The Italian's Runaway Princess. Andrea Bolter

like that, how could I possibly refuse?” Luci answered with a huge smile that shot straight into Gio’s heart. He returned the grin.

      Once he’d extended the invitation to dinner, it suddenly sounded like a marvelous idea. She was far more interesting than the blah-blah-blah he’d have to exchange with the investors. Rightly, they’d save any substantial conversation for boardroom conferences.

      Why shouldn’t he have a pleasant evening with an attractive woman? He knew he’d never take it any further than that. It was just dinner. And bringing her with him was better than leaving her alone on his property tonight. He’d get her out of the villa in the morning.

      “It’s set then? Pick you up right here?” He gestured to the fountain.

      “I have a cocktail-length dress. Will that be sufficient?”

      “And obviously you can accessorize.” He pointed to the purse with all of the jewels. “You’ll be the toast of the town.”

      “I hope not.” Luci’s eyes opened in alarm.

      “I was only joking. See you at eight.”