Page 26 of Giorgio

“Hello?”

Dropping the damp towel on a bench, he dragged his fingers through his tangled hair. “Hi, its Giorgio.”

His name on her lips was doing things to his internal and external organs. This was ridiculous. “How are you? Did you sleep well?”

“It felt a little strange at first, but I managed to nod off. I was served breakfast in bed.” She itemized the things on her tray and sounded much like a child with her first taste of ice cream. “I am sure I had yoghurt before, but this is something and the cappuccino is so good, I had to ask for more.”

“I am happy you are enjoying the meal.” She made him smile, her frank admiration for the simple things was a novelty to him.

“I am going to take a shower.”

“Call one of the maids…”

“No. I might not have my memory back, but I am pretty certain I would feel weird having a female undressing me and giving me a bath. I can manage.”

“In case you have forgotten, you have a cast on your leg.”

“I will be careful.”

He almost offered to do the honors but bit it back. “Juliana, I really think you should have someone…”

“The answer is no, and I really do not want to continue arguing about it. What are you doing?”

“I was working out.”

“Here?”

“Yes.” He tossed the damp towel and just missed the hamper. “I have a private gym and a pool.”

“Of course you do. How was the workout?”

“Brutal. What would you like to do today?”

“Go for a drive.”

“A drive?”

“Yes. I want to see some of the sights. I believe I was sightseeing when I…, when you…”

“When I almost killed you.” He filled in the blanks.

“Giorgio…”

“I am surprised you would want to allow me to drive you anywhere or was I being too presumptuous? We have several drivers; I could ask one of them…”

“Please stop.” Her quiet tone had him feeling like dirt.

“I apologize.” He told her contritely. Lowering himself on a chaise, he rubbed his forehead where a low-grade headache was forming. “When would you like to go?”

“If you are not up to it…”

“I am up to it. Dress warm, the weather is worsening.”

“There is something I would like to do first.”

“What is it?”

“Would you come to my room, please?”