Chapter 56

• Jane balanced a basket of groceries on one arm, scanning the shelves of the local market. It was a typical errand on a typical day—at least, that’s what she told herself as she tried to suppress the lingering frustration from her last encounter with Luca Romano. Just thinking about his smug grin and his irritating confidence made her blood boil. She shook her head, focusing on the list in her hand.
• Rounding the corner of the aisle, Jane froze mid-step. There he was, Luca Romano, standing in front of a shelf of canned goods, looking infuriatingly relaxed as he examined a label. He wore a leather jacket over a casual shirt, his dark hair slightly tousled, and his presence dominated the small space like he owned it.
• Of course, *he’d* be here, Jane thought bitterly. She considered turning around and pretending she hadn’t seen him, but it was too late. Luca glanced up, and their eyes locked. A slow smile spread across his face.