A/N: You guys are great with all those lovely reviews! I really appreciate your taking the time. As Jane and Lisbon realize their true feelings, they may seem a little out of character at times. But my response to this is, we've never seen either of them truly in love, so who knows what they're like under those circumstances, let alone in a romantic place like Rome. If you are a true romantic (like me), the slight OOC hopefully won't matter a bit.

Now, on with the show…

Chapter 4: That's Amore!

By the time Jane found a cab and made it back to the hotel, Lisbon was long gone. He imagined she'd called Nicollo, explained the misunderstanding, and gone on the Roman tour with him a day early. She was trying to get back at him, Jane thought, make him as angry as he'd made her. She'd be happy to know it was working.

Still, Jane wondered what the hell had gotten into him. Why hadn't he just lied and made up something less…incriminating? But he'd fallen into the habit of telling Lisbon the truth lately (mostly), and while he certainly hadn't been honest with Nicollo, staking his claim as her lover was the only thing he could think of to get the shady Italian to leave Lisbon alone. If he were honest with himself, however, there had been a little bit of wishful thinking when it came to that lie in particular, but he didn't feel up to that level of introspection at the moment.

So, he resigned himself to being alone in one of the most romantic cities in the world. After changing from his wedding attire, clad now in his comfortable old brown shoes and three-piece suit, he ventured out of his hotel, intent on enjoying himself. Just outside the building, he met Cho.

"Hi," he said to Jane.

"Hello, Kimball. Are you enjoying Rome?"

Cho almost smiled. "Probably more than you are." He had seen Lisbon leave the hotel with Nicollo Minelli.

"Meh," he dismissed.

"I was just going to find you and ask if I could borrow your rental car."

"Hot date?"

Cho did smile then, but just a little. "Yeah."

Jane reached into his trouser pocket for the Miata keys. It wasn't like he was going to be taking anyone on any romantic drives himself any time soon.

"Here. With my blessing."

Cho took the keys and put them in his own pocket.

"For what it's worth, that Serena seems like a marvelous girl."

Cho nodded. "I noticed that. Thanks. I'll have the car back tomorrow."

Jane both brows. "Well, good for you, Kimball."

"Yes, it is," replied the younger man, who headed to the alley to find where Jane had parked the Miata.

Jane hadn't bothered bringing his city map, having memorized the route he wanted to take, and so he wandered toward the famous Trevi Fountain. Of course, it was glutted with tourists, tossing in their coins in hopes of another visit to Rome. But Jane stood on the outskirts of the small piazza, admiring the beautiful statue of Ocean. He thought about dropping a coin into the fountain himself, but what was the point of returning to Rome if he had no one to share it with?

He was feeling rather sorry for himself, and a bit confused, but seeing the amazing Pantheon lifted his spirits considerably. Its exterior architecture, with its ancient columns, was awe inspiring, but the interior, with the scientific marvel of its domed ceiling, was even more fascinating. He had nearly forgotten his cares, when, upon exiting the temple, he spied Lisbon and Nicollo. He hid behind a column and watched as they approached the entrance, Jane's eyes going immediately to the couple's clasped hands.

Jealousy slammed into his chest with an intensity that left his heart clenching painfully. When he saw someone else holding Lisbon's hand, someone else making her laugh, everything suddenly fell into place, and he couldn't deny it to himself or anyone else anymore.

I love Lisbon.

And not just as a friend or colleague, he admitted, although he certainly loved her in that capacity too. No, he was in love.

He loved her dimples and her clear green eyes; her intoxicating smell and the tiny freckles on her nose. He loved her when she was angry with him, and worshipped her when he made her laugh. He loved that she knew all of his faults, yet was unfailingly loyal to him, to her own fault, really. He loved how her delicate features made him want to protect her, while at the same time he was well aware she could kick his ass if she wanted. He loved her desire to do what was right, but that she had developed the capacity to see shades of gray. He loved the way she felt in his arms when he hugged her or when they danced. Indeed, he could write veritable sonnets to her beauty and treatises on her spirit. He loved everything about her, yet it was his luck that when he finally realized it, there she was, showering her attentions on another man.

It probably served him right. If there was one religious belief Patrick Jane could latch onto, it was Karma.

He waited perhaps twenty minutes for Lisbon and Nicollo to emerge from the Pantheon, and then, hating himself, though helpless to stop, he began to follow them. They bought gelato (without him!) and sat in the Palazzo Novano, while he stood in the shadows of a hotel awning and watched from afar. They stopped in various shops and Lisbon bought a scarf he doubted she would ever wear, and Nicollo came out with a box of Italian designer shoes (a needless waste of money, in Jane's opinion).

Soon Lisbon and her tour guide (he refused to call Nicollo a date) found a sidewalk café for an early dinner, and sat down in the evening shadow of a building. Long pots of short hedges, flowers, and other foliage separated the tables, creating a feeling of intimacy for each table. Red-checked tablecloths charmingly covered the tables, candles burned in small vases, and the waiters were extremely welcoming, ushering them to what they claimed were their best seats.

Jane waited a few minutes for Lisbon and Nicollo to get settled, then he sat casually at a table well shielded from the couple he was stalking. Nicollo's back was to him, but he could just spy Lisbon's face through a bush dotted with fragrant blooms. She was smiling, and Nicollo was helping her with the menu. Jane frowned, but he looked up politely when his waiter returned.

Jane had barely perused the menu, but found himself to be hungry after all that walking. He ordered a tomato and mozzarella salad, (Insalata Caprese) and for his entrée, Cacio e pepe (pasta, cheese, and pepper), accompanied by a glass of fortifying red wine. Despite the delicious food, he had no idea what the hell he was doing here. Did he think Nicollo would attack Lisbon in the middle of some busy piazza or something? He had to admit that the man seemed the perfect gentleman—in public at least. But the thought of him pulling her into some alley when darkness fell, or luring her into his hotel room for some nefarious reason was what compelled Jane to keep on their tail.

He watched as Lisbon and Nicollo engaged in some more (likely) meaningless conversation, and she didn't seem to be faking her smiles or even her laughter. Loverboy was pouring on the charm but good, probably using his best material on the naïve Americana. Hell, if Lisbon could fall into bed with a playboy like Walter Mashburn, what chance would she have against a suave Italian?

"My wife, she is unfaithful too, Signore," said the waiter softly, once he'd delivered Jane's entrée.

The man must have noticed his wedding ring, and noted how he was spying on Lisbon and her tour guide so intently. Jane looked up at him curiously.

"Oh?"

"Si. Women cannot be trusted. Find a lover for yourself, Signore, and you will feel much better. That is what I did."

Jane's lips quirked. "And you are still married?"

"Of course! She makes the best gnocchi in Roma." The waiter patted his substantial gut, gave Jane a conspiratorial wink, and whisked away his empty salad plate.

Jane grinned and dug into his pasta.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dinner was a painfully leisurely affair, and Jane nearly fell asleep in his chair after ordering a second glass of wine. He was still jetlagged and longed for bed, but knew he wouldn't be able to sleep if Lisbon were still keeping company with Nicollo.

At last, Nicollo paid their bill, and Jane did the same, expressing his desire for a hasty departure to the empathetic waiter. He hid again within a touristy souvenir shop, and was relieved when he saw the pair walk past, speaking about retiring to the hotel for the evening. He was about to leave and follow them, when he saw a bracelet with small painted tiles of the saints. It would make an excellent peace offering for Lisbon. Armed with his purchase, he hastened after them.

A half-hour later, he met them in the lobby of their hotel. Lisbon said her goodbyes to Nicollo, offering her thanks as he kissed both of her cheeks. Jane's whole body tensed as he watched the Italian stride to the elevators. Lisbon walked over to stand by Jane as he loitered near the lounge entrance. He felt in dire need of another drink.

"Did you enjoy the show?" Lisbon asked tightly.

"What?"

"Oh, please, Jane. I'm a detective, remember? You've been following us since the Pantheon."

Jane grinned sheepishly. "You can take the cop out of Sacramento…"

"What's the bid idea, Jane?"

It was a rare thing that Jane was at a loss for words. He could tell her an easy lie that she wouldn't believe anyway, or confess the truth—that he was jealous, plain and simple. Neither option was desirable, and the second scared him to death, so he remained silent.

"Nicollo is harmless," she replied for him, saving him from making a decision. "You don't need to worry about me. I can see through his bull, and I understand that he's just trying to get me in the sack. Still, he's fun and charming, and very knowledgeable of the city. Think of all the money I'm saving. Private tour guides are outrageously expensive."

She smiled at him, and he smiled back. "Here," he said, holding out the small paper bag from the souvenir shop.

She raised an eyebrow, but took his offering curiously. "Oh, Jane," she said, "it's lovely!"

She slipped it on her wrist, turning it around to admire each little picture.

"Thank you."

"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" he asked, but he was a little nervous of her reply, despite her apparent pleasure in his gift.

"Maybe," she said, but when her dimple appeared, he knew he was once again off the hook. Her forgiving nature was another thing he loved about her. He swallowed hard and looked self-consciously away, fearful that even he would be unable to hide his emotions from her now.

"What are your plans for the evening?" he asked politely.

She stared at him for a few assessing moments, then replied: "I'm exhausted. It was a long day with a very early start. My belly is full and I had too much wine, so I'm going to take a hot bath and hit the hay."

Jane had a brief image of Lisbon in the bathtub and blinked. "Sounds just like my plan," he said, as casually as he could muster.

"Good. Shall we?"

They walked to the elevator, and when Jane's hand went automatically to her lower back, he felt a jolt of awareness pass through his arm, and he dropped it like he'd been burned.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jane heard the running of the bathwater, heard the echoing splashes as Lisbon got into her bath. He'd felt a little bit like a voyeur today (okay, a stalker), but it was only because he thought this should have been their time. His and Lisbon's. After all they'd been through, they deserved the chance to be away from everything without being afraid Red John was lying in wait around every corner. It was actually quite a breakthrough for him, to be able to say he deserved anything good after having blamed himself for his family's deaths the last ten years.

He made himself lie down on the bed, flipping on the television to try to distract himself from thinking of Lisbon, naked on the other side of the wall. He watched in amusement an American detective show, dubbed into Italian, and he'd nearly drifted off when he heard a knock on Lisbon's hallway door. He was instantly awake. He went to their connecting door and pressed his ear against the cool wood.

He heard Lisbon pad barefoot to the door, heard her open the deadbolt and turn the knob.

"Buona sera," said Nicollo Minelli. "I bring you a night hat."

Lisbon laughed. "A night cap," she corrected.

"Aw, of course. May I come in and share it with you? I can see you must have just come from your bath…"

Was she wearing a robe? Hair wet? Legs bare?

"I don't know, Nicky, I'm really very tired."

"Ah, but a glass of champagne will help you sleep."

Champagne? Kick his ass out, Lisbon.

Jane put his hand on the doorknob and glanced over at his luggage where his lock picks were. It would take him two seconds to get through this door…

When he heard the sound of Lisbon's door closing, his heart dropped into his stomach. Moments later, the pop of a champagne bottle echoed in the room, along with the usual laughter that follows such occasions. He heard the sound of bedsprings—hopefully they were just sitting down—and the clinking together of glasses.

"To us," Nicollo was saying. "Salute!"

"Salute."
Silence as they sipped.

"Oh, this is very nice," said Lisbon sincerely.

"Si, isn't it? But not as nice as you, Teresa. You are sweet and bubbly, like the champagne."

Jane looked heavenward as Lisbon laughed.

"You are a terrible flirt, Nicky," she said, rather flirtatiously herself, Jane thought grumpily.

"Well, this has been very kind of you but really, I'm very tired…"

"Si, I can see that you are. I will leave you then."

Bed springs again as they rose, then their voices were near her door.

"May I kiss you good-night, Signorina?"

Jane's breath caught, his heart skipping a beat while he waited for her reply. It must have been so low that he couldn't hear it, but the ensuing silence told him all he needed to know. His mind raced. He could open the door and interrupt them, or simply knock. But he couldn't do it. It wasn't like he had made any clear prior claims to her, and she had no idea of his big realization about his feelings today. So if this smooth-talking Lothario was who she wanted, well, he wouldn't stand in the way.

He remembered when Lisbon had been listening in when he kissed Lorelei in the CBI interrogation room. He'd known then that Lisbon was in love with him, so that must have been torture for her to hear he was kissing someone else. Sort of like how he was feeling now.

More bed springs? Holy shit, was she going to sleep with that idiot?

He heard a few distinctly feminine sighs, and Jane realized there was no way he could listen to this anymore. His heart heavy, his mind reeling, he grabbed his key card, slipped on his shoes, and left his hotel room, closing the door softly behind him.

The downstairs lounge sounded like a very good idea all of a sudden.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Earlier…

Cho had made reservations for a seafood restaurant on the coast, and when he picked up Serena from her hotel room in the early evening, he was more delighted than he could say to have her alone. No racist brother to put a damper on things.

They were both casual, Cho in black jeans, a gray Henley, and a lightweight, black jacket. Serena wore straight-legged, electric blue pants, black leather flats, a flowing tunic top and a short jacket. A flowery scarf was tied about her neck. Both sported dark sunglasses against the early evening glare.

Cho got out of the Miata and helped her into the passenger's seat, once again trying not to let her beauty put him so off balance. It was difficult, even for Cho.

Serena had pinned her hair up for the convertible ride, and Cho wanted more than anything to press his lips to that beautiful neck of hers, inhale her sensual perfume.

"I'm sorry again for my brother," she said, as they drove through Roman traffic.

At first he thought Luka might have confessed his insulting words, so he kept his face blank, waiting for her to continue.

"He was very drunk again at the reception. He didn't use to be that way, before the accident."

"You don't need to apologize for him," said Cho.

She laughed, unoffended by his brusqueness. "Nevertheless, I have. So now we will forget about Luka and enjoy our drive. Do you like the sea?"
"Yes," said Cho.

"And we will dine on seafood?"

"If you like."

"Oh, I like," she said, giving him a sidelong smile.

And to his complete surprise, she reached over and covered his hand with hers.

It took them about an hour through traffic to arrive at a beautiful stretch of beach on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Shops, restaurants, and hotels overlooked the warm blue water, and the sun was sinking below the sea, its fading rays turning everything pink and gold. After Cho squeezed into a parking spot down the road from the restaurant, he helped Serena out of the car, keeping her small hand in his. They strolled along the esplanade, listening to the live music coming out of a bar as they walked past and on toward the restaurant.

"You are very quiet," commented Serena. "Are you always this way, or do I make you nervous?"
He treated her to a rare smile. "Yes and yes."

Her hand tightened in his. "Aw, I see. The strong, silent type. I have heard of men like you. But why do I make you nervous? I will not bite you."

How to answer that?

Because all I can think of when I look at you is kissing you.

Because now I know what all the poets have been talking about.

Because maybe love at first sight isn't just found in classic novels.

"Because you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he said, the safest of his thoughts. "But I'm sure you hear that one every day."

She shrugged. "Only from men who want to take me to bed," she said honestly, though with a hint of disparagement. "But you, Kimball, you are different."

His lips quirked wryly. "I'm not so different."

She gave him one of her throaty laughs that hit him straight in the groin. "I suppose I would be insulted if you did not feel that way."

"Women," commented Cho, shaking his head in amused dismay.

Suddenly, the sun dipped completely below the horizon, and the light changed dramatically from rose to violet. They stopped to view the show, and Cho gathered her to his side, his arm resting on her slim shoulders, his hand cupping her elbow. The flowery scarf at her neck whipped gently against him in the breeze, and when she looked up at him with a smile, he found he'd lost the will to resist her anymore.

Her light eyes widened a fraction as she realized his intent, but she didn't move away, and her hand reached up to touch his smooth cheek. His eyes fluttered closed as his heart slammed against his chest in anticipation. A shudder went through him at the feel of her moist, full lips beneath his, and he hesitated, trying to get his bearings lest he attack her like the lascivious men she reviled. But she didn't want him to stop, and her hand slipped to the back of his head to pull him closer. Her lips parted, inviting him inside, and Cho seemed to lose his last hold on restraint.

He moaned softly as his tongue made its first foray into her hot mouth, meeting hers for a sensual dance. He gladly took what she offered, her taste rich and sweet, reminding him of the cream inside a decadent Italian pastry. Serena didn't seem immune to him either, for he felt her knees nearly give way beneath her, her hands holding on to his strong arms as he held her. But as much as Italians were used to such public displays, Cho was not, so after a few heavenly minutes, he made himself tear his lips away, resting his forehead against hers while they both panted with unfulfilled desire.

"Jesus," Cho muttered, closing his eyes tightly against the nearly unbearable passion she'd ignited within him. He'd never had such an intense reaction to a woman before, and he marveled that if he felt this lightheaded from kissing her, making love with her just might kill him.

The thought made him smile, and he kissed her temple before stepping resolutely away. He put her arm through his and they moved once more toward the restaurant, both of them silent with the shock and awe of what had happened between them.

"Now who's quiet," Cho couldn't resist commenting.

He looked down at her and she gave him a shy smile. "You, Signore, are a maestro at kissing. It makes me wonder what else you are good at."

Cho looked at her enigmatically, but in his heart he hoped she wouldn't have to wonder for too long.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning, Jane awoke to a loud, relentless pounding in his brain. He'd stumbled back to his hotel room around two a.m., having gotten drunk for the first time since his sabbatical in Las Vegas. He remembered now how much easier it had been to remain in a constant state of intoxication rather than face the sickening curse of a hangover.

"Jane!" Lisbon called. "Are you alive in there? It's almost noon."

The pounding wasn't just in his brain, apparently.

The events of the night before came rushing back to him. Lisbon had slept with Nicollo Minelli. Jane buried his face in his pillow and moaned.

"Okay, I hear you in there. Open up and come on a tour of the Vatican with me."

"Is Nicky going with us?" he asked childishly.

"No. He was called in to work at his university so I had to make arrangements with a tour company. Get up. We have to meet with them in an hour."

Feeling somewhat heartened, he rolled over, underestimating his proximity to the edge of the bed. He fell on the floor with a thump, groaning pitifully once more.

"Jane, what the hell are you doing in there?"

He managed to get to his feet, holding on to the edge of the bed while the world spun at supersonic speed for a moment. Then he staggered to the door and fumbled to open it. He hadn't even engaged the bolt the night before.

When Lisbon caught sight of him, she visible cringed.

"Holy crap, Jane. Are you sick?"

"No. Well, not yet." His hand went to his mouth.

"Last time I saw you, you were settling in for the night. Did you raid the mini bar? Those little bottles aren't free, you know."

"No. I couldn't sleep, so I went down to the lounge."

She stepped past him, entering his room and shutting the door behind them.

"A nightcap I could understand, but getting drunk? That's not like you."

"Don't you mean a night hat?" he said sarcastically.

She paused as the familiar word registered. She gasped angrily. "You were eavesdropping on me!"

"The walls are thin," he said. "And Nicky has a very loud voice. I couldn't sleep for all the creaking bed springs and heavy breathing."

She flushed scarlet. Well, that confirmed things, he thought morosely. He went over to the bed and sat down before he fell down in the spinning room.

"Look, Jane, I don't know what you think you heard, and not that it's any of your damn business, but yes, Nicky stayed awhile. We had a couple glasses of champagne, we—"

"Made out like adolescenti Italiani," he supplied. "Tell me, Lisbon, is it true what they say about Latin lovers?"

Her eyes grew cold with barely suppressed rage.

"If you didn't look like you'd vomit on my shoes, I'd clobber you right now. What kind of a girl do you think I am?"

"You mean you didn't-?"

"No! Not that it's any of your damn business," she reiterated.

He grinned. "Well, I'm happy to hear it, Lisbon," he said. When he noticed she wore the bracelet he'd given her, he didn't even feel his headache anymore. But then he frowned. "You like him though, don't you?"

"He's a very charming man, and I could listen to him talk for hours, but beyond that…"

Her voice trailed off, and her meaning was clear. She wasn't attracted to Nicollo, not sexually. Jane would have whooped with happiness if his stomach weren't so tied in knots. Oh, and if Lisbon weren't there to witness it. He glanced over at her with bleary, though relieved eyes, and he realized that in his vulnerable state, he'd given himself away.

"Is that why you left and got wasted?" she asked softly. "You thought Nicky and I…?"

"Well, I was wrong, wasn't I?" he hedged, drawing shaky fingers through his unruly curls. "It happens. Look, let me take a shower and I can be ready to go in twenty minutes. If you'll do me a favor and order me some strong tea and dry toast from room service, I'd appreciate it."

"Sure," she said, but she was looking at him funny, like she was suddenly seeing a different man, a different Jane.

He supposed she was, he thought, and with Nicollo out of the picture, maybe she'd be seeing a lot more of this new Jane.

A/N: I realize I've been writing mainly from Jane's point of view, and perhaps you are wondering what's going on in Lisbon's mind right now. I'll give you more insight into her thoughts next chapter! Thanks for reading!

P.S. Thanks to those who pointed out my little inconsistency in my last chapter. Sometimes I make mistakes, and I will gladly correct them when warranted.