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“So, what is you?”
“That’s the thing—I don’t know. I mean, I thought I did at one time. I loved being a wife, and with Lukos’s job taking him to many places across the globe, I always had a new adventure. And then we started talking about having a family, but then that dream crumbled. And now I have to find a new dream. A dream that’s all mine and not dependent on someone else. Does that make any sense?”
“It does. Do you have any idea what it is you want to do?”
She shook her head. “That’s what I thought I would sort out on this trip.”
He stopped next to a magnificent marble statue. “And then I interrupted you with all of my family drama. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’ve had a really good time with you and getting to know your family.”
“But it doesn’t help you find a career.”
“No, it doesn’t. But I still have the rest of the cruise to come up with something.”
“And how’s the search going?” There was avid interest reflected in his eyes.
She shrugged. “I know a number of things that I don’t want to do.”
“Such as?”
“Singing. I can’t carry a tune. And I’m not artistic, at all. Though I do love visiting the galleries and admiring other people’s work. But I’m lucky if I can draw a decent stick figure.”
“Are you considering something in the business world?”
“I don’t know.”
The more time she spent with him, the more she found she wanted to spend with him. She told herself that she was just lonely. Since Lukos died, her life had become quiet and routine. The only laughter in her life was when she was with Xander’s family and her adorable niece.
* * *
Now wasn’t the time.
Roberto decided to refrain from asking Stasia to work with him. He didn’t want to pressure her into a job that didn’t suit her. He was certain she would eventually find her way.
As amazed as Stasia had been by the artwork, Roberto was just as amazed by her. There was definitely a deep, abiding strength within her.
She turned a curious look in his direction. Their gazes met and his heart thumped harder. Did she know what he’d been thinking?
Of course not. She wasn’t a mind reader, even if she did have a way of reading him quite well.
“You’re not even looking at the painting,” she said.
“I’m not?”
She smiled. “No. You’re not.”
“Sorry. I got distracted.”
Her cheeks pinkened. “Maybe we should get going. What’s next on this tour?”
“Something I think you’ll like a lot.” He held out his arm to her. “Right this way, signorina.”
She smiled up at him as she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. And just that small gesture felt so right—as though they had been doing it forever.
There was one more thing burning a hole in his pocket—the diamond ring.
His grandmother expected Stasia to wear the ring, but that would take this charade to a whole new level—
“What has you so quiet?” Stasia’s voice drew him from his musings.
“Um, nothing.” Nothing he wanted to discuss with her.
Before they could continue the conversation, they’d arrived at the gondola. Roberto turned to her. “Your ride awaits you.”
Stasia’s face beamed and his heart thumped hard and fast. What was it about this woman that just a smile could make his body react?
Once she sat down on the cushioned seat, he took his place next to her. The ring box dug into his thigh, reminding him that he needed to do something with it. Not now. Definitely not in this romantic setting.
He shifted on the seat, allowing space between them. The gondola was ornately decorated with gold trim and small statues of seahorses. There were red ropes along the sides and fluffy, colorful pillows on the seats. Stasia was quiet as she took it all in.
He hadn’t told her but this was his first gondola ride too. In the past when he’d visited this beautiful city, he hadn’t felt the urge to ride the gondola. For some reason, it just felt too romantic to ride alone and he didn’t have anyone he wanted to ask to accompany him—until now.
