Mention of Marcello's name might have sparked a different kind of awkwardness, had it not been followed by mention of his wife. He's married? Rory might still feel a prickle of very base jealousy at the thought of the photographer encouraging Pippa to pose semi-nude for his camera, but he was not about to brand him an adulterer and Pippa along with him, not even in the privacy of his own mind. As for what Marcello might want ... Benefit of the doubt, man. You haven't even met him yet.

And with that admonishment on board, he answered Pippa readily. "That would be fine with me, sweet. If you're sure I won't be imposing, that is."