Signore Corsini was standing at an old blackboard erasing words that Lillian had dutifully typed into her laptop. She wanted to introduce herself and thank him for making her feel more at ease with her language studies. The others filed out one by one and she lagged behind absently placing her computer and books into her bag. She was purposely procrastinating so that she might speak to him alone and not be embarrassed by her inadequate language skills in front of the other class members.
“Scusi, Signore Corsini?” she hesitated.
“Si?” he turned and his green eyes glittered, taking in her American look with amusement.
“Umm,” she fumbled trying to recall the correct words to use, her brain was scrambled with all that had taken place and the way he was looking at her did not help matters. “Scusa.” she apologized not knowing how to progress. “Ugh” she sighed rolling her eyes towards the ceiling.
Signore Corsini reached out and stroked her upper arm. “It is okay.” He spoke in English with a thick Tuscan accent. “What may I help with, Signorina?”
Lillian smiled at his more formal English turn of phrase. In a way, it made her feel less self-conscious at her lack of ability. They would perhaps, be on an even playing field and this gave Lillian a sense of comfort.
“I wanted to thank you.” she began in a slow pace, stressing her words. “I am having a difficult time today and well, you made it better.” She smiled and adjusted her bag, ready to dash from the room.
Signore Corsini still held her upper arm. “Grazie.”
Lillian was not sure if he was correcting her or thanking her for saying thank you. “Prego, Signore Corsini.”
He laughed, “Please call me Enzo.”
“Enzo? Is that short for Lorenzo?” she inquired, quite surprised he wanted to be so informal with her.
“Si, only my grandmother calls me Lorenzo.” His smile could melt butter.
Lillian was falling hard. He was dark, tall and his accent was perfect. Lorenzo Corsini was her dream man come to life. It was going to be a very interesting semester. “My grandmother calls me Lilly.”
Enzo rubbed her arm and finally pulled his hand away. She wanted to grab it and place it back on her skin. Her arm felt cold and lonely without his touch. She fidgeted on her feet watching him pack up his papers and books into a well weathered, leather bag.
“Have you eaten, Lilly?” he started towards the door, looking back at her over his shoulder, anticipating her response. “Come, I show you cibo stupefacente.”
Lillian looked at him with a suspicious sideway glance. “Food, I got that.” her smile was nervous in appearance.
He snickered. “Umm, good tasting food.” was his loose translation.
Enzo took her hand and led her from the building out into the piazza and down a nearby street. He had no issues navigating the streets and Lillian hoped he would not leave her at the roadside when they were finished eating, or she would never find her way back to the apartment. She relished in the warmth of her hand in his as they continued on to a small café. Enzo pulled out a chair for her and gestured for her to sit as he pushed the chair beneath her. Lillian felt like one of her cinema, starlet idols being courted by a true gentleman. When he was situated himself, he signaled with a snap of his fingers to a nearby waiter.
In a low whisper, the dream in front of her ordered for them. She had no idea what he had ordered as she could not hear him. Even if she had, his Italian was so precise and quick she would have only caught bits and pieces anyway. She hadn’t realized that the smile on her lips had not left since the classroom and her cheeks had begun to ache. With her fingers she massaged her facial muscles and if she didn’t have that slight discomfort happening she could have believed this was all a dream and she was still back in Iowa in her own bed.
“What is this?” Enzo asked mimicking her actions and massaging his own cheeks. Lillian laughed and blushed.
“You make me smile, a lot.” She admitted.
“Ah, that is good. Me too, see?” he pointed to his own wide grin.
The food arrived along with a bottle of red wine. Lillian was prepared for the waiter to ask for her identification, but he poured the wine and left without a word. Enzo lifted his full glass to her and his eyes darted to her glass that still remained on the table. “You will join me?”
Her hand waivered as she reached for the wine, her parents would never approve. She was only nineteen and not legal in the states, but this was Florence. She held her glass out to his and waited for him to give a toast. She was positive it would be something that flowed like sweet syrup from his lips.
“Salute.” his glass kissed hers with a small clink and she watched with her jaw hanging as he sipped the crimson liquid. Lillian laughed at her vivid fantasy life and tasted the bitter drink. She thought she would have an aversion to it, but after the initial dry tartness that sucked away the moisture on her tongue she found the wine to be flavorful. They dined on slices of bread, flavored olive oil and a plate of cheese. Enzo had ordered antipasto that was heaven to Lillian’s senses; each bite more serendipitous than the last. They ate and drank together laughing and correcting each other’s language faux pas well into the evening.
“Come.” Enzo held out his hand and Lillian was more than happy to take it. They walked the city together and Lillian talked endlessly about how she had promised herself on her fifth birthday that one day she would go to Florence When the opportunity for her to travel abroad for a semester came up at her college she jumped on it.
“You like it?” Enzo asked.
“Oh yes, it’s everything I ever dreamed of. Well, except for the classes being a little more difficult and living with three strangers sharing one bathroom. That’s a bit disarming, but it will work out.” Lillian realized she was babbling and she dropped her eyes to follow her feet. Perhaps the wine had gone to her head and loosened her tongue, or maybe it was the star filled night and the easy company at her side.
“I will teach.” offered Lorenzo.
Lillian squeezed his hand and gave him a sincere smile. “Yes you will teach me Italian and that will be wonderful.”
He stopped them in their path. “No, I will be your,” he searched for the right words. “your tour guide, to Florence. Yes?”
Lillian bounced on her feet and struggled from throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him. She squeezed his hand so hard he laughed at her enthusiasm. “Si, si! Grazie!” she beamed.
They walked a short distance further and Enzo covered her eyes and led her, blinded, for the last few paces, standing behind her with his hands over her eyes. Lillian inhaled the scent of his cologne. “Where are we?” she asked placing her own small hands over his.
“Look, Lilly.” He removed his hands and Lillian started out over an exquisite scene. It was a picture post card and she knew it well.
“Enzo, the Ponte Vecchio.” She whispered in quite awe. “It is beautiful.” The tears she had tried to hold back all day finally spilled out over her cheeks, leaving warm salty trails over her skin.
“Molto bello.” he said, but his eyes were not on the view of the river and the city, they were on Lillian.
Lillian smiled and repeated his words. “Molto bello.”
He turned her face towards him and looked into her dark eyes with concern, brushing away the wets steaks on her cheeks with his thumb. “Why do you cry?”
“I always wanted to be here, and now I am. I am happy that is why.” His hands remained on her cheeks as she gazed up at him. Then she noticed the numerous multi-colored padlocks. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes glittered with the remaining tears. Her fingers ran over the locks, barely touching them. She did not dare to caress them too hard. These were symbolic monuments of love. This place was a romantic alter. Lorenzo had brought her to a place of emotional meaning.
“Enzo,” his name felt wonderful coming off her lips. “Do you have a lock here?”
Lillian noticed his green eyes become shadowed, even in the dim evening
light. “No.” The singular word that he uttered was barely audible and it landed on Lillian’s heart with such impact that she reacted without a second thought. Her hands cupped his face and she reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him. His lips were full and soft against hers and she could taste the tartness of the wine that had lingered there.
At first Enzo returned the kiss with sincerity and desire, and then he stopped, abruptly grabbing hold of Lillian’s hands and pulling them from his face. He lifted his head and looked upward to the star lit sky, cursing in Italian.
‘I’m sorry.” Lillian said. “I didn’t mean to” but she had meant to. It was all she had thought about since he touched her arm in the classroom. She reached for his hand and he shrugged her away, leaving her alone on the bridge surrounded by the promises of love and happy couples holding hands.
Chapter Three
“Lillian, wake up. There is a guy at the door, Lillian.” The pounding on her bedroom door woke her from the restless sleep she had fallen into after being awake and confused for the better part of the night. Her roommate had left the bedroom early and that allowed her to shut the curtains and keep the lights off to fake her brain into thinking it was still night time. The pounding came again in short insistent bursts.
“I’m up, I’m up, one second.” She hollered from beneath her pillows.
Enzo was sitting at the kitchen counter waiting patiently when Lillian emerged in her flannel pants and Iowa State University tee shirt. Her hair had been wrapped into a messy bun and she had managed to slip on a pair of slipper boots on her feet as she shuffled out to see who could possibly be looking for her. When she saw Enzo she stopped in her tracks, she was confused.
“Ciao, Lilly.” He smiled and got up from his seat moving towards her. He looked impeccable in a pair of dress pants and v-neck tee shirt.
“I don’t understand, why are you here?” she ran her fingers through her messy locks, aware of what a complete disaster she must look like.
“I would like very much to speak with you.” he said, taking in her morning appearance. “Colazione?”
Lillian’s stomach answered for her by growling loud enough for all to hear. She giggled and in that instant the tension between them broke.
“It is decided.” Enzo laughed. “Get dressed, pore favore.”
The streets were overwrought with weekend tourists and Enzo grabbed her hand to guide her through the hustling crowd of souvenir shoppers and residents buying their fresh weekly produce. Lillian bristled against his touch, taking her hand back and putting it in the pocket of her sweater. Enzo’s brows knitted together with hurt and confusion, but he did not attempt to hold her hand again. They passed several small cafes, where late morning risers had flocked. The outside tables were filled with people lounging with flavored coffees or tall flutes of Bellinis. Trays of pastries smelled of rich, sweet dough and decadent syrups. Lillian’s mouth watered.
Enzo walked to a café that boasted a stunning view of the piazza. There they could sit and watch the passerby’s as they traveled with their goods. Lillian was able to see artists setting up to create wonderful works the tourist would pay handsomely for and then fly back home to be treasured memories of their time spent. Small vendors squabbled with locals over the price of fresh breads and vegetables. Lillian thought she could sit here all day and not tire of the views that unfolded before her eyes. Enzo ordered them Mimosas and lightly sugared pastries.
“Grazie.” she said as she sipped the bubbly juice.
Lorenzo held her gaze and she could sense he needed her to pay attention. He was thinking his words through with great concern to get them phrased correctly. “I have to explain.”
Lillian shook her head. “No, no you don’t.”
His eyes pleaded with her. “Please.”
She didn’t say anything, she nodded her head and sipped her drink, listening.
“When I was little boy, my padre, he had a best friend. They grew up together in Rome. They went to the same University, got married in the same year and had children very close together.”
Lillian didn’t understand why he was telling her this, but she continued to listen.
“I was born and then Sophia, my padre’s friend’s daughter. When we turned ten they decided we should marry one day, when we were older.”
Lillian nearly spit her drink out across the table. “At ten, how can that be? You were children.” Lillian could not fathom the idea that people still arranged marriages. “Enzo, why are you telling me this?”
“Listen, please.” he reached for her hand and she slid it off the table. “There was a car accident.” Lorenzo paused and his eyes looked to the morning sky. Lillian could sense a deep sadness in him and his bright green eyes filled with shinning tears that did not escape. This time Lillian reached for his hand. She folded her fingers between his and gave them a reassuring, comforting squeeze.
“She passed away?”
Enzo’s eyes went wide, as if that question was totally unexpected. He shook his head, “No, no she is alive.” He paused to acknowledge her tender kindness. “My padre and his friend, died in the car accident when I was fifteen.”
Lillian swallowed hard; she was shocked that he was telling her this.
“Our mothers wish to keep the wedding promise and I am to marry next year.” he finished.
“Sophia?”
“Si.”
Lillian took a deep breath. “So that is why you were so upset about last night. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have. Oh please don’t think ill of me. I had no idea.”
Enzo lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the warm skin of her palm; it stopped her mid-babble. Lillian blushed and pulled her hand back. Why would he do that when he was engaged to be married?
“Lilly, you are beautiful. If I could be…” he struggled for the word. “free. I would choose you.”
Lillian tried to appear unaffected. She let her features turn light and attempted to confer and air of nonchalance. “No worries, Enzo. Will you still be my tour guide?”
http://www.amazon.com/Romance-Between-Novella-Mystery-Suspense-ebook/dp/B016OXY5SE
Sample from Prince of Monte Carlo
http://www.amazon.com/Romance-Prince-Novella-Mystery-Suspense-ebook/dp/B016ON2X2E
Chapter 1
Eliza was sitting in on the sofa in her favorite pair of pajamas when her life was changed forever. She had debated not answering the phone at all as she zoned out to The Wheel of Fortune, but something inside her told her that she should. She did, and now here she was lying in a poolside cabana at a five star hotel in Monte Carlo. Before she had entered the Caffeine Extreme ‘Live like Royalty in Monte Carlo’ contest, she didn’t even know where Monte Carlo was.
Eliza had never been a particularly lucky person, in fact, if anything she was quite the opposite. When she was six years old she had drowned after getting caught in the rip current at Venice Beach. She considered herself lucky to be alive, but her string of unfortunate accidents continued in to her early adulthood. Despite only being twenty three, Eliza had so far drowned, been struck by lightning, been bitten by a diamondback rattle snake and had her apartment catch fire. When she found out that she had won the Caffeine Extreme contest however, she was sure that her luck was turning around. After all, she had thought to herself, it HAD to be her time. Now, as she stretched out under the warmth of the sun, she was sure that it was.
“Excuse me mademoiselle?” Eliza opened her eyes to see a tall dark haired man standing beside her with a small silver tray balanced on his hand. “May I get you anything? A drink perhaps?” He raised a questioning eyebrow. Eliza looked down at her glass.
“Umm, sure, I could use a fresh drink if you don’t mind? This one is all melted ice.” She handed the sweating glass to the waiter and he took it with a nod.
“What would you like?” He asked. Eliza paused for a moment.
“I think…maybe something fruity?” She squinted up at him.
“Perhaps mademoiselle would
like a piña colada?” he asked.
“A piña colada would be perfect, thank you.” The waiter nodded his head.
“Very well. I will be right back.” He flashed her a toothy smile and walked away. Eliza watched him go, admiring his firm buttocks in his long linen pants.
Looking over to the pool, Eliza watched a slender woman in a skimpy bikini swimming laps. She wondered how her breasts didn’t simply fall out of her bra from the pull of gravity. They were huge. As the woman reached the far end of the pool she stood up and adjusted her panties. Eliza smiled at her and she smiled back. Eliza had never been interested in women, but if she was, she decided, she would be interested in this one.
Reaching down, Eliza put on her sunglasses so that she could stare at the woman without looking as though she was staring. She picked up her book and set it on her thighs to look as though she was reading. The woman swam like a fish, cutting smoothly through the water with barely a splash. When she reached the end of the pool closest to Eliza she hung on to the side.
“Bonjour!” She said in an affectionate voice.
“Bonjour!” Eliza said as she slid her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose.
“Comment allez-vous?” She asked, blinking her big eyes, her eyelids glistening with water.
“I’m sorry,” Eliza offered. “I don’t speak French, bonjour is about as far as I get!” The woman laughed demurely, covering her mouth.
“Is okay, I speak English.” She said. “I ask, how you are?”
“Oh! I’m very well, thank you! Better with this beautiful sunshine!” Eliza added, “How are you?”
“I am also very well, thank you.” The woman put her palms flat against the concrete beside the pool and lifted herself lithely out of the water. Eliza couldn’t tear her eyes away as the water ran off the slender brunette’s perfectly shaped body. “My name is Marcella.” She grabbed a towel off the sunbed beside Eliza and rubbed herself down with it.
“My name is Eliza.” Eliza said.
“Nobody sit here do they?” Marcella said nodding to the sunbed in front of her. Eliza shook her head.
The Love I Found: Contemporary Romance Mystery (Ariadne Silver Romance Mystery #3) Page 11
