Page 65 of Chasing Caine
“That’s a shame,” said Riccardo.
“I told her we are going to spend an obscene amount of money—” Antonio swept a hand through the air, expressing the vastness. “—on something special for our dining room.”
Ourdining room? Wait, we hadn’t discussed buying anything. Oh, shit. He was workingwithme, not against me. Made sure Riccardo knew who his family was, waved his Bulgari watch in front of them both to emphasize his words. Subtle. But highly effective.
“Honey,” I said, placing a hand on his arm. “Umberto said we shouldn’t talk price here.”
Eva’s face tightened for a moment before opening back up into the broad and welcoming smile. She was definitely the right one.
“Of course, bella. You’re right, as always.”
“If you’ll excuse me.” Riccardo clasped Antonio’s hand again and then mine. “I leave you in capable hands.”
As Riccardo disappeared through a door next to a sculpture display, Eva ushered us to a painting similar to the one in the window. Larger, with more radiance around the outer edge. But it lacked the window painting’s spirit.
She whispered, “Dr. Antonio Ferraro, did you say?”
“Sì, I did.”
“I worked for your uncle earlier this year.” Her professional smile shifted to a more genuine one. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you.”
I let out a little fake gasp. “Umberto mentioned his girlfriend worked at a gallery and had worked at the studio in Rome. That’s not you, is it?”
“It is. And I’m so…” She chuckled. “Surprised he’d recommend you come here.”
“Why?” I asked. “The artwork is stunning.”
She blushed. “Umberto isn’t a big fan of modern art. It makes sense, given his background, but I’m a bit more open.”
“His background?”
“Ancient sites, ancient art, ancient everything. If it was made after 1900, it’s too new.” She gestured to Antonio. “And the way he speaks of Dr. Ferraro, as an ancient fresco expert, I can’t imagine he would have recommended anything so modern.”
“You’re American, aren’t you?” I asked.
“I am. Miami, originally.”
“And what led you to Italy?”
Eva’s eyes flicked over my shoulder and back to me. She pointed at the painting we stood in front of. “This piece is one of Riccardo’s more recent ones.”
Antonio leaned in to kiss my cheek, turning his face at an odd angle. His lips brushed my ear and he whispered, “Her boss is watching.”
I pulled away from him enough to look straight at him. He’d taken me to Pompeii first thing in the morning. Shopped for hiking gear. Helped with this conversation instead of shutting it down. Then he was going to take me hiking.
All his pretty words weren’t just words. This wasn’t just a man I was sleeping with. Not just a boyfriend. He was a partner. Just like he’d suggested at the club last night.
Had I ever really had that? Even with my husband?
The smile broke in my stomach first, before radiating out through my entire body.
Eva was still talking, something about where Riccardo had painted the piece, but all I could see was Antonio.
Staring, he mouthed.
I know, I mouthed back. But I had to focus on the task at hand, not fall any harder for this amazing man. “Eva, do you have anything by lesser known artists?”
“I do, but they’re further toward the back.” She waved a hand in that direction, then turned to lead us. Movement would keep Riccardo’s attention off her. As long as we appeared to be shopping, I could grill her.