My heart pounded. “What do you mean?”

“I know I mentioned visiting you later this week. Do you still want me to come?”

I swallowed. “Yeah, I do. Because I don’t want today to be it, either.”

He nodded. “Did you ask your mom?”

“I just did. She said it’s cool. There’s a ton of rooms, so you can spend the night. We have the place for six days—she said you can come for two.”

“Of course. I’m just glad I can see you again.”

The lump in my throat grew bigger. “Ian?”

“Yeah?”

“We’re just friends, right?”

His jaw tightened. I watched a mass of emotions flicker over his face before it finally cleared. “We are friends, Allegra. But for me, it’s more. I hope that’s okay.”

My breath eased. And suddenly, everything righted itself. I’d needed to know I wasn’t the only one.

I needed to know as much as he loved God, he kind of loved me too.

A smile broke from my lips. “It’s more than okay.”

He smiled back. We took a few more minutes appreciating the view, then took a selfie of the two of us, with the sprawl of Siena as background. I snapped a few more for Mom, and then we headed back down the stairs.

I was looking forward to the next chapter in our adventure here.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Francesca

The farewell party took place on the grounds of a family-run vineyard. A large wooden table was set up under a covered alcove, with miles of twisted vines and green landscape in the background. Tiny lights were strung up to cut through the growing darkness. A small band played lively Italian and American songs, and we danced and drank and celebrated the final night of our tour. Multiple courses were served family style, all fresh from the gardens and local farms. Bottles of wine lined the table, and most were now empty.

The evening seemed to unfold like a misty dream. Enzo, Dana, and Cherry gave long, emotional speeches, causing some tears. How had three weeks flown by so fast? Even more important—why did I feel different? Was it finally getting away from my constricted world I’d created, or was it Enzo?

My gaze sought him out at the end of the table, flanked by Dana and Steve. As if he sensed my attention, he lifted his head and lasered right in on me. His eyes crinkled at the corners and his lips lifted in a smile meant just for me.

I couldn’t stop thinking of our night together. The natural way we came together in the dark, clothes shed, secrets exposed, mouth on mouth and his fingers over my naked skin. My nails digging into his shoulders as he surged deeply inside me. His lips swallowing my cries. The sheen of sweat and the scent of sex on the sheets.