Love X 2: Duet (Second Chance Romance Boxset)

by Kate Kisset

  “To now.” She took a sip. The heat of his glance unnerved her. Thick black lashes screened his eyes. Danica tried to appear nonchalant, holding up her glass, pretending to appreciate the color of sparkling bubbles.

  She looked out at the passing scenery, avoiding his gaze, attempting to quash the unrelenting nervousness jangling under her skin. The safety-net feeling of being in his arms earlier at the villa vanished. She didn’t really know who this new Luca was.

  Maybe he picked up on her discomfort, because he broke his gaze and settled back against the seat. He grasped her hand, placed it on his lap, and held it in both of his.

  Danica stared out the window, luxuriating in the magic hour in wine country. A tangerine sky hugged the horizon, shooting luminescent slivers of gold over the vineyards. The rows of bright green vines appeared silver. Tufts of wispy clouds lingered over the distant hills. The sun was just starting to set, but her first real date with Luca was just beginning.

  Chapter Nine

  Pink brushstrokes painted the sky by the time they arrived at the Culinary Foundation in St. Helena, and the Mayacamas Mountains seemed to glimmer.

  “This used to be the Christian Brothers’ Winery,” he explained. “The building’s almost a hundred years old.”

  She stared up at the enormous stone, castle-like structure. “Gorgeous.”

  “Careful, now.” Luca tucked her arm through his. Still not used to wearing a long gown, she cautiously climbed the steps, hoping she wouldn’t trip. They paused about halfway up the rocky staircase to take in the views of the valley and surrounding hills. Acres of grapevine rows with rose borders glittered below them in the fading sun.

  They reached the entry, and Luca paused. “You ready?” He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand.

  She nodded, and he opened the heavy door.

  Danica gaped. Lithe acrobats in exotic shades of neon blue and orange swung on high rafters overhead.

  “Welcome.” A hostess dressed as a zebra ballerina greeted them. While Luca checked in, Danica scanned the room, trying to get her bearings. A clown in vibrant fuchsia, gold, and green dove from a high ledge and latched on to another acrobat dressed identically. Her jaw dropped. She’d never been to a Cirque De Soleil performance, and in her wildest dreams, she couldn’t have conjured a spectacle as amazing as this.

  “Something to drink?” Luca asked, ushering her by the elbow deeper into the cool stone hall.

  “Definitely,” she said under her breath, latching onto his arm.

  A waiter in tights and enormous peacock feathers greeted them with a tray of canapes. Gesturing with a deep sweep, he beckoned to a woman in a hummingbird costume who was serving glasses of sparkling wine.

  Danica stole a glance at Luca and met his eyes. They both laughed. After taking their glasses, they wandered farther down the hall.

  They entered the silent auction room where items up for bid were on display, and Danica paused at one of the small tables for a better look at the offerings.

  Mesmerized by the stunning cover photo, she studied the brochure for a two-week stay at a villa in Italy. Suddenly realizing Luca had disappeared somewhere in the crowded room, she glanced around to find him.

  Elegantly clad men, and women with glittering, jeweled wrists, chatted while they perused the auction items set out on white clothed tables bordering the walls. The blend of expensive fragrances and lotions made the enclosure smell like a perfume counter at Nordstrom.

  She spotted him a few feet away, flashing his adorable dimple, talking animatedly to an older couple. The white-haired woman seemed enthralled with whatever Luca was saying, because her twinkling eyes were shooting sparks at him. He surprised Danica by turning just in time to catch her staring. After saying his good-byes, he rushed to her.

  “Sorry, old family friends,” he explained, reaching around her waist. Luca gave her a little squeeze and eyed the brochure of Villa Laura. Tugging her closer, he whispered close enough to her ear to make her shiver. “Anything strike your fancy?"

  Danica didn’t know why, and guessed it had something to do with the way the other women in the room were staring at him, blurted, “Yes, you.”

  “Whoa.” He jerked his head back. “You’re killin’ me. We have to make an appearance at dinner but hold that thought.”

  Winding their way out of the now-packed auction room, they entered a massive dining hall. Luca seemed to know where he was going and held her hand while they maneuvered around guests rapidly filling the dining tables. Every few feet, someone would stop Luca with a hug, or a “Great to see you, how’s your family?”

  A young man around high school age, who didn’t look like he belonged there, waved from the side of the room. Luca led her off the main aisle to meet him.

  “Tyler.” He let go of Danica’s hand and embraced the boy, slapping his back. Luca murmured something in Tyler’s ear, and the kid broke into a smile. “Tyler, I’d like you to meet Danica Vargas.”

  Tyler extended his hand and shook hers warmly. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without Luca.” His face turned pink.

  Not knowing what to make of this conversation, Danica nodded. “Yes. He’s an amazing guy.” The house lights dimmed, and the crowd hurried to take their seats.

  “Later.” Luca shrugged at Tyler and escorted her back through the crowded room. Finally they reached what had to be prime real estate in the dining hall, because all eyes seemed to be focused on them. Luca tucked her into a chair at a table front and center of the stage.

  White hydrangeas, white roses, a few pink lavender sprigs, and clusters of white votive candles covered the large, round table. Danica stealthily tucked the elegant place card engraved with her name in her purse.

  “Having fun?” Luca asked next to her over the chatter and tinkling glasses. He tucked his hand under the table and squeezed her thigh. “Anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”

  “No.” Danica smiled and put her hand on his under the table. “Everything is perfect. Thank you for inviting me.” Should she continue? Tell him how special he made her feel by taking her to this amazing event as his date?

  Luca squeezed her hand. “I’m happy you’re here.”

  An older man with a paunch wobbled onto the stage and waved to the crowd. After surveying the room, he removed the microphone from its stand, making a startling thu-wamp sound. The house lights dimmed and the room quieted.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your generous donations, and for making time in your busy schedules to join us for this special evening. Our organization wouldn't be possible without your support. There are still some incredible offerings in our silent auction, so if you haven't perused the items yet, I encourage you to take a look.”

  A waiter dressed as the king of hearts quietly placed salads in front of them. Luca’s perfectly straight nose aimed toward the stage, and he picked at his salad. Without looking away from the stage. Danica put her fork down. An uncomfortable energy coursed through her.

  Scanning the room, she felt sure everyone knew something she didn’t. The emcee mentioned the presentation of a scholastic award, and Luca’s posture changed. He sat up straight, wiped his mouth, and placed his napkin on the table.

  Danica craned her neck, scanning the room again. Every eye was on Luca. He pushed back his chair a foot from the table.

  “You've no doubt read about him being one of the Crushers’ most recent recruits.” The Emcee smiled down at their table. “Or we could say he’s one of the Crushers’ latest steals. Sonoma stole him from us.”

  A tittering of giggles filled the room. “The Crushers call him Danny Deep. They know his batting average, how many bases he steals, his stats… We know him as family, as a man always willing to help…” He waited a beat. “...with a great attitude, a generous spirit, and a warm heart. Please give a warm welcome to Napa’s own Luca Santino, here to present this year’s Jonas Scholarship Award.”

  With a ga
sp Danica leaped to her feet. Pinpricks of electricity shot through her. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she shouted so Luca could hear her over the thunderous applause and whistles.

  Luca kissed her on the cheek and got up. He turned, giving a staggering smile to the audience before effortlessly, seemingly without a care, or a smidgen of nervousness, took two steps at time up to the stage.

  Entranced, Danica sighed over the way he sauntered to the microphone. She thought of that sexy summer song, about walking like a samba. Luca moved like a freaking song.

  Luca shook the emcee’s hand and stepped up to the podium. He caught her gaze and grinned. Their eyes locked for split second.

  “Thank you,” Luca said into the microphone, his rich voice filling the room. “I sincerely appreciate the welcome, because I know this organization means as much to you as it does it does to me. You wouldn’t be here tonight if it didn’t.

  “Paying it forward is a catch phrase, but we know it means giving, sharing, and helping people who need it. This organization is about doing the right thing and giving opportunities to people who deserve it. Tonight, I am honored to present our college scholarship to a young man who’s proved himself time and time again, without letting his personal situation hold him back.

  “I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring him since his junior high school days. I’ve witnessed his personal growth, and I’m so very proud of him. He's stayed on the honor roll every semester of high school while also playing basketball and baseball.

  “It is my privilege and pleasure to present the Jonas Boys Club Scholarship award to Tyler Wilson.”

  Amidst thunderous applause, Tyler, the young man she met minutes ago, climbed up the steps to the stage. He gave Luca a bear hug before taking the podium with the emcee.

  Danica couldn’t wait for Luca to be seated again, and could barely contain herself. "You didn't tell me you were presenting the award.” She blurted a whisper, “You don’t even have notes.”

  “It’s all up here, baby.” Luca pointed to his head, his right dimple making a cheerful appearance. “So I did okay?”

  “More than okay.”

  He cocked his head with that naughty grin. “Good. Now we're off duty.”

  After what seemed like hours of sponsor mentions and a slide show highlighting the community services funded by the Jonas Boys’ Club, the dinner guests wandered off to join other event attractions, leaving the two of them alone in the cavernous room.

  Danica didn’t want to leave. The lights were still dim, and candles burning on the empty tables around them, gave off a flickering light.

  A lone waiter dressed as the Jack of Spades approached carrying a tray. “Room for dessert?” Danica nodded leaning back, giving him plenty of room to drop off the treat. The waiter then deposited another ramekin in front of Luca. “Butterscotch pot de crème sir,” he said making a little bow, and then departed the room. Warm sugar, molasses and caramel scents wafted up from the dish.

  Before Danica could tuck into her bowl, Luca asked, “May I?” He held back a smile and lifted her spoon. Taking his own sweet time, he dipped it into her cup, scraping the sticky excess on the ramekin’s rim.

  She parted her lips and then gave away her nervousness by twitching as the spoon entered her mouth. Danica savored the off-the-charts delicious, silky-smooth mouthful. “Insanely good,” she said licking her lips, meeting his gaze.

  “You missed some.” Leaning so close his breath caressed her nose, Luca kissed the corner of her mouth, and lingered. She held her breath, anticipating his lips. His woodsy, spicy scent enveloped her, and she closed her eyes.

  Their lips met, and he kissed her gently. And, for a minute that lasted only a second, her world was warm and tasted like Luca-champagne. He broke from the kiss, and when she opened her eyes, the light of the room felt like a rude interruption.

  “I don’t want to get too carried away. I could kiss you all night,” he said clutching her hand and slumping into his chair. “All night, Danica.”

  Even though whatever she said next would lead her down a path with no graceful exit, she said it anyway. “I want to kiss you all night, too.”

  He devoured her for a moment with a stare. “Is that so?”

  Danica let his words hang and tucked into her dessert. After they finished their last course, several waiters began to hover around the table, silently urging them to move on, so they took the hint and left.

  Floating on air, with his hand tightly clasped around hers, Luca led her out of the dining room and into a large hallway. They passed a restroom, and she paused. She hated to leave him, even for a second, but had to. There wasn’t a line to the ladies’ room, so she made her excuses and left for a quick potty break.

  While Luca waited for Danica just outside the ladies’ room door, he meditated on her legs. Were they as smooth and as soft as the small of her back, her shoulders, her arms, and every other part of her he’d touched so far this evening?

  The thin fabric of her dress had been teasing him, and he suspected she’d chosen it on purpose.

  He’d waited years to have her in his arms again, and the temptation to touch her very inappropriately was unbearable. He had to fight the urge to slip his hand under the fabric every time he stroked the delicious little region where her skin ended and the fabric began. That area, right where her sexy butt curved out, drove him insane.

  A stunner as a teen-ager, now every inch of Danica’s five-foot, seven-inch body packed curves in all the perfect places, making it impossible to keep his hands off her. The fact that they’d been intimate before made him feel too comfortable with her. From the second he saw her in the hospital room, he wanted to pick up where they left off all those years ago.

  Danica slipped up next to him smelling like sugary vanilla, and wouldn’t you know it, he hardened the second he looked down to investigate her creamy cleavage. She placed her arm in the crook of his. Her hair tickled the bottom of his chin, and he closed his eyes to take in the fresh apple scent drifting up from her silken hair. He wanted to bury his face in it and kiss her neck. Maintain the cool, buddy. Maintain the cool.

  Placing his hand in that dangerously tempting territory, the small of her back, he guided her through the crowd to the ballroom. He'd known just about every angle of her back in the day, but couldn’t have imagined...and he had a powerful imagination...she would grow up to look like this.

  The grown-up version of Danica Vargas, and the way she moved, like she walked on air, was better than any of his boyhood wet dreams. He didn’t mind the other men ogling her and straining their necks for a better look. Although he couldn’t blame them for being envious of his date, it didn’t mean he would allow anyone else to touch her.

  Luca tucked his arm around her waist, drawing her close to his side, and led her to a quiet spot in the corner far enough away from the band so they could sit and hear each other over the music.

  Danica placed her bag on the table. Her big brown eyes sparkled while she smiled into his eyes, and the candles on the table illuminated her beautiful mouth.

  “You gonna sweep me around this dance floor, sailor?” She glanced over her shoulder at the singer belting out The Way You Look Tonight.

  “It’s slugger, and I'll do more than sweep,” he said rising. After removing his jacket and placing it on the back of his chair, he extended his hand. “Shall we?”

  Her soft fingers clasped around his, and he had a passing urge to lead her straight out the door.

  Sleek and smooth, Danica came gracefully into his arms on the dance floor, molding against him. Barely moving their feet, they held onto each other. If he wanted to impress her and actually dance, he could. Thanks to his mother, who forced him to take lessons at Miss Loretta’s Top Step Studio, Luca knew how to foxtrot, waltz, and tango. But he didn’t want to move an inch away from Danica, and kept her snug in his arms, hugging in time with the music.

  Caught up in the way she kept pressing her body
against him, Luca didn’t think about what his hands did. They glided down over the velvet skin on her back and down, down to where the edge of her dress had been teasing him all night.

  He slipped a few fingers underneath the gown, sure Danica would flinch. Thankfully, she didn’t, so he kept his fingers under the silky fabric and drew little circles on the small of Danica’s back while they swayed in rhythm.

  Finally, he had an excuse to hold her close for as long as he wanted.

  Through heavy lids, Danica gazed over Luca’s shoulder at the kaleidoscope of sparkles bouncing off the ballroom’s crystal chandeliers. The walls were covered with dreamy rainbows.

  Contented, Danica leaned against his solid chest, happy the lights were low and no one could see her. Luca’s heartbeat pounded against her ear, his warmth radiated into her body, and she clung to him, snuggling against his shirt. Here in the shadows, she could go ahead and melt into a blissful puddle.

  Step by step they moved together like they were the stars of a slow-motion movie, and no one else existed except the singer. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the words the vocalist sang so clearly. Was he singing just for them? Just like the lyrics of the song, when her world was cold, Luca brightened her heart, just like he always had.

  Never, ever change…

  She wanted to say something to let him know how she felt, but didn’t want to break the spell, so she stayed silent.

  Hugging Luca tightly, she hoped to convey without words just how foolish she’d been. She needed him to know, despite all the years without contact, she’d never felt this close to anyone else. That, with every word, her tenderness was growing, but on a more mature level than before. And even all those years ago, on some level, she had been in love with him. She’d just been too naïve—too clueless—to understand her feelings.

  Luca stroked her back. His warm breath caressed her ears. “I can’t believe we’re finally together.”