Flirting in Florence. Aimee Duffy

didn’t exactly behave, but even Elle couldn’t moan at the occasional kisses he placed on Ciara’s head or when he wrapped his arms around her to pull her back so she rested against his chest. She was very aware of him, just not much else and gave up pretending to listen in favour of looking around the Piazza at the church and quaint little buildings.

      ‘Florence is gorgeous, isn’t it?’ he asked.

      She nodded, thinking now was the time to snap out of this heavy mood. Turning to face him, she said, ‘I’ve found a way to see all of it and for under a hundred Euros. Impressed?’

      Zack’s eyebrows climbed his forehead.

      ‘Don’t be dubious. It’ll be fun.’ She hoped.

      ‘Count us out,’ Elle said.

      ‘We didn’t come to one of the top fifty fashion capitals of the world to look at paintings,’ Gem agreed. ‘And the designer outlets here are full of great deals!’

      The day she could afford Prada, even at 10% off, she might refer to the designer clothes as deals.

      ‘What are you inflicting on me tomorrow then?’ he asked.

      ‘Can I borrow your phone?’ she held her hands out. When his brows pulled together she explained, ‘There’s this Arttour iPhone app I want to download.’

      He handed it over silently while Elle laughed.

      ‘Looks like she’s dragging you round the museums tomorrow,’ Elle said, like that was the most horrifying thing ever.

      ‘Some of the Renaissance pieces are incredible.’ He grinned at her, all of his confusion gone.

      Ciara couldn’t resist, she stuck her tongue out at Elle. She knew he’d be into art. After quickly downloading the app she handed back his phone to show she had no ulterior motives – like checking his texts, Twitter account or call log. No matter how tempting.

      ‘You two are weird,’ Gem said.

      Elle grinned at Gem. ‘And perfectly matched. Oh well, it means we can spend some serious time at the shops!’

      The waiter set down a bottle of wine with fresh glasses in front of Elle and Gem that none of them had ordered. ‘The gentlemen to your right insist that you try this.’

      Ciara glanced over at the same time the others did. The table of businessmen was down to two and she had to admit, they were the finest of the bunch.