Keira made a resolution on the spot that by the time the day was out, she’d know how their story ended.

CHAPTER THIRTY

For their last meal in Verona, Keira and Cristiano chose an intimate, candlelit restaurant overlooking the Piazza Bra. In the distance, the Arena, Verona’s ancient ruin, was lit, providing an otherworldly and stunning backdrop.

Keira chose king prawn tagliatelle, while Cristiano opted for a porcini mushroom risotto. He also selected the most gorgeous wine that complemented the food perfectly, and flowed in copious amounts. Keira was grateful for the alcohol, because she certainly needed the confidence to bring up the topic she had been avoiding for so long.

The waiter came over to clear the table, and they ordered their last gelatos. As he left, Keira leaned across and took Cristiano’s hand in hers.

“I need to speak to you,” she said.

Candlelight danced in Cristiano’s dark eyes. “Oh?” he said. “What about?”

“About tomorrow,” Keira replied.

“How we are getting to the airport?” Cristiano said, immediately misunderstanding what she was trying to broach. “There is a bus that will take us. A slightly long journey but the stop is near enough to the hotel and it will be the easiest option.”

Keira shook her head. “Not that,” she said. “About the fact I’m leaving tomorrow. Going back to America.”

She felt Cristiano’s fingers tighten slightly. “I know. It is sad,” was all he said.

“Sad because it will be over between us?” Keira asked, tentatively.

“No!” Cristiano exclaimed, horrified. “It will not be over! Sad because the Italian chapter of our story is ending.”

Keira sighed with relief. So Cristiano did want to things to continue with them. She was glad to hear it.

“In which case,” she said, “maybe we could figure out when would be a good time to see each other next?”

Cristiano quirked his head to the side as though confused, and Keira wondered whether she’d completely misheard what he’d said about it not being over. But what Cristiano said next made her realize in no uncertain terms that she’d heard him perfectly.

“I will come with you,” he said, as though it were the obvious answer. “To New York City.” He shrugged, reminding her of the nonchalant manner he’d had when they first met. “You have seen my home country, now I can see yours.”

“Tomorrow?” she said, taken aback.

“Yes, of course,” he replied simply. “Why not?”

Keira was so shocked she could hardly speak. It was too much to get her mind around. In a short space of time she’d gone from having no Cristiano, to reuniting with Cristiano, to mentally preparing to say goodbye to Cristiano, to now suddenly facing the possibility of him coming with her! Her mind began reeling.

“Well,” she began, struggling to put her thoughts into order. “I don’t know how much time I’ll have to show you around for starters. I’ll be working every day.”

“That’s okay,” Cristiano said. “I am perfectly happy exploring on my own.” He squeezed her hand again. “As long as I have my Keira keeping my bed warm.”