Page 6 of Under Her Skin
“Tell me your name, lovelygirl.”
But she shook her head. “No names. This is perfect just the way itis.”
“Then, let us call each other…” He cast around for two names, then spotted the book on his nightstand. “Beatrice and Benedict. FromMuch Ado AboutNothing.”
He was surprised when her face flamed red. “What?”
“Nothing. You likeShakespeare?”
He nodded. “Very much.You?”
“Some. I studied him at college, but I have to say, I prefer more modernwriters.”
Arturo smiled. “Suchas?”
“McCarthy, Angelou, Arundhati Roy. HarukiMurakami.”
Arturo smiled. “I’m also a fan of Murakami. Favorite book ofhis?”
“Kafka on theShore.”
“Same.”
She looked skeptical, and he held his hands up. “I swear,Principessa.”
“I’ll believe you.” They gazed at each other for a long time, then she raised her hand to his face and cupped his cheek. “You’re reallybeautiful.”
Arturo grinned, inclining his head. “Thankyou.”
She giggled at his confidence. “I forgot Italian men had no time for falsemodesty.”
Arturo propped himself up on his elbow next to her. “Forgot? You don’t livehere?”
“I didn’t. I just relocated here. I was born here, but I’ve spent most of my life in theStates.”
“Whereabouts?”
“Chicago.”
He smiled. “Nice town.” But he noticed the sadness was creeping back into her eyes. He bent his head and kissed her. “Beautiful girl, what is it? Why do you look so sad? What is yourpain?”
She stared at him for a long time then sat up. “I have to go.” She reached for her clothes and began to put themon.
Arturo was bemused by the sudden change in atmosphere. “Did I say something wrong? Or do somethingwrong?”
She shook her head, looking as if she were close to tears. “No.” She stopped, hesitated and then pressed her lips to his for a second. “You’re perfect,” she whispered, leaning her forehead against his, closing her eyes. “But that’s why I have togo.”
He felt her tears on his cheek and cradled her face in his hands. “Don’t go. Stay. Stay withme.”
She shook her head. “Ican’t.”
Arturo felt an ache in his chest. He didn’t want this night to end, didn’t want her to go away from him. “At least let me drive you backhome.”
She hesitated, those dark brown eyes wary but then nodded. “Thankyou.”
They didn’t speakas he drove her back to her hotel, but Arturo held her hand, and she didn’t pull away. At her hotel, he walked her to the door. “Can I callyou?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Tonight has been…a revelation. Please, let’s leave it as perfect as it hasbeen.”
