Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances

by Nicole Morgan

  “Good morning, Miss St. Claire. I trust you had a good flight? My name is John. Please let me take that for you.” He reached for her case.

  “Thank you, John. I have two suitcases as well.”

  “Of course, Miss. If you would like to wait here I will retrieve them for you?”

  “I don’t mind walking with you. I need to stretch my legs.”

  “As you wish.” He smiled warmly at her as they moved through the terminal to get her luggage.

  The ride through the Italian countryside took her breath away. The beauty of the deep green rolling hills, the vineyards dotting the landscape and the cloudless blue sky was an artist’s dream come true. She loved how the grapevines were planted in straight lines that rolled up and down the hills, drawing her eyes off to the distance. She couldn’t get over how the winding road was the only thing that broke the landscape with its stark white contrast.

  They drove through a village with small stone homes built close together. The street was full of people laughing and walking about doing their daily business.

  John turned down the gravel drive and pulled up to the villa. She could not believe her luck. It looked just like she imagined a villa in Tuscany. Stone and red brick peeked through the stucco from years exposed to the elements. Ivy climbed on one corner, reaching upward to the curved clay tiles of the roof.

  Planters of concrete and red clay, in many different shapes and sizes, would hold flowers of every color in the warmer months. Roses climbed along the short stone wall that led to the double front doors.

  She opened the front door to a stunning view through the large veranda doors on the back wall. She walked over, pushed them open and stepped out onto the covered porch. Brick columns with climbing rose bushes framed the stone floor. An ivy plant grew over the ceiling of the porch, little white flowers peeking through here and there. More planters were placed where she was sure a multitude of blooming plants would soon thrive. A beautiful old wood table and chairs were set in the center.

  Walking to the opening of the porch, Rhian took in the rolling hills dotted here and there with straight, dark green trees. I could paint here for hours.

  Spinning around, she walked back into the foyer and down the hallway to check out the bedrooms. The first one she came upon had a large, four-poster bed and mounds of pillows that beckoned to be tumbled into. The comforter matched the pale Robin’s egg blue walls. This room is mine.

  She dashed across the room and flung herself onto the soft mattress, stretched, and sighed, “I could so get used to this.” After a couple of minutes, she reluctantly forced herself to get up from the bed. The travel agent who had booked the flight had advised her to stay awake most of the day to help with the jet lag.

  She made her way to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator and cabinets, pleased to see her request for a stocked kitchen had been followed. Fresh veggies and fruits were in the refrigerator; an espresso machine, coffee and sweet rolls sat on the marble counter. Her stomach rumbled and she realized she had not eaten since yesterday.

  First order of business, take a shower and make some something to eat. I think I’ll wait and unpack later. In the bathroom, she found a stack of billowy white towels and the most wonderful smelling soaps and shampoo. Turning on the water, she stripped and climbed into the tub. After washing her hair and enjoying a luxurious soak, she stepped from the tub. The towel felt heavenly as she dried off and wrapped herself into it.

  Back in her bedroom, she opened her suitcase and took out her soft cotton gown, pulled it over her head and slipped on a cozy pair of slippers. Then she wandered into the kitchen and looked into the fridge. Removing the bowls of veggies and fruits, she placed them on the counter and found the cutting board and a strainer. Rhian busied herself making a light dinner. A basket she had not noticed earlier sat on the table with a bottle of wine and a fresh loaf of bread. Grabbing the bread out of the basket, she opened the package and inhaled the scent. Her stomach growled as she sliced off a piece and spread some of the soft churned butter over it.

  Rhian poured a glass of wine and carried the meal onto the veranda. As the sun slowly set behind the hills, she felt a peace come over her. This is just what I needed. She sat peacefully, listening to the night sounds and letting the light breeze flow over her skin.

  When she climbed into bed that evening and turned off the lights, her mind moved immediately to Kellen. She wondered where he was and what he was doing as she drifted off.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kellen wondered where Rhian was and what she was doing. Why didn’t she talk to me before she left? He decided to grab a shower and hit the club. Maybe he would find someone to take the edge off. Why did he care anyway?

  When he arrived at the club, he ordered a shot of whiskey. He saw a blonde in an incredibly tight dress headed his way. He pretended to not be interested as she slithered up to him. She placed her hand on his arm; he turned with a raised eyebrow and nodded.

  “Hey, my name is Julie. You’re Kellen, right?” She smiled at him and batted her eyes.

  God, I hate when they do that crap. “Yeah, I am. How are you tonight, Julie?” he replied in his best “I couldn’t give a shit who you are” tone.

  She leaned in closer and almost started purring. “My friend Linda said you really know how to take care of a lady.” She laughed, but the sound grated on every nerve in his body.

  “Who’s Linda?”

  Julie frowned. “My friend over there.” She pointed to a tall redhead near the end of the bar.

  “Oh, sorry. Don’t remember her.” Kellen motioned the bartender to refill his drink.

  “Well, she sure remembers you. Says it was the best time of her life when you took her home. She can’t stop talking about it. So I wondered if you would like to take me home?” She batted her lashes again.

  Kellen looked her up and down, shrugging his shoulders. “Why not?” He downed his drink and said, “Let’s go. I hope you drove because you aren’t dressed to ride my bike.” He sauntered towards the door, not looking back to see if she followed.

  Julie waved to her friend as she eagerly followed him out of the bar. “Where are you parked?”

  “Right there.” He pointed to his Harley under the streetlight. “Drive over and I’ll follow you to your house.”

  She cocked her head sideways. “Oh, sure. You want to follow me home?”

  “That’s what I said. Or I can go back inside. Your call, lady.” He leaned back against the railing to see what she would say. From the look in her eyes, her friend must have really talked him up. He was proud of his skills in the bedroom and how quickly his reputation had gotten around town.

  “All right, I’m driving a red Honda. Don’t go anywhere on me, sexy.” She turned and walked away with a sway of her hips.

  Kellen shook his head. Always the same. Can’t they think of anything else to do other than sway their damn hips? He ran his hand through his hair, walked to his bike, and put his helmet on. When he saw her car approach, he started the big bike and followed his newest conquest home.

  They arrived a few minutes later at a small, two-story yellow house on Walnut Street. He pulled into the drive behind her car.

  “Come on. Would you like a drink first, honey?” she asked and grabbed his hand, leading him to her front door.

  “No, a drink isn’t what I’m looking for right now,” he said with a growl, as she opened the front door and entered the house. “Where’s your room?”

  She looked at him with hooded eyes, her voice throaty with desire. “Up there.” She pointed to the stairs.

  “Well, let’s go.” He put his hand on her lower back and pushed her towards the stairs. Her breath caught when he touched her. This one isn’t going to be much work. He laughed.

  Misinterpreting him, Julie turned and smiled. She grabbed his hand and ran up the last few steps. “Can’t wait, huh?” She grabbed at his clothes.

  “Slow down, lady. What’s your rush?” he asked, backing d
own a few steps. Either he was in charge or or he’d turn around and walk right back out of the house.

  She stuck her bottom lip out. “Why so angry, Kellen? I just thought you were in a hurry to have some fun.” She sashayed into the room, tugging her dress off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. Turning around, she posed for him at the foot of her bed. “Like what you see?” She almost purred.

  He removed his shirt, unzipped his jeans, and pushed them off his hips to the floor. “Like what you see?” he asked. He strode across the room and watched her lick her lips as she took in his body.

  “Oh, yes,” she whispered. “I very much like what I see.” She reached behind and unhooked her bra. It fell to the floor. Lying back on the bed, she waited for him to join her.

  Kellen crawled on top of her and ran his hands down her body. He kissed her neck and smirked as she arched her back, making sure he noticed her fake breasts. He moved down and softly bit her nipple, making her moan. Oh yeah, this one is going to be really easy to please. He quickly placed the condom over his erection before he slid into her.

  As soon as she finished and cried out his name, Kellen pulled out. Julie pouted. “Why’d you do that?”

  He ignored her, rolled off the bed, grabbed his clothes, and asked, “Where’s your bathroom?”

  She pointed and slid off the bed. “Want me to join you?”

  “Nope.” He walked into the room and locked the door behind him, feeling dirty from the sex.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Rhian woke feeling relaxed, stretched and contemplated how she could certainly get used to this. Stepping out of bed, she put on a robe and a pair of slippers, and then headed to the kitchen to make coffee and a simple breakfast. Just as she poured her coffee, she heard a knock at the door. Glancing at the clock, she wondered who could be here this early in the morning.

  She crossed the room and tried to peek through the thick glass at the top of the door. “Who is it?” Rhian’s breath caught when she saw a handsome stranger’s deep blue eyes looking back at her.

  “Hello Signorina St. Claire. I am Dante Barone. I own the art store in town. You ordered some supplies?”

  Rhian opened the door and smiled. “Oh, how nice to meet you. I’m afraid you have caught me just getting up and around.” She could feel the blush on her skin. “Please, come in.”

  Dante Barone stood at least six-feet tall and had beautiful wavy brown hair. He wore a form-fitting blue shirt, a pair of tight blue jeans that didn’t leave much to the imagination, and a pair of Armani shoes.

  “No need to apologize. It is I who should apologize for coming so early. When we got your order for the art supplies, I was intrigued and wanted to meet this American painter.”

  “Would you like some coffee and fruit? I just made myself something to eat. I can’t wait to check out the art supplies. My entire life, I have wanted to come to Italy and paint,” she replied, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. She rambled on as she always did when she became nervous. Oh that accent!

  Dante smiled at her. “Well, they will be here this morning. The truck is not far behind me. I’m so glad you are this excited about painting. It is a passion of mine as well. I hope you will allow me to come by sometime to see some of your work.” He took the cup of coffee and watched as she prepared two bowls of fresh fruit.

  “I would enjoy seeing your work as well. Here you go,” she replied, handing him his fruit. “Would you like to sit out back on the porch? The view is gorgeous and I’ve started the ceramic warmer. These hills seem to go on forever and the sky is so blue this morning.”

  “I would love to, Signorina.” He followed her out onto the veranda. “I have always appreciated the view from here.”

  She turned and looked at him, eyebrows raised. “You have been here before? Oh, and please call me Rhian.”

  “Yes, my family owns this villa. We come here on vacation and have only recently rented it out.” He sat down in one of the chairs and placed his bowl and cup on the little table.

  “Well, it certainly is a lovely home, and thank you and your family for allowing me to stay here.” She glanced over at him, taking in his chiseled jawline and lovely blue eyes. He is almost as handsome as Kellen. Whoa, where did that come from?

  “Where did you go just then, Rhian? Your eyes became very sad for a moment.” He watched her intently.

  “Oh, I was just thinking about someone back home.” She perked up again. “What type of painting do you do?”

  “Mostly portraits, it’s my first love. But there are many beautiful areas of Tuscany that demand to be painted as well. And you?”

  “Landscapes, but I want to try my hand at portraits. I’ve never had the time.”

  Rhian heard a vehicle crunching the stones of the driveway. “Oh! My supplies are here.” She clapped her hands as she turned back to Dante. “I can’t wait to unpack them.” She blushed when she saw how he looked at her. “I know I can get very silly when I’m excited.”

  “Don’t be sorry, Rhian. I think your enthusiasm is rather charming. Come, let’s get everything unloaded. I will help you unpack and set up if you like.” He took her hand in his and led her through the doors of the veranda back into the villa.

  His hand was warm and big just like Kellen’s. She smiled, thinking about him again. With a sigh, she pushed him to the back of her mind not wanting him to overshadow her delight today.

  Dante spoke to the deliverymen in Italian. “Portario qui per favore.”

  Rhian stood back and listened, admiring how the men did everything he asked without question. They brought in the canvases and boxes while she told them where to place each item.

  When they were done, he slapped the eldest man on the back. “Grazie, thank you for bringing it so quickly, Sergio.”

  The older man laughed and replied “You’re welcome, Dante. Ehi, lei e una gioia per gli occhi che si.”

  “Si, lei e Sergio. Un ottimo donna in cerca. Grazi ancora. Now get out of here so I can help the lady with her supplies.” Dante winked at the older man. “Ciao!”

  Dante turned to Rhian, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “He is a funny old man that one.”

  “What were ya’ll talking about? It sounded so lovely.” She smiled at him.

  “I thanked him for his help and he told me you were a real looker, as you Americans say.”

  Rhian felt the heat of her blush spreading across her face. “Oh that is sweet.” She blushed even more when she looked down at her slippers. “Goodness, I’m still in my nightclothes. I haven’t even brushed my hair. Would you excuse me while I go dress?”

  “No problem. Let me get everything unboxed and set up for you. I think you will find the light for painting perfect here just off the veranda. I always did. You don’t mind if I stay, do you?”

  “I don’t mind, and thank you. I won’t be long.” She hurried back to her bedroom, flustered because she had entertained a strange man in her nightgown. The scandal would give her father a heart attack if he found out. A rebellious giggle escaped her lips. She grabbed a little dress and laid it on her bed. She started the shower and again wondered what Kellen was doing as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and stepped onto the wet tiles.

  I guess I had better call him in a few days—just to check on the progress at the cafe. Her thoughts turned to the handsome Dante. Maybe she would visit him next week to check out his paintings. It would be nice if he could give her some advice on portraits.

  Showered and dressed, she let her hair down on a whim and walked back into the living room. Dante was hard at work with her easel already set up and a small table placed beside it with brushes and paints.

  He turned when he heard her behind him. Looking her up and down, he met her eyes and said, “Well, you look very lovely, Rhian. What a beautiful dress.”

  “Thank you, Dante. It was my mother’s. Thank you so much for getting everything set up for me. Was I gone that long?” She knew she rambled on again but couldn’t help herse
lf.

  “No, I have set my easel and paints up here many times over the years. I just know what works. I hope you don’t mind.” He shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head, his eyes dancing.

  “Of course I don’t mind. It’s less work for me to have to do.” She walked over to her easel and glanced out the veranda doors. “You are right, this is the perfect spot. Look at how the light filters in. I can’t wait to get to work.”

  “Well, I’ll get out of your way. I’m sure you have more to do to get settled in.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a business card. “Call me if you need anything.”

  She took the card from him and placed it on the little table. “I will. Thank you again for coming over and making me feel so welcome in your home. I hope I will see you again.”

  “You will, Rhian. As often as you like.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Call me soon.”

  She remained in the doorway as he walked to his car, the gravel crunching underneath his feet. He turned and waved at her just before he got in. “Ciao,” he called.

  She stared until his car drove out of sight over a hill.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kellen spent the morning working on the café with Denny, who chitchatted away about all sorts of things. Kellen, however, could do nothing but think about Rhian. He speculated about where she was and what she had been doing these last few weeks. He actually found himself feeling guilty about his romp in the sack with Julie the night before. That pissed him off. He paced back and forth, mumbling under his breath.

  “Mr. Slade, what’s wrong with you?” He backed up.

  Kellen spun. Denny’s eyes were wide, his mouth drawn down. “Shit, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Denny looked at him. “You just looked really mad. Did I do something wrong?”

  “No, you didn’t. I think I did. Rhian’s gone and didn’t call me and won’t answer her phone. I haven’t heard from her in a couple of weeks. I gave her space but… Where do you think she went?”