This left him free for the evening. Chris had been looking forward to some downtime, and normally he would go out on the town by himself. He had no issue with his own company. Yet there was a stunning brunette that might be bored. Even though he knew which room in the hotel was hers, Chris would never just show up. Instead he decided to give her a call and a chance to decline his offer.
“Hello.”
“What are you doing?” Chris asked.
“At this moment, or in life generally?” Melissa replied.
Chris enjoyed her little snippy comebacks. He usually was the one delivering them. “Let’s start with the moment.”
“Reading.”
“As in a book?” Chris asked.
Melissa laughed. “Why is that shocking? Don’t you read?”
Not for fun. “When I have to.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
“Then tell me. Why do you read?” Chris asked.
“I can go on an adventure instead of—”
“Sitting in your room reading is not an adventure.”
“Chris, it’s called using your imagination.”
He had one. And he tried hard to control it when talking or being near her. The last thing he wanted was something in his head coming out of his mouth. More than likely, Chris would offend her with blunt remarks. That wasn’t his intention.
“I’m not leaving until morning to see Sirveo.”
“Why?” Melissa asked.
“Waiting for supplies. In the meantime why don’t you come with me for a real life adventure tonight?” Chris hadn’t thought what that would entail. Whenever he was in Italy, his time was spent with Sirveo. Sightseeing was never on his agenda. Since Melissa was sitting in her room, he had a feeling it wasn’t on hers either.
“Chris, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“What isn’t? Leaving your room or coming with me?”
“Both?”
He hoped she wasn’t afraid of him. As far as he knew, he hadn’t given her any reason to be. If being in a foreign country concerned her, it shouldn’t. The Turchettas trusted him to have their backs when shit went down. There was no way he wouldn’t do the same for Melissa.
“It’s your choice, but you could’ve stayed at home if all you wanted to do was sit and read.”
“What if Ellie needs me?” Melissa asked.
Chris laughed. “She’s with Josh. I have a feeling you won’t be hearing from her. Or Jada, if that’s where you’re going next.” He heard Melissa sigh. Why am I pushing this? “If you don’t want to go with me, just say it. But time is wasting. And I’m hungry.”
“Fine! I’ll go,” Melissa said as though under duress. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.”
“Good. Bring a sweater, it gets cool where we are going.” Chris ended the call before she could back out.
Chris grabbed his wallet and headed out the door. He needed to call in a favor in order to pull this off. He called his friend, who at first insisted there was no possible way. With a bit of convincing from Chris, Palo caved and said it’d be arranged. This really wasn’t a date. It was just a dinner invitation. But just in case this was the one and only time he could talk Melissa into leaving her room, he was going to make it something she wouldn’t forget. Italy was too beautiful to only see through a glass window.
He looked at his watch and her ten minutes had come and gone. So did fifteen. He was about to call and see if she’d changed her mind when he saw her walk around the corner. Wow. Chris now understood what had kept her, and he wasn’t upset by the wait. She looked . . . gorgeous. The jeans and T-shirt she had on earlier had been replaced with a light blue dress and matching sandals. It hugged her upper body like a glove then flared out from her hips, enhancing her curves even more, though still modest. Which is even more enticing.
Chris hadn’t realized he had been holding his breath until he spoke. “You look . . . beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Melissa said softly.
She smiled at him, and he knew instantly that was a really bad idea. How was he going to keep his hands to himself? He’d been attracted to her from the start, but he kept telling himself to look at her like family. That was shot to hell. She wasn’t family, and he was fucking thrilled. But he couldn’t afford to forget she was a Turchetta. Protecting her did not include covering her sweet sexy body with his. At least not in the way he wanted to right then.
I really shouldn’t have planned this evening the way I did. Palo owned a rooftop restaurant that had a surreal night view of the cityscape. It was the perfect place to share a glass of wine and enjoy their time out. Now it sounded romantic as hell. A place for lovers . . . not something that was supposed to be casual.
Chris had been tempted to schedule a horse and carriage ride after the restaurant. Now he knew a taxi was a much better option. It was quick and less personal. He wanted to give her an experience, not the wrong impression. He was far from Mr. Charming. This was just a . . . stupid thing to do.
* * *
Melissa had been surprised to hear from Chris, but she hadn’t been prepared for him to ask her out. She had packed a few items in case she had to attend anything with Ellie and Josh. She never thought her vintage ’50s dress would be used for that.
She hadn’t really wanted to be inside all night reading, not when she could be out seeing part of Italy. Other than from my window. But Chris was difficult to read. She usually could pick up things easily. It was just something Turchettas did. When treating patients, it was extremely helpful because she could often determine if their pain was physical or emotional. At times it was both. But with Chris, she thought she had him figured out and then bam . . . he did something like that.
Like tell me I look beautiful.
He wasn’t the first man who had said that. Yet the way he looked at her as he uttered those words tugged at the pit of her stomach. She wanted him to pull her into his arms for a warm greeting, but maybe a bit of distance was the way to go. Rome could cloud things and make it feel as though something was there that really wasn’t. Or maybe reveal something you’d never have seen otherwise. No. This wasn’t a date. Or at least she suspected it wasn’t. Chris never actually said. Assuming never was a good thing. Chris was most likely hungry, and like her, he had probably felt like the third, fifth, or seventh wheel with all the happy couples surrounding them. Maybe like me, when there was an opportunity to pass eating alone . . . even in Rome . . . you took it.
Melissa looked out the window of the taxi as they headed off to wherever Chris was taking her. She avoided looking at him. He pointed out certain points of interest, which most tourists would drool over. Any other time and she’d have been one of them. Instead, each time he said her name, a chill ran through her. It was ridiculous to have a physical response like that.
“Are you cold?” Chris asked.
She nodded and reached for her white sweater she had brought along per his suggestion. Slipping it on added to the warmth she already felt. But she wasn’t about to admit her shiver was due to him sitting so close to her. To make things worse, as the taxi made its way up a narrow cobblestone road, it hit a bump, causing Melissa to bounce in the seat and slam into Chris.
He put his arm around her to steady her, “Are you okay?”
“I should be asking you. I believe that was my head that hit your jaw.” Melissa looked at him as he raised a hand and rubbed the spot. It was slightly red. She clenched her hands so she couldn’t reach out and soothe it for him.
“I think I’ll survive. If anyone questions it, I’ll tell them I got in a fight defending your honor,” Chris teased.
She was grateful he had lightened the mood with his normal humor so she decided to add to it. “I don’t know. I have a pretty mean right hook.”
Chris cocked a brow. “Somehow I can’t picture you ever raising a hand to hit someone.”
Melissa huffed and pulled away slightly. “Excuse me? I’m a Turchetta. We’re toug
h as nails and—”
“Okay. You win. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them I stepped out of line and you put me in my place.”
“Very funny. The last thing I need is people thinking I assaulted my date.” Melissa gave him a playful wink and added, “Again.”
Chris’s eyes widened and for a brief second it was as though he thought it might be true.
“Really? Do I seem like someone who’d strike another person?” It wasn’t that Melissa couldn’t handle herself. Her brothers made sure she was capable of defending herself if the need arose. However they also were always close by so she never needed to be concerned either.
His eyes roamed over her slowly before saying, “I don’t know. You seem to be different than I expected.”
Melissa wasn’t sure how to take that. “Is that a good or bad thing?”
“Both.”
As the taxi continued up the narrow road she couldn’t help but ponder what he meant. Since they had nothing better to do but talk, she asked, “Care to explain?”
“Not really,” Chris stated.
“You’re being . . . difficult.”
Chris nodded. “I have a tendency to be that way.”
“It’s not very nice to make a statement like that without an explanation. You’ll have me questioning myself all evening. Is that what you want?”
He shook his head. “I enjoy being with you.”
Melissa still didn’t see the problem. “I would hope so or we should call it an early night.”
“Although that might be the wiser choice, I think I’d still like to follow through with my original plan.”
“I’m glad.” Melissa had yet to learn what that plan was, but she was happy Chris hadn’t opted for turning the taxi around. She really was looking forward to this date. It had been a while since she’d been out on one. Not because she hadn’t been asked, but she hadn’t found any of the men who had asked her interesting in the least. They were so full of themselves, bragging about what they had, where they’d been, who they knew. Chris wasn’t like that. Actually I know very little about you. She was hoping that might change tonight, if he opened up and shared something about himself. Why were men so reticent to be forthcoming about their lives?
The taxi pulled up to the restaurant. A gentlemen opened the door and they got out. Chris gave his name and they were escorted inside. It was tiny and busy, however there was no line waiting. Instead of waiting until a table was free, a short round balding man came and greeted them.
“Ah, Signor Stratton. I see why you insist on a table tonight.” The man spoke to Chris but his eyes were on her.
Chris put a hand on the curve of her back and said, “I appreciate you making room for us. This is Melissa Turchetta.”
“Signora Turchetta, welcome. Here at Palo’s, the view is spettacolare and the food, delizioso. Come, I show you to your table.”
They followed Palo up a flight of stairs and onto a deck on the backside of the roof. It held an intimate dining area with a small round table covered with a lace cloth. The colorful plates and glasses weren’t a part of a set, yet it all fit together perfectly. In the center of the table was a bottle of wine with the cork already removed. Guess I’m not the only who is different than expected. Never took you for a man who planned ahead. What other surprises do you have up your sleeve?
Chris held the chair out for her as she took a seat overlooking the city. Far off in the distance she saw the basilica lit up for the night. She couldn’t take her eyes off her surroundings. Palo was right, the view was spectacular. Melissa could stare for hours and never take it all in. But no matter how beautiful the view was, there was something, no someone, she didn’t want to miss out on either.
Turning to face Chris, she said, “You couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I do. You seem to know the area well.” She hadn’t missed how Palo greeted Chris. They weren’t strangers.
“I’ve only been here once.”
“Really? I would’ve thought—”
“I was close with Palo’s son. That’s how I know this place.”
“Was?”
Chris said softly, “It’s a story for another time.” He picked up the bottle and poured them each a glass of pinot noir. He handed her a glass.
“What should we toast to?” Melissa asked.
He smiled, staring at her as though he wasn’t sure what to say. Then raising his glass, he said, “To all things beautiful.”
Since he hadn’t taken his eyes off her, she blushed as though it had been directed at her. Raising her glass to touch his, she smiled and took a sip. Normally she enjoyed a sweet, fruity wine, but this was nice as well. It also gave her something to think about besides him.
“You’re right,” Melissa said.
“I’m thrilled, but what exactly am I right about?” Chris asked.
“This is much better than sitting in my room reading.” There was no comparison. She was starting to understand his comment from earlier. He wasn’t at all what she expected. She figured he’d have taken her to see the sights highlighted on a tourist map. But instead he took her to a restaurant she didn’t believe everyone knew about or could get into. She was . . . impressed. “This is something I won’t forget.”
“I’m glad.”
Melissa wanted to take this time to get to know Chris better. “How is it that you seem to find the most unique places?”
“You’re referring to Sirveo?” Melissa nodded. “Another long story.”
“I have time, unless you have an early curfew,” Melissa challenged.
The waiter came over to bring them bread and oils. Once alone, Chris answered. “I was in the Army before joining Turchetta’s Promise. There was a period when I did some traveling for myself. I’ve always liked exploring on my own, and that’s how I came upon Sirveo. Not all that exciting.”
She had a feeling there was a lot more to it than that. There was something in his eyes when he said Army. She didn’t ask more because it was obvious he didn’t want to share. Her brothers would know, but they made it extremely clear personnel records were sealed.
Melissa tried not to jump to conclusions on her own, because she usually was way off base. But she couldn’t help herself. Questions and answers were flooding her mind. She knew Chris was way too young to have retired. She didn’t know his actual age, but it had to be close to hers. She also knew if he had left the military on bad terms, a dishonorable discharge, her brothers never would’ve touched him. Although her brothers were no longer in the military, they still respected all who wore the uniform.
There were many reasons not to reenlist. Had he left like her brothers had? They needed to do things their way, which seemed to be working out. It wouldn’t surprise her to learn Chris was the same way. From what she’d seen, he seemed physically fit, so that didn’t appear to be the issue. Very fit indeed. She remembered the feel of him in the close quarters of the taxi. And they still had the ride back to look forward to.
“Hello. Earth to Melissa.”
She’d drifted away in thought. “Sorry, I was thinking of . . . Sirveo.” It was the best she could come up with.
“He said you really enjoyed your stay.”
“I did. I couldn’t believe how late we stayed up. I always thought farmers went to bed at sundown and rose with the sun.”
“Late? Sirveo?”
“Yes. Once he started playing, he didn’t want to stop.”
“Are we talking about the same man?” Chris asked.
Melissa chuckled. “Since he talked about you, I would say yes. He’s such a gracious host. We woke in the morning with breakfast and at night he played the mandolin and sang to us until we were exhausted. The way you spoke I thought for sure we were going to be cleaning the barn or something.”
“Next you’re going to be telling me Sirveo dances too.” Chris laughed.
Melissa smirked. “Not that I noticed, but maybe next time
.”
“I think Sirveo and I need to have a chat.”
“From what he said, you’ll be too busy working on fixing a leak in the roof and mending the fence that fell down to have any time to talk.” She was only teasing, but since he mentioned receiving a list from Sirveo, it was possible.
“You know, if you’d like, you can come with me. Maybe you can have Sirveo sing while I’m fixing the roof.”
“Oh, thank you for the offer, but I’d hate to intrude on your . . . quality time. Besides, I have research to do.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re still thinking about doing that soap stuff you were talking about.”
She didn’t appreciate him dissing her idea without waiting until they had a full understanding of what it would entail. “Isn’t it up to Sirveo to decide what he wants?”
“It is. But I know him a lot better than you do,” Chris said.
“And yet you didn’t know he could sing and play,” Melissa said as she picked up her wine and took another sip.
“You’re right. I know what the farm means to him and why. And none of that had to do with soap.”
The waiter returned and asked if they needed anything. Melissa shook her head. She saw this evening quickly taking a turn for the worse. It was still salvageable, but did it matter? He was leaving in the morning to help Sirveo. And I’ll be sitting in my hotel room wishing I was there.
Had Chris picked up on the situation as well? He said, “Sorry. I’m a bit protective of him.”
“That’s a good thing. He needs someone like you.” Melissa meant that. Sirveo not only needed help on the farm, he also needed someone to make sure no one took advantage of him. Chris, although a bit harsh, definitely fit that bill.
“It sounds like he could use us both. I was serious earlier. If you want to come, you’re welcome. And you won’t feel like the third wheel there either.”
For Love Page 7
