“If you want me to leave you alone, I will. I don’t have any answers. We only have a week left, and then I’m off to Assisi.”

I indulged myself and stepped into his arms, wanting us to be close. He held me tight, rocking me slightly, our bodies pressed together in perfect symmetry. His clean scent drifted to my nostrils. “After the tour, we’re heading to a rental villa in Tuscany for another week. Is Assisi far?”

“No.”

“You can come visit, if you want. I’m sure Mom would let you.”

“I’d like that. I don’t understand why this is happening,” he murmured in my ear. “But I want to spend more time with you. We can just take it slow. See what happens. Enjoy Italy together. Okay?”

I sighed. Deep inside, contentment unfurled to relax me. He filled me up. I felt truly seen for the first time. I wouldn’t think about the ultimate ending between us. I’d just enjoy the moment and the gift of his company.

We stood in the dark, under the full moon, holding each other. And I knew I’d remember this moment and this moon for the rest of my life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Francesca

There were dueling camps of thought regarding Venice. One side swore the city was dirty, smelly, moldy, and sinking. The other cited the gorgeous architecture, elegant gondolas, and timeless beauty of a city built on water.

Thankfully, Mom, Allegra, and I agreed with the latter.

We’d passed the halfway mark of our tour and left a trail of famous places behind us that had stolen our hearts. Even though the bus rides were endless, and we’d packed and repacked a million times, and the heat sank into our skin like a slow burn, bringing a bone-weary exhaustion that staggered me, Italy charmed, seduced, and demanded to be loved back.

And I did.

We were walking to the famous Piazza San Marco to grab lunch after a jam-packed morning tour of the city. Our gondola ride was scheduled for tomorrow, along with a glassblowing visit, and then we’d finish up in Burano before heading to our last stop in Siena.

I watched Allegra practically skip down the cobblestone streets, her face glowing like she had a wonderful secret. And it had to do with Ian.