Stasia and Roberto made their way back onto the ship. They weren’t the only ones returning from a day excursion. All around them people were laughing, talking and just enjoying the day. She couldn’t blame them; it was wonderful. So was the company.
“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Stasia said with a smile on her face.
“Yes, you are quite beautiful.” Roberto tightened his arm over her shoulders, drawing her close.
“Today was amazing.”
“Last night wasn’t too shabby either.”
Stasia couldn’t believe this side of Roberto existed. Today he was sweet, thoughtful and fun. As they’d toured the ruins around Crotone, he’d been a different man. From him suggesting they pose in front of the Castle of Charles V for a photo, to taking his time to view sacred parchments, books and icons at the museum. Today there was no rushing around. The fact he was genuinely interested in the same things thrilled her.
Roberto had reminded her that she hadn’t died with Lukos, even though it had felt like it at the time. Roberto had let her enjoy herself without the guilt of still being alive while Lukos wasn’t. Roberto didn’t rush her. He didn’t expect things of her. He just accepted her as is.
Stasia moved off to the side of the deck, out of the way of the returning tourists, and turned to Roberto. He’d been so different since they’d cleared the air last night. She hadn’t known it was possible to be so jealous. And it had all been for naught. Thankfully.
“You know, if you’re not careful, I’m going to fall for all of your compliments.”
Roberto’s eyes reflected his playful mood. “You deserve to be complimented every single day and night.”
She shook her head and lowered her gaze, feeling uncomfortable with his blatant flattery. “No, I don’t.”
Roberto placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted until their gazes met. “I mean it, Stasia. You are very special.”
And then his head lowered, capturing her lips with his. Her heart pounded with excitement. She leaned into his embrace. It would be so easy to believe this was the beginning of something—something special.
The echo of voices faded into the background. The fact they were standing in a crowd of people while kissing didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered in that moment was him and her.
“Roberto.”
The stern, disapproving male voice had them jerking apart. Stasia immediately missed the feel of Roberto’s touch. She longed to sidle up next to him—to wrap her arms around his trim waist—to lean into him.
Instead she turned to find his grandfather frowning at them. It appeared his grandfather didn’t believe in public displays of affection. That was too bad because she couldn’t promise she wouldn’t give in to her desire to share a kiss with Roberto in public again.
“I’m surprised to find you out here.” His grandfather’s voice held a note of disapproval. “I’ve been looking for you. I called your cell but it went to voice mail.”
Roberto smoothed his fingers over his mouth. “Hello, Grandfather. My phone died.”
When a strained silence ensued, Stasia spoke up. “We just got back from sightseeing. Did you have a chance to visit Crotone?”
His grandfather’s gaze flickered to her. “I did not.” Just as quickly, the older man’s attention returned to his grandson. “I attempted to catch up with you this morning, but it appears you had other priorities.”
“I just wanted to see the sights with my fiancée.” Roberto reached out and took her hand in his.
His grandfather’s suspicious gaze moved between the two of them. “Are you trying to tell me this relationship is real? It’s not just a ruse to keep your grandmother off your case?”
“What?” Roberto’s gaze moved to her before returning to his grandfather. “Of course this is real. You just saw us kissing.”
It was like the sweetness of the kiss had been wiped away and now the kiss was nothing more than part of their charade. Was that right? Was she just getting caught up in the show they were putting on? Or was there a genuineness to what they’d shared last night?
The frown lines on his grandfather’s face smoothed. The man turned to Stasia, who remained by Roberto’s side. “I’m sorry for interrupting your day. It looks like my grandson makes you very happy. And you do the same for him.”