CHAPTER 14
A TAD CLOSER
Leaning against the counter of the store, Elena smiled to herself. She’d made a new friend in Isabella and found they had a lot in common.
The sound of the door opening rattled in her ears, and her heart flipped as Francesco walked through it. What was he doing here? She’d expected Loredana to be working today. He grinned. “Hi, Elena. Loredana’s not feeling well so I’m taking over today.”
“Oh—okay. No worries.” She felt her face redden and her hands grew clammy. Francesco neared her with a sweet smile. His eyes glued to hers, he reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her eye. Then he dropped his hand and rushed to the back like a thunderstorm.
What had just happened?
A touch of disappointment filled her when she barely registered the voice o
