Page 66 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8

Shewas the reason he’d returned to the city. This trip was strictly business.

Except, surprisingly, he’d enjoyed her company. But she’d been coy, not once sidling closer or touching him. That both intrigued and fed his impatience. But as time passed, she’d relaxed, apparently believing he had no idea of her purpose. Presumably soon she’d make her move.

‘Well, I’m alone in Rome.’ He spread his hands in an open gesture. ‘So, Stella, where next?’

Stella couldn’t remember a day like this.

How long since she’d totally relaxed and enjoyed someone’s company? Gone with the flow and not worried about the time or anyone’s expectations?

Even with her father’s appalling ultimatum at the back of her mind like a niggling hum of pain, or maybebecauseof it, this afternoon had been special. An act of deliberate defiance. Like drawing air into lungs starved of oxygen.

She felt lighter, freer.

Maybe because she’d defied him and refused to answer the texts that pinged in from various family members. Even her sisters-in-law had tried to discover where she was.

Maybe because of the deceptively alcoholic spritz she’d sipped as she and Gio sat at an outdoor café, watching thepasseggiata, the stroll of Romans and visitors taking the evening air. There’d been wine too over a meal shared at a family-run restaurant notable for its delicious food and relaxed charm.

It had been such a change from the prestigious but sometimes soulless restaurants her family favoured. A tiny place, not fronting a busy boulevard but down a back alley off a quiet street.

Gio didn’t feel the need to be seen at exclusive venues. His clothes and grooming made it clear he had money. His watch alone cost as much as a limited-edition luxury car. Yet he’d spent hours ambling, snacking from roadside stalls and eating ice cream.

Her thoughts kept circling back to him.

Stop kidding yourself! You know exactly what’s made today special.

She cast a veiled glance at the big man walking beside her down the street. Even silent, his presence was reassuring and companionable. And more.

Stella couldn’t explain the excitement fizzing in her blood or her heightened awareness. As if part of her brain acted like radar, registering his every move. The easy swing of his arms and the way he shortened his pace to match hers.

Had any man ever slowed his pace to accommodate her? As far as she could remember no one ever had, except her mum when she was little.

But her reaction to him wasn’t because of that courtesy. There was something about him, something she felt deep within, like a half-remembered melody or memory of exquisite happiness. It had strengthened with each passing hour, making their time together feelright.

Gio. She didn’t even know his last name. Was that part of the allure? They’d enjoyed each other’s company with no expectations. No surnames, no personal details. No talk of serious matters. It had been the most stress-free day she’d spent in years.

In the gloom his deep voice wrapped around her. ‘Is everything okay, Stella?’

She turned and found him watching her, his expression unreadable. ‘Of course. Why do you ask?’

‘That was a very big sigh.’

Her pulse jumped guiltily but he couldn’t know she’d been thinking about him. One of the things she’d enjoyed about today was that, while they’d talked easily, their silences had been comfortable too.

‘Was it? I didn’t realise.’ She sensed he waited for more. ‘I was thinking what a nice day it’s been.’ Ahead she saw the corner they’d turn to reach the hotel and suddenly it felt as if time was running out. ‘Thank you, Gio.’

‘There’s nothing to thank me for. I’ve enjoyed myself.’ His chuckle, rich and addictive, was like a warm embrace. ‘It was much more fun than the meeting I’d planned. Thank you, Stella. You’ve been great company.’

Did she hear a note of finality?

She wanted to say more but stopped. What was the point? Neither had said it out loud but she knew today was a one-off. Gio hadn’t asked her surname after that initial query when she’d fobbed him off. If he’d wanted to see her again he would have pushed for details, asked how long she was in Rome or for her number.

Shewantedto see him again. Her footsteps slowed as regret formed in the pit of her stomach.

But she had so much to sort out in her life. Plus she was too proud to pursue a man whose unfailing courtesy made it clear he had no interest in taking the acquaintance further.

Face it, he’s not attracted to you.

She waited until they saw the bright lights of the hotel’s entry ahead. ‘Here we are. I’ll say goodnight.’