She didn't let him finish. She couldn't. In one smooth, sudden swoop, she lifted her face to his and kissed him. His lips, impossibly soft, brushed blissfully against hers. Then his hands were on her waist, her fingers were in his hair, and they were exploring one another, tenderly and urgently. 

They didn't part until Chiara was dizzy. 

"What did you want to tell me?" she whispered. 

Domenico took a deep breath. "The thing is," he said, "I love you."