Page 64 of Away We Go

I look over my shoulder as we make our way out of the hotel and see a few people pointing in our direction. My stomach clenches. They don’t appear to be taking our photo, but I hurry my steps to get away from them. “I get that.”

He glances around and takes my hand to guide me away from the hotel, pointing out landmarks as we walk along the uneven surface of the sidewalks.

“That’s the Imola Cathedral,” he says as we stop in front of an impressive-looking building. It stands tall and majestic in the historic centre of the town and with the sun hitting it like it is now, the structure glows a deep burnt orange colour. I can’t believe I didn’t bring my camera with me; my photographer’s eye is yearning to capture this light.

Staring up at it, I swallow a lump in my throat, a swell of emotion taking over me. Just five months ago I was moping on my couch, lamenting the end of my toxic relationship and now I’m here, getting to experience seeing things like this.

“Are you alright?” Nicky’s voice is deeper with concern.

I nod, squeezing his hand before dropping it. As much as I love his hand in mine, we need to be careful. “It’s just magnificent.”

“It is.” I feel the heat of his gaze on me and I don’t look over at him. Too scared if I do, I’ll get lost in the moment.

“It’s all so grand. So majestic.” I gesture to the towering clock tower in front of us. “And the people here just walk right by it, getting on with their days.”

He shrugs. “They must be accustomed to living next to it. They get used to its beauty.”

Huh. I wonder what that would be like?I peek up at him and wonder if I’ll get accustomed to his beauty.

Doesn’t seem likely.

“Do you want to walk down to the river?”

My legs are a bit wobbly and my chest is a little tight, but I don’t want to say no. I want to see as much of this gorgeous town as I can with him.

“Yes.”

The walk to the edge of the Santerno River leaves me breathless, and I sink onto the wooden bench next to Nicky with a grateful sigh.

“This has been too much for you, hasn’t it?” he asks, a pinch forming between his brows.

I shake my head. “It’s been just right.”

We sit in silence, staring at the river flowing in front of us, and after several minutes I shift closer to the warm man next to me. It’s either the cooler climate or my endless fever that’s chilling my skin and I’m eager to soak in some of his heat.

At least that’s the excuse I’m telling myself.

“Here.” Nicky looks around the empty space around us and then puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me even closer like it’s the most natural thing in the world to do.

I double-check we’re alone and then drop my head against his chest.

“You alright?” His deep voice is right in my ear and I shudder.

From thefever.Not from his hot breath on my skin.

“Yep.”

We sit in silence for a bit while I struggle against the urge to nuzzle my nose into his chest.

“Hey, Nicky?” I ask to distract myself from my inappropriate thoughts.

“Yes?” He’s taken off his sunglasses and I happily gaze up into his soft brown eyes.

What was I going to ask him again?

“Do you still enjoy racing?”

His eyes shift from me and onto the horizon. “Why do you ask?”

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