“What’s the complaint, Aidan? You’re in great shape.” She of all people should know. He hadn’t wasted time having her belongings moved into his suite where she had spent the night...and got very little sleep until dawn. But somehow she still felt energized.
“You think I’m punishing you by suggesting that we walk instead of taking a taxi-tour?” she asked as they crossed one of the busy streets.
“No. I think you’re punishing me because you talked me out of renting that red Ferrari. Just think of all the places I could have taken you while driving it.”
She chuckled. “Yes, but I would have wanted to get there in one piece and without an accelerated heart rate.”
He placed his arms around her shoulders. “Have you forgotten that one day I intend to be one of the most sought-after cardiologists in the world?”
“How could I forget?” she said, smiling. She was really proud of him and his accomplishments. Going through that dual residency program was what had opened the door for him to continue his specialty training at Johns Hopkins, one of the most renowned research hospitals in the country.
Last night, in between making love, they had talked about their future goals. He knew she would start her residency at a hospital in Orlando, Florida, in the fall. The good thing was that after a year of internship, she could transfer to another hospital. Because he would be working for at least three years at John Hopkins, she would try to relocate to the Washington, D.C., or Maryland area.
A few hours later they had toured a number of places, including the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and the Catacombs. While standing in front of the Spanish Steps, waiting for Aidan to return from retrieving the lace fan she’d left behind in the church of Trinità dei Monti, she blinked when she saw a familiar man pass by.
Riley Westmoreland? What was Aidan’s cousin doing in Rome?
“Riley!” she yelled out. When the man didn’t look her way, she figured he must not have heard her. Taking the steps almost two at a time, she hurriedly raced after him.
When she caught up with him she grabbed his arm. “Riley, wait up! I didn’t know you—”
She stopped in midsentence when the man turned around. It wasn’t Riley. But he looked enough like him to be a twin. “I’m so sorry. I thought you were someone else.”
The man smiled and she blinked. He even had Riley’s smile. Or more specifically, one of those Westmoreland smiles. All the men in the family had dimples. And like all the Westmoreland men, he was extremely handsome.
“No problem, signorina.”
She smiled. “You’re Italian?” she asked.
“No. American. I’m here on business. And you?”
“American. Here vacationing.” She extended her hand. “I’m Jillian Novak.”
He nodded as he took her hand. “Garth Outlaw.”
“Nice meeting you, Garth, and again I’m sorry that I mistook you for someone else, but you and Riley Westmoreland could almost be twins.”
He chuckled. “A woman as beautiful as you can do whatever you like, signorina. No need to apologize.” He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Have a good day, beautiful Jillian Novak, and enjoy the rest of your time in Rome.”