Page 85 of Italy Can Bite Me

Last night—after round three—I told her today was about getting to know each other and showing her Verona, my favorite city, which seldom makes the official tour itinerary.

Today has one purpose—to prove that this thing with Katie is purely physical. It might be mind-blowing, earth-shattering, and the kind of sex that ruins you for all other women, but it’s still just sex. Nothing more.

My mission: Find every flaw and stop these feelings from spreading. We started out barely tolerating each other—getting back there should be easy.Right?

My body’s humming as I approach her. “Ready for Verona, bellissima?”

“I’m at your mercy. Let’s wing it!” She takes my offered hand without hesitation, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Our fingers intertwine, electricity shoots through me, and—merda—thisNo Sex Daymight actually kill me.

Five minutes into the train ride, I realize I have not said a single word.Cazzo.An hour to Verona. What the hell do people do on dates?Katie’s hand is still in mine, and the silence stretches between us like an invisible wall.

Find flaws. Stop noticing how perfect her fingers feel in yours.

“So…” I clear my throat. “Scale of one to ten, how’s my dating game going?”

“Hmm. If we’re counting conversation skills? Negative three.”

“What about hand-holding?” I counter, lifting our entwined arms. “I amperfettothere, sì?”

“Sure, if you’re aiming for a participation trophy.” She smirks, a teasing glint in her eyes, daring me to do something about it.

Dio mio. She’s lethal.

“Okay,” I say, straightening in my seat. “Rapid-fire questions. Let’s go.”

I don’t give her time to process.

“Is Aunt Deb really your aunt?”

“Yes. My mom’s sister,” she answers smoothly with no hesitation.

“Where do you live?”

“Los Angeles.”

“What’s your favorite thing about where you live?”

“The weather.”

“Do you enjoy your job as an event planner?”

“Most days.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

“Older brother.”

“Are you allergic to anything?”

“Nope.”

Katie bursts into laughter. “Matteo, you just speed-ran through my entire life story like you’re trying to win a game show. You weren’t kidding about never dating, were you?”

I can’t help it—I grin. She’s impossible not to smile around. “Fine. Your turn then.”

“All right.” She taps a finger to her chin. “Where did you learn to speak English so well?”

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