In her long sleeved nightgown (the one that she hated), Ann stood at the window, looking out into the darkness. The barge beside the Castel Sant'Angelo was empty, save for the tiny white lights that illuminated it. Soon, it would once again be filled with music and dancing.

Three nights had passed since that evening. The truly wonderful evening that she'd spent on that barge, dancing in the arms of Joe Bradley. Even when chaos erupted, he had a way of making her feel safe. She didn't need to look at the "commemorative photographs" that Irving had presented to her to remember that day, for those memories were etched in her mind.

The way Joe had looked at her while they were dancing as though she was the only woman in the world. The softness of his cheek as it brushed against hers. The crisp scent of his cologne. His handsome face, and the way she felt in his arms.

Tears slid down her cheeks; a painful reminder that she would never again know such happiness as she had on that perfect day.

She'd done so many things that she'd always wanted to do; sitting at Rocca's sidewalk cafe, eating gelato on the Spanish Steps, touring the Wall of Wishes and Dreams, taking in the history of the Colosseum and even an exciting ride on a Vespa; one that almost got them all into big trouble. Even the frightening incident at the barge with the Secret Servicemen restraints made her smile. Thanks to Irving and Joe, they managed to fend off the Secret Service by jumping into the Tibor River and swam safely to shore. It was there, shivering from the cold, that they shared that oh so perfect kiss.

"Say, you know, you were great back there!" He'd complimented.
"You weren't so bad yourself."

The kiss, when it happened, was completely unexpected, but she'd remember the way it felt for the rest of her life. They had been completely alone, far from danger.

There were no words spoken on the ride back to Via Marguta, but she was certain that he could hear the fluttering of her heart.
Her left hand lay on the leather seat; her fingers entwined in his. En route to his apartment, Joe took great precautions to make sure that they were alone and when the car came to a stop, he made certain that it was safe before allowing her to exit. Hand in hand, they made their way through the courtyard and ascended the spiral steps that led to his apartments. Once inside, they gazed at one another, as though trying to hold onto the moment just a little while longer. They both knew that the night wouldn't last forever.

"You'd better get out of those wet clothes." Joe said softly. "You're welcome to wear my robe."
Ann smiled. "Thank you." She reached for his cheek, brushed her hand lightly over it, and then disappeared into the bathroom.

Minutes later, after a hot shower, she draped her wet clothes over the clothesline and glanced into the mirror, cringing at her disheveled reflection. His silk robe hung on a hook and when she slipped it on and tied the belt around her tiny waist, it was as though he'd wrapped her in a hug.
Quietly she slipped out of the bathroom and smiled at him.

"Everything all right? I hope nothing's ruined."
"It'll be fine. They'll be dry in a minute."

He looked her up and down. "It suits you. You should always wear my clothes."
She couldn't help but grin. "It seems that I do."
She moved to pass him, but he put his hand on her shoulder, preventing her from going any further. Instantly she was in his arms, holding him closer than she'd ever held anyone.

"There's something I have to tell you." He said quietly.
But his words only made her hold him closer, her fingertips moving across his shoulders. "No… please…" She tilted her face upwards until their lips met in a kiss. And when the kiss ended, letting go of him was oh so difficult.

Her chest ached as they walked back to his car and she could barely speak, directing him toward the Embassy. In front of the gate, they sat in the car, their hearts heavy. When at last they spoke, their voices trembled.
"I don't know what to say. I can't think of any words."
"Don't try."

When at last they let go of each other, she got out of the car and hurried past the gate. As he drove away, she stood in the darkness, sobbing uncontrollably.