Windy City Romance: Boxed Set: Prequel - Book III

by Barbara Lohr

  Yep. She was buzzed.

  A deep line appeared between his dark brows. “Why is a woman like you—educated, attractive—taking a trip alone to Italy, of all places? It’s just so romantic.”

  “I, ah, was planning to come with a friend.” At one time, Amy supposed Jason qualified as that. “My friend…Jason.” Amy washed his name down with a big gulp of wine.

  Mallory sat back. “I didn’t know you were involved with someone.”

  “I’m not. Not anymore.”

  His blue eyes softened. “Is that what makes you so sad sometimes?”

  “Sad? Hard to explain.” He’d noticed? Amy stabbed at the pasta, now cool and lumpy, not the warm, buttery dish that had been served. She put down her fork and glanced around.

  How she wished she could stay here forever. So romantic. The water. The gulls. The wine. The happy couples around them.

  Romance was everywhere.

  But not for her.

  That’s when she started to cry.

  While she dabbed at her eyes with her napkin, Mallory set his fork down. “Amy, are you all right?”

  “Fine. Just fine.” Crunching the napkin in one hand, Amy could not stop the tears. Darn it. How to explain her engagement, the canceled wedding, and the fact that she’d caused the whole mess?

  “You’re not choking again, are you?” When Mallory leaned forward with a concerned frown, Amy caught a dizzying whiff of cologne mixed with scent of a man who’d spent the morning in the sun. Her head spun. He was more intoxicating than the wine.

  “No, I’m fine. Really. More wine, please?” she asked, determined to hold back the tears. This was so humiliating.

  Lips pursed, Mallory splashed more wine into her glass. “You don’t look fine. Want to talk about it?”

  Words wouldn’t come. Twirling her wine glass in her fingers, she began to hum one of the Dean Martin songs.

  Mallory caught his lower lip between his teeth. “A walk might be a good idea.”

  “Fine with me.” She swung her attention to the bay. The blue water below looked so darn cool and inviting. Plucking at her shirt, she felt wrapped in plastic.

  Mallory snapped his wallet shut and circled the table.

  When she pushed herself up, her body brushed his and she teetered. Thank goodness his arm shot out to steady her. For a second, they were nose to nose, breathing heavy. Reaching up, she patted his chin. “Scratchy.”

  “Right.” Mallory squeezed her hand and didn’t let go.

  “Gosh, Mallory, your eyes are like the water.” Amy could dive into them.

  “Amy, Jason, or whatever his name was, must be an idiot,” Mallory murmured as he took her elbow. “I can’t imagine a man leaving you.”

  The wave of sadness felt heavier than the heat. When she ducked, tears splashed onto her naked left hand.

  “That man should be thrashed within an inch of his life,” Mallory continued in an undertone, guiding her through the tables.

  Amy sniffed. “Do they thrash men in the South? I’ll send Jason down.” But she couldn’t send Jason anywhere, not anymore. And she certainly wasn’t about to mention the real reason Jason had dumped her.

  After her awkward confession, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that he decided the phys ed teacher made a better candidate for Mrs. Jason Hausman. When had he planned on telling her that?

  Mallory steered her through one of the low windows that opened onto the bay. Her head felt so heavy, like one of those huge sunflowers they’d passed on the way to Rapallo. Once they reached a bench angled under a tree at the edge of the huge gray boulders, he gently nudged her down. Her body felt like warm taffy, and she giggled. Taffy would just plain melt today.

  His hand patted her back. Wasn’t Mallory a good guy? “Deep breaths now, darlin’,” he said in that low southern drawl that was so reassuring.

  “Did you just call me darling?” When she threw back her head, the sun smacked her in the face.

  Sitting down next to her, he nodded. “Yes, I did. It's a southern thing.”

  “That is so sweet.” Amy plucked at the front of her shirt. “Let's take a swim.”

  “Should we?” His blue eyes sparkled.

  “Why not?” She kicked off her sandals.

  ~.~

  Only took Mallory a second to shed his dockers and strip off his polo. Did they even allow swimming in this bay? He didn’t see anyone in the water, just boats farther out. Grabbing her hand, he led her over the stinging hot boulders. At the edge of the rocks, they jumped. The cold water took his breath away, but a sandy bottom met his feet. Not that deep close to the rocks. Laughing, they leaned into back floats.

  If this wasn’t living, what was?

  When he was growing up, he loved trips to Tybee Island on the eastern edge of Savannah. While his mother drove, Aunt Sylvia sat next to her in the front seat of Mom’s black Mercedes for the thirty minute ride. Mallory would goof off with Chad in the back. His father kept a condo on the beach, mostly for business. His mother would order a pizza for dinner, something his father hated. They wouldn’t head home until it was dark. Sandy and sunburned, Mallory and Chad would fall asleep in the back.

  Today the Bay of Monterosso felt just that good.

  “Oh, Mallory, isn’t this wonderful?” Amy burbled as she struggled to stand, her shirt clinging to her.

  He tried not to stare, but she was heart-stoppingly gorgeous and adorable. Tipsy, but her wild abandon added to the fun. Somehow he knew this was out of character and long overdue. When she threw her head back, wet hair fanned above her and then settled into enticing ringlets on her shoulders. He wanted to finger each one. But first he had to get her safely out of that water.

  “Isn’t this fun, Mallory?” Slapping the surface of the water, she giggled.

  “It is. Great fun.” He could hardly drag his eyes away from her, frolicking in the shallow water in that little skirt and T-shirt. She looked so happy, like a little girl. Amy deserved a good time. Her story about—what was his name? Jason?—was appalling.

  Trailing her fingers through the water, she swung closer.

  “Hey, stranger.” With a loopy smile, Amy wound her arms around his neck. Every ridge of his body slotted into her curves.

  Well, almost every one.

  His heart pounded in his chest. Even the chilly temperature of the water couldn't cool his response.

  Maneuvering her around in front, Mallory steered her back to the shore. “Careful now,” he warned as they clambered over the rocks. Harder to get out than to jump in. They left wet tracks on the boulders as she tipped one way and then the other. He was relieved when they reached the path. One tumble was enough for her today.

  “You're so nice, Mallory,” Amy whispered, rivulets running off her clothes onto the walkway. He aimed her toward the bench.

  An older couple happened to be strolling past. “Are you all right, dear?” the woman asked Amy with a worried frown.

  “Wonderful,” his travel chum warbled.

  The husband raised his brows at Mallory, as if to say You really have your hands full.

  Not a problem. He was enjoying this.

  “Stay,” Mallory told Amy after the couple had walked on. He eased her down onto the bench.

  Blinking those big green eyes up at him, she grinned. “Yep, okay.”

  Hiding a smile, he snagged his pink polo and ran it lightly over his torso before tunneling into it. Then he sat down with a sigh.

  “Mad at me?” she asked in a forlorn voice. “Guess I had too much wine.”

  “It was fun watching you enjoy yourself.” He pushed a wet curl from her cheek.

  “You’re so nice, Mallory,” she whispered right before her mouth slid onto his. Her lips felt incredibly soft.

  “Yummy.” Amy giggled against his mouth. Her tongue darted out to trace her grin, sweeping his in the process.

  “For starters,” he muttered.

  “Uh, huh.” She nodded, eyes already closed tight as they dove into an
other kiss. Her mouth gently opened, and his tongue explored. Her soft moan just about undid him.

  How much time passed before he felt someone watching them? Caitlin and Kurt stood taking this all in, curious smiles on their faces. He straightened. PDA. He’d never gone for public displays of affection, but this was different. Amy was different.

  “Hi, sweetie!” Amy smiled up at her sister, never loosening her hold on Mallory’s neck.

  “Having fun?” Caitlin wore a small, bemused smile.

  “You bet.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “She’s fine. Your sister’s just fine.” Running his tongue lightly over his lips, Mallory gently worked his arms free.

  “I went swimming,” Amy explained, combing one hand through her wet curls. “Cait, I just let loose.”

  A bit of an understatement.

  “I guess so.” Apparently, Caitlin found this highly amusing.

  Behind them sounded the deep warning horn from the boat.

  Grabbing bags and belongings, the four of them scrambled toward the dock. With Amy’s packages and backpack looped over one arm, Mallory steadied her with his other hand.

  A motley crew and he didn’t care. The imprint of Amy’s lips throbbed. He wanted more.

  So hard to remember that this had all started with a wager. Way before his travel chum materialized as Amy Shaw. Sure, this trip could solve a lot of problems for him with his board. Only now, the travel chum was a person…with a family. He didn’t want to hurt Amy in any way, especially since hearing that sad story about some idiot named Jason.

  The sweet teacher was getting to him.

  And today was only Monday.

  Chapter 12

  As the tour boat approached the dock, Rapallo glowed in a golden light. “How beautiful,” Amy sighed.

  Mallory nodded, the setting sun burnishing his features.

  Today had been amazing. Her lips swelled remembering that kiss. Dazed and content, Amy followed Mallory down the gangplank. The new shirt from McKenna felt like it had shrunk. She loved it. Up ahead, Kurt and Caitlin ambled toward the boulevard, his arm around her waist while she rested her head on his shoulder. Caitlin had always been a cuddler. Amy, not so much.

  Not until Mallory.

  “You should do this more often,” Caitlin had whispered while they sat on the upper deck of the tour boat.

  “Oh, Caitlin. I blew it.” Amy dropped her head into her hands.

  With a pleased grin, Caitlin bumped her shoulder. “Not at all. Didn’t I tell you to let loose? Mission accomplished, girl. You rocked it.”

  As the four of them straggled from the boat, evening was falling. Couples sat at intimate patio tables, sipping wine or lingering over coffee. Wiped out, Amy thought longingly of the crisp white sheets on her twin bed. She could sort everything out tomorrow.

  She could plan how to let loose, without letting go. Amy gave her aqua bag a little swing. Mallory whistled softly as he strolled along beside her.

  “You must think I’m an idiot,” she said softly.

  “Why would you say that?” Mallory stopped, one hand taking her elbow. Heat radiated from his touch.

  “I must seem like some ninny who can’t eat without choking or drink with moderation.” Embarrassment brought the fingers of one hand to her lips, where the impression of his kiss still pulsed.

  Had she really mentioned Jason? At least she hadn’t blurted out the whole horrifying story.

  “Look at me. Please.” Halting, Mallory tilted up her chin.

  What she saw in his face sure looked like understanding, not disgust.

  “You are having a rough time right now, Amy. I get that. I do indeed.”

  “You are so nice, Mallory.”

  When he ran a thumb pad gently over her lips, she shivered. Then he grinned, his crazy, boyish smile that made him look sixteen. “I did have a fine time with you today.”

  “You did?” Her laugh bubbled out on a wave of surprise. If only McKenna and Vanessa could have seen the two of them jumping into the water.

  “Nothing wrong with an impetuous woman.” His lips twitched.

  Impetuous? She liked it.

  Their pink stucco hotel lay just ahead. A night breeze rustled the palms overhead, bringing the pungent smell of the sea. Caitlin and Kurt had disappeared, and Mallory pushed open the glass door. Amy stepped into the cool air of the foyer.

  “Why, Miss Amy, I declare. You should let yourself go more often,” he murmured, breath warm on the back of her neck.

  ~.~

  When they reached the room, Amy disappeared into the bathroom. Mallory stepped out onto the balcony. Traffic whined below and diesel fuel hung in the cool night air, but the sparkling lights of Rapallo weren’t on his mind. No sir. Nothing could eclipse the memory of Amy rising from the aqua waters of the Bay of Monterosso like some mythical sea nymph.

  How had this happened? His cousin had stumbled onto some website, and he’d met this woman?

  Suddenly, all things felt possible. Her transformation that afternoon had been downright amazing. And that kiss? He ran his tongue lightly over his lips to revive her taste. He wanted much more of Amy Shaw.

  Here under false pretenses, he was embarrassed to admit how much he enjoyed spending time with her. Her impulsive streak fascinated him. Rhonda’s kisses, he realized too late, had been the practiced result of much experience.

  Amy’s kisses felt soft and vulnerable, like a surprise gift she wasn’t sure he wanted.

  But he did.

  Caution squeezed in his chest. Was the Chicago school teacher just another Rhonda, out for what she could get? When he’d mentioned Thornton Enterprises, she didn’t bat an eye. Obviously she’d never seen their name on the Yahoo finance page.

  Behind him, the bathroom door opened, and he turned. Amy’s eyes widened as if she were surprised to find him there. Her glance slid to her bed with undisguised longing.

  Great. So he was back to being just her travel chum. The guy sharing her room. “Think I’ll get something to eat after all. Anything for you?” Making tracks toward the door, he drummed an impatient path across the dresser with his fingertips.

  “Think I’m going to turn in.” Those sun-tinted cheeks and freckled nose—she was adorable. Restless warmth stirred in his body.

  “See you in the morning, then.” He backed away, wishing she’d say, “No I’ll come with you” or “No, stay.”

  But she didn’t. At a loss after he’d closed their door behind him, he called Chad.

  “So, how’s it going?” boomed his buddy. “Are we having fun yet?”

  “We’re, ah, getting physical.”

  “The teacher? Are you serious?”

  The vision of Amy rising from the bay remained branded in Mallory's mind. “Trust me, teachers can certainly be surprising.”

  As he leaned against the wall, phone to his ear, the door of the next room opened, and Caitlin and Kurt emerged. “You and Amy heading out to dinner?” Caitlin asked, looking very pretty in a blue sundress with some sort of a ruffled skirt. All women should wear ruffles.

  “Right, I’ll get back to you in the morning with a decision.” Mallory switched to his usual CEO voice before pocketing the phone. He pivoted toward Caitlin. “Your sister’s plumb tuckered out.”

  “What?” Caitlin aimed a disgusted look at the closed door. “Want to come along with us for dinner?”

  Her boyfriend nodded. “Sure. We’re just headed out to the boulevard.”

  “That would be great, if y’all don't mind.” He sure as hell didn’t want to go out alone. Amy’s sister and her boyfriend seemed like good people. Hells bells, they had no idea he was Mallory Thornton, and even if they heard his name, it probably wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans with them.

  His newfound anonymity felt freeing.

  “You two go on, and I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby, okay?” Caitlin positioned herself at Amy’s door.

  Kurt and Mallory locked eyes.

  �
�Girl stuff,” Mallory said in an undertone. “Let’s get a beer.”

  They walked toward the elevator. “Don’t be long, Cait, okay? I’m starving. We’ll be in the bar,” Kurt threw over his shoulder.

  Caitlin was already pounding on the door.

  Appreciating their dinner invitation, Mallory was determined that he would mine Caitlin and Kurt for information. What could it hurt?

  He’d become very curious about Amy. An evening with a close source could provide answers.

  ~.~

  “Did you forget something?” Amy asked, yanking the door open.

  “Yes, you.” Caitlin burst in, slamming the door behind her. “You’re staying in? Why?”

  Amy plunked down on the bed. “Cait, I have to get it together.”

  “Mallory’s hot and obviously into you.” Caitlin frowned. “And he’s fun. A lot more fun than that idiot Jason.”

  Amy sized up her sister. “Caitlin, Jason had a reason for being an idiot.”

  Her sister frowned. “No engaged man can be excused for jumping into the locker room shower with another woman. The guy’s an idiot.”

  Amy sighed. “The night before the locker room fiasco, I told him, well, that I could never have children. Jason was pretty unhappy. This is a guy who comes from a family of five boys.”

  “All of them morons,” Caitlin mumbled under her breath while her frown deepened. “What are you saying? Of course you can have children.”

  “Caitlin, remember all those painful monthly periods? The ones that kept me home from school, huddled in bed?”

  Sitting down, her sister took Amy’s hands. “Yeah, you had a hard time with endometriosis, right? But Dr. Jenson did that procedure.”

  “It came back. Worse than ever. Messed everything up.” Tears thickened Amy’s voice. “I should have told Jason sooner, but I just couldn’t. Dr. Jenson was painfully blunt. I couldn’t lie to him about it.”

  For a second, Caitlin’s face went blank. “Dr. Jenson delivered us, Amy. He’s an old man now, maybe not up on the latest medicine. Let’s check with another specialist.”

  If a cloud drifted over Caitlin’s horizon, it always had a silver lining.

  “I like Dr. Jenson.” They had never agreed about their mother’s doctor, but maybe Caitlin had a point..