Page 41 of 2 Books in One Bundle

He would be glad when he was done with his appointments, though, he thought again. And was looking forward to spending a leisurely few days here with Connie.

It was a quite different pace of life from the one he’d had to keep when his grandfather had been alive. He’d been at his beck and call, always focused on business, snatching brief, shallow affairs when he could fit one into his non-stop schedule. Now his time was his own, and if he wanted to cut back on his working hours—well, he was free to do so. And not constrained to brief affairs any longer, either.

He shied his thoughts away. He didn’t want to dwell on the restrictions of his past. He just wanted to enjoy the present—the entirely pleasurable present. It was enough. More than enough.

Bidding Connie farewell as she packed a bag for the pool, he headed off. A hotel car would take him into the city for the first of his appointments, and then he was taking a client to lunch, followed by another two meetings in the afternoon. He was cramming them all into one day, so as to devote himself to Connie’s entertainment thereafter.

He was looking forward not just to being with her—that was always good—but to seeing the sights again himself. His visits to Rome, as to any other city, had always been work-focused. Now, with Connie, he could take a more relaxed approach.

He’d just bade farewell to his lunchtime companion, after a mutually satisfactory discussion, when he was hailed by a familiar if unexpected voice.

‘Raf? What are you doing here?’ Dante glanced up from checking the bill for the meal—a hefty sum, but worth it for the valuable client he had just impressed with his financial recommendations.

‘Same as you—I’ve been lunching with a client.’ He sat himself down at Dante’s table. ‘So, what evening would be good for us to meet up? Given the Falcone’s renowned gourmet chef, I’d be happy to come to you.’ He paused, glancing at Dante. Then, ‘How’s Connie?’ he asked.

‘Fine,’ said Dante. ‘I’m showing her Rome. The Forum tomorrow, and the Hippodrome too, and then St Peter’s and the Vatican the day after.’

Rafaello leant back in his chair. ‘I’m giving a party at the weekend—it’s my birthday, in case you’d forgotten. Why not come along?’

Dante shook his head. ‘No, I don’t think so—thanks all the same.’

Rafaello raised his eyebrows. ‘Why not? You’ll know enough people there through me, and Connie would enjoy it, I think.’ He let his eyes rest on Dante in a way Dante did not care for. ‘And I’m sure people would like to meet your wife.’

Dante felt his face set. ‘Connie would find it overwhelming,’ he said tersely. ‘I wouldn’t expose her to all that!’

‘Expose her—or you?’

Dante’s expression hardened, and he spoke bluntly, knowing he needed to make himself clear. ‘Raf, back off. I know you find it amusing—hilarious, even—that I had to marry to get hold of my inheritance, but it’s been a sore point with me ever since. Both your amusementandthe fact that my hand was forced from beyond the grave!’

His friend held up his hand, as if to acknowledge Dante’s objection. But the look in his eye continued to be speculative.

‘What?’ Dante demanded. His irritation was rising, and he didn’t want Raf needling him.

But Rafaello only looked at him inscrutably.

His damn lawyer’s face, Dante thought, irritation spiking again.

‘Nothing at all,’ Rafaello said smoothly. He rose to his feet, with the same unreadable expression on his face. ‘OK, forget my party—but why don’t I come over to the Falcone for dinner? Say tomorrow night? How would that be?’

Dante agreed with a rather terse, ‘Fine, yes.’

But as Rafaello strolled off he was still conscious of that feeling of irritation. Annoyance. It was none of Raf’s damn business, him and Connie. They were fine as they were—just fine.

Just leave us alone—that’s what we want.

As if on cue, his phone pinged—it was a text from her.

Hope your business lunch went OK. I’m lounging by the pool. Dead lazy!

On impulse, he texted back.

If you want a change of scene, how about meeting me for cocktails later, when my afternoon appointments are done? We could do the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain if that appeals?

Her reply was enthusiastic, and he was pleased. He felt his irritation at Raf dissipating. Raf just didn’t get what he and Connie were about, that was all.

In a much better mood, he headed off for his next appointment, checking out a good venue for cocktails as he did so. There were plenty to choose from...

When Connie met him later, near the foot of the famous Spanish Steps, he guided her to a bar where they could sit outside and watch the Romans—and the tourists—making their eveningpasseggiata.Then, having made the ritual ascent and descent of the steps themselves, he took her for dinner.

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