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'Are you all right?'

She nodded, still leaning against him. 'Yes. Thank you for coming.'

'You should have called me,' he chided softly, stroking her cheek.

'It happened so quickly.' She shook her head, worry reflected in her eyes. 'Nonna deteriorated suddenly, and rather than waiting for an ambulance or bothering you, Signora Mancini called the man who lives next door to her, who runs the taxi. I'm sorry.'

Seb cursed himself for letting his selfish feeling of rejection add to Gina's concern. 'You did the right thing. I just wish I had been there for you both. Tell me what happened,' he instructed, sitting her down, then taking the place beside her, keeping hold of her hand.

'You heard my grandmother coughing last night?' she began, and he nodded, recalling Maria's moments of discomfort and her disturbed breathing. 'That only started in the last couple of days. She assured me she was just tired after the journey from Scotland. When I got back last night—' a becoming flush warmed her cheeks, and Seb's own blood heated; he knew she was thinking of their passionate kisses'—she was asleep, but restless, her breathing irregular. She worsened near dawn and complained of chest pain, breathlessness, and the cough was more persistent.'

'And have they told you anything?' Feeling her shaking, he slipped an arm around her and drew her close.

'No. Nothing.' She gave a wry laugh. 'I know what hospitals are like, but it's different being on the other side.'

Seb knew that all too well after his experiences the last couple of months following his knife-wounds. 'I'll see what I can find out. I know it is easy to say, Gina, but try not to worry. Maria is in good hands here.'

Cupping her face, wishing he could do more to ease her burden, he placed an all-too-brief kiss on her parted lips. He hated leaving her alone again, even for a few minutes, but hoped he could quietly use his influence here to get some details about Maria's condition and bring Gina some reassuring news.

Gina cursed herself for failing to alert Seb about what had happened and cancel their arrangement for the day. He had been on her mind, but she had been so overwhelmed by her anxiety for her grandmother that she had delayed calling him. Had she secretly hoped he would follow them to Portoferraio? She honestly wasn't sure. But when she had looked up and seen him walking towards her, casually dressed in jeans, black T-shirt, and a cream jumper that highlighted his dark good looks, the rush of pleasure at his presence, followed by the relief of being held in his arms, had been indescribable. She was grateful for his support, and his concern for her grandmother. Language was no barrier, but she was a stranger here, and having Seb on her side made her feel immeasurably better and no longer alone.

The wait seemed endless, and yet it could not have been long before Seb was striding back towards her, the smile on his face lifting a massive weight of worry from her shoulders. She rose to meet him, allowing him to take her hands, needing the contact, warmed by the comfort his touch brought.

'Did you discover anything?' she queried, eager for news.

'Maria is doing well. I have seen her, Gina, and I will take you to her now.' A welter of emotions assailed her—relief, gratitude, impatience to see her grandmother, and puzzlement that Seb, exuding a calm control over the situation, seemed to have gained such swift access to her grandmother. 'Maria has a chest infection. They are doing an X-ray, then tests to see if it is viral or bacterial and whether she will need antibiotics or not. In the meantime she is having fluids to rehydrate her, and paracetamol to lower her temperature.'

'There's nothing wrong with her heart?' she asked, voicing her secret fear.

Seb shook his head. 'Nothing at all. Her heart is strong. I promise.'

'I was so scared.' She bit her lip, trying to stop her voice from trembling. 'I couldn't bear to lose her, too.'

'I know,
tesoro.'

She sank against him as he wrapped his arms around her once more. It felt so good to have someone else to lean on for once. For so long she had been the strong one, shouldering all the responsibility at home, coping with a stressful job, scared after Malcolm's treachery to allow any man into her life. She buried her face against Seb, breathing in his scent, absorbing his strength. It had all happened so quickly. While the initial attraction remained, and physically she wanted him, she already cared about him, felt an emotional bond she couldn't explain. She was moved by his innate goodness, affected as much by his tender touches as his fiery passion.

'Come, now,' he murmured, stroking her hair, making her feel safe and cared for. 'The doctor is waiting to talk with you.'

'Thank you.'

She fought back tears of relief, feeling bereft when he released her. Scrambling to gather up her bag, she wondered how she could have missed the .signs that her grandmother had been brewing a worrying chest infection. She never should have let her make this journey. If only—

'Gina, stop.'

Seb's gentle admonishment interrupted her self-recriminations, and she glanced at him with a frown. 'Sorry?'

'You are blaming yourself,' he challenged with frightening insight. 'Don't,
cara.
It is not your fault.'

'But I'm a nurse. I care for her. I should have
seen,'
she protested.

'Maria didn't want you to see.' He cupped her face. 'This trip meant so much to her that she hid from you how she was feeling.'

Gina's eyes widened in shock. 'Nonna told you that?'

'Yes. She feels guilty now for any trouble and worry she has caused you.' Seb rested one hand at the small of her back as they walked along the corridor. 'Soon she will tell you so you know this for yourself.'

When they stepped into the small room, Gina's gaze flew straight to the figure propped up in the bed. Her grandmother looked frail, but much more comfortable than when she had last seen her. Oblivious to the doctor and nurse in the room, Gina hurried across to give the woman she loved so much a hug, careful of the drip in her arm. For a moment she experienced a strange mix of emotions...feeling both the responsibility of an adult and yet almost like a little girl again.

'I am sorry,
ragazza mia.
So sorry. But I knew you would make me stay at home, and I
had
to come to Elba to do this for my Matteo... whatever the consequences.' Gina saw regret mix with determination in the wise hazel eyes. 'Forgive me.'

'Oh, Nonna...Of course I forgive you. I just want you well,' she reassured her, trying to smile and hide how frightened she had been.

She sensed Seb moving up behind her, and instinctively she reached for his hand, grateful when he linked his fingers with hers, making her feel stronger.

'Gina, meet the doctor who is looking after Maria.' Seb drew her attention to the small grey-haired man who politely dismissed the nurse and then moved towards the bed. 'This is Dottore Franco Vasari.'

She shook hands, relieved that the kindly doctor immediately inspired confidence. Slipping easily back into Italian, she questioned him about her grandmother's health.

'As you can see, Signora McNaught looks much better than when she came to us this morning.' Dottore Vasari's smile encompassed them all. 'Soon we will have the results and know the nature of the infection, and then we will decide which medication to choose, and whether antibiotics are needed.' He seated himself on the edge of the bed. 'We will continue with intravenous rehydration for the time being. I would like to keep her in for twenty-four hours, for rest and observation.'

Although her grandmother looked disgusted at the idea, Gina nodded. 'Whatever you think is best. But we are only booked to stay on Elba for two more nights,' she explained, noting the doctor's frown and feeling the way Seb's fingers momentarily tightened on hers.

'I would not be happy for Signora McNaught to travel so soon,' Dottore Vasari insisted, glancing at the notes. 'Flying home in two days would not be sensible. I recommend you extend your stay for a little longer. I will write a letter for your own doctor that you can take home for follow-up care.' He rose to his feet and handed cards to herself and Seb. 'I will leave you now to talk things over. I shall be checking on your grandmother regularly,
signorina,
and hope to discharge her at midday tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.'

'Thank you. I'm very grateful,' Gina told him, shaking hands again.

She was confused at the older man's almost deferential nod towards Seb, but her grandmother was reclaiming her attention, and she had no more time to ponder on Seb's authoritative and knowledgeable manner.

'Gina, if I must stay in this place I will not have you sitting here fretting all day,' her grandmother insisted, recovering much of her spirit. 'You have dreamed all your life of seeing Elba. I will be cared for here. You must go and explore the island.'

'But—'

'No arguments,
ragazza mia\
Do it for me. Please? Besides, there will be arrangements to make if we must stay longer,' her grandmother pointed out.

Already Gina was making a mental list. She needed to find an internet cafe to contact the airline and change their tickets. Then she needed to check with the insurance company about health cover, plus e-mail home with the news. Thank goodness she had another week before starting her new job at the centre.

'I'll sort things out, Nonna,' she promised.

Her grandmother shook her head. 'You will have to find somewhere else for us to stay, Gina. Signora Mancini has already told me that our room is booked for other guests the day we were meant to leave. She has no more vacancies.'

'Don't worry.' Gina smothered a sigh, trying not to think of how depleted her small contingency fund might be at the end of this unexpected change of plan.

'Scusi.'
Seb stepped forward, addressing them both. 'There is no question but you must come to stay at the villa for your extra days on the island.'

Gina's eyes widened. 'What about the owners? Won't they mind?' she protested, both relieved and concerned at the prospect of staying with Seb.

'The Linardi family will be pleased to help. Indeed, they will insist on it. There is no problem, Gina, I assure you,' he promised, wearing down her shaky resistance.

With funds low, it would be a great help not to have to move to a more expensive hotel. But she was determined to pay for their keep at the villa, whatever Seb decreed. It would be dangerously tempting to live in the same house as him, and it put wickedly improper thoughts in her mind. And in Seb's, if the sultry expression in his eyes was anything to go by. A shiver of sensual excitement rippled through her.

'That would be marvellous!' her grandmother exclaimed, more colour returning to her cheeks. 'I would be closer to the special place I shared with Matteo, no?'

Smiling, Seb took her grandmother's hand. 'Exactly. And when you are well, Maria, we can take care of the task you came here to accomplish.'

'Thank you.' Her grandmother's whispered words and the longing on her face brought tears to Gina's eyes. 'You are both so good to me.'

'Then it is settled. Gina and I will see to the necessary arrangements and have things ready for you to come home tomorrow afternoon.'

'That sounds like so much work for you both,' her grandmother worried.

'Not at all.' Seb turned to Gina, a private promise in his eyes that fired her blood. 'It will not take long. Then I will show Gina the island. Whatever she wishes. And later we will come back to see you, Maria. How is that?'

Her grandmother all but clapped her hands in delighted acceptance. 'Perfect!'

The decision made, they said their goodbyes and left the older woman to rest. Gina's mind was buzzing—not only with the tasks ahead of her, but with delight at spending time alone with Seb and nervousness at staying at the villa. She didn't know how she would resist temptation. Should she even try?

Seb took her hand, his fingers linking with hers, his touch spiking her pulse. Once outside in the sunshine, he turned her to face him, his hands resting on her shoulders as she leaned against the car.

'Gina, I need you to understand something.'

Her heart beating crazily beneath her ribs, she gazed into molten caramel-coloured eyes. 'What is it?'

'The invitation to stay at the villa comes without strings,' he told her, his hands moving until his palms cupped her face. 'There is no pressure, Gina. No obligation or expectation. I will help you and Maria, whatever happens between us.' He paused a moment, his eyes darkening as his gaze dropped to her mouth, his voice turning huskier. 'Yes, I want you. I want you as I have never wanted anyone before. But only if it is what you want, too. It is your choice.. .if and when you are ready.'

His honesty, reassurance and understanding made her respect and care about him even more. Electricity hummed between them. She felt strong, centred, yet giddy with excitement, alive with desire, feeling her true power as a woman in a way she never had before. Seb was changing her. She was growing in confidence because of him. She wanted him.. .badly. No matter what the future held for them, she knew she would forever regret not taking this chance with Seb. She might live the rest of her life and never experience anything this amazing again. The time she had with him might be short, but there was nothing casual about the way she felt for him.

Reaching up, she kissed him. The passion was there, but so was something much deeper—an emotional connection that took them to a whole new level. Pulling back, she rested a palm against his jaw.

'Thank you.'

Seb nodded, seeming to understand without the need for words. 'Let's go and take care of business, then we can enjoy our day together and see where it takes us.'

'I
couldn't
eat another thing,' Gina protested, rejecting Seb's offer of more fruit and flopping back on the grass with a sigh. 'That was the best picnic I've ever had.'

Chuckling to himself, Seb packed away the remains of the food he had bought in Portoferraio, while Gina had been at the internet cafe changing travel arrangements, dealing with the insurance and checking her e-mails. Afterwards, they had briefly explored some of the interesting places in Elba's capital town before he had brought her to this quiet beauty spot for their lunch.