‘So, what am I? Your protection?’

  He laughed out loud, his face breaking into a wide smile. ‘Absolutely. If I’m there with you, then they won’t try and pair me off with anyone else.’

  A little part of her wondered if she should be offended by this ask. He was using her as a mechanism of convenience—just like she’d done when she’d asked him to come to Rome. Could she really say no, when he’d also opened up about other parts of his life too? Should she second-guess the kiss they’d just shared? Was it all just part of a bribe?

  No. She pushed that out of her head. She wasn’t going to let that perfect kiss be spoiled by her brain overthinking.

  ‘When is it?’ asked Darcy.

  ‘It’s in one week. Will you have problems getting time off work?’

  ‘Oh, no.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m owed about a million holidays anyhow. Time off won’t be the problem. Finding something to wear to your sister’s wedding might be.’

  ‘You can borrow something of hers,’ he said nonchalantly.

  She shook her head, laughing. ‘You just don’t get the girl thing, do you?’

  ‘What?’ he asked without a care in the world, waving to a taxi cab.

  ‘I’ll come,’ she said, before she could change her mind, or talk herself out of it. ‘But let me pick my own outfit.’

  The taxi pulled up and Arturo opened the door for her. He bowed. ‘Your wish is my command,’ he joked as she climbed in.

  Darcy sank into the seat, fatigue starting to come over her in waves. By the time Arturo had climbed in beside her and put his arm around her again, her eyes wouldn’t stay open.

  ‘Sleep,’ he said softly. And she leaned against him, wondering if this whole day had actually just been part of a dream.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  ‘BUT WHO IS HE?’ pressed Fizz.

  ‘I told you. Arturo Fabiano. I met him at a dance class. He came to Rome with me. You’ve seen him. I sent you a picture.’

  ‘But that’s all you’ve sent. And you never mentioned him before you sent that picture. Now you’re going to his sister’s wedding with him at his estate in Verona? Who is this guy?’

  Fizz said the words with such indignation that Darcy wanted to laugh out loud.

  Darcy shrugged her shoulders. ‘Don’t read too much into things. It’s kind of an arrangement of convenience. He helped me tick off something on my bucket list, and I’ll help fend off all the Italian women his mother and sister will try and throw at him. He’s just an Italian staying in Edinburgh. He’s a sort of modern-day Indiana Jones.’

  ‘That’s the most dubious job description I’ve heard in a long time,’ shot back Fizz. Then she frowned. ‘Are you sure he’s not making that up?’

  Darcy leaned back and smiled. ‘Well, if he is it’s a great story.’

  Fizz pointed her finger. ‘There. You’re doing that thing.’

  ‘What thing?’

  Fizz waved her hand. ‘That thing you do when you get all starry-eyed about someone.’ She looked as if she was going to go further, but paused and clearly pulled herself back. ‘I don’t think this is a convenience thing for you. You’ve not done that for a long time.’

  There was silence between them. They both knew the last time Darcy had been starry-eyed. It had ended in disaster.

  ‘Anyway,’ said Darcy quickly, ‘I need something to wear to his sister’s wedding. Any suggestions? Or where should I get something? It’s been so long since I’ve bought an outfit like that I don’t know where to shop any more.’

  Fizz sat drumming her fingers on her desk for a few moments. She was clearly contemplating something. After a second, her eyes brightened. ‘Actually, I’ve just thought of the perfect thing.’

  ‘What?’

  Fizz shook her head. ‘I bought it last year. Never had a chance to wear it. It will look gorgeous on you, and it’s perfect for a wedding.’

  ‘Promise me it’s not a bikini,’ said Darcy cautiously. She knew how mischievous her sister could be.

  But Fizz looked sincere. ‘Honestly, it will be perfect. I’ll pack it up and send it twenty-four-hour delivery.’

  ‘Thanks. Are you going to give me a hint?’

  Fizz’s smile widened. ‘Not at all.’

  Darcy paused for a moment. ‘Hey, how’s Oli?’ Fizz bristled. It was odd, she and Oli had been friends for ever. ‘Didn’t you two have plans for something?’

  ‘Yeah, well, maybe. I’m not sure.’

  Darcy was surprised. She’d always thought Oliver was secretly in love with Fizz and would do anything she asked. But maybe things had changed. They hadn’t had a proper conversation about Oli in a while.

  ‘I have a few things to sort out,’ said Fizz, and Darcy wasn’t sure if she was talking about life, the dress heading her way, or Oli.

  ‘Hey.’ Darcy smiled at her sister. ‘Remember, we’re the Bennetts—we can do anything.’

  Fizz’s face broke into a smile, slightly sad at first, then broadening. She gave a smile. ‘You’re right. Watch out for the post. Let me know what you think when it arrives, okay?’

  Darcy nodded and signed off. Was everything all right with her sister? She didn’t like to pry, and if something was wrong, Fizz would tell her, wouldn’t she?

  CHAPTER NINE

  ARTURO’S PHONE HAD literally not stopped ringing since he’d finally arrived back from Rome and responded to the original message. Sleep hadn’t been an option, and he’d spoken to discreet colleagues around the world in an attempt to authenticate the item he would soon try to retrieve.

  In between this, he’d broken it to his mother and sister that he would be bringing a guest to the wedding. He didn’t need to worry if Cara would attempt an internet search of Darcy, since she’d done it while they were on their video call and spun her tablet around to show him.

  ‘Ooh, she’s clever. And she’s listed as working at a few major companies. That’s good, isn’t it?’ Then Cara frowned, a suspicious gleam in her eye. ‘Or does that mean she changes jobs before she’s found out?’

  ‘Found out for what?’

  ‘Found out for not being able to do the job she actually got.’

  ‘Cara—’ his sister flinched at his warning tone, then was clearly amused ‘—I’m telling you right now, concentrate on your wedding. Leave my date alone.’

  ‘Your date? Is that how you’re describing her? Not your girlfriend. Or your new love interest.’

  ‘Cara,’ he warned again, ‘don’t you have a million other details to worry about? Like the position of the sun in the sky? Or which way the wind might blow?’

  His sister’s face tightened. Yes, he knew her that well. She was an absolute perfectionist. Living in Edinburgh whilst she’d been planning her wedding had likely been a blessing in disguise.

  His mother’s face filled the frame and she pushed Cara from the chair. There was no malice in it. His mother had probably had her fill of Cara for the last few weeks, and when Arturo checked in she liked to give him her full attention.

  ‘Well, I can’t wait to meet your date. I’m sure she’ll be absolutely charming.’

  Arturo started to breathe a little easier. ‘She may seem a little shy at first.’

  ‘I thought all English girls were brash and outspoken.’

  Arturo bristled instantly until he caught the amused glance on his mother’s face. He took a breath. ‘We’ve spent some time together. I like her. She lost a sister five years ago and...’ He slowed. ‘I suspect she’s not quite over things.’

  His mother gave an understanding nod. ‘She might not be quite ready for a family like ours,’ she said good-naturedly. Then, with more caution, ‘Or a man like yourself.’

  ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘It means that it sounds like she may need some nurturing, some support.’

  ‘And you think I can’t do that?’ He was wounded that his mother thought so little of him.

  ‘I suspect—’ her voice was even ‘—that your job might not allow for that. You leave at a moment’s notice. You can be out of touch for days. Does she understand that yet?’

  He swallowed. ‘We haven’t got that far. I did give her a little warning about my job.’

  His mother gave a tiny bow of her head and put her hand on her heart. ‘I loved your father dearly and he loved me, but he also loved his work.’ She gave a gentle smile. ‘You are your father’s son. I don’t think you ever really understood how much I hated the fact his job took him away, or that on occasion it put him, or even us, in danger.’ She looked her son directly in the eye. ‘And I would never have forgiven him if anything had happened to any of you.’

  Arturo’s skin prickled. His mother had never spoken like this. She’d never revealed this part of her marriage. And whilst it made him uncomfortable, he understood why she was doing it.

  ‘Arturo,’ she continued with a wave of her hand, ‘you know that in my secret plans I have you settling down with the nice Italian girl and coming back to stay here for the rest of your life.’ She gave him a warm smile. ‘But I also know that the life I have in my head for you and the life you have in your head for yourself are two entirely different things.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I only want you to be happy. I am delighted you’ve found someone you want to bring to Cara’s wedding. I only ask that you think carefully about the girl you’ve found, whether you are right for each other, and whether you can give her what she needs.’

  He was glad he was sitting down because this was the most insightful conversation he’d ever had with his mother. They didn’t talk about people and feelings—not even when Faye had died, or his father had died. They talked about business, other family and running the estate. But those conversations had been perfunctory. This was entirely different.

  ‘You haven’t mentioned what I might need,’ he said, knowing exactly how his mother would react to that.

  His mother gave a gentle laugh. ‘And that’s where our conversation ends. I don’t need to know what you need. I’m sure you can work that out for yourself.’ She gave a wave and the conversation finished, just as Arturo had predicted.

  He stood and stretched his back, looking out over the city skyline. He still wondered how on earth he’d ended up in Edinburgh. Even though the city had captured his heart, he now wondered if something else had pulled him there. Was this just fate? Did he even believe in that?

  His phone pinged again and he sighed. He still had work to complete, and a dance class to get to. He smiled. Margaret had better wave a magic wand at some point in the next few days or this could all get messy.

  CHAPTER TEN

  ‘I THOUGHT THERE would be other people here,’ Darcy said as she stripped off her jacket and changed into her dance shoes.

  Arturo smiled. ‘There’s another class in an hour. But I paid Margaret for some private tuition for us. I’ve still not got all the steps and I’m running out of time fast.’

  Darcy put a hand on her hip. ‘You could just sway around the dance floor. Other couples do that and...’ she gave him a little smile ‘...you managed that the other night.’

  He pulled a face, walked over and put his hand over hers, anchoring it on her hip. She automatically smiled and took a step closer as he spoke. ‘That’s okay for an actual couple. But for the guy playing Father of the Bride, it looks a bit stupid. I have to at least manage a few steps.’

  ‘And how many have you actually mastered?’ Margaret’s voice made them both jump as she walked up behind them.

  ‘The natural turn, the backward change with the left foot and the reverse turn.’ Darcy jumped in quickly to save him.

  He gave her a nod as Margaret rolled her eyes. ‘Only halfway then? You still need to do the chasse change steps and the backward change with the left foot. Come on then, I’ll help you master the rest.’

  The next hour flew past. They only ended up on a heap on the floor once, when Arturo mistimed his steps a little too enthusiastically. But they were definitely getting better.

  ‘You have improved,’ said Margaret encouragingly. Then she winked at Darcy. ‘He’s gone from absolutely terrible to merely diabolical.’

  Arturo opened his mouth to defend himself, but Margaret was laughing. ‘We’ll cover the Viennese waltz for the first half hour of the next class. Stay and practice. You’re actually getting there.’ She tapped Arturo’s arm. ‘We’ll make a dancer of you yet.’

  Once the rest of the participants filed in they continued dancing, concentrating on their steps until they’d mastered all the basics and things were starting to feel a bit smoother.

  ‘I think we might have it,’ whispered Darcy excitedly.

  ‘But will I remember any of it tomorrow?’ groaned Arturo.

  ‘I think I know a way to imprint it on your brain so you don’t forget,’ joked Darcy.

  ‘What?’ He actually looked hopeful.

  She nodded. ‘Picture your sister’s face if you get it wrong.’

  He shuddered, and smiled. ‘Yes, that will do it.’

  ‘Hey,’ he remarked, twirling her around. ‘That’s two items ticked off your bucket list. What’s going to be your third?’

  ‘I haven’t had much of a chance to think about it yet.’

  ‘Remind me what it is.’ He had one hand resting on her hip and the other holding her hand. They were still up close and personal in the dance position and for the first time since they’d kissed she felt a little awkward.

  The words seemed to stick in her throat as she said them out loud. ‘The third thing was to make a commitment to someone or something—it has to be important, something that lasts a few years.’

  He frowned. ‘Your sister thought you had issues with making commitments?’

  Darcy honestly wasn’t sure how to answer that. There were still elements of her past that she hadn’t shared with him, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

  He had the strangest look on his face, and did she imagine it or had his body just tensed a little?

  A thought flooded into her brain. Oh, no. Did he think she was talking about them?

  Her legs wobbled. What if he thought she was just making things up, and had thrown this bucket list item in for other reasons?

  She pulled her hands away from his and wiped them on her skirt. ‘I think we’re done now. Margaret’s getting ready to change the class onto the next dance.’

  Arturo looked as if he had barely drawn a breath and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. He blinked and then coughed, breaking his gaze from hers and turning to look around the room.

  ‘Sure,’ he murmured.

  As they got their coats and made their way outside, Darcy reached inside her bag and pulled out the envelope that contained her bucket list. ‘Here,’ she said, not considering the handwritten notes that were there.

  His brow wrinkled and he took the envelope from her hand and drew out the letter, unfolding it. His eyes widened as he realised what it was.

  ‘The whole bucket list?’ he asked.

  ‘The whole bucket list,’ she repeated.

  His head tipped to the side by the tiniest angle. ‘Why would you share this with me?’ There was something about his words, and his tone.

  ‘Because I told you the third item inside, and I wasn’t sure if you believed me.’

  It struck her that until that second she hadn’t realised how important it was to her that Arturo did believe her. And that scared her.

  ‘Of course I believed you.’ His words were barely a whisper. She knew he was reading the rest of what was written on her letter. But he lifted his head with a clear expression on his face.

  ‘Your sister gave you a bucket list. She gave you some hints and other comments. But you have to interpret this your way. Not hers. And if you can’t do it in the time frame she gave you, so what? I get you want to honour your sister, and I think that’s wonderful. But you have to remember to be you. You spent your life being one of three sisters—you might feel a bit awkward about being one of two now. But you will always be you. And the Darcy Bennett that I’ve met is pretty great.’

  He reached up with his hand and pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. ‘I even invited her to a wedding,’ he said, smiling.

  ‘A very important wedding,’ she replied as she stepped forward. Her heart had stopped racing now, and her stomach was unclenching. She still didn’t know Arturo very well. But now she knew for sure that she wanted that to change.

  Maybe going to the wedding and meeting the family would give her the background and history part that she needed to fill in some of his blanks. While she was nervous, she was also excited. So maybe it was time to be completely honest with him.

  ‘I’ve booked our flights,’ he said. ‘Found a dress yet?’

  She raised her eyebrows. ‘Fizz found me a dress.’

  ‘That sounds promising.’ It sounded more like a question than a statement.

  She pulled a face. ‘It is. It’s just a bit more daring than I would probably have picked myself.’

  ‘But do you like it?’

  Darcy took a few moments and then nodded slowly. ‘Do you know, I do. It’s a beautiful dress.’

  ‘Then be daring.’ He smiled at her.

  He opened the passenger door of his car. ‘Jump in, let’s go for a drive.’

  ‘Where to?’

  He looked down the street. ‘It’s still light. We’ll head to the beach. Might even see the sunset.’

  She climbed in. ‘This could be a bad decision. Think of the last sunset you showed me. Will this one compare?’

  ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ he said, shifting his car into gear and taking off.

  Fifteen minutes later they pulled up to Portobello Beach. The sky had dimmed, but the promenade still had people walking up and down.