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friends, the better.
    â€˜If I’m honest, all I enjoy is the work. Dealing with people is a nightmare I wish I could avoid for ever.’
    Stefano cleared his throat. Kira wondered if he was as surprised as she was by how honest she was being with him. At least he liked her garden, which was a good sign. Standing, she brushed off her memories of working in this peaceful sanctuary. Once Stefano Albani came to live here, she might never see inside this place again. She ought to make the most of this tour.
    It was a poignant moment. As Stefano stepped out of the stark sunlight and back into the shadows, Kira hesitated. The shade should have been a wonderful relief from the hot afternoon. Instead, she felt the chill of abandonment, and not for the first time. It was the story of her life. She had been given up as a lost cause by her stepparents. Then her place on the sidelines of their life became permanent when their unexpected natural child arrived. Now she was doing much the same to the garden she had cherished. In a few weeks or months, she would have to turn her back on this place and leave it in the hands of others. She shuddered.
    Stefano noticed, and smiled at her in a way calculated to immediately warm her up.
    â€˜It sounds as though you will be my perfect neighbour.’
    Kira shot him a look that said she didn’t share his view.
    â€˜I promise the experience will be an unforgettable one,’ he added quietly.
    She ignored that, and told him the simple truth. ‘I’m afraid anyone who buys this house automatically gets on the wrong side of me. Sir Ivan and I used to co-exist inthis valley very well. I can’t imagine anyone else being a better neighbour than he was.’
    She thought it would be safer to warn Stefano what she was like, right from the beginning. Instead of sympathising, he laughed.
    â€˜I’ll try,’ he said mischievously. ‘Let’s hope I can play the part as well as you act the role of estate agent!’
    His refusal to take her statement seriously was infuriating. ‘I’m not acting. I’m here to make sure nothing happens to the villa keys,’ she said stiffly. ‘You’re here to view the place. We’ve got nothing in common, and we’re never going to see each other again after today.’
    Stefano said nothing, but smiled at her with an assessing look in his meltingly dark eyes. The dappled sunshine played on his clean, beautiful features and suddenly the thought of never seeing him again wasn’t quite as comforting as she had expected.
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    As they continued their tour of the house, Kira began to wonder if she had misjudged the captivating Signor Stefano Albani. They did have one thing in common. It was obvious the moment they reached the first floor. He strode straight to the nearest window and looked out. Only when he had inspected the vista with its avenue of sweetly scented lime trees did he begin his careful study of the floors, walls and furnishings. Watching him, she noticed he carried out the same ritual with each new room they entered. He paid no attention to the high ceilings and airily beautiful rooms until he had studied what was on show outside. Finally, she couldn’t stay silent any longer.
    â€˜I see you like the view,’ she said with satisfaction.
    There was a pause before he answered. It gave herstrange pleasure to see that he carried on drinking in the scenery before he replied. ‘Is it so obvious?’
    â€˜You make a beeline for the windows each time we enter a room.’
    He frowned, seeming uncomfortable that she had noticed his simple enjoyment of their beautiful surroundings.
    â€˜I’m simply checking to see where the nearest neighbours are. I value my privacy.’
    Kira nodded, covering a smile. ‘I understand. This valley is perfect for that. You won’t be disturbed. Let’s hope you don’t disturb me!’
    He gave her a sharp look, then paced on