“I reminded myself that according to the consensus of opinion, a forty-year-old woman was in her sexual prime, while a man’s was at the age of 19. Which meant Sebastian was already past his prime: although there was no evidence that anyone had told him that.”

“There were so many things Sebastian and I had to work out: we'd both been single for so long that blending our lives together wasn't going to be easy.I'd promised Sebastian we'd find a way. He deserved to be loved for everything he was. And for whatever crazy reason he had, he loved me, too.”

“My beautiful boy, my lover, my friend. The man I thought I'd never see again. Sebastian.”

“I love you, too," I whispered so softly I didn't know if he'd heard me. "Ti amo tanto, Sebastian, sempre e per sempre.”

“I can’t, Caro, it’s out of my hands now. But I promise it’s temporary. I just… after all this time… I wanted us to be able to spend more than a few hours together.” He stared at his hands. “I don’t know when I’ll see you again,” he mumbled. “I’ve already waited ten years.”

“Sebastian, women like sex just as much as men... if it's good."He tried to smile but still looked uncertain, his forehead creasing with worry."Am I...?"He bit his lip.I knew what he was trying to ask me."Yes, you're good. In fact I'd say you're amazing: in so many ways.”

“He’d asked me once if I was brave enough to take a chance on love. I finally knew the answer.“I love you, too, Sebastian. More than you’ll ever know.”