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“When I arrived, I only wanted to do one thing—transfor more Fiori But my time here has been so much more, Mari, and I have you to thank for that”

Mari couldn’t reply Her gaze darted to Luca’s; his gaze was sincere It was no protestation of love, but only a fool would expect such a thing His statement was absolutely correct It had been more than either of them expected She would have to be happy with that Luca was not in love with her And she’d get over him in time She would

But she returned the handclasp with as etting to know you, Luca And getting to know myself better I owe you so much I’m only sorry I don’t kno to repay you”

She had fought hiotten under her skin and she’d let him see a side of her she’d never revealed to anyone before And in trusting him, she’d fallen in love with him

Dessert was over, and the last bit had felt like a goodbye Mari , but Luca put out a hand “Where are you going?”

She looked up, confused “Hoht dinner was over”

Luca tugged on her ar her closer “I’m not ready for it to end yet”

With his free hand he reached out and flicked the ties on the drapes, closing theht

“Luca—”

“I need to say so to say “I’, Mariella I was unbearable and I have no excuse I can only say that I meant well and realize no it must have seemed to you”

She would not cry She wouldn’t spoil this beautiful evening with tears, no ry or hurt she’d been only hours before The ht she’d known that yesterdayon a show A very effective one His apology meant more than he knew

Their bodies hovered closer together, but Mari resisted the urge to take the one step necessary to be pressed against him “It was a lot to take in at once, Luca I was hurt by your behavior, but only because I understood My story isn’t the stuff of polite chitchat Your reaction made sense”