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“Oh, I will.” Paul took the last of my cup of gelato and threw it away, then swooped me off my feet, carrying me away, and I never wanted Rome to end.
The handsome male with a wild head of dark curls and a cheeky smile to my surprise was Paul’s friend Lorenzo Rossi, chief conductor atTeatro La Scala, the world-renowned opera house. He was signing autographs and pivoted from giving the “hang loose” signs in selfies with fans to giving Paul an enthusiastic hug. “Bianca and I can’t wait to see your show tomorrow.”
“Lorenzo, so good to see you.” Paul patted his back. “Now, what’s this rumor I hear about you doing a modernRinaldoin Rome? You have me dizzy.”
“It’s true, my friend,” Lorenzo laughed. “You know how I play it: go big or go home. Now, who is thisbellissimalady trying to hide behind you?”
I wasn’t hiding, merely trying to stay out of the way.
“I’m Nadia. Nice to meet you,” I introduced myself in a light tone.
“Of course, this is your Nadia.Bellissima.” Lorenzo lightly gripped my arms and kissed me very close to my mouth.
“No flirting,” Paul grumbled at him and placed his hand on my lower back.
Lorenzo laughed. “I’m harmless, Nadia. Paul’s territorial when he’s serious. And now I know everything I was curious about.”
“You know how Lorenzo is, Paul. He can’t help himself.” A pretty, curvaceous blonde in a red silk dress and pumps stepped up, and Lorenzo took her by the waist and kissed her passionately.
I fanned myself to Paul, who was just as amused, grinning at them. “Bianca.”
They broke apart with a laugh, and she turned to Paul. “Damn, do you get more handsome every time we see you? And you brought your Nadia.” She hugged me. “You’ve done the impossible.”
My hand touched my throat, and I smiled.Paul told them about me?“What did I do?”
“You’ve made our cynical Paul a romantic again. I must know your secrets. But first, where did you get this beautiful silk dress?”
I’d worn one of my floral silk dress creations, and the compliment felt surreal. “I…I made it myself.”
Bianca’s red mouth formed an ‘O.’ “Well then, you’ll have to make something for me.”
“Thank you. I’d love to,” I replied.
“Have you warned Nadia yet, Paul?” Lorenzo asked him but turned toward me. “Once you eat pasta in Italy, you’ll never be satisfied with the taste anywhere else. Are you ready to risk it?”
I glanced at Paul, who winked at me.
Bianca and Lorenzo guffawed together. “Oh, look at her looking to Paul. Damn, I’m envious,” Lorenzo said, smiling at me. “Why don’t you do that to me anymore?” he added in a playful tone to Bianca.
“Because you’re too spoiled already.” Bianca grinned, and she kissed him.
“Bianca keeps me on my feet. And she sings as if the gods have blessed her.”
“Nadia is not only a rising star clothing designer, but she’s also an amazing cook. She made me pierogis that would rival a Michelin star chef,” Paul enthused.
I laughed. “Hardly, Paul.”
He softened his gaze on me, and my pulse quickened. “I loved them.” He hugged me to his side, and I laid my head on his shoulder.
The sound of a camera shutter alerted us to the paparazzi nearby. Laurence and the rest of the security surrounded us, trying to block their view. My pulse picked up. I reached for Paul’s hand, and he clasped and squeezed it as we went inside the restaurant. All the tables were set, but empty, like the restaurant was waiting to be opened.
My brows rose.Empty at lunchtime?
“Paul cleared the restaurant for us,” Lorenzo announced once the host led us to a long, white cloth dining table on the terrace, which provided a panoramic view of the eternal city. I was particularly drawn to the stone buildings’ red, pink, and orange colors, reminding me of the divine rays shining down. It inspired me, however, my designs hadn’t taken a cohesive theme. Still, Rome’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
“Nadia’s already in love with Rome’s charm,” Paul said to them.
“Oh, to see it all over again for the first time,” Bianca swooned.
