Her Italian Soldier

by Rebecca Winters

  Being that it was a Saturday, everyone was anxious to get finished early and enjoy the rest of the weekend. The hairdresser quickly caught Annabelle’s hair back in a loose chignon. Once her makeup was done, Marcella helped her into an eggshell-toned blouson of pin-tucked thin crepe.

  The tucks ran vertically down the front, but were horizontal on the three-quarter sleeves. There was some chain-stitching detail Annabelle loved. The waist pulled it into shape over matching colored wide-legged pants.

  After she’d put on sandals with bands of blue and green, Marcella produced a scarf the same color as the car’s exterior and put it around her neck, knotting it loosely at the side. For an added touch, she put her in jade earrings.

  The result brought a smile from Basilio, who proclaimed the whole effect perfection. Secretly Annabelle wished she could wear this outfit back to the farmhouse. She wanted to look beautiful for Lucca, but the price tag would be astronomical.

  “What we want you to do is lean against the side of the car and reach for the bunch of purple grapes here. You saw these and you couldn’t resist stopping for a taste. Giovanni will film you at various angles to capture the car as well as the view behind you.”

  “Be careful you don’t drip juice if you bite into one,” Marcella cautioned her.

  Annabelle turned to Giovanni. “Do I have to eat them?”

  “I don’t know yet.”

  In the end he was satisfied with the shoot without her tasting the fruit. Both Annabelle and Marcella breathed a sigh of relief that the clothes weren’t stained.

  Basilio clapped his hands. “Everyone? We meet Monday morning in Sorrento. Eight o’clock sharp.”

  For a day and a half she was free. She went back to the van to change into her jeans and T-shirt. After removing all her makeup, she slipped into her car to go home and saw that it wasn’t even one o’clock yet. She felt like a schoolgirl playing hooky for the rest of the day.

  Lucca would be surprised to hear her drive in. He wouldn’t be expecting her until evening. Would it be too much to ask that he’d already gotten in touch with his father to let him know he was back in Italy?

  Until Guilio knew the truth, there was nothing to work out with Lucca. Once Annabelle reached the farmhouse to freshen up, she would try to get her mind off her worries and take off on a long drive. She would fill her eyes with the mind-blowing scenery found only in this part of the world. But when she pulled up in the drive a little while later, thoughts of her day trip left her mind when she saw another car parked there.

  At first she thought it might be Guilio’s. Or maybe it was one of Lucca’s stepbrothers on an errand of some kind for their stepfather. But the car wasn’t an Amalfi, nor was it luxurious. Of course the visitor could be anyone, but it meant Lucca wasn’t alone.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  ANNABELLE got out of the car and entered the kitchen, not knowing what to expect. Voices drifted in from the living room. One belonged to a female. In between pauses, both were speaking Italian in hushed tones.

  If Annabelle stayed in the kitchen, Lucca wouldn’t know she was here. Since she didn’t want him to discover her and think she’d been eavesdropping, she had no choice but to hurry down the hallway past the living room. That way he would see her on the way to her bedroom.

  Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed a dark-haired woman in his arms. She was probably Annabelle’s age. Sobs punctuated her words. An old girlfriend perhaps? She had to be someone important to Lucca, a person he trusted implicitly, otherwise he wouldn’t have told her she could come over.

  The moment she closed her bedroom door, he rapped on it. “Annabelle?”

  She wheeled around in surprise, cross with herself for having any feelings one way or the other about Lucca’s personal life. “Yes?”

  “When you’re ready, I’d like you to come out and meet Stefana. She’s the wife of my pilot friend Leo who was killed.”

  Annabelle’s eyes closed tightly. “I—I’ll be right there,” she stammered as she tried to gather her wits.

  How awful for the other woman. It hadn’t occurred to her that this Stefana was here for any other reason than the seemingly obvious one. Annabelle had jumped to the wrong conclusion. Probably because she’d listened to the film crew make the odd remark here and there about Guilio’s son being somewhat of a Casanova.

  She imagined most attractive bachelors carried that same label. It went with the territory. But after their conversation last night, she had the feeling that if Lucca were ever to marry, he wouldn’t be one of those rootless men who was easily distracted. Or was she only trying to convince herself.

  Once she’d freshened up, she walked the rest of the way to the living room, which was decorated in authentic country Italian, if there was such a thing. Annabelle had only peeked in before now.

  Lucca sat on a chair opposite Stefana, who was perched on a rose settee. He’d prepared them an elaborate lunch. It appeared they’d been together for quite a while. The moment he saw Annabelle standing in the doorway, he got to his feet.

  “Come in, Signorina Marsh. I want you to meet Stefana Beraldi. I told her you’re employed by my father.”

  When the other woman stood up, Annabelle could see she was pregnant. Probably six months. Her heart lurched because the baby would grow up without its father.

  “How do you do, signorina,” Stefana said in English with a heavy Italian accent.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Signora Beraldi. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. There really aren’t any words, are there.”

  “No.” Her brown eyes filled with liquid. “It’s still hard to believe he’s gone. I came to see Lucca. We’ve had a long talk. I asked him if he would be godfather when our little girl is born.”

  Being a godfather signified a great responsibility. Lucca’s eyes traveled from her to Annabelle. “I told Stefana I’d be honored. She made this special trip from Naples to ask me in person.”

  She sniffed. “My husband and I talked about it the last time he was on leave. He loved Lucca.”

  “I understand Lucca loved your husband, too.” Annabelle would never forget his sobs as he relived the horrific moment in the sky when Stefana’s husband was shot down. She would be lucky to have Lucca for a lifetime friend.

  The other woman smiled at him through the tears. “Don’t forget. I’m planning on you coming for dinner after you’re settled.”

  “I’ll look forward to it.”

  “Good. Now I have to go.”

  “Let me see you out to your car.”

  Annabelle put her hand on the woman’s arm, squeezing gently. “I’m glad you don’t have too far to drive in your condition. Take care of yourself and your baby.”

  She nodded. “I will. She’s all I have left of him.” With tears streaming down her cheeks, she hurried off with Lucca. Annabelle watched from the kitchen doorway.

  For a long time she’d wished she had Ryan’s baby, even if their marriage hadn’t worked out. But now she wasn’t so sure. Stefana would have to raise her daughter on her own. How hard that would be.

  It wasn’t just the physical side of earning the living and seeing to the baby’s every need. There was the financial and emotional drain of not having the father an intimate part of everything. Stefana would have to go through labor alone, shoulder the heavy responsibility alone. Unless she married again. But that could be a long way off.

  Deep in thought, she watched the two of them converse a little longer before Stefana drove away. By the time Lucca came back in the house, lines had marred his face. The loss of Leo had taken its own toll.

  “How long were you friends with him?”

  “For the last five years.”

  “You two really had to be close for her to want you for the godfather of their child.”

  She saw the sadness in his eyes. “Being pilots together causes you to build a special bond. We were like brothers and talked about going into business together when we retired from the air force. But destin
y had a different idea,” he whispered.

  Annabelle put a hand on his arm, desolate for him because the loss was a blow to his vision for the future. “Does his wife have family to help her?”

  He nodded. “Lots of relatives. She phoned me yesterday and left a message. When I called her back and told her I was home from the Middle East, she begged to come over and see me.”

  “She’s lovely. I have no doubts you’ll make a wonderful godfather.”

  His eyes probed Annabelle’s. “What would make you say that?”

  “Do you really need me to tell you? How could you be anything else when you were her husband’s best friend? I heard the love for him in your voice during your flashback. I’m sure he’s up in heaven thrilled you’re going to do the honors.”

  When she didn’t think it was possible, a glimmer of light ignited those somber depths. “You’re just what the doctor ordered today. How come you’re home this early?”

  “Our film crew worked fast this morning. Everyone wanted to get away to enjoy a long weekend.” The word everyone included Annabelle, who couldn’t wait to return to the farmhouse.

  “Since my father flew to Milan this morning, does it mean you have no more calls on your time?”

  “He did?” She wheeled around. “How do you know that?” she cried.

  “I called him last night and told him everything.”

  She let out a happy gasp and wanted to throw her arms around him, but of course she couldn’t. “Everything? Literally?”

  “Sì.”

  Her eyes misted over. “Thank heaven.” The news that Lucca was home meant the timing for Guilio’s surprise would have to be moved up. No wonder he’d gone to Milan today. He had to make new arrangements. His staff would have to work miracles.

  “That sounded so heartfelt, I realize you really have been carrying a heavy burden. I admire your loyalty to my father. Very much in fact.”

  “He’s a terrific man to work for.”

  Lucca’s chuckle told her he had his own opinion on the subject. “We had quite a conversation about the beautiful Signorina Marsh. I told him I liked your company and want you to stay on.”

  She wanted that more than anything. It was a thrill to wake up in the morning and know Lucca was in the house, that they’d talk and fix food and just be together.

  “Take your time to decide while you’re enjoying your day off. What were you planning to do?”

  A certain inflection in his voice convinced her he had to be at a loose end. “I thought I’d take a long drive and do exactly what I want to do.”

  She thought her response might have deflated him a little. Now that Signora Beraldi had gone, maybe Annabelle’s company was better than none. Ironic that he’d craved his solitude, yet this week of being cooped up by himself was probably making him claustrophobic.

  “Want to do it with me? You’re welcome to come.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t go swimming yet.”

  Even so, it sounded as if he would like to take her up on her offer.

  “That’s not on my agenda.”

  “I’m surprised.” He gave her a speculative glance. “Most foreigners can’t wait to ruin their complexions by tanning themselves on every beach they come to.”

  “Well, I’m not your typical tourist. Today I’d rather give my eyes a workout. Giovanni, the photographer, warned me not to get a sunburn or anything close to it.” She flashed him a smile. “If you’re interested, get what you need and meet me at the car.”

  When she went outside a few minutes later, she discovered him in the front passenger seat. With everything out in the open, she felt like she was walking on air.

  Until now her dilemma had tortured her. Whose secret could be revealed first that would cause the least amount of damage? She knew enough of both men’s past history to realize they were equally vulnerable. But now she didn’t have to worry about it. Guilio’s plan to surprise his son was still safe. The relief was exquisite.

  Lucca turned to her, but she couldn’t see his eyes for his sunglasses. “What’s the verdict? Is my nurse going to leave me high and dry, or can I count on you to be around when I need to talk? Normally night is the time when I get my restless attacks. To know you’re just down the hall gives me more comfort than you can imagine.”

  She sucked in her breath. “I’m still deciding.” That was because the alarm bells inside her head were going off, warning her to proceed at her own risk. This was a man who already meant too much to her. Any more time spent with him, and he would become her whole world. But if he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, then she was in for a letdown she might never get over.

  He slanted her a glance. “I’m assuming there are times when you’ve had ragged moments since your divorce and need to unload on someone you can trust. I can be a pretty good listener if you’ll let me.”

  There’d been times when she would have loved a confidant besides her parents. Lucca sensed it because he was a very intuitive man. It was also true that he’d needed help and their unplanned housing arrangement made it easy for her to provide it.

  Annabelle didn’t know when it had happened, but she did feel secure around him. For so long she hadn’t believed she could depend on a man again, let alone want to. She’d thought Ryan’s betrayal had caused a part of her soul to die, but Lucca’s effect on her made her realize it had only gone into hibernation. Otherwise she wouldn’t be taking this drive with him.

  “You’re like your father, hard to turn down.”

  “I like being compared to him, but it makes for fireworks when he and I are on opposite sides of an issue.”

  With a laugh she started the car and they were off. Lucca made a fabulous navigator and told her which roads to take for the most superb views. She chauffeured them through mountaintops and rows of grapevines blanketing the hillsides.

  Hours later when darkness had fallen, they stopped for seafood at a charming fishing village outside Solerno, with its beach of black sand. The restaurant looked out over the water. People were dancing. Everything was perfect. Too perfect?

  Afraid she was getting ahead of herself where Lucca was concerned, she didn’t want to make a mistake that could be fatal in the end. Already she sensed he meant far too much to her.

  “Isn’t the fish to your liking?” He’d long since removed his sunglasses. His eyes traveled over her, taking their time.

  “You know it is.”

  “Then why do you look…anxious? Surely you’ve been out to dinner with other men since your divorce.”

  “Only on business.”

  “Is that the reason you can’t commit to staying on with me? Why do I get the feeling you’re concerned my father’s opinion of you will be altered in some way if you do?”

  Annabelle stared at him over the flickering candle. Taking her courage in her hands she said, “Not just your father’s. Yours, too. You see, I’ve come to revere both of you.”

  Revere was an interesting word, throwing Lucca for a loop. It went deeper than like or admire. Love didn’t come into it.

  Her eyes had flecks of violet among the blue. Right now they stood out. Lucca had noticed they did that when she was in a highly emotional state.

  He was damned if he could figure her out. While they were eating, he’d been tempted to dance with her, but the doctor had told him not to do that kind of activity yet. To his consternation, the face and body that had lain next to his for that short time the other night had taken hold of his mind and wouldn’t let go. After the time he’d been spending with her, he needed to feel her soft curves in his arms.

  She smelled as good as the flowers surrounding the house. Better even, because she was a woman with her own feminine scent.

  That time in the backseat of the car with her, the evening they did dishes together, the night when she’d arranged the pillows for his leg, he’d breathed in her essence. It filled him with longings more profound than those he’d felt with other women. He had the disturbing impression that one ni
ght’s possession of her body wouldn’t be enough for him.

  The fact that he could admit it made him realize he was swimming in deep water himself. Never in his life had he been jealous of another man, but he suspected her ex-husband still had hold of some part of her heart. Otherwise she’d probably be married again by now or at least in a serious relationship.

  She had that vulnerability about her that had brought out his father’s and Mel Jardine’s protective instincts. She brought out more emotions in Lucca than he’d felt in the whole of his life where another woman was concerned. Before she bewitched him completely, he pushed himself away from the table and got to his feet.

  His gesture startled her. She jumped up, too. “Are you in pain?” she whispered softly.

  Yes. But not the kind she was referring to. He put some bills on the table. “A little. It seems I was so eager to spend the day with you, I left the house without bringing my pills with me.”

  A rose tint sprang to her cheeks. “Then we’ll hurry back.”

  She turned and walked through the restaurant ahead of him, drawing the eye of every male in the place. Besides her long legs and other stunning attributes, her hair gleamed silvery-gold in the candle light, as if each strand gave off inner properties like the elements themselves.

  When they reached the car, she opened the front door for him. The nurse in her proved to be ever attentive. Once he’d eased his sore leg in, she went around and started the motor. Was that all he represented to her? A patient?

  The drive home didn’t take long. Neither of them spoke. He waited until they were back in the house and he’d taken another pill. She was on her way to the bedroom by the time he called to her from the hallway. She turned around, eyeing him with what he thought was mild trepidation.

  “I enjoyed today, Annabelle.”

  “So did I.”

  “Knowing how you feel about my father, you need to hear that he ordered me to treat you like the princess you are. In other words, he gave his blessing because he has the highest regard for you and wants to trust me. With my reputation, which has had its moments of truth, I’m afraid I’m the one who has yet to prove myself worthy.”