The Playboy of Rome

“Things have changed since then.” Dante walked over and grabbed his keys from the edge of the kitchen counter. “It just wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Did you even tell him that I was here?”

Dante’s gaze lowered. “In passing.”

He was leaving something out but what? “And did you discuss the contract?”

“No. He had a bad night and he was agitated this morning. I didn’t think him hearing about what has transpired since your arrival would help things.” He cursed under his breath and strode over to the door and grabbed his overnight bag.

He was leaving without her.

Disappointment washed over her. She just couldn’t shake her desire to meet the man who reminded her of what she imagined her grandfathers would have been like, if she’d ever met either of her own. But she couldn’t tell Dante that. He’d think she was a sentimental dreamer—and she couldn’t blame him.

How could she ever explain to someone who grew up in a big, caring family with parents and grandparents about the gaping hole in her heart? She’d forever been on the outside looking in. She knew all too well that families weren’t perfect. Her friends in school had dealt with a whole host of family dynamics, but they had a common element—love to bind them together, no matter what. And to have her very own family was what Lizzie had prayed for each night. And at Christmastime it had been the only thing she had ever asked for from Santa.

Instead of a mom and dad and grandparents, she was given Jules—her foster sister. And she loved her with all of her heart. She would do anything for her, including keeping her promise to help Jules reach for her dreams—no matter the price. Because of their dismal finances, Jules had to put off college for a couple of years until Lizzie got her degree. Jules always talked of helping other kids like them. This was Jules’s chance to become a social worker and make a difference, but in order to do that she had to get through grad school first.

Massimo had been insistent that her plan would work. He’d been so certain. And she couldn’t shake her desire to meet him and thank him for his encouragement. “Take me with you. I promise I won’t say or do anything to upset your grandfather.”

Dante eyed her up as though attempting to gauge her sincerity. She sent him a pleading look. Under the intensity of his stare, her insides quivered. But she refused to turn away.

“Even though he insists on meeting you, I will leave you behind if I feel I can’t trust you.”

“So he does want to meet me.” This time she did smile.

“Don’t go getting all excited. I still haven’t made up my mind about taking you with me. You know it’s a bit of a ride.”

Meaning Dante didn’t like the thought of spending yet more time alone with her. To be honest, she couldn’t blame him. She’d basically dropped into his life out of nowhere with absolutely no warning. How could she possibly expect him to react any different?

But then again, she had noticed the way he’d looked at her last night. As if she were an ice cream cone on a sweltering hot day and he couldn’t wait to lick her up. To be fair, she’d had similar thoughts about him. No one had ever turned her on with just a look.

She halted her thoughts. It wasn’t worth it to go down this path. It’d only lead to heartbreak—her heartbreak. In her experience, men only wanted an uncomplicated good time. And she couldn’t separate her heart and her mind. It was so much easier to remain detached. If she was smart, she’d turn and leave now. But she couldn’t. Not yet.

“You can trust me,” she pleaded. “I won’t upset Massimo.”

“I don’t know—”

“If you won’t take me to him, then give me his address. I’ll find my own way there.”

Not that she had any clue how she’d get from point A to point B without a vehicle, but she was certain that Italy had public transportation. That was one of the things she’d discovered when she’d researched coming here. So now Dante wouldn’t stand between her and meeting Massimo.

* * *

Dante hated being put in this position.

All he wanted to do was protect his grandfather—well, that wasn’t quite the whole truth. He didn’t relish the car ride with Lizzie. He was certain she’d keep at him, trying to convince him to change his mind about the television spot. His jaw tightened. He had other priorities with the sale of the ristorante to negotiate.

Then this morning when he’d phoned his grandfather to verify that he’d agreed to this television segment, his grandfather had come to life at the mention of Lizzie’s name. After weeks of Nonno being in a black mood, this was the first time he’d sounded even remotely like himself. Dante made every excuse to get out of taking Lizzie to meet him. His grandfather would have none of it.

Unwilling to disappoint his grandfather, he said, “You can come with me on one stipulation.”

Hope glinted in her eyes. “Name it.”

“There will be no talking about the contract or the cooking show this weekend.”

“But the camera crew will be here Tuesday morning expecting to begin filming before the restaurant opens. What will we do? We haven’t even decided how to proceed.”

“Let me deal with them.” He’d already called his solicitor that morning. Even though it was the weekend, this couldn’t wait. He’d pay the exorbitant fees. Whatever it took to find a way out of this mess.