Page 23 of An Heir For Her Enemy

“Thanks, but it wouldn’t feel right. I like to earn things myself. I think I enjoy them more when I do.”

“I can understand that.” Logan followed Delaney past the last few shops. “Where to now?”

“It’s your turn to choose.”

Slowly, meanderingly, they wandered the city. It was very unusual for Logan to have no agenda, no list of tasks that needed to be accomplished, and no sense of what he needed to do and when. Yet it was strangely pleasant. He reached for his phone a few times, only to remember that it wasn’t there, but as theydelved deeper into the heart of Rome, he found himself thinking about work less and less. Instead, he admired the city and his gorgeous traveling companion.

“Left here, I think,” Delaney said. “There’s a bakery that way that looks absolutely delicious.”

“Shall we stop for a pastry?”

“I think we have to.” Delaney shrugged helplessly, as though the mandate to purchase pastries was beyond her control. “When in Rome…”

“When in Rome,” Logan agreed. They walked to the bakery, where Logan found a table in the window while Delaney picked out, and insisted on paying for, a trio of pastries for them to share. They sat in the window for a while, trading bites of éclair and tiramisu for a delicate chocolate cake. Outside, it began to rain, and Logan’s heart sank. This might well be the end of the lovely day they’d just started to enjoy.

A glance at Delaney showed that she wasn’t upset, though. In fact, she was smiling, as though the rain had begun right on schedule.

“I just love the smell of rain,” she said. She smiled at Logan. “And the sound. Especially since we’re sitting inside now. Wasn’t that good timing?”

“It was.” Logan had to admit that she was right. Instead of being annoyed that it was raining at all, he could have been pleased that it had only started raining once they’d come inside.

“How much are you struggling without your phone?” Delaney asked as she carved a bite from one of the slices of cake.

“I’m fine. I don’t miss it.” Logan hesitated, caught sight of the suspicious look on Delaney’s face, and chuckled. “Okay, okay. It’s a little difficult. I’d usually reach for my phone at a time like this, but now I can’t. It’s actually nice, though. I’m seeing more of the city than I usually would. And I feel more present.”

“That’s great.” Delaney closed her eyes as she popped the forkful of cake into her mouth. She looked completely blissful. “Mmm.”

The sound sent a shiver of desire through Logan, which he ignored. They were only just becoming friends again. It would ruin everything if he gave in to the attraction he still felt for her. After all, it still wasn’t possible for them to be a couple, and he couldn’t hurt Delaney like that again.

“How are you doing withoutyourphone? Is this normal for you?”

“No, not really. I always have to have my phone, since clients could contact me at any time. But when I’m on vacation or with my family, I try to shut off my phone so that I can really relax.”

“That’s a good policy.” Logan took a bite of éclair. “Maybe I’ll do the same.”

“Let’s see if you can get through today, first,” Delaney replied with a teasing grin.

Logan smiled back.

“I’m doing great. I haven’t sneaked off to find my phone even once.”

“So far, so good, but it’s not even lunchtime yet.” Delaney took the last bite of the tiramisu, then peered out the window. “The rain stopped. Shall we continue?”

They did. Logan left a tip on the table, even though he knew doing so was less common in Europe, and followed Delaney back out. The sidewalks were slightly damp with rain, but Delaney was right — the dark clouds had already passed them by, and weak autumn sun was beginning to break through far overhead.

“I think it’s my turn to choose the direction,” Logan said. He swept his gaze over their surroundings. “I see something interesting to the right. Shall we?”

They meandered down the street until they reached the shop Logan had spotted, which sold sculpted miniatures of different foods.

“Is this your style of décor?” Delaney asked as they stopped outside the window.

“Definitely. My bedroom at home is just covered in little boxes of sushi and tiny plates of pancakes.”

“Sure.” Delaney laughed. “I can imagine. Some of these are actually really cool, though. Look at the sprinkles on those donuts.” She pointed to a small tray of pastries, no bigger than Logan’s thumbnail.

“I’m impressed by how they made the food look almost appetizing,” Logan replied. He spotted a miniature bowl of spaghetti. “How did they make noodles out of… whatever they’re made out of?”

“Glass, I think. It looks like they poured it.” Delaney straightened up and gestured for them to continue walking.

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