The next morning Harvey parked his Ferrari just outside the University. He was welcomed at the entrance by the head of the Law faculty, Roberto Guerrini.

"Mister Specter, welcome! What a pleasure to meet you."

Harvey shook his hand. "The pleasure is all mine."

Roberto gestured Harvey to enter."Please come on in."

They walked the halls of the ancient building while Roberto enthusiastically explained the background to their request. "We work together with Tulane Law school from New Orleans and our goal is to develop the world's best program for the study of the complex and fascinating relationship between international law, art, and cultural property. Since we know you are considered one of the best lawyers in New York with a love for art and our beloved Italy, we couldn't believe our luck when we were told you were staying in Siena and that you would be prepared to teach a few summer classes."

He opened the door to an office. "You can use this as your office during your stay. I know it's not exactly New York high rise but I hope it will do for a few weeks."

Saying that it was not exactly like his office at Pearson Hardman would be grossly understating it. No glass windows with spectacular views and designer furniture, but thick walls, wooden beams, stone floor, and a desk that was probably standing there since Columbus first set foot on American soil. He could see the courtyard through the window. Oh man, Louis would die of envy if he could see me here.

"It will do just fine. And it makes a very welcome change."

They both sat down and Roberto talked him through the details of what was expected of him.
Roberto was very passionate about his work and Harvey always liked that in people. It meant they were eager and always striving to get better. Roberto was also very smart and kind. Harvey knew he would get along with the man just fine.

Although Harvey was pretty confident that he would be able to grab and keep the attention of his future students, he did realize that he had to expand his knowledge of European and specifically Italian law.

But Roberto had found the perfect solution to cover that lack in practical knowledge.

"We have a young American working here. He is very talented. He came here a year ago and liked it so much that he stayed on. He has an eidetic memory. He can literally recite every book he has ever read. And that includes every Italianlawbook. "

Harvey raised his eyebrows. He had heard of people with extraordinary memories, but reciting an Italian lawbook seemed impossible.

Roberto continued enthusiastically, ignoring Harvey's sceptical gaze. "He will be your assistant for the coming six weeks. He speaks Italian, studied American law, and knows everything there is to know about this school. I am sure he will prove to be a big help."

Harvey sincerely doubted it. Sure, it would be absolutely amazing if the guy could tell him all he needed to know about the differences in Italian and American law off the top of his head but Harvey had a very hard time believing it. And he did not like having an assistant. In fact he hated it. With a passion.

They were too slow, too dense, too obedient, too annoying. The last thing he needed was somebody hovering around him while he was here. But it would be incredibly bad mannered to object so Harvey resigned himself to the fact that he had to put up with someone who would probably ruin half the fun. Then again, half the fun here was a lot more than all the fun with Louis.

There was a knock at the door. Roberto checked his watch. "That must be him. May I?"
Harvey gestured him to go right ahead. It would take some getting used to the fact that this was his office now.

He heard the voice of the American behind him. He spoke to Roberto in fluent Italian.
Harvey closed his eyes and braced himself. Don't be an ass Harvey, he told himself. It's only for six weeks, it's not like you have to take him home with you.

He got out of his chair and turned around where he met the most gorgeous blue eyes he had ever seen. And all he could do was wonder whether he could take him home with him.

"Mister Specter? Nice to meet you. I'm Mike Ross and I will be your assistant during your stay."

Harvey stared at him and it took him a moment to regain some control over his speech again. He took his hand and managed a friendly smile. "Hi, Mike, nice to meet you. Please call me Harvey."

Mike smiled back at him. "Okay...Harvey. Would you like me to show you around the university?"

Harvey nodded. He wasn't going to rely on his voice after that smile.

"Great, let's go."

Harvey tore away his gaze from that pretty face, breaking the spell, and turned to Roberto. "Thank you so much, Roberto. I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity. I assure you I will do my utmost to keep up the standards of this university."

Roberto smiled at him. "I have no doubt you will, Harvey. We are very glad to have you here and if you need anything just let me know."

…..

Mike had been showing Harvey the beautiful ancient building while telling him about the history of the place. It was amazing. Both the building andMike. He was like the offline version of Wikipedia. And Harvey thought he was cute, and sexy, and smart, and just overall delicious. And those blue eyes. Harvey honestly couldn't remember ever seeing eyes that blue. He just wanted to kiss the guy senseless. It wasn't going to be easy to focus on his work.

But Harvey did detect one tiny problem. Mike was nowhere near gay.

Harvey could pick up on the smallest of signals but there was absolutely nothing radiating from Mike. Well, nothing other than kindness, interest and professional curiosity.

But that wasn't going to stop Harvey from trying. So when Mike had finished their tour Harvey gave him his most charming smile. "Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? If not, maybe you could tell me where they serve the best lunch. My treat?'

"Sure, I'll gladly show you around the city. And I know this perfect place where they make the best sandwiches." Mike smiled at him. "Follow me."

"Gladly."

Mike took through the streets crowded with tourists now, passed the breathtaking facade of the cathedral on their way. Mike glanced at him. "Have you ever seen the inside? It is stunning."

Harvey lied through his teeth. "No, haven't yet but I've been told it's worth a visit."

Mike nodded enthusiastically. "If you'd like, I can take you. There is so much to see and I could tell you a bit about it."

Harvey had no doubt. He'd been in there twice already and Mike was right. It was stunning. But so was Mike and Harvey wouldn't mind looking at either of them again. "That would be great. I look forward to it."

Suddenly Mike stopped in front of a tiny sort of cafe. "Here we are," he said and stepped inside.

Harvey was about to protest sitting inside on such a gorgeous day but Mike was already gone. He followed Mike inside and found himself in a very long but narrow bar. There was just enough room for one small table on each side. There were no tourists but quite a few locals. Which, in Harvey's experience, was always a good sign.

Mike apparently came here more often because he was in an animated conversation with a small group of locals enjoying their lunch. The smells coming out of the small kitchen made Harvey's mouth water. Mike gestured Harvey to follow him as he headed to the back of the place. Mike pushed open another door and Harvey found himself outside again.

They were standing on a small square. It was completely silent. No tourists, no sounds. There were two small alleys leading up to the square, both just wide enough for a person to pass through. There were a few trees, offering shade in the warm afternoon sun.

The small square was surrounded by six buildings on each side, the wooden shutters closed to keep the warm sunlight out. A cat lazily stretched, slightly annoyed by their appearance.

There were three tables with wooden chairs situated underneath the trees. They sat down and Mike smiled at him with a mix of anticipation and slight worry. "You like it? I know it's not exactly luxurious but I always feel like it's some sort of secret place like...like, well, I don't know."

"Like something Muggles wouldn't be able to find?" Harvey grinned.

Mike's eyes widened and a big smile appeared on his face. "Exactly!"

Harvey loved it. Mike was right, it was far from luxurious but he couldn't care less. It was peaceful and apart from the sounds of the kitchen and the chatter of the people inside, it was quiet. Sunlight drenched the old stone walls in a warm golden glow.

The building on the opposite side of the square was clearly lived in. There was laundry hanging from one of the windows sills. Most of the other windowsills were lined with green pots filled with bright red geraniums. A soccer ball, colors faded from endless hours of play, was lying in the corner of the square next to two piles of old rags that probably served as goalposts. The lazy afternoon warmth seemed to slow down everything to a standstill. But Harvey could imagine that by the time the sun had set, the kids would come out to play, the shutters would be opened and the small square would come back to life with sounds of conversations and cooking flooding in from the windows and children's voices and laughter playing their games, as it probably had done for hundreds of years.

The trees provided enough shade to make it very pleasant to sit underneath them and Harvey decided that this place was definitely a match to some of the best bars in New York.

"So, Mike, " Harvey started while taking off his sunglasses. "How did you end up here?"

Mike smiled at the memory."Because of a gorgeous girl named Gisella. I met her during my vacation and she convinced me to stay."

Oh great, there was a stunning Italian girlfriend. Just what Harvey didn't need.

But the smile died out on Mike's face. "We broke up about two months ago. By that time I already had my job and my apartment and I had made a lot of friends so I didn't really want to go back to the States. Maybe next winter. Or maybe I'll just stay here."

The waiter stepped outside to take their order. Harvey looked at Mike. "Surprise me, Mike."

Mike ordered for the both of them before continuing. "But how did you end up here?"

"Vacation, just like you. But instead of a gorgeous girl, I was asked by a rather big Italian guy to stay." Harvey explained how he ended up as a summer teacher.

"I know Luciano. He is a great guy. Makes the best linguine. So, you're staying at his house? Much better than a hotel. But he lives outside Siena doesn't he?"

When Harvey nodded, he smiled. "Well, If you ever go out in Siena and you've had too much to drink you can always crash at my place. I have an extra bed."

Somehow the combination of the warm summer sun, those incredible blue eyes and the mention of a bed made Harvey's imagination paint a very vivid picture that immediately settled in his mind to stay.

He was definitely going out soon. And often.

The waiter stepped outside with a bottle of wine, two glasses and two plates with delicious smelling food.

…..

Three hours later Harvey was driving his Ferrari back to Luciano's house. He'd picked up his luggage from the hotel after saying goodbye to Mike.

Their lunch had been delicious and the conversation easy and pleasant. Mike was smart, funny and eager to learn. Harvey had thoroughly enjoyed himself and he was determined to make Mike see what he was missing out on by limiting his attention to women before this summer was over.

Harvey thought of those beautiful blue eyes and smiled. He wondered what it would taste like to kiss Mike.