“We want you to be happy, Tuccia,” her father declared.
“That’s all we want.” Her mother had broken down in tears again. “Will you let us be a part of your lives?”
Overjoyed to hear that question, she flew off the chair and embraced both of them.
CHAPTER TEN
THIS TIME WHEN Cesare arrived at the villa near midnight, his mother was up to greet him. They hugged before he followed her into the kitchen. She’d made his favorite tarelli lemon biscuits and her own version of espresso.
“I was at the hospital when I got your message and hurried home. You’ll be pleased to know Ciro is making amazing strides. I think he might be released from the hospital sooner than anyone expected.”
Cesare let out a deep sigh. “That news couldn’t come at a better time.” He had plans for him and Tuccia.
“It’s clear you have something serious to say to me, Cesare. Tell me what has happened for you to show up like this late at night in such a frantic state.”
They sat around the kitchen table while he drank his coffee. “I’m afraid you’re going to be shocked when I tell you. I’m in love with Tuccia Leonardi.”
She leaned forward on the table and eyed him seriously. “I’ve been wondering when you would finally tell me about what you did with her. What’s wrong?”
“She left Milan without telling me. I’m terrified I might have lost her. If the worst has happened, I don’t know how I’m going to live without her. Mamma, how did you handle it when Papa left you? I can’t comprehend it.”
His mother reached for his hand. “Where did that question come from?”
“I guess from the time I heard you crying in the bedroom when I was six. You were looking at his picture.”
She squeezed his fingers before letting him go. “You thought I was crying about him. I wish I’d known. I could have saved you years of grief.”
“What do you mean?”
“My tears over him had been shed long before he ever left. He didn’t want marriage or responsibility. When I realized how unhappy we both were living together, I asked him to leave.”
Cesare frowned. “You asked him?”
“Yes.”
“So he didn’t just walk out?”
“No. But I knew he wanted to and so I gave him his freedom. The day you saw me in tears, I was crying because he never did come back to see you and Isabella. You deserved a wonderful father and I could only be your mother. But I thank God every day he was your father because I have the two most wonderful children on earth. Now tell me why you think you’ve lost her?”
“Tuccia’s my life, but when I went to her apartment earlier today, she’d gone. There was a note that said she’d flown here to see Bertina.”
“Does she know how you feel about her?”
“Not in so many words.”
“Because she’s a princess?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’ve felt I wasn’t good enough for her.”
“Nonsense! My brilliant son. You’re as blind as a bat where the principessa is concerned. Now let’s really talk.”
He sucked in his breath. “There’s a lot you don’t know. Without telling me, Tuccia flew here on her own.”
His mother eyed him curiously. “How come you know so much about what the princess does? What have you been keeping from me?”
“A lot.”
She smiled in that irritating way that said she’d already figured everything out. “You fell in love with her when you whisked her away to Milan without Ciro on board.”
“I’m afraid I did more than that.” He had her complete attention now.
“What man with blood in his veins wouldn’t have done the same thing? Bertina and I have often said it’s sinful how beautiful she is. Her parents did a cruel thing forcing that betrothal on her, but it has protected her. Until I interfered,” she added. “So what did you do?”
“I made her the pastry chef at the castello in order to hide her.”
A laugh escaped. “You mean a kitchen helper.”
“No. She’s the chef who has replaced Ciro and has been for two weeks.”
“With your partners’ approval?”
“Yes.”
“Did she even know how to cook?”
“Not when she started.”
“I presume you’ve been teaching her everything you know.”
He nodded. “Except for an exceptional gratina she’d learned how to make years ago by watching the cook on her parents’ yacht.”
“I told you she was resourceful. I take it you’ve forgiven me for asking you to help her get away.”
Cesare sat back in the chair. “I want to marry her, Mamma.”
“At last you’ve found a woman who’s your equal.”
“But—”
“But nothing! Do you imagine for one single second she would have begged you to teach her if she weren’t halfway in love with you by the time you arrived in Milan? She’s known her own mind for years. When she met the man meant for her, she did whatever she could to get you to fall in love with her.”
That was what he’d wanted to believe. “She’s beyond wonderful.”
“I know, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am.”
“In that case, I need a big favor from you. Will you call Bertina right now? Tell her I found out Tuccia is with her. Ask them to come for breakfast first thing in the morning. Tell her this has to do with Tuccia’s parents and it’s absolutely vital. But don’t let her know I’m here. I’ll do the rest.”
He waited while she reached for the phone and made the call. “Bertina?” she said, putting it on speaker. “Forgive me for disturbing you this late, but this is an emergency. I’ve had word that Tuccia is with you.”
“Oh, Lina—she arrived earlier tonight. I’m so happy I think I’m dreaming!”
“I can only imagine your joy at seeing her again. But before anything else happens, you must bring her to my villa first thing in the morning.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“There’s something of great significance going on you don’t know about. We have to talk, Bertina. I wouldn’t ask this of you if I weren’t frightened for both of you.”
“After all you did for me, of course we’ll be there.”
Cesare’s mother smiled at him in in relief. “Good. I’m looking forward to seeing Tuccia again.”
“There’s so much I have to tell you. We’ll come early.”
The second she hung up, Cesare shot out of the chair and walked around to hug her.
* * *
At eight in the morning, Tuccia and her aunt left the palazzo in a limo. Once again she found herself being driven through the streets to Mondello, one of the poshest areas of the city.
Before Tuccia had gone to bed in the suite she always used, Bertina had phoned to tell her about the conversation with Cesare’s mother. She’d insisted she had some news they needed to hear.
Her heart thumped with sickening speed. The only way anyone knew she’d flown to Palermo tonight was through Cesare. But that meant he’d had to go to her apartment and find the note she’d left. Since he didn’t have a key, he would have been forced to ask the padrona for help if he thought something was wrong. Why had he bothered?
She’d thought he’d flown to New York after they’d said goodbye. Evidently he’d dropped by the pensione before leaving for the airport. There’d been a phone call from him while she’d been on her way to the airport in the taxi, but she’d turned her phone off. Though she could have answered it—had wanted to respond—she was trying to keep her distance.
Had he phoned his mother because he was worried her parents would try to prevent her from returning to Milan? Surely he knew she would never allow that to happen. Tucci
a had made a contract with him, one she would never break. How could he think she wouldn’t return on Sunday night to fulfill her obligations?
But maybe he still saw her as a young woman who’d been so sheltered she’d be unable to stand on her own once she faced her parents. That was crazy. All she wanted in life was to be his wife. Nothing else could ever satisfy her.
“We’re here, Tuccianna.”
“I’m nervous, Zia. What do you imagine Lina needs to tell us that’s so important?”
“I don’t know, but I trust her with my life.”
Just the way Tuccia trusted her son.
They got out of the limo and walked to the villa entrance. When the door opened, Tuccia expected to see Lina. Instead she let out a gasp and came close to a faint. “Cesare—”
His blue gaze traveled over her, missing nothing. “Won’t you both come in? It’s good to see you, Bertina.” He kissed her on both cheeks. “Mamma is waiting for you in the kitchen where she has breakfast ready. Tuccia and I will join you in a few minutes, but first we have some unfinished business to talk over.”
Bertina had been to the villa many times before and walked down the hallway to the kitchen without needing directions.
Tuccia stayed where she was, glued to the spot. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d flown to New York.”
“That’s what I wanted you to think while I worked out a plan to take you away to a place where we could be private. But when I got to the apartment, you’d gone.
Like a fool I’ve given you too much time and space, but that’s over. Come on. We need to be alone.”
To her joy he reached for her hand and walked her up the stairs. She followed him down a hallway to what had to be his suite. After he shut the door, he lounged against it and grasped her upper arms.
“Let’s get something straight right now. I only flew after you for one reason. It’s the only reason I took you to Milan in the beginning. Since running into a princess in a yellow robe three weeks ago, it’s the reason why I’ve been turned inside out and upside down. I’m in love with you, Tuccia, but you already know that. The question is, are you in love with me?”
“Oh, Cesare—” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “How can you even ask me that? I’d fallen in love with you by the time the ducal jet landed at Milan airport. You’re all I think or live for. I need you more than you will ever know.”
They both moaned as he pulled her against him and he started kissing her the way he’d done at the apartment. Tuccia lost track of time as she tried to show him how much he meant to her. His mouth was doing such incredible things to her she burned with desire for him. To her joy she no longer had to hold back. He loved her!
Somehow they ended up on his bed where they began to devour each other. After three weeks of starvation, she realized she had absolutely no self-control, but she didn’t care. This incredible man loved her and was making her feel immortal.
Yet Cesare was the one to call a halt before they got too carried away. He slowly relinquished her mouth and looked down at her. His eyes burned with love for her. “We’re not alone in this villa and there are two people waiting for us to join them.”
“I know.”
“Before we go down, I have something else to say. I want to marry you as soon as possible.”
“I want that, too.”
“We’ll make it work and live at the apartment until Ciro can come to the castello.”
“I love the apartment. To me it’s been like our little home. I’d be happy living with you there forever.”
“I’ve felt the same way. Though I haven’t dared touch you and you know why, cooking and eating together have been the highlights of my life.”
“Mine, too.”
“I need to meet your parents and tell them our intentions while we’re here in Palermo.”
“They already know my intentions.”
“So you’ve seen them already?”
“Yes. I was with them tonight at Bertina’s. It’s true that they’ve become different people. We hugged and kissed and they can’t wait to meet the man I told them I planned to marry. I’m free to live my own life and I love you for helping me find the courage to face them.”
He kissed her mouth. “I love you so much I can’t live without you.”
“I’ve been waiting to hear you say that!” she cried for joy.
“You’re an amazing, loving woman. If it’s all right with you, we’ll go see them together so I can ask for your hand.”
“They’re old-fashioned and will love it.”
He held her tighter. “If I have you, I have everything.”
“I love you, Cesare. Way too much.” She kissed each masculine feature of his striking face before kissing his mouth over and over again.
“There’s something else we have to talk about. I’m anxious to plan our wedding. It needs to take place as soon as possible, or I won’t be able to stand it,” he whispered.
“It’s all I’ve thought about since I met you.”
“By some miracle I’ve found the woman for me.”
“I feel the same way about you and can’t belong to you soon enough.”
“Two weeks from this weekend is your next time off. Our marriage can take place then. I would like Gemma and Vincenzo to be there, but I doubt they’ll be able to. Still, I’m not waiting any longer to make you my wife.
“Depending on your parents’ wishes, we’ll have it performed in my church here, or in yours. We’ll return to Milan Sunday night and take a honeymoon later after Ciro is back at the castello.”
She ran her hands through his hair. “We’ll have to make as many arrangements as we can while we’re here, but I don’t want a big wedding. Just a few family friends.”
“I love the way you think because I’d prefer a quiet wedding too, Tuccia.” He gave her a long hungry kiss. “Now much as I don’t want to leave this room, I think we’d better go downstairs to the kitchen. My mother and Bertina are dying to know what has been going on.”
“I’m pretty sure they know exactly.” She kissed his hard jaw, loving the taste and feel of him.
“It’ll be fun to make their day.”
She laughed. “I know it will.”
They had trouble letting each other go. When she got up from the bed, she felt positively dizzy. “I need to fix myself first.” She opened her purse and got out her styling brush.
Cesare took it from her and started running it through her curls. “I’ve been wanting to do this forever. But don’t put on any lipstick yet. I need another kiss from you before I can go anywhere.”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him so passionately that they wove in place. “I’ve ached to do this since we went to the park. I almost pulled you down and begged you to make love to me. Every time you said good-night to me and walked out without holding me in your arms, I could hardly bear it.”
“In two weeks we won’t ever have to suffer again. We’ll be together day and night.”
“By night I’ll be Signora Donati. By day I’ll be Nedda Bottaro.”
He shook his head. “Once we’ve said our vows, you’ll be my wife in the kitchen, too, and you’ll wear whatever clothes you feel like wearing. Manoussos will be in pain when he finds out the truth.”
They left the room and started down the stairs. “No he won’t. You’re being silly.”
“Trust me. I’m a man and I know these things.”
She turned to him when they reached the foyer. “Oh—I know you’re a man. The most wonderful man who ever lived. Kiss me again, Cesare.”
* * *
Ten days later, while Tuccia was checking the last of the desserts for the evening meal, Cesare reappeared after being gone most of her work day. Every time she sensed his presenc
e, her heart almost burst out of her chest.
It was almost three o’clock. She’d never known him to be away from the kitchen this long. He walked over to her with a gleam in his eyes. “I’d squeeze your waist if I could find it,” he teased.
Tuccia chuckled. She’d been so happy since their return from Palermo, she felt like she’d been floating. Her parents were both so impressed with Cesare that they’d given the two of them their blessing and hadn’t found fault with anything. Not now that she’d come home to them.
The wedding at her family’s church would be going ahead on Saturday. That day couldn’t come soon enough for Tuccia.
“Guess who’s in labor and has been in the hospital since eight this morning?”
“Gemma? Oh, I’m so excited for her! How’s Vincenzo?”
“A complete wreck. The doctor told him it could take a long time because it’s her first baby. I stayed with him as long as I could. Now Dimi and his wife are there. Takis and Lys are on their way from Crete on the jet. I’ll drive you home to change and then we’ll go over to the hospital.”
Before long she said good-night to everyone. Cesare gathered some sandwiches in a bag and hustled her out of the kitchen to the car. When they reached the apartment, she got out of her uniform and changed into a skirt and blouse in record time.
“You look fabulous. Three more days before our world changes.” He gave her a long, hungry kiss, then they left for the hospital in Milan. Everyone had gathered round in the hospital lounge. They talked about the coming wedding. It was going to be a very small morning ceremony of twenty people with a brunch afterward at the palazzo of Tuccia’s parents.
Afterward she and Cesare planned to fly to Milan and spend Saturday night and Sunday at Lago di Garda before returning to their apartment. That was the place where he’d planned to take her the evening he’d come by the apartment and had found her gone. So much had happened since that night.
While they were chatting, a nurse walked toward them. “Signor Gagliardi says for you to come. If you’ll follow me.”
Cesare grasped her hand and they walked through the swinging doors to the second room down the hall. When they entered the room, Tuccia’s breath caught. There was Gemma holding a baby in her arms with a cap of black hair. She was beaming. An exhausted-looking Vincenzo sat next to her. Both were examining their new arrival.
Whisked Away by Her Sicilian Boss Page 14
