They went into a small gelato shop.

“It is so gorgeous here,” Keira said to Cristiano as he purchased them both some ice cream.

He handed her a gelato, nodding his head in agreement.

“That is why so many of us choose to marry here,” he said. “It is a great wedding and honeymoon destination. One of the best in the world.”

“I can certainly see why,” Keira replied. “I would probably want to get married in a place like this.”

Cristiano laughed then. “It is a wonderful choice,” he said. “Take it from me.”

Keira wondered what Cristiano meant by the comment. She couldn’t be sure but it seemed to her as if he were implying that he himself had experienced a marriage here. Was it something lost in translation? Or maybe he just meant that a friend or relative had married here.

She found herself hoping the latter be the case, and was shocked by the intensity with which her heart fell at the thought he could be married. It hadn’t even crossed her mind to ask, since he was flirting so openly with her, but after what Vanni had said back in Positano she couldn’t be so certain. Clearly a relationship, even a marriage, wouldn’t stop some Italian men from pursuing another woman.

“Did you know someone who married here?” Keira asked him, unsure whether she wanted to actually know the answer, afraid of what he may tell her.

“I did,” was all he replied.

She didn’t press it any further. She didn’t want to know, or need to know.

“We should check in at the hotel now,” Cristiano said. “Before it gets dark.”

They walked down the winding streets to their hotel, which was perched on the side of the cliff, hidden behind foliage. It was small, more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel, but even from the outside Keira could tell it was very beautiful. It had a lush green garden filled with flowers.

Cristiano held the door open for Keira. She went inside where she was greeted by a portly man who grinned widely.

“Mr. and Mrs. Swanson?” the innkeeper asked.

Cristiano looked at Keira, frowning in confusion. “Erm, no, we are not a married couple. I am the tour guide. This is Miss Swanson, Keira, and I am Cristiano. I work with her.”

The innkeeper turned a deep shade of red. “I think there has been a mix-up,” he said, looking flustered. “I am so sorry. We thought you were a married couple. We have put you in the same room.”

“Can we be given different rooms?” Keira asked.

The innkeeper looked even more flustered. “No, I am afraid not. We are only a small hotel and we are fully booked. It is the only room we have available.”

“It is okay,” Cristiano said. He turned to Keira. “You take the room, I can sleep at my friend’s place in town.”

Keira couldn’t help but feel a little stung.

“Are you sure?” she asked.