I was feeling restless, so I took off early for the factory so Daniella and I can get back to Milan sooner than planned. I know she probably looked forward to going back to the factory with me, but when I peeked in her room this morning she was sound asleep—one sexy bare leg taunting me from outside of the covers. I could only imagine how the rest of her body looked under there, remembering she told me she sleeps naked.

If she were mine I would have been naked under those covers with her.

All over her.

Touching her.

Loving. Every. Tender. Inch. Of. Her.

I digress…

I let Nonna know I’d be back and asked her to keep Daniella entertained while I was gone. And while at the factory, Uncle Carlo and I went over details of the changes I wanted made to the fabric and designs, and I also picked up what I hope Daniella will wear to the ball.

Uncle Carlo promised a quick turnaround, driving preliminary samples to Milan no later than Friday.

And now I’m back at Nonna’s saying my farewells, leaving her tickets to the fashion show. She hugs me and whispers, “I hope you don’t mind—I told Daniella all about your mother, father, and Miss Tilly.”

I pull back, a little shocked but also relieved. Better she explained all of that than I, especially since I dislike talking about any of it. “I don’t mind, Nonna.” I kiss her on both cheeks. “So, what do you think of her?”

“I don’t think I would have shared any details about your life if I didn’t like her. She’s a great girl with a beautiful heart. I can see why you’re so taken. But somewhere along the line, she’s been hurt; I can see that in her eyes. Women who have a heavy heart tend to be very reserved. Keep that in mind, okay?”

I nod, appreciating her insight. Nonna knows her stuff and I trust her with everything.

Daniella appears from the hallway, carrying her overnight bag and boots. She’s stunning as usual in a formfitting dress, matching tights, and for the first time, flat shoes, showcasing her petite height.

I immediately take her bag.

“Nonna, it’s been a pleasure,” she says. “I’ll be sure to visit again, if Antonio says it’s okay.”

“You’re welcome anytime, with or without Antonio.” She winks and the two of them embrace.

Nonna stands outside as we pull onto the road, headed back to Milan.

Buzzing in and out of traffic, I think about what Nonna said about Daniella, and I haven’t stopped wondering who may have hurt her. I know it’s more than the idiot who broke up with her via text. But what? Her foster parents? A love gone totally awry? I want to ask, but I don’t want to push her further away. It’s bad enough there is this very visible wedge between us known as work. So I dare not create another needless wedge.

She sits quiet, peering out the window, seeming to be deep in thought. There is a mysterious intrigue about her. What makes her tick? I hope to be fortunate enough to uncover that soon.

I decide to steal the silence. “So, Uncle Carlo promised a quick turnaround and will drive some samples to Milan no later than Friday.”

She looks away from the window, now studying me. “That’s good. I can’t wait to see them.”

“You okay?”

She nods. “Uh-huh. I think I’m just still getting over the excitement of being in Italy. I love it here, Antonio.”

“It is a wonderful place. And part of the reason I have the factory here. So I can visit whenever possible. That and to keep an eye on Nonna. I worry about her all alone.”

“She’s amazing, Antonio, and I can tell she’s very proud of you. Your drive and your independence.”

“That makes me feel good. I owe Nonna a lot for giving up eighteen years of her life in Italy to raise me in America. I’ll never be able to repay her.”

“Oh, but don’t you see you have? The way you turned out has made it all worthwhile.”

I could just pull this car over and kiss this woman right now.

But I won’t.

“Thanks for that, Daniella. You know, for an assistant, you’re pretty alright,” I joke.

“I told you a couple of times already, I’m your girl.”

And I want so bad to be your guy.