Page 30 of Marry Me in Rome

Because it would be a lie.

I was interested in Matteo. Probably more than he was interested in me, but I could no longer deny the sparks between us. Let tomorrow take care of itself.

Vivi growled and stormed away. I’d just made an enemy of Matteo’s sister, yet I smiled as I reached the pool.

Matteo leaned against the stone wall on the far side, looking out over the ocean. He’d changed into his swim trunks, and from behind, he looked like a model himself. Covering a perfect back like that with a shirt seemed a crime. I could only imagine what the front looked like.

I chose a chair and stripped down to my swim suit, placing my clothes in a messy pile. The rectangular pool looked big enough for at least thirty people and had a killer view of the ocean and the island descending below in steps of lush greenery and hard stone. The house rose far above us, at least three stories high. From up here, I saw that it wasn’t all glass—parts were covered in white stucco and Mediterranean-style ceramic shingles.

As I slipped off my sandals, he didn’t turn around. The only movement from him was his hair being tossed about by the wind. Was he thinking about Clara? Was his sister’s careless comments the cause of this somber mood?

I considered diving in. If Matteo wanted to spend the day reminiscing about someone else, at least I could get some exercise and work on my tan in this beautiful place.

And yet. I hadn’t come for the pool or the island’s beauty or anything else. I’d come to spend time with him, and spend time with him I would.

I made my way over and stood next to him, looking out over the water below. “Your sister tried to warn me off.”

He chuckled, still gazing at the horizon. “Yours did too.”

“What? When?” I tried to remember him being alone with Alexis yesterday, but couldn’t recall a single time. “Which sister?”

“Kennedy sent me a text this morning. She basically said there was nowhere she couldn’t find me if I hurt you.”

I wasn’t sure whether to smile or flinch. My overprotective older sister at her best. “Your sister basically said the same.”

“Gotta love family.” He turned around, leaning against the wall, and gave a start. His eyes brushed over me, and I felt a warmth creep up my neck. Comparing me to his blonde bombshell of a model, no doubt. But there was no disappointment there. Only approval.

“Our sisters were only trying to help.” I pretended to be unaffected by his gaze on my skin.

“Yeah, but they might have a point.” He cleared his throat and fixed his gaze on the pool. “I’m wondering if bringing you here was a mistake. If you agree, I’ll have Vivi take you back right away.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Vivi might be right to worry. I’m intensely attracted to you, and I think it’s because you remind me so much of Clara. That isn’t fair to you.”

I stood there, letting his words sink in. One word in particular stirred a giddiness inside that I couldn’t hide. “Intensely?”

“Undeniably. Undoubtedly. You’ve uncovered feelings I never thought I’d have again. I didn’t think that was possible, so I don’t blame Vivi for thinking the same.”

I stepped toward him, drawing his gaze back to me, where it belonged. Yep, definitely liked it there. “You pulled me away from Rome and promised something better.”

He lifted his arms and let them fall helplessly to his waist. “This was better, was it not?”

He couldn’t still be trying to send me home. Not after all I’d been through to get here. “You’re kidding, right? If you want me to leave, you’ll have to throw me over your shoulder and haul me back to that chopper yourself.”

He gave a grim smile. “I’m tempted, if only to see what you’d do.”

“There would likely be violence involved.”

A delighted spark entered his eyes, a glint of mischief that I immediately liked. “You’re adorable when you’re angry.”

“And you’re frustrating. Stop trying to change the subject. Where were we?”

“You were saying this was better than what we left behind in Rome, I think.”

I gestured at . . . well, everything. “It’s beautiful, but that isn’t why I came.”

“Then why did you come?”

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