Page 51 of Angel

‘They even have olive groves that double as open-air modern art museums,’ she added. ‘And an eighteenth-century church with a world-famous mosaic floor.’

The town was remarkably laid back, spread out over a half-dozen narrow streets of local craft shops and promenade cafes packed with patrons.

Roxy stopped at a sidewalk display, admiring a trio of hand-painted ceramic salt, oil-and-vinegar canisters.

‘Angel, the price tag says twenty euros.’

I followed her as she approached the counter.

‘Ask if that’s for the set.’

‘Is the twenty euros for all of them, or for the individual pieces?’ Roxy asked the pretty clerk.

‘It’s for each of the three pieces, signora,’ the attendant replied with a warm smile. ‘A total of sixty-five euros.’

I leaned into Roxy and muttered.

‘I’m not cheap, Rox; I can get them for you at the asking price -.’

‘Where’s the fun in that?’ she murmured, arching an eyebrow at me, her lips twitching.

She smiled and placed my hand over hers, shaking my head.

I turned to the vendor and, switching to Italian, bargained for her.

‘Three for thirty,’ I growled.

We went back and forth until I got them all for 40 euros.

With a smirk, I peeled a few notes from my wallet and handed them to the seller.

Roxy clapped her palms together in glee, then, to my surprise, threw her arms around my neck and pressed her lips to my cheek.

She swiveled back to the clerk and counted out her change as I studied her, once again questioning the lurch in my heart when she hugged me.

The gut kicks weren’t new.

I’d experienced them a few times now, and I was freakin’ baffled by them when I was meant to be mourning my ex.

Damn.

I brooded over it, seeking the cause for what my twisted heart told me was cheating on Evangeline.

Still, the jolts continued every time Roxy and I brushed arms.

From when I helped her across the road to when the crowds forced me to place her in front of me for her safety.

Throughout, she shot me soft smiles, her eyes keen but her manner always so kind and sweet, as always.

I hardened my mask even more, trying to ward off her allure.

However, as the day wore on, I gave in and offered her a few quirks of my mouth, unable to help myself.

The Capresi merchants proved pleasant and devoid of aggressive sales tactics.

Still, the central square remained crowded.

The Piazzetta swarmed with bodies, strolling and dining on outdoor terraces.