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He turned to her with a smile on his face. “Do you want to hit a couple of the highlights with a paid tour or do you want to have the most amazing day?”
Like that was a hard question to answer. “Of course I want to have an amazing visit. This is my first time in Venice.”
“But it’s not mine.” Sure, he’d been here for business purposes, but he’d never had anyone to share the magic of this very special city. “I want to show you around. I want your birthday to be memorable.”
She removed her hand from his hold. “You don’t need to do that. It’s too much.”
Was she making a point that, since he wasn’t truly her boyfriend, he was overstepping? The thought didn’t sit well with him.
During the past week, it felt like they’d moved beyond friends. But where did that leave them? He wasn’t sure of the answer and now certainly wasn’t the time to evaluate it.
“Relax,” he said. “It’s just one friend showing another a good time on your birthday. Nothing more.” When he saw the worry disappear from her eyes, he said, “We need to catch a vaporetto.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s like a floating taxi.”
“Oh.”
He reached out to take her hand again but caught himself and lowered his arm to his side. He took off again with rapid steps. When he noticed her lagging behind, he slowed down for her.
The water taxi was crowded as it chugged down the Grand Canal. But Roberto was able to claim the last two seats in the open prow, which provided a sweeping view of the majestic canal. There wasn’t much room. When he sat down, his thigh rubbed against Stasia’s. A bolt of attraction shot through him, settling in a tightness in his abdomen.
He willed away the unwanted sensation. He attempted to put some space between them but that only succeeded in rubbing not only his thigh but also his shoulder against her. He was becoming increasingly aware of her—of wanting her—in a much friendlier manner than was appropriate. He stopped moving.
“Are you all right?” Stasia asked.
“I’m fine.” He was anything but fine. However, that was his problem, not hers.
“I could stand.”
As she started to get up, he reached out to her. “No. Stay where you are.”
And then realizing he was touching her, he withdrew his hand. She settled once again, next to him. Why had he thought being “just friends” was going to be easy?
It didn’t help that this ride seemed to go on and on. There were a few stops along the way before they finally exited at the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges that spanned the Grand Canal.
Stasia snapped photo after photo on her smartphone. All the while, she wore a big smile that made her eyes twinkle with happiness. Thankfully, his uneasiness hadn’t ruined her good mood. The more she smiled, the more relaxed he became. He could just stare at her for hours. It was then that she turned to him and snapped his photo.
“I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t resist,” she said. “You smile so little when you’re conducting business, which is when I see you the most. But on this trip, I’ve seen a new side of you. The relaxed, fun side of you.”
“And this new side, do you like it?” His breath hitched as he waited for her answer.
“I do.” Her gaze caught and held his a little longer than necessary. “I like it very much.”
“Then I’ll make a point of relaxing more often.” So long as he maintained a respectable distance between them.
“And don’t forget about having fun. The smile on your face looks good on you.”
He didn’t think her admission would affect him one way or the other, but her words zeroed in on his chest and a warm sensation filled it. She had a way of sneaking past his best-laid defenses. His smile broadened.
They meandered around until they came to the Campanile di San Marco, where they took the elevator to the top of the bell tower. Stasia continued making the pictorial history of their outing. And he had to admit the view from the top of the bell tower was awe-inspiring, with all the historic architecture, but the most amazing view of all was the look of awe reflected on Stasia’s face.
