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'Nonna...' Her protest died as confusion racked her. Could she really indulge in a holiday romance? 'I don't know.'

'Live your life,
ragazza mia.
Had I listened to all the doubts, I would not have had my special lifetime with your grandfather. I would always want you to follow your heart,' her grandmother insisted, the expression in her hazel eyes serious.

But could she trust her heart? Gina worried. How could she yearn for Seb after such a short time? Was it just lust? Did that even matter? They were both adults. If they were both free...

'I've only just met him, Nonna. We live in different countries. How can I know?'

'You say this to
me?’
Tutting, her grandmother shook her head. 'I knew in that first instant when I met Matthew McNaught. Time means nothing, Gina...not when it is right. When you meet your soul mate, you
know.
Do not put obstacles in the way. Do not let concern for me sway you. I would never want that. Your happiness is my happiness. Do not be afraid to go for what you want.'

Tears stung her eyes as she absorbed her grandmother's advice—what was tantamount to her blessing to explore the incredible connection she had felt with Seb from the instant she had seen him. But she couldn't help but be cautious. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. She had never met anyone like Seb, had never reacted to anyone the way she did to him.

'I like Seb, Gina,' her grandmother continued, drawing her from her thoughts. 'I have always had good instincts about people. I believe we can trust him. We must confide in him our reasons for being here.'

Fresh concern welled inside her. 'Are you sure? We need the permission of the villa's owner.'

'Maybe not. Seb has already said they will not return to Elba for some time. We don't have time. I need to do this,
ragazza mia,
and I trust Seb to help us.'

Before she could formulate a reply, or gather her thoughts together, there was a knock at the door. Her wayward heart skittered alarmingly, and a tremor ran through her, a whole flight of butterflies fluttering inside her.

Her grandmother cupped her cheek, understanding behind her smile. 'Open the door, Gina. And don't shut the woman you truly are away again. What will be will be.'

Filled with a mix of confusion and excitement, Gina crossed the room, her hand shaking as she turned the handle. Then the breath locked in her lungs and her heart threatened to stop beating altogether before rampaging on again at an alarming rate. And all because Seb stood there, looking even more amazing than she remembered him. Dressed in dark grey trousers and matching short-sleeved shirt, he was dangerously, deliciously handsome. Her gaze clashed with his. Caramel eyes held warmth, appreciation, and a smouldering awareness that made her burn and threatened to strip away any remaining shred of common sense or resistance. And then he smiled, a slow, private smile that turned her insides molten.

'Good evening, Gina,' he greeted her in English. The smoky, accented voice caused her knees to weaken further. A blush tinged her cheeks as his sultry gaze made a leisurely journey over her, lingering at her chest, an approving gleam in his eyes. 'You look stunning.'

'Thank you.'

Flustered, she stepped back and allowed Seb into the room, thankful when he turned his attention to her grandmother. She needed a couple of moments to recover her composure.

'Maria, it is lovely to see you again,' he said, with the easy smile and smooth charm that appeared so natural to him. He held out a bunch of flowers. 'These are for you,
cara.
Signora Mancini is finding a vase to put them in.'

'They are beautiful. Thank you so much!'

Gina saw the flush of pleasure warm her grandmother's cheeks and was grateful for Seb's thoughtfulness.

'Prego
. You are welcome.' Turning, he closed the distance between them and held out a single, fragrant bloom—a pure white rose. 'For you, Gina.'

She couldn't halt her own blush, nor the welling of emotion at the simple but meaningful gesture. 'Thank you,' she murmured, her voice unusually husky. She had forgotten what it was like to be romanced, she thought, breathing in the delicious scent of the perfect flower before setting it next to her grandmother's bouquet.

He held her gaze for a long moment, but glanced away, his attention sharpening as her grandmother smothered another couple of coughs. Her unease returning, Gina stepped forward.

'Are you all right, Nonna?'

'I am fine. Just tired. If you don't mind, I shall decline dinner this evening,' she added, shocking Gina to silence. 'Signora Mancini and I have become good friends. She is making me her special recipe ravioli, and then we are going to play a game of chess before I have an early night. You must go and have fun, Gina. Do not always allow me to slow you down. This is your holiday, too.'

'But...'

'Go,
ragazza mia.
Please. You can explain to Seb what is needed.'

Outwitted, Gina hesitated again and glanced at Seb. She had the most terrible feeling her grandmother was matchmaking in the most unsubtle way. Part of her yearned to spend some time with Seb, but the rest of her was reluctant to leave her grandmother, her anxiety increasing over the cough she had been developing in the last couple of days.

'If you are sure that is what you want, Maria, then I will be honoured to escort Gina for the evening and bring her safely home again,' he reassured her, taking a notebook from his pocket and tearing out a piece of paper. 'I will write down the name and number of the restaurant, and of my mobile phone, then you or Signora Mancini can contact us at any time if necessary.' He turned to glance at her. 'Is that all right with you, Gina?'

'OK.'

Heat flashed in his eyes at her whispered reply. All her defences were stripped away. She was grateful for his understanding, his care with her grandmother, and for his consideration of her own feelings. The decision made, the three of them walked to the front hall, where Signora Mancini waited, assuring them again that all would be well.

'Remember what I said,
ragazza mia,'
her grandmother whispered as she hugged her. 'Think of yourself for a change. And trust Seb with our request. Have faith.'

Then Gina found herself outside. Alone with Seb.

'You don't have to do this,' she began, offering him a way out even as he took her hand and led her towards the small Fiat that was parked at the roadside. 'It wasn't the arrangement.'

'Maybe not. And I truly would have enjoyed Maria's company. But I cannot say I am sorry to have you to myself.'

Taking a deep breath, she looked at him, unable to doubt his sincerity. 'If you're sure,' she murmured, realising how close they were as she breathed in the subtle woodsy scent of him.

'I am very sure, Gina.'

The certainty in his voice matched the desire in his eyes and sent a fresh tingle down her spine. The charge of electricity between them was unmistakable, the attraction intense, scary, exhilarating. She waited until she was settled in the car and Seb was walking round the other side before she drew in a few deep, steadying breaths.

At just twenty-eight kilometres long and nineteen kilometres at the widest point, the island was compact, and they did not have far to travel.

'Where are we going?' Gina asked, the gathering dusk masking the scenery of a part of the island she had not yet seen.

'I booked a table at a small seafront restaurant in Marciana Marina.' Seb smiled across at her. 'It's a picturesque fishing harbour, with a Pisan watchtower overlooking the shingle beach. The town is ancient, the smallest
comune
in Tuscany, and although an elegant resort is growing, the old quarter of the village—Cotone—is being carefully maintained.'

'It must be wonderful to live here. I've read so much about the island and its fascinating history. Has Elba always been home for you?'

'No.'

Surprised at the shortness of his reply, she glanced at him out of the corner, of her eye. But before she could question him further they had reached the town, situated at the end of a valley, and Seb was parking the car. He came round to open the door for her, all smiles again.

'All right?' She nodded, distracted from her moment of uneasiness by the sights around her. Seb took her hand again, his touch increasing her awareness and firing her blood. 'Come, Gina, The restaurant isn't far.'

They walked a short way along the promenade before they came to an intimate-looking restaurant tucked away from the busy bars and tourist trinket shops. The smiling owner led them through the main dining area to a secluded terrace, settling them at a table where the muted lighting created a romantic atmosphere. The ambience was heightened by the clarity of the evening, the play of moonlight across the gently undulating waters, and the expanse of stars in the darkening sky.

'It's lovely,' she sighed, her gaze taking everything in before switching back to look at Seb. 'Have you been here before?'

He shook his head. 'A friend recommended it. Let us study the menu. What would you like?'

Despite the attraction zinging between them, Seb made her feel comfortable as they discussed the mouthwatering choices available. Eating out was a rare treat for her these days, and she considered all the dishes with enthusiasm, finding an array of exciting ingredients she would never have at home.

'I think I'll have the red mullet cooked with tomatoes, garlic and parsley,' she decided, embarrassed when her tummy gave an audible rumble in hungry anticipation.

'I think that is my sign to hurry and order,' Seb teased, selecting the shellfish risotto for himself and handing the menus back to the discreet waiter. 'What would you like to drink, Gina? You must try an Elban wine while you are here.'

‘What would you recommend?'

She found herself distracted by the movement of his lips as he told her about the local wines, the husky cadence of his voice washing over her, warming her. He really was the most incredibly handsome man. All this could so easily go to her head.. .being wined, dined and charmed after so long in dating limbo. She—

'Gina?'

'Sorry?' A blush tinged her cheeks as she shook off her mental meanderings and noticed Seb watching her with an amused smile. 'What did you say?'

'Perhaps you will trust me to choose the wine for you?' he suggested, and she realised she had been so busy looking at him that she hadn't taken in a word he had said.

She cleared her throat. 'Yes, please do.'

Usually she would have a glass of rose Lambrusco with her friends while sharing a pizza, but she was happy to take Seb's advice, listening as he gave the order for a local dry white wine for her. He, she noted, kept to mineral water.

'Your grandmother is a delightful lady,' Seb praised as they enjoyed some antipasti while waiting for their main courses to arrive.

Gina smiled with affection. 'She is.'

'You are very close.'

'Yes. And with my grandfather, too,' she agreed at his observation.

'I am sorry, Gina.' His fingertips brushed her bare arm and she shivered in reaction to the empathetic touch. 'You must miss him very much.'

'I do. I still find it hard to believe he's gone. It's been worse for Nonna, of course.'

Seb's smile was gentle. 'It is good that you have each other.'

'Thank you.' She felt a moment of real closeness with him, feeling that he truly understood the bonds of family— unlike Malcolm.

'Tell me about Strathlochan,' he invited as their plates of aromatic food arrived. 'You enjoy it there?'

'Very much so. After growing up in quite a rough part of Glasgow, it was like paradise to find myself surrounded by lochs, hills and forests,' she explained with a smile. 'It's a beautiful region, and a great place to live. Although the town is growing, it has kept the community feel.'

Whether it was the wine, or the way Seb had of making her feel interesting and important, Gina found herself revealing far more about herself than she had intended. He was attentive, warm, funny and intelligent—and he made her feel special, the only person who mattered to him. It was a heady experience, and she felt the hidden woman she had buried inside coming back to life.

As they lingered over the delicious meal, they talked about books and music, films and politics, finding much in common and a few things they disagreed about, enjoying a good-natured teasing debate. She hadn't laughed so much in ages, Gina realised, taking a sip of her delicious wine, or felt so appreciated as a woman. When Seb encouraged her to talk more about the things that mattered to her, she told him about her grandmother, her home, her nursing and her best friends...quiet, studious nurse Holly Tait, and over-achieving, single-minded GP Ruth Baxter.

'Ruth is keeping an eye on Montgomery while we're away.'

'Montgomery?' Seb questioned, and Gina couldn't help chuckling at his wary uncertainty.

'My black Labrador.'

A flicker of relief crossed his expression. 'You have a dog?'

'I do. I love animals. I'd have a whole menagerie if I had the time and space.' And the money, she added silently. 'Monty was found abandoned at six months old, and we were delighted to give him a home. He's lovely—a year old now, and wonderful company for Nonna when I am at work. Like me, she's a big fan of old films, and we chose the name because she was reading a biography of Montgomery Clift at the time. Nonna said he was dark, handsome and had a flawed upbringing—like his namesake.'

Smiling, Seb nodded. 'And you say you start a new job when you go home?'

'Yes.' Finishing her meal, she set down her knife and fork. 'I'll be working at Strathlochan's new multi-purpose drop-in centre. I enjoyed the trauma work, but there was a lot of pressure and long shifts. I want more regular hours so I can care for Nonna. I could have gone to a higher grade at the hospital, but it would have meant I lost the hands-on work with patients, and that's what the job is all about for me. You have to do what makes you happy and maintain your principles, don't you?'

Seb remained silent. Unlike Gina, he hadn't held firm, but had given in to the lures and inducements to go against all he had believed in. The realisation that he should have stayed true to himself and his roots was sobering. He thought of Rico's advice to tell Gina who he was, but after listening to her speak with such dedication he feared she would think less of him for what he had been and had done.