He was definitely cool. And there was something else I’d begun to notice, even though I wondered if I was acting crazy.

He seemed to be into Mom.

If I hadn’t been studying him, I would have missed it. But we were on the bus, and everyone was occupied. Nonni slept beside me. I’d been bored and just focused on watching Enzo in the front seat as he talked to the driver, but then he’d swiveled around and seemed to look directly at my mom.

It wasn’t a normal glance, like he’d give to one of his tour members. It was the look of a guy hot for someone, with intense eyes and a crazed focus that took my breath. Since Mom was in front of me, I didn’t know if she was looking back at him or sleeping, but then he gave this small smile, like he knew a secret that made him happy, and that’s when I knew something could be going on.

After that, I watched them carefully. The past two days definitely showed signs. They tried to make excuses to be near each other. He always came to talk after dinner or before we went to our rooms. Mom had even mentioned she was going out briefly to grab something to eat—she had the munchies—and I wondered if they were meeting up secretly.

Had it been going on long? Or was it a new thing that had just happened? And did it matter? The tour was done. We’d be heading to Tuscany and then home. She wouldn’t be able to see him even if she wanted to.

Just like Ian and me.

On cue, he fell into step beside me. “Hey.”

I smiled. “Hey. Are you excited to see the cathedral?”

“Yes, are you up for the climb so we can check out the view?”

“Of course.” We spoke casually, but the connection between us burned so bright, I wondered if everyone knew we’d kind of hooked up. His parents definitely did—Rosemary always smiled at me with a hope in her eyes that I hadn’t understood.

Now I did. She hadn’t wanted him to be a priest. Was she thinking I could change his mind? That we’d fall for each other and he’d decide not to go through with it?

I hated the excitement that curled in my belly at the idea. I needed to respect his decision. A few kisses and one date in Venice didn’t make a relationship.

Cool down, girl.