I took a sip of my wine. “They filmed you swooping in to my rescue and carrying me away from the steps. You have a new fan club. A ton of comments were posted regarding your swoon-worthiness.”

“My what?”

“The public, mostly women, thought you were hot.”

It took a few moments for my statement to register, but then he began to laugh. I relished the sound, which woke up my body and sent tingles to my nerve endings. “I had no idea. As honored as I am about my fan club, I’m worried about you. Did that affect your job?”

“I was terrified it would. If a client saw it, who knows if he or she would pull their business? Anything that leaks on social media is an unknown element. Allegra said the fervor would fade away, and the next day views and sharing were way down. But we ended up having a fight anyway. I pretty much locked myself in the room all night to try and do damage control and missed dinner.”

He shifted his chair and leaned forward. Up close, I studied the angled curve of his jaw, the hint of stubble hugging his chin. “Are things getting better with Allegra?” he asked. “You seemed more relaxed tonight.”

“I backed off of work. It’s not fair to my mom or my daughter to be only partially present.” I sighed, tapping my finger against my glass. “I don’t know when I realized work was getting the lion’s share of my attention. I can’t go back, but we have two weeks left together. I need to prove to my family they’re more important than anything else.” I paused, lifting my gaze to meet his. “You helped me see that.”

“No, you did that on your own. I just listened. How are the panic attacks?”

“None since that morning.”

“Good. I did some research after my sister struggled. I can send you some really good articles.”

“Thank you, I’d like that.” We fell silent and the connection between us tugged and hummed, pushing me to be a bit reckless. “You mentioned your home was close to the villa we’re renting. I was thinking maybe you could give me some tips about the local area. Things to do. Places to go.”

“Of course.” His hand stretched casually across the table surface. “I could even take a day to drive out there and show you around personally. If you’re interested.”

My breath caught and I knew there was an undercurrent of meaning in his offer. He was giving me the power right here and now to safely back out and keep him at a distance.

Or not.

“That would be very kind of you,” I said.

He stared at me. His jaw clenched, like he was struggling with something. “I’m not doing it to be kind, Francesca. But if I say it aloud, I can’t take it back.”