Page 25 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

“Ah,sì.” The man held his index finger and thumb about two inches apart. “Little bit. How can I help?”

Billy turned to Bianca. “What is your pleasure?”

“Prosecco would be nice.”

“For prosecco, we have La Marca, Ruffino, or Cinzano,” the bartender said.

“Cinzano,per favore,” Bianca said.

“And for you,signore?”

“Make it two,” Billy said.

Billy and Bianca found a quiet spot to enjoy their drinks and each other’s company.

“Your first time in Italy?” she asked.

“Not first. But it’s been a while, so I’m sure a lot has changed.”

“Do you like what you’ve seen so far?”

“Very much.”

Her eyes lingered on his. “I like what I see, too.”

“I get the sense you’re not talking about the city sights.”

“I am not. Were you?”

“I was not.”

She stepped closer and ran a finger down his chest. “It’s good that we think the same,sì?”

“Sì.”

Into his ear, she whispered, “When you’ve had enough of this party, perhaps we could go someplace not so crowded, where we could get to know each other better.”

“How about now? I happen to know the perfect place.”

“You do?”

“My suite.”

She grinned. “See? Thinking the same again.”

Billy put an arm around her waist, and they turned toward the exit.

Before they could even take a step, a red-faced man who looked to have had a bit too much to drink blocked their way, then puffed out his chest and bellowed, “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

9

Ignoring the man, Bianca saidto Billy, “I believe we were leaving, yes?”

She tried to guide Billy around the obstacle, but the man moved back into their path.

“Eduardo, get out of our way!” she said.

Eduardo swayed slightly as he eyed Billy up and down. “Who is this…person? I do not know him.”

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