better he kept his distance from Shay. She’d made it clear that she was only doing this for the child’s sake. She didn’t want him. It was apparent when she was horrified about the idea of staying in the same room as him tonight.
Perhaps I should sleep in the barn?
Only he didn’t really ever enjoying sleeping on a bed of hay. Not that there were any animals left in the dilapidated old barn besides field mice and the occasional owl. And he couldn’t sleep in the living room. Zia Serena had promised that she would be back up at the house early to cook them breakfast. She’d insisted on cooking all their meals while they were here so Dante could focus on the vines and Shay could rest.
It was dark when Dante returned from the fields with Guillermo. He washed outside with Zio and they both wandered inside, where Dante could smell something he hadn’t had the pleasure of tasting in a long time.
“Braciole!” he exclaimed.
Serena grinned and nodded. “Guillermo and I will be out of your hair soon, Dante.”
“You can stay for dinner, Zia.”
“No, you and your bride must have alone time.”
“What’s going on?” Shay asked.
“I was trying to convince Zia and Zio to stay, but they refuse.”
“Oh, but they must! She cooked this food for us.” Shay turned to Serena. “Please stay.”
Serena patted her hand but shook her head. “We’ll take our dinner back to our home. Sit, Dante.”
Dante took a seat next to Shay while Serena dished up the tender steak stuffed with cheese, bread crumbs and raisins that had been marinated in tomato sauce. Braciole was served for special occasions in his house and it was accompanied by pasta and bread so you could soak up the sauce.
“I’ll be back tomorrow morning.” Serena kissed the top of Dante’s head and took a small covered pan with their dinner out of the house. Guillermo waved as he followed the food and his wife.
Now it was just the two of them. And an uneasy tension fell between them. Last night at the bistro and then when they had been walking along the boardwalk, all he could think about was taking her in his arms and kissing her. He could remember the taste of her sweet lips, how she’d trembled in his arms when he’d made love to her.
He had been so close to her and he wanted that closeness again.
Only she’d made it clear she didn’t want that. She had been so upset when he’d said he’d extended her visa to longer than one year. As if he were trapping her or something.
“What is braciole?” Shay asked. “Don’t get me wrong, it looks so good—and smells good too.”
“It is delicious. It’s steak, pounded thin and stuffed. Then it’s cooked in tomato sauce.”
Shay cut a piece and took a bite. “Oh, my goodness, that’s so good.”
“See, I told you.” He took a bite and it melted on his tongue. Not as good as his grandmother’s, but almost there.
“How were the vines?” Shay asked.
“Healthy. There was a bit of a problem area, but I’ll get it fixed. How was your rest?”
“Peaceful.” She sighed and then smiled. “I really had a good sleep. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”
“You look beautiful tonight,” he said, and it was the truth. He only ever saw her in scrubs. She was still wearing that white dress, but now she was wearing a stylish wrap over her bare shoulders, because it was a bit cool in the evening. It was still spring.
A pink tinge rose in her cheeks. “Thank you.”
He wanted to say that she looked as if she belonged here in Tuscany, but he didn’t.
“I brought a book to read tomorrow on that terrace.” Serena chuckled. “Your Zia Serena was insistent I rest. She wants to bring me my meals when you’re in the fields.”
Dante chuckled. “Don’t try to fight her. She’ll win.”
“I don’t have any intention of doing that.” Shay sat back. “That was an amazing supper. And I thought you were a good cook. Serena is just absolutely amazing.”
“I’ll tell her that,” Dante said. “It will make her day.”
She smiled. “Well, I think I’m going to head back to bed to rest. I’m not used to eating this heavy this late.”
“Farmers have to tend the land until the last drop of light is gone.” He stretched. “I’ll clean up. Go rest like Dr. Tucci told you to.”
“I’ll leave a light on.” There was a nervous tinge to her voice as she left the table to head upstairs.
“Grazie,” he whispered as he watched her head up the back stairs to the bedroom above him. His pulse thundered in his ears. He glanced at the couch in his grandmother’s sitting room. It was old, but it was a heck of a lot more inviting than taking a chance with his self-control upstairs.