The Playboy of Rome

“Are you saying this because I told you about my background? Is this some sort of sympathy?”

“No.” The response came quickly—too quickly. “Why would you say that?”

She shrugged. “Why not? It’s the only reason I can see for you to want this arrangement to work. Or is there something I don’t know?”

There was a look in his eyes. Was it surprise? Had she stumbled across something?

“Tell me, Dante. Otherwise, I’m outta here. If you can’t be honest with me, we can’t work together.” And she meant it. Somehow, someway she’d scrape together the money for Jules to go to grad school, to reach her dreams and to be able to help other unfortunate children.

He exhaled a frustrated sigh. “I talked with my solicitor before dinner.”

When he paused, she prompted him. “And.”

“He said that we could break the contract but it wouldn’t be quick or cheap.”

Her gut was telling her that there was more to this than he was telling her. “What else?”

Dante rubbed the back of his neck. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re pushy?”

“I am when I have to be—when I can tell that I’m not being given the whole truth.”

“Well, that’s it. My solicitor advised me that it would be easier to go through with your project. And he mentioned that in the end it would benefit the ristorante and bring in more tourist traffic.”

So that was it. He was looking at his bottom line. She couldn’t fault him for that because technically she was doing the same thing. She was looking forward to the money she earned to help her foster sister. But she just couldn’t shake the memories of the past.

“And you’re sure this has nothing to do with what I told you about my past.”

“I swear. Now will you stay?”

She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t sure how this would work now that they’d kissed twice and were sharing an apartment, regardless of its spaciousness. When she glanced into Dante’s eyes, the fluttering feeling churned in her stomach. And when her gaze slipped down to his lips, she was tempted to steal another kiss.

“What’s the matter?” Dante asked, arching his brow. “Are you worried about us being roommates?”

“How did you know?”

The corner of his tempting mouth lifted in a knowing smile. “Because you aren’t the only one wondering about that question. But before you let that chase you off, remember the reason you came here—to learn. To hone your cooking skills.”

“But I can’t do that if you and I are...you know...”

“How about I make you a promise that I won’t kiss you again...until you ask me. I will be the perfect host and teacher— Well, okay, the teaching might be a bit rough at first but I will try my best.”

She looked deep into his eyes, finding sincerity. Her gut said to trust him. But it was these new feelings that she didn’t trust. Still, this was her only viable option to hold up her promise to Jules, who’d helped her through school and pushed her

to reach for her dreams. How could she do any less in return?

With a bit of hesitancy, she stuck out her hand. “You have a deal.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

WHAT EXACTLY HAD he gotten himself into?

The sun was flirting with the horizon as Dante yawned and entered the kitchen of Ristorante Massimo. The film crew was quite timely. Dante stood off to the side, watching the bustle of activity as a large pot of caffé brewed. The large kitchen instantly shrank as the camera crew, makeup artist and director took over the area. In no time, spotless countertops were covered with equipment, cases and papers. The place no longer looked like the kitchen his grandfather had taught him to cook in—the large room that held some of his happiest memories.

Dante inwardly groaned and stepped out of the way of a young assistant wheeling in another camera. So much for the peace and tranquillity that he always enjoyed at this time of the day. He slipped into the office to enjoy his coffee.

“Hey, what are you doing in here?” Lizzie’s voice called out from behind him.

He turned to find her lingering in the doorway. The smile on her face lit up her eyes. She practically glowed. Was it the television cameras that brought out this side of her? The thought saddened him. He wished that he could evoke such happiness in her. But it was best that they’d settled things and agreed that from now on she was hands off for him.