English Rose for the Sicilian Doc

‘Yes.’ She turned her bright gaze onto his face. ‘You want to make up now?’

Oh, yes. Matteo shoved a note from his pocket under his saucer, and Rose stood up. Suddenly he couldn’t wait. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her, ignoring the murmurs of approval from passers-by and the small round of applause that had started up somewhere inside the café. She felt so good, her scent, her lips. Her body pressed tight against his.

‘I promise you this, Rose. Whatever happens, we won’t let William be hurt. I’ll love him enough to do whatever it takes...’

‘He needs a father, Matteo. If you find you want to apply for the position, I can’t think of a better one than you.’ She took that immense leap of trust, without even needing to think about it, and Matteo felt himself choke with emotion.

‘I love you, Rose.’

‘I love you too, Matteo.’

There was only one thing to do. Hoisting her up into his arms, he carried her across the piazza. The one thing that had seemed an impossible dream, something that had to be reached for but with no expectation of success, had suddenly become a reality.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

THEY’D MADE LOVE, with all the delicious urgency of sudden happiness, after two long months of separation. Then, just in case she’d missed any of the promises that had been torn from his lips, Matteo did it all over again. Exquisitely slowly this time, knowing that Rose meant everything she said. He was her best friend. The lover who filled her heart with joy. The one. Every time she looked into his eyes, another little part of him healed, and he knew that this was no risk. It was meant to be, and he would always be safe with Rose.

‘So you think you can be happy with a Sicilian man?’ he asked her as they lay curled together on his bed. ‘We can be hot-headed.’

‘Flying twelve hundred miles for a coffee is fine by me.’ She nudged him in the ribs.

‘Stubborn...’

‘I like a man who knows his own mind.’

‘Possessive.’

‘I just noticed. You should keep that up.’

‘Very possessive.’

Rose gave him just the answer he wanted. ‘Just try that. See how it works out. Anyway, what about English girls? We can be cold.’

‘I love your ice.’ Matteo nipped at her ear and she shivered. ‘It makes your fire even more exquisite.’

‘Undemonstrative...’

‘Right. Like just now.’ She laughed, snuggling into his arms, and Matteo held her tight. ‘Go to sleep now, bellissima.’

‘Only if you’ll be there when I wake up.’

‘I will be.’ This morning, and every other morning, if she’d let him.

* * *

‘It’ll take a little time. To hand over my work at the hospital to a replacement.’ By morning, there was no question. They both knew that being together was the only option that really mattered.

‘Not so fast.’ Rose leaned forward,

pressing her finger over his lips. They’d come downstairs for breakfast and found nothing in the fridge, so Matteo had gone out to buy coffee and pastries. He’d come back to find her lazing in the hammock, his T-shirt moulding the shape of her body very nicely, so he’d taken his clothes off and joined her there, bringing the bag of pastries with him.

‘What’s your idea, then?’ He put his hands behind his head, and she snuggled against him.

‘Professor Paulozzi’s been trying to get me to stay here for the rest of the summer. I can say yes, and bring William out here.’

‘Which gives me time to organise my move to London.’

‘Oh, so you’re going to London, are you? What happens if I decide to take the job he’s offered me?’