Page 11 of Capri

“Cute,” he murmurs, almost like he’s telling himself, staring at me with an intensity that feels foreign. “You’re cute.”

My blush can’t be good coloring against my bright yellow sundress. “Hardly,” I say. “But thanks.”

“It’s not every day I’m insulted by a beautiful woman in a candy shop.” He pauses, taking in the setting. “This is a first for me.” His smile grows as he’s looking more and more comfortable gifting it.

“I’d hardly call it that. Just teaching you a lesson, old man.” I giggle.

His smile brightens, and my eyes follow the thick corded veins of his forearms as he runs a hand through his hair. So thick and strong. There’s so much muscle; he must train in the gym for hours.

“Jones.”

I lift my head, pulling my attention from my evident distraction. “Huh?”

He laughs again. “I’m Jones. Unless you’d like to stick with old man?”

Jones reaches his hand out…to shake. A handshake?

So, he’s a gentleman…and clearly not like the men from my generation.

It’s enticing. Alluring.

I reach my hand out to introduce myself, but the words stay locked tight. His smile never fades, and his eyes never shift as he says, “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

I feel his thumb slowly soothe the soft part of my hand, and I have to fight like hell to keep my eyes from drawing to the motion.

There’s no way he did that intentionally, right?

“Jones is probably the better option. It’s great to meet you, Jones.” I smile, and for the first time in ages, it feels genuine. Like I don’t have to force it out.

Jones.It’s unique.

What are the chances I’d meet a man that finally takes the time to notice me and show me some kindness in Italy?

“Capri!” My head shifts to the shop door, finding my sister searching for me. She spots me and her eyes go wide. “Hey! You good?”

I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. “Yep, be right there.”

Collie winks and makes a thrusting motion, darting her tongue in and out before walking back into the sun. She’s deranged. Thank God Jones can’t see her.

“That’s my cue.” Seems I didn’t have to introduce myself after all.

Jones smiles, and I realize I haven’t stopped. “Are you vacationing, Capri?” he asks. “I’ve never seen you around, and I would have remembered.”

Thanks a lot, Collie.

“Something like that.” My body heats from his subtle compliment.

He nods. “Make sure you see the Grottos while you’re visiting. It’s a must-do in Capri,” Jones insists.

I nod. “Noted.” I step away carefully, afraid that if I blink, he might vanish before me. “See you around…maybe.” I grin before paying for my candy and sauntering toward the door, doing everything I can not to turn around and see if he’s looking.

“I hope like hell you do,” his smooth voice calls out to me.

My heart leaps into uncharted territory. It’s been far too long since I’ve felt butterflies, but they’re here and in full flight.

The bell of the door ringing is all I hear as I make my way to Collie at a nearby bench.

I flirted with a stranger.

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