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last look at her reflection in the mirror. Not knowing where Seb might be taking them she'd put on the best dress she had brought with her. It had capped sleeves and a scooped neckline, which revealed rather a lot of her generous cleavage, while the rich red fabric clung to her curves before fanning out at the hips, the skirt rippling to her knees. Flat shoes, a black wool wrap and her bag completed the outfit. She was ready. If only she didn't feel so nervous. Her heart scampered fit to burst, and a shiver of delicious anticipation tingled down her spine— warnings, if she needed any more, of just how fast and how deep she was falling for this man.
    'Che bellezza! How lovely you look,' her grandmother praised with a delighted clap of her hands as Gina stepped out of the tiny bathroom and into the bedroom they shared.
    'Thank you.'
    'Seb will be a man much envied tonight.'
    Gina flushed at the gentle teasing. 'He is doing this to help you,' she reminded her, trying to push away her own edgy excitement at the thought of seeing him again.
    'I believe his reasons are much more basic. You are as attracted to him as he is to you,' her grandmother stated with uncanny perception.
    'We're only here for a few days—' Gina struggled to keep reminding herself of that fact'—and seeing to your needs is all that matters.'
    Her grandmother waved her hand dismissively. 'Nonsense, ragazza mia.'
    'Nonna—'
    'I cannot stop caring and worrying, Gina. Despite your protests, I know you have given up so much for your grandfather and me. We never intended to restrict your life by coming to live with you.'
    'You haven't,' Gina protested, knowing for the first time that it was not entirely the truth.
    Her grandmother took one of her hands in both of hers. 'You are a beautiful woman, but I think you have forgotten this. Today, for the first time, I can see you blossoming again, and it pleases me more than I can say.'
    'We are here for a reason—'
    'Which does not mean you should not enjoy yourself also,' her grandmother interrupted. 'Have some fun, enjoy the romance. Who knows where the attraction you and Seb share might take you?'
    'Nonna...' Her protest died as confusion racked her. Could she really indulge in a holiday romance? 'I don't know.'
    'Live your life, ragazza mia. Had I listened to all the doubts, I would not have had my special lifetime with your grandfather. I would always want you to follow your heart,' her grandmother insisted, the expression in her hazel eyes serious.
    But could she trust her heart? Gina worried. How could she yearn for Seb after such a short time? Was it just lust? Did that even matter? They were both adults. If they were both free...
    'I've only just met him, Nonna. We live in different countries. How can I know?'
    'You say this to me?’ Tutting, her grandmother shook her head. 'I knew in that first instant when I met Matthew McNaught. Time means nothing, Gina...not when it is right. When you meet your soul mate, you know. Do not put obstacles in the way. Do not let concern for me sway you. I would never want that. Your happiness is my happiness. Do not be afraid to go for what you want.'
    Tears stung her eyes as she absorbed her grandmother's advice—what was tantamount to her blessing to explore the incredible connection she had felt with Seb from the instant she had seen him. But she couldn't help but be cautious. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. She had never met anyone like Seb, had never reacted to anyone the way she did to him.
    'I like Seb, Gina,' her grandmother continued, drawing her from her thoughts. 'I have always had good instincts about people. I believe we can trust him. We must confide in him our reasons for being here.'
    Fresh concern welled inside her. 'Are you sure? We need the permission of the villa's owner.'
    'Maybe not. Seb has already said they will not return to Elba for some time. We don't have time. I need to do this, ragazza mia, and I trust Seb to help