“I have to bring some of this back to my sister!” Keira exclaimed. “She will love it.”

“You have a sister?” Cristiano asked. “I do too. But let me guess. Your sister is as exquisitely beautiful as you are.”

Keira blushed deeply, shocked by how forward Cristiano had been. She reminded herself not to read too much into the comment. Perhaps it was just the Italian way. The Internet cafe woman had told her that Italian men knew all the right things to say. Maybe they were more open about things like that.

The waiter appeared and refilled Keira’s glass.

“This is on the house,” the waiter said with a wink. “For my good friend Cristiano.” He clapped a hand on Cristiano’s shoulder before walking away.

“You know the waiter?” Keira asked, surprised. He hadn’t mentioned it all night.

“I’ve worked here before,” Cristiano said, blushing.

“Are you embarrassed?” Keira asked, shocked. He hadn’t come across as the shy type to her at all.

“A little,” he replied. “I do not want you to think I am cheap.”

“Oh please, I don’t care about that sort of thing,” Keira replied. She thought of Glen and his five-year plan. “Men with money don’t impress me.”

She caught Cristiano’s eye then, realizing that she’d made a somewhat suggestive comment, implying that he’d been trying to impress her in the first place. To her delight, he wasn’t refuting it, but flirting right back with his eyes.

Keira took another drink of Limoncello and giggled. She was starting to feel a little drunk, and the sensation was wonderful. She felt carefree for the first time since Shane had ended it with her, and quickly lost count of how long they stayed at the restaurant. The sky was completely black now, and the candle on their table had burned down to a stump. When Keira looked around, she realized they were the last people there. She hadn’t even noticed the rest of the diners leaving. It wasn’t often that something—or someone—caught her attention quite as thoroughly as Cristiano had.

“Perhaps it is time for bed?” Cristiano said.

Keira’s eyes widened. Was he propositioning her? Or was she just hearing what she wanted? She wracked her brains trying to think of how to respond.

“You will need a good night’s rest,” Cristiano added, “before I can take you out tomorrow and show you all the beauty Italy has to offer.”

Keira giggled, realizing his statement had just gotten a little lost in translation in her head.

“Shall I walk you back to Oceano Hotel?” Cristiano asked.

“That would be very nice,” Keira said, feeling a little wobbly as she stood up. The effects of the alcohol were suddenly making themselves very known.

They walked slowly together up through the winding streets, taking their time. For Keira, it felt like she was lingering, trying to soak up as much time with Cristiano as possible. She wondered if it was the same way for him, or if he always adopted such a languorous pace. She wanted to remind herself not to get too ahead here, but she hadn’t imagined the flirting, had she? And wasn’t it her job to explore love and romance?