The Italian's Blushing Gardener. Christina Hollis

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      She stopped.

      ‘You might be surprised,’ she said finally.

      Her darkening attitude didn’t bother Stefano at all. He stuck one hand casually in his pocket, and grinned at her.

      ‘So what are you waiting for, then? Surprise me.’

      His words made her uncertain. Until a short time ago, endless surprises—none of them good—had been the story of her life. Then she had escaped, and moved to Italy. For a couple of years she had experienced wonderful freedom. And now, with the loss of Sir Ivan, her foremost client, she was faced with the threat that happiness might soon be snatched away from her again. Unconsciously, her shoulders began to sag. Then she sensed his gaze was still on her. She looked up. He was still quizzing her with his eyes.

      She shrugged. ‘I’m afraid there’s nothing more to me than you see here, signore.’

      His face was totally impassive but he went on watching her as he said quietly, ‘Then it’s a good job I came here to see the Bella Terra estate, rather than anything else. My journey won’t have been entirely wasted,’ he announced before setting off across the hall again. ‘Now, down to business. I want to look around this house. Would you like to come with me?’