Page 28 of His UnBearable Touch

“No no,” he touched the back of her hand and took the bow from her, “I did nothing but listen to you, my dear and it was a pleasure.”

“I agree.”

Valerio. And the trembling started all over again.

Her imagination told her that the light… in the darkness… that was him. Who else could it have been?

Who else would she want it to be?

“Mr. Nylund,” she felt a hand take her cello and she stood up from her seat, “this is-”

“Mr. Orsino, yes. He introduced himself to me the other day. One of our newest patrons. Quite an intelligent young man, really.”

She could almost hear Valerio flinch from Essa’s words.

“Sir, please-”

“No need to shy away from the truth. Why anyone with eyes-” Essa’s words died on his lips as quickly as new ones formed, “oh Allegra. I am so sorry.”

Jane gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”

“Really, I’m fine,” she laughed and felt Valerio move closer, “it’s nothing that I haven’t said over the years. It’s funny how much we just say an old adage or idiom and not think about it. Please, Essa, don’t worry about me. I’ve developed a thicker skin over the years. It is truly a pleasure to play at all, but to share it with others, it makes me happy.”

“Well, Jane has promised me a ride home,” Essa spoke gently to her, “and Mr. Orsino has promised to see you safely home.”

It took her a few tries to say the simple word, “Yes.”

“Get your rest for the event tomorrow night, Allegra.”

“I agree,” Jane added her own thoughts in, “but have fun you two.”

“I will do my best.” Valerio’s assurance was filled with a hesitation that she hadn’t heard before. Reaching out her hand she found his wrapped around hers as if it was second nature.

Then again, maybe it was.

“Well, good night then.”

Moments later she heard the soft turn-over of a car engine and the subtle spray of gravel as the car left through the service entrance. Leaving them alone.

And that’s when she felt the tremble starting again. Not in her hands or her head, not where the music was. No, she felt the tremble in her heart and in places she didn’t really talk about.

Okay, places she never talked about, no matter how much she wanted to feel. To replace horror with joy.

And with Valerio standing beside her, offering his warmth, she knew she was so very close to getting it.

She felt a hand brush through the hair at her temple and smiled. “You like doing that, touching my hair.”

He leaned closer. She could smell his scent and the bear beneath it. “I like touching you.”

“I really like it too.” She meant every word and feeling that came with it. “Maybe we can pack up my cello and go home?”

“It’s already in its case,” he told her. “I’ll put it in the car before we leave.”

“Oh?” That got her attention. “We’re not leaving yet?”

She felt the shrug through their joined hands.

“Not unless you want to.” His voice was as mysterious as it was sensual and she felt it all the way to her toes. “You said you used to come to the zoo.”

---