Summer in Sorrento (12 page)

The taxi reached the train station in short order, and they boarded in the same stiff silence that had reigned throughout their flight and taxi ride. They had been told that the train journey would take about three hours, and Sarah pulled out her novel once more, pointedly ignoring Nate's expression of irritation, and determined to lose herself in it as they travelled.

However, she soon put it back in her bag, immediately absorbed in the view from the train windows.

The Italian countryside was bathed in the soft light of an autumn afternoon; they were travelling to Verona just as sunset approached, and the soft golden light only enhanced the beauty of the scene.

Sarah scooted closer to the window to gaze out at the gentle roll of hills, farms and lavender fields dusky in the last rays of light, trees casting gentle shadows over white-washed family homes. It was a captivating scene, and she couldn't help but feel enchanted as she watched the countryside roll by.

She noticed that Nate also moved closer to the window to look out as the scenery flew by them.

The train entered Verona at dusk, but even in the fading light Sarah caught a small glimpse of what the city had to offer.

The old stone architecture was impressive even in the falling gloom of night, and Sarah craned her neck for a better look at the old buildings.

She'd expected a fusion of the modern and the classical in this city, but she hadn't been prepared for how much old-world charm the city exuded. Once they were in another taxi en route to their hotel she kept her face to the window of the car, peering excitedly at the city streets. Iron gates and winding cobbled streets whispered of another time, before the arrival of modern things like automobiles.

Balconies trailed with vines, abloom with the last flowers of the year and Sarah could almost imagine their fragrance. She felt as though she were truly slipping into another world.

It was a beautiful city and unmistakably romantic.

She couldn't read a single one of the many signs in Italian, but even the look of the language was charming and exquisite. She caught sight of couples sitting outside trattorias, enjoying their evening meals as day turned to night, and she felt a small pang of jealousy mixed with hope. They all looked so carefree, sipping wine and savoring their food together.

Instantly Sarah felt her mood lighten, and decided that by the end of this stay in Verona, she and Nate would be among those happy couples, talking and laughing as though they hadn't a care in the world.

Whether he liked it or not.

End of excerpt. 

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AUTUMN IN VERONA

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

International #1 bestselling author Melissa Hill lives in Dublin and is one of Ireland's most popular female fiction authors.

Her page-turning contemporary stories are published worldwide and translated into 25 different languages. Her titles are regular chart-toppers in Ireland and internationally and in 2011 SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY'S (aka A GIFT FROM TIFFANY'S) became one of Italy's Top Ten bestselling books overall. One of her recent novels is currently in development with a major Hollywood studio.

Also by Melissa Hill

NOVELS

Something You Should Know

Not What You Think

Never Say Never

Wishful Thinking

All Because of You

The Last to Know

Before I Forget

Please Forgive Me

The Truth About You

Something From Tiffany's

The Charm Bracelet

The Guest List

A Gift to Remember

NOVELLAS (ESCAPE TO ITALY SERIES)

Summer in Sorrento

Autumn in Verona

Winter in Venice

SHORT STORIES

Fairytale on Fifth Avenue

A Girl's Best Friend

For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.ie

Twitter: @melissahillbks Facebook:
facebook.com/melissahillbooks