page19 (1/2)

A tightness e care of Gio, or any old man, is a full-time job, Pia”

“I know that When Nonni was ill, it was justleave of absence and I looked after her for two years I can—”

“How old were you?”

“Twenty I had been working only for a few months”

“Didn’t youa life? The excitement of your job and friends?” His disbelief was apparent in his voice As if he had personal experience to negate her claim

“All we had was each other I know Gio has you but you’re always so busy”

“I see the logic in your plan It serves both our purposes, si? But whether it ork, whether Gio and the world will believe that I would be violently attracted to such a—” he let his gaze roahness that both excited and e elementary science teacher, that I’m not sure about”

In the process of tugging her bag over her shoulder, Pia stilled Sall of the man! She turned to face hirooves in his cheeks, stole her indignation

It changed him, that smile The way he had held her when she’d cried—that was a Raphael she could like “Just as it’ll be hard for ift to wo for Gio”

He took her hands in his and tugged, a devilish twist to his sh, caraso nervous and jumpy around me Then you have to act as if you adore me”

He dipped his head while locking Pia against the door with his arms on either side of her, “And then—” his breath stroked her neck while the scent of him enveloped her “—as if you can’t keep your hands off me”

“No,” she whispered, her entire body languorous as if someone had replaced the blood in her veins arm honey