His hand had slipped over her skin. ‘Your body’s beautiful.’

When both bodies had begun to protest at the hardness of the terrace despite the quilt and pillows, they’d moved indoors to his bedroom. She’d offered to return through the trees to Villino Il Pino but he’d said, ‘Only if you want to,’ in such discouraging tones she’d texted Ursula that she wouldn’t be home and sunk down onto his cool sheets instead.

They’d woken when dawn turned the stone bedroom walls to gold and he’d growled, ‘Now I can see as much of you as I want.’ They’d made love again until, finally sated, he closed the shutters and they plummeted back into sleep.

Now, feeling his comatose, sinewy body against her, Zia was satisfied – in all ways – with her choice of first-man-since-relationship. She’d got to know him a little before sharing her body and who knew what might happen now she was staying for a while?

Piero stirred and opened his eyes, blinked and smiled. ‘Mmm, great start to the day.’ He nuzzled her neck and kissed her good morning. His dark hair was rumpled, his eyes heavy with sleep but when he smiled he was one of the best-looking men she’d ever seen. He smothered a yawn. ‘What time is it? I’m meeting Emiliano to taste the wine that’s due to go out. I usually work here on Saturdays but this is a nice little ritual for a quiet moment.’ He found his phone and checked the screen. ‘Already turned ten. Want to come with me? See Tenuta Domenicali?’

She kissed his chest, his skin pleasantly salty. Though the idea of more time with Piero gave her a tight, tingling feeling in her abdomen, she said, ‘I would, but I can’t just keep dumping Ursula.’

He kissed her temple. ‘Invite her.’

‘OK.’ She rediscovered her bag beside the bed and made the call while Piero opened the shutters on his way to the bathroom and she watched his naked back view disappear.

Ursula answered on the first ring. ‘I’ve been watching for you to do the walk of shame past the olive grove,’ she hissed, as if Piero might be able to overhear.

Zia smothered a laugh. ‘Soon. I was calling to invite you to Tenuta Domenicali for a look around the winery.’

‘Aw.’ Ursula sounded torn. ‘Lucia’s offered to show me how she plans to do tile-painting for next year’s courses. It’s just with enamel paint because it doesn’t need firing but that’s what’ll work for a craft holiday. She’s invited us both to have a go.’