CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN – ADVENTUROUS INTIMACY

A spark of hope ignited in Joan's chest. "It's a surprise. But I promise, if you're not enjoying yourself by lunchtime, we can call it off and come home. No questions asked. What do you say?" Vito took a sip of his espresso, considering. "Okay," he said at last. "I'll give it a shot." Joan's face lit up. "Thank you, Vito. You won't regret it." As they got ready to leave, Joan could feel the tension still lingering between them. Vito's responses were short, his body language closed off. But he was here, giving her a chance, and that was all she could ask for right now. Their first stop was a small, family-owned Italian bakery that Vito had mentioned wanting to try. As they walked in, the scent of fresh bread and pastries enveloped them. "Buongiorno!" the elderly woman behind the counter greeted them warmly. "What can I get for you today?" Joan nudged Vito gently. "Go ahead, pick whatever you'd like." Vito's eyes roamed over the display case, a glimmer of interest breaking through