Staring is not nearly on the level of what I just did with Jenny in full view of the public, but what we did could have been worse. I’m on the verge of making an announcement to that effect when the other patrons of Bellissima get hold of themselves and start up their conversations again.

“Sorry about that,” I say to the waitress, because what else is there to say? She might have already called the police to arrest us for being a fire hazard, but Bellissima couldn’t pay me to stay here for another five minutes. “Could you run the bill on this card, and add a hundred dollars for the tip?”

She doesn’t meet my eyes as she takes the credit card, only clears her throat. “And...your meals?”

I take one more look around the restaurant. Jenny is on the edge of her seat, eyeing the door.

“Yep,” I say, like this is just a day like any other. “We’re going to need a couple to-go boxes.”

I take Jenny’s hand as soon as the waitress hands me the bagged food and lead the way outside. Out on the sidewalk, there’s a moment of tension when I try to go right, and Jenny tries to go left, toward the lot where I parked the car.

“Not that way.”

“Not that way?” There’s no more shame in her voice, only a giddy excitement. “Where are we going?”

“This way.”

I start walking quickly down the sidewalk, and Jenny can barely keep up. “I take it our destination is a surprise?”

“I don’t think you’ll be too surprised when we get there.”

She laughs out loud. “Roman, what are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” I come to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk and wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her closer so I can speak directly into her ear. “That kiss....”

“They almost threw us out of the restaurant.” She seems shocked that such a thing could happen to her.

“Yes,” I agree. “Because they could see where it was going to lead.”

“Where’s that?”

“To you. Naked. In my bed.”

“In your bed? But....”

I take her hand and start walking again. “Do you think there’s any possible way I’m going to risk driving you back to the resort? Do you think there’s any possible way I could wait that long?” I steal a sidelong glance at her. Jenny’s beaming with an infectious pride. I’d stop again and celebrate it with her, only my need is becoming all-consuming.

I hesitate, slowing my pace a little. Maybe I should stop. Maybe I should check in with her, see how she’s feeling, see if—

“What are you doing?” Jenny tugs on my hand, the picture of impatience. “You mentioned a bed. Let’s go.”

19

Jenny