“The curtain billows gently in the breeze behind him as he steps out to meet me, his hair jet-black by contrast with the translucent white fabric. I jump, gasp, and nearly swallow the grip that I’m still holding between my… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share Image
“Sebastiano and I arrive, breathless and laughing, on the stone oval of the dance floor. I’m delighted to see that Kelly’s there too, dancing with the dark stocky guy, Gianbattista; she shoots over to my side, yelling: “Did you see… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share Image
“ Something else that’s different about Italian boys, I realize. If they see a girl they fancy they go up to her and start… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“I realize that looming up before us is one of the major holiday hurdles that any group of girls has to face: the first… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“ Violetta ,” he whispers into my mouth. “ Violetta, cosa mi fai? ” I open my eyes just a fraction, to peep, and… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“You didn't mind someone shutting out the world as long as they were happy to take you inside with them.” — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“For a split second, his finger touches my skin, and he might as well have brushed me with a lit match.” — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“Luca leans forward, propping his elbows on the bar table, and I think he’s going to ask me something, maybe what some particularly nonsensical… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“Luca sits down next to me; the seat isn’t that wide, and his thigh presses against mine as he positions himself so we’re facing… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“ I’m in public, in a club in Florence, snogging a boy who I met only a couple of hours ago, so madly that… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“How cool ,” she says, directing a melting stare at Luca. “I’d love to live in a place like this--just pull a cord when… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“I stop at the touch of his hand on my bare skin, my heart pounding in shock. I turn to look up at him,… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“Luca waits patiently while she clutches him, kisses him, pats his cheek, muttering “ mio bellissimo figlio ,” “my beautiful son,” something an English… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“ Bellissime tutte ,” he continues. “You are all beautiful.” Even Kendra, who’s so cool and poised, can’t help looking smug at this flattery;… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“I draw in a long breath, and then it catches in my throat as his hand closes over mine, still wrapped around his waist.… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“Luca’s tongue slides into my mouth, slow, drowsy, intoxicating. I hear myself make a little involuntary moaning noise, and I’d be embarrassed to my… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
“Luigi, the art teacher, holds up his brush, and we all do the same. I’m not quite sure why we’re mirroring his action, but… — Lauren Henderson Copy Share
