I jumped and spun. Enzo stood behind me, a smile resting on his full lips. My heart slammed against my ribs and I felt like a giddy teenager, honored the star quarterback chose to come talk to me. “H-h-hi. How are you?”

Oh my God, I was stuttering. What was wrong with me?

“Do you have any questions in order to plan your day?”

It seemed like a casual inquiry, but the way he stared told me there was another reason he’d sought me out. I shifted my weight and tried to look unaffected. After all, it wasn’t like he’d kissed me. He’d been the one to step back and turn that moment into a hug rather than something . . . more. “We’re heading to Santa Maria and doing some shopping. Mom and Allegra made a pit stop first.”

He cocked his head. “Pit stop?”

“Sorry, bathroom. Toilet. Umm, what about you? Do you stay in the area or go back to the hotel?”

“I need to make sure some details are arranged, so I’ll be at the hotel till dinner.” His voice lowered to an intimate pitch. “I wanted to check on you. See if you were okay.”

“Oh yes, I’m fine. No more attacks, and I’ve backed off work. I’ve really been enjoying the tour so far. I loved Maria’s mozzarella farm and all the personal touches you included.”

Mischief flickered in his dark eyes. “I wish I could claim credit for the stops, but that’s on the tour company. I just make sure the guests are happy.”

“Well, I am. I mean, we are.”

Silence settled over us, but it pulsed with unspoken words we weren’t brave enough to say. At least, I wasn’t. He cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you weren’t tired after dinner, maybe we could meet for a cocktail? Or coffee? Afterward.”

Excitement flickered. He wanted to see me. Alone. The thought of sharing some time with him in private made my belly do a slow flip-flop. “Yes, I’d like that. I’m usually not able to go to sleep too early, so that would be nice.”

“Good.” His name cut through the air, and he turned, his expression already changing into his professional mode. “I’ll talk to you later. We can meet on the upstairs terrace. It’s quiet.”

I nodded, and he walked away, smiling as Ray pointed to a map and asked questions. Allegra and Mom returned, so we headed out for the afternoon and I swore I wouldn’t think about our secret meet-up. It was really nothing. A friendly get-together for him to check on me.

But even I couldn’t convince myself it didn’t mean anything.