Our gazes suddenly locked. My chest tightened and I got caught up in the rich dark brown of his eyes, framed with a perfect ring of gold to give his stare a deep intensity. I liked the thought of spending time with him at our villa. I liked it a bit too much, which confused me. I stepped back casually. How I hated acting like a schoolgirl, when I was a grown woman. But I was beginning to realize it had been a long time since I’d talked to a man at length without a particular goal in mind. And, damn, why was his scent so mouthwatering? I needed to find out what type of cologne or lotion this man was using. “Thank you. I think that will be really helpful.” I cleared my throat. “My mom insisted on something simple and rural so we can spend quality time together. I think she’s hoping there’s no internet.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Could you last?”

“Maybe. I think my daughter would be the first to go mental.” The thought of Allegra made me check my phone again, even though it hadn’t buzzed. “I’m starting to get worried.”

“Then let’s go find her. I’m very good at tracking people down in a crowd. Tour Management 101.”

He reached out as if to take my hand in a natural manner, then pulled back, as if realizing he’d made a grievous error. I wondered if his hands were rough or smooth, and if they’d grip my fingers with a firm grip or light caress. I wondered if I’d ever find out.

“Mom!”

My daughter’s voice rang across the square and filled me with sheer relief. I turned and Allegra was racing over, her hand linked with my mother’s. They were both laughing, and the joy and strength of their connection hit me full force. I’d never felt such a bond with my mother. It was as if my father had sucked up all my attention and emotion, and when he passed, all of that went straight into Allegra. Enzo stepped a few paces back to give them room as they reached us.

“I was so worried,” I said. “You didn’t answer my calls or texts, so Enzo and I were going to try and find you. Are you both okay?”

“I’m so sorry, Fran,” my mother said. “We lost track of time and you know I rarely check my phone. I feel terrible you had to contact Enzo.”

“No, I was here already, Sophia,” he said smoothly. “It was no problem. I told your daughter how the charms of Rome can make you forget time.”

Allegra’s face lost its lightness and grew cold. “You said an hour. It’s been three, so we figured you weren’t coming anyway.”