He hesitated for a moment.

In his arms, comfort and safety warmed her flesh. Her heart beat hard against her ribs. I could stay here forever.

“Joy, I…”

“Yes?”

He released her then backed away. “Prego.”

“Good night.”

“Sera.” He turned to leave.

Joy wrung her hands as she watched him turn down an alley and disappear from sight. A sense of sadness and contentment filled her at the same time. Sad that the day was over, yet completely content from being with Alessandro.

She spun around and entered the hotel lobby, wishing the day didn’t have to end.

“Signora,” the manager said as he approached, carrying a vase of coral roses.

“Yes?” Joy studied the roses in the glass vase.

“These came for you while you were out.” He smiled and handed the vase to her.

“For me?”

“Si. Per te.” He nodded and smiled. “Buona sera, Signora.”

“Grazie.” Joy inhaled the scent of the roses in her arms. “Uh . . . buona sera to you as well.” With curiosity in her heart, Joy hoped Alessandro was the one who’d ordered the flowers for her. She wished he remained outside so she could thank him for the flowers, but he was gone.

Making her way to the elevator, Joy couldn’t believe how thoughtful Alessandro was to send her flowers even from Caorle. When did he have time to order flowers? Maybe he made the arrangement himself earlier in the day? But how did he know coral roses are my favorite? Did I tell him that these are my favorite—

“Joy?” came a man’s voice from the hotel lobby.

The familiar voice tightened her muscles, making her shudder.

“Joy?” the man repeated.

She stepped away from the elevator and exhaled, slowly turning to face the man. It can’t be.

Sure enough, her ex-husband, Tony, stood in the hotel lobby, carrying more coral roses in his arms.

CHAPTER 6

Tony.

His tall, well-dressed tan frame and grayish blonde hair stood just a few feet away from Joy.

How was that possible?

“You?” she asked with a furrowed brow.

He nodded.

“Tony.” Joy swallowed the knot in her throat. “How? What . . . what in the world?”

“Hello, Joy.” He thrust out the bouquet of coral roses in his hands. “These are for you too.”

But she couldn’t move. All she could do was blink.

When he stepped toward her, she instinctively stepped back.

Tony frowned.

“What are you doing here?” Joy cringed.

“I’m here to see you.” He smiled again.

“But . . . how? When? How did you know I was staying here?” When Jaime’s face came to her mind, Joy rolled her eyes. “Never mind.”

Tony hugged the bouquet of flowers as if nervous. “Jaime was only trying to help.”

“Help?” Joy set down the vase of roses onto a nearby table, then headed to the elevator.

“Yes. She only wanted to help . . . me. I need to talk to you.”

Joy pushed the up button on the elevator, ignoring him.

“Please, just hear me out, Joy.” He leaned in close to her. “Tiffany left me.”

The door couldn’t open soon enough. Joy hopped in, then pushed the button to her floor, avoiding eye contact with Tony.

“I just want to talk with you, Joy. Please?”

She could hear him begging as the doors closed.

When she entered her room, Joy thought of calling Jaime but decided against it.

Good grief, Jaime. What on earth was going through your mind?

She sat on the bed and removed her shoes. What was she thinking, telling him I’m here in Venice?

She laid back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I’m not angry at her. I’m angry at Tony.

Staring at her white sneaker in her hand, slightly soiled from her walk in the garden with Alessandro, Joy vented air between her lips. So Tiffany left him, huh? She couldn’t roll her eyes back far enough for that news. We all saw that one coming a mile away. She sat up. Too bad Tony didn’t see it coming. With a loud groan, she massaged her neck. I need a bath.

Joy tossed the shoe across the room, then headed for the bathroom.

The hot water on her skin soothed her sore muscles and aching heart.