title: The Italian Heart
author: Kellison, Katherine
description: Ezio was delighted with her confusion. She was not unaffected by him and that made his optimism soar. He parked very close to the house and as he helped her from the car, he helped her right into his arms. He was not so bad at this courting thing after all. “I am curious to know what you think… this… is?” “I think Signore, that it is very daring on your part and very hazardous on mine.” “Oooh Juliet! Oooh my little rabbit you have once more denied me the sound of my name from those sweet lips. You must overcome this pitiful attempt to put some distance between us. I have sorted out the real reason you try to be formal with me. And I have to warn you… my plan to overcome that weak ploy is this…” His gentle kiss had to be restrained because he sensed her panic… but he lingered over it. Juliet didn’t even know why she didn’t push him away. She wanted to. Her hands came up to his hard chest and she tried to demand they put some space between her and Ezio. But they were very defiant hands and she found they had much rather lay there feeling his heart thump like a mad thing. Good, it was nice to know his was just as turbulent as hers. She almost cried out when his lips were removed. And if he hadn’t been holding her gently, her knees would not have held her up. “I may get to like being called Signore cara.” Juliet had to keep a smile off her face. She very seriously wanted to laugh but this was no laughing matter. Oh where was that stiff, stern man she met yesterday? She had some sympathy for him. Now her sympathy needed to be saved for herself. “You are going to be very disappointed then Ezio.” “Oh my Juliet… how could I be displeased when my name comes to me on your caressing sigh?” Juliet laughed! He was sooo Italian. She didn’t stand a chance really. She finally pushed away from him, slipping out of his loose hold to go inside. The pleased look on her Nonna’s face Juliet misread as a delighted welcome. She missed the smile exchanged between Ezio and her Nonna. The tender, indulgent, knowing smile… the one Nonna had been hoping for.