Lottie took a seat. “It smells delicious,” she said briskly, hoping to cut the tension that suddenly filled the air. “Won’t you sit down?”

Alec shook his head emphatically, as if she had offered him poison. He took a large step back from both the table and her. “I’ll wash up. Before the water goes cold.” Lottie gave an artfully careless shrug and picked up a fork. But Alec remained in place watching her. She cast him an inquisitive glance and he snapped to attention and moved toward the tub behind her.

As she cut into the tender chicken, the screen scraped along the floor. She smiled to herself. Who knew Alec was so modest? But then came the telltale rustling of clothing being removed. Lottie’s throat suddenly went bone dry, and she poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher. Just as she brought it to her lips, there was a light splash as Alec stepped into the tub. She immediately pictured one long, well-muscled leg joining the other as he slowly eased himself into the tepid water. Alec let out a faint sigh and the water sloshed around the tub, making room for his tall frame. Lottie took a generous sip from her cup and attempted to focus on her food. It was excellent. If Signore Garda’s nonna were here, Lottie would compliment her profusely. Then again, the woman would likely be far too preoccupied by the large, naked man in the tub behind her…

Lottie gave herself a shake and cut off another piece of chicken, but as she began to chew, Alec started humming the “Major-General’s Song” from The Pirates of Penzance.

Lottie began to mutter the lyrics while she ate, all in a losing battle to distract herself.

I am the very model of a modern Major-General,

I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral…

The light splashing was now accompanied by the steady sound of scrubbing as Alec soaped his body. An image of tanned, soap-lathered skin flashed through her mind. Lottie shook her head and continued to focus on the lyrics.

I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical

From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical—

Lottie had nearly gotten through the entire song while Alec hummed and scrubbed and rinsed until she thought she might go mad. Finally, blessed silence returned and Lottie let out a little sigh of relief. But it was only for a moment.