“We are reaching Naples now,” Cristiano said in what Keira took to be a deliberate attempt to change the focus of the conversation. “Then it is a long drive to Rome. I hope you are well rested enough.”

Keira watched him speaking, suddenly seeing him in a different light for the first time. It became so clear to her now that he may be falling for her in the same way she was with him and that both were scared of those feelings and where they might lead.

As the ferry pulled into the harbor at Naples, Keira realized that now was definitely not the time to explore their new emotions. Not in Italy’s least romantic city and definitely not when they were on a busy road stuck in a traffic jam heading to Rome. Capri had been the perfect backdrop for a romance to begin, but it had not been the right time for either of them. Keira could see that now.

She wondered if perhaps in Rome the stars might align for them.

As she climbed into the rental car passenger seat, beside the hunk that was Cristiano, she wondered whether she had the patience to even make it that long.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Cristiano slowed the car to a crawl so Keira could really drink in the sight of Rome. To her right was a huge cobblestone square, a baroque-style palazzo. To the left a stunning mixture of architecture, from the ancient-looking ochre-colored villas, medieval towers, and Renaissance-era houses, to the even more ancient ruins of an abbey.

“It is two thousand years old,” Cristiano explained as he saw where she was looking. “Built under Augustus’s command.”

Keira couldn’t even find any words to speak. She felt like she was staring back into the past and could almost feel the ghosts of that era with her.

But Rome wasn’t all crumbling ruins, Keira learned as they drove on through the city. It had a Bohemian edge as well, with a vast array of unique independent stores, restaurants, and cafes with ivy-draped doorways. Rome truly was a marvel to behold.

“Are you hungry?” Cristiano asked. “We have a very busy day today with lots to pack in, but there is always time to eat.”

Keira caught sight of an organic cafe and produce store, with crates outside displaying brightly colored vegetables. It looked very appealing.

“Why don’t we grab something we can eat on the move?” she suggested, pointing out the cafe ahead. “We’ve had lots of sit-down meals and I don’t mind getting the occasional quick thing on the go.”

Cristiano shook his head jovially. “That is the American in you. Eating on the go.” He tutted loudly. “Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life. It should not be rushed.”

Keira laughed. “Usually I’d agree. But so is seeing the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and the Vatican, wouldn’t you agree? I think today I’d prefer to feast on history and culture rather than food.”

Cristiano’s face burst into a gorgeous smile, the one that Keira loved to see the most. He nodded in agreement and slowed the car to a halt.