“Of course. You need the privacy so you can work. It would not be good for me to cramp your style.”

“I am truly sorry for the mix-up,” the innkeeper added.

“It is fine,” Cristiano reassured him. “We have found a solution. There has been no harm done.”

Keira wasn’t sure how much she agreed with that statement. The whole thing had left her feeling aggrieved, and a little disappointed by how quickly Cristiano had arrived at a solution that involved him being far away from her.

“While you settle in, I will go and call my friend Tommo,” Cristiano said to Keira. “It has been a long time since we were together.”

He seemed excited to see his old friend, which made Keira feel even worse about her reaction.

“Will I see you later?” she asked, already feeling abandoned.

“Of course,” Cristiano said. “I will meet you for dinner.”

He handed her a business card for the restaurant they were to meet in, with a map on the back. It seemed easy enough to find but Keira couldn’t help but feel a sense of rejection. Thanks to the hotel mix-up she’d be finding her own way there.

She watched as Cristiano left, stepping back out into the bright sunlight of Capri, then disappearing from view.

“I must apologize again for the mistake,” the innkeeper said, picking up her suitcase.

“It’s fine,” Keira replied, though she failed to keep the disappointment from her tone.

The innkeeper showed her to her room. It had large windows and the view from them was directly over the Sorrento peninsula. The room itself was stunning and very comfortable, decorated with traditional tiles. The designs on them were the same kinds of floral patterns as the ones she’d seen in the ceramic shop.

“Is this okay for you?” the innkeeper asked. He seemed very anxious about the mix-up.

“It’s beautiful,” she assured him. “Really.”

He left then, and Keira opened her bag, tidying away her things; toiletries in the bathroom, dresses in the wardrobe. She placed her laptop on the desk, then went into the en suite to freshen up for the evening. She washed her face, touched up her nail polish, and styled her hair, then chose a new outfit for the evening. She wasn’t yet brave enough to tackle the hills in heels so she slid her sandals on. Of course she’d much prefer to look elegant and slender but it just wasn’t worth a twisted ankle this early into the trip.

Finally, she put on her makeup for the night, choosing a striking red lip and dark, smoky eyes. A spritz of perfume and a simple gold chain completed the look.

When she was satisfied with her appearance, she headed back out to meet Cristiano for dinner.

The restaurant he’d chosen was, once again, nestled into the cliffside. It was a stunning location and Keira was sure she was about to experience another culinary treat.

When he saw her approaching, Cristiano stood. He kissed both her cheeks to say hello and she felt a fluttering sensation in her chest.