Page 11 of That Time in Venice
“Come on. You probably have a super neat desk at home, and I bet Jake would have given you the employee of the month award every month, but that would have been embarrassing for the restofus.”
She blushed. Their boss had said something similar, remarking on her dependability when compared to the other student employees. Even though she knew he was baiting her, Anika rose to the challenge anyway. “Well, you’re wrong. I love trouble. I courttrouble.”
“Is that right?” Amusement filled his blue eyes, and he rubbed his jaw. “We’ll seeaboutthat.”
Excitement inched down her spine. “Wait a minute, what did you haveinmind?”
“Something other than glass-blowing, that’s for sure.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “I promise not to overstep my bounds. I wouldn’t want Emerson to kick my ass.” He said it sarcastically, as if that would neverhappen.
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Anikamuttered.
“Yeah, I know. So listen, have youeaten?”
“No, Ihaven’t.”
“Perfect, cause I’m starving, and yesterday I found this neat little place in a non-touristy part of the city. It’s got great food, great wine, and cheap prices.Yougame?”
“I’ve never drunkbefore.”
His eyebrows shot upward. “Never? But you’re going to,right?”
“Idon’tknow…”
“Come on, you’re in Italy, princess. One glass. You’ve gotta tastethevino.”
His enthusiasm was contagious. Anika laughed. “Okay, okay. I’m here for an adventure, so I’m open toanything.”
“Bene.” Reed winked, and in that moment, with the sun shining down on them on the cobblestoned streets in front of Hotel Bonvecchiati, Anika saw him in a different light. Her stomach did a strange little twist, and she turned away from the appealing picture he made, his eyes lighting up, his even teeth revealed past lips pulled up at the corners inamusement.
“The restaurant is away from the city center, so we’ll have to catch a water taxi.Let’sgo.”
As Anika fell into step beside him, another strange little twist filtered into herstomach.
Reed Stewart was definitely trouble, but maybe a little trouble on this trip wouldn’t be such a badthing.
