What could you do with a man who talked like this, except smile back at him and feel that the day had become brighter?
To give herself a moment she turned away to lean on the railing overlooking the Grand Canal. Riccardo came to stand close behind her.
"There's something I must tell you," he said quietly.
"What?"
"That I've thought about nothing but you since we said good night."
Chapter Fourteen
"Nothing but me?" Justine asked lightly. "I hope you gave some thought to the food as well."
Riccardo didn't answer at first, but turned her to look at him.
"It's no good," he said at last. "You can't make a joke of it. That won't solve the problem. And somehow we have to find a way to solve it."
"So you admit it's a problem?"
"Of course it's a problem when a man has fallen in love with a woman, and she -"
"Don't you dare say that I'm in love with you," she spit out.
"How can I? I don't know, any more than you do. I only know that you're fighting it – fighting me. And you're angry with me. Can't you tell me why?"
"You know why," she murmured. "I don't want to feel what I'm feeling. I've got my life in such good order, and you're threatening everything."
"No, I'm only threatening the bolts and bars with which you try to imprison yourself."
"You think I want to be locked in there?"
"Partly, yes. Prison can be a very comforting place. You know where everything is. But I won't let you cling to it. When the wedding is over, I shall be back, knocking on the door."
"And you're so sure that I'll open it for you?"
"No, I'm not sure at all. I'm never sure with you. Perhaps that's why it has to be you and no other."
The sound of voices from inside the building drew them back to reality.
"I must go," he said reluctantly. "But I'll be back."