by Donna Alward
“Close your eyes, Mari.”
Oh God. This wasn’t putting up boundaries at all, or establishing a status quo. It was blowing it all to smithereens and she wasn’t sure she could do it.
He held the spoon, waiting. She was caught by his warm gaze, as lazy and seductive as the creamy concoction on the spoon.
And she closed her eyes.
The cold spoon touched her lips and she instinctively opened them. Felt the cool richness of the dessert enfold her tongue. Smooth, soft, sweet.
As the spoon left her lips, she opened her eyes.
Luca dipped the spoon again, but this time tasted it himself, his gaze never leaving hers.
“It’s good,” he murmured, presenting her with the spoon once more.
The spoon that had just been in his mouth. It was silly that the thought would have such an effect on her, but it felt like seduction. She opened her mouth and let him feed her, feeling more and more like she was completely out of her mind and her element. She didn’t know what to do with romance. And this was clearly romance.
“It really is exquisite.” Not only the dessert, but being here with him, and she had to find a way to divert the mood. It was sheer craziness that she’d let herself fall under his spell, but she knew what came next. Before she knew it, they’d be kissing. The very idea made her tremble, from want and fear. She was not equipped for an affair, and she was smart enough to know an affair was all there would be with Luca. He was a limited time fantasy, and she couldn’t afford to buy into it.
She had to bring it back to the business of the hotel somehow. Mari started fussing with plates and silverware to avoid being fed any more of the decadent dessert. “I think we could develop a selection of picnic items.”
Luca helped himself to one more spoonful and Mari forced herself to look away from how his lips encircled the spoon.
He put the dish down and picked up his wine. “Interesting idea. Maybe offer a selection to choose from. Don’t want the bocconcini? Have a shrimp and rice salad, perhaps. Herbed chicken instead of lamb. Gunther’s chocolate terrine instead of crème brulée. What do you think?”
What Mari thought was that test driving a Ferrari wasn’t the same as owning one, and doing a dry run for a romantic picnic wasn’t like being on one. But…the potential was still there, and she could use her imagination. Especially after the last few moments.
If she were in love with Luca, and he with her, and they were in this setting, eating decadently, growing lazy on fine wine…
A couple in love would be romanced. And they’d end the afternoon in a very different way than she would with Luca. And that would be part of The Cascade experience.
And how would such a couple end the day? Mari’s hand paused over the dishes. Perhaps they’d return to the hotel and order in room service. Or they’d dress in fine clothing and have dinner at the best tables, dancing on the gleaming parquet floor with the scent of fresh flowers falling around them. He’d smile and hold out his hand, his brown eyes shining down at her because she was so lovely…
“Mari?”
“I think that sounds wonderful,” she answered, fussing with the blanket beside her feet, knowing that such a scenario was not possible, even as longing suffused her. A chill blew in with the breeze and she shivered. She had to stop thinking of him this way. Everything would go sideways and there’d be no graceful way out. If she couldn’t even stand his hand on her arm, how could she possibly relax enough for there to be more? She was simply tired and her defenses were down. She was muddled from the wine. It had to be about The Cascade, not about them.
Her car was still at the hotel, she realized. She’d have to go back with Luca. The thought of walking back through the lobby with him and a picnic basket sent quivers through her stomach. They didn’t need rumors circulating amongst the staff. Even over something as innocent as a picnic. She desperately needed to put the tone back to business.
“We could do a variation on a winter picnic. Soup in a thermal container, bread and cheese, hot cocoa and a dessert.”
Luca grabbed the basket and began repacking the dishes she’d gathered into the basket. “That’s brilliant. We can adjust it and make it seasonal. The Rocky Mountains in winter. See, I knew you’d catch on.”
Maybe to the concept, but definitely not the execution. Falling in love and being romanced was fine for some people, but not for her. Not anymore. She looked over at Luca’s profile as he wrapped the now-empty wine glasses in linens to keep them safe. Never would she let someone take over her life so much that it wasn’t hers anymore. She wouldn’t give anyone that much control ever again.
It was just as well Luca was only here for a few weeks. Certainly he’d be gone by the new year. In a way that made him safe, too. Any attraction she felt wouldn’t matter. She wouldn’t have to worry about feelings deepening and things being awkward. She just had to hold out until he was gone and she could get the life she’d built back. Her safe life. A life where no one had the power to hurt her again.
“Why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off?”
Luca stood, holding the basket. Mari hopped up, grabbing the blanket and folding it into an imprecise square. It was tempting. But her car was still at the hotel and she’d dallied enough today. There was still work to be done and she didn’t want to take advantage. It was important for her to end the day with their work relationship at the fore, not the lazy intimacy of the picnic.
“Thanks for the offer, but my car’s still there anyway.”
They walked back down the hill, Tommy trotting happily ahead. The stress headache that had been lurking behind her eyes was completely gone. Perhaps Luca was right. She did need to relax more. She certainly had relaxed with him. Perhaps too much.
“I’ll be back in a few moments,” she murmured as they reached the cottage. She put Tommy in the house and checked his water bowl before locking the door and leaving again.
Charlie drove up and opened the door for her. Luca got in again, and her eyes were drawn to how the fabric of his trousers hugged his thigh. As the car pulled away and back down the mountain, she leaned back and studied him without being obvious. He wore his clothes like he belonged in them. He was at ease, comfortable with himself, and it came across as confidence. She blinked slowly, wishing she had that sort of self-assurance. She agonized over every piece of her wardrobe, yet he seemed so at home in whatever he wore, whether it was jeans and a t-shirt, or dress trousers with his trendy shirts. She imagined he’d be equally handsome in formal wear. Looking like she’d imagined earlier. A picnic like today, then an elegant dinner, only it wasn’t guests she envisioned but the two of them. Stepping out on their dance floor, with her on his arm…
“We’re here.”
Mari heard the words but the fabric against her cheek was soft and warm. She snuggled into it further.
“Mari, I hate to wake you but we can’t sit in the car forever.”
The voice intruded again, and she realized it was Luca. Then she realized she was leaned against the breadth of his arm. It was wider and stronger than she’d anticipated. And his scent came through with each slow breath.
She sat up abruptly, putting distance between them. Her last thought had been of him dressed in a tuxedo. Now she was intimately couched in the backseat of a luxury car with him. She edged over further. “I fell asleep.”
His smile was lazy, indulgent. “You did. Almost as soon as the car began to move.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s perfectly all right.”
Embarrassment flamed in her face. “But it’s an eight-minute drive from my place.”
“Obviously you were tired. And relaxed. Shall we?”
Charlie had opened the door with a bland look on his face.
She got out into the refreshing mountain air, its bite going a long way to clearing her head. Luca said something to Charlie and then he touched her elbow and they walked towards the lobby doors together. Just before they r
eached the entrance, Luca quipped, “Don’t let it get around that my company put you to sleep. I have a reputation to uphold.”
As she let out an unexpected splutter of laughter, he opened the door and held it as she passed through. He followed her in, both of them chuckling.
“Luca.”
Both their steps halted as they turned together towards the voice. Mari stared at the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. She was the picture of class, elegance, style. She was dressed in a trouser suit of dove-gray silk with matching heels, her nearly-black hair flawlessly styled around a heart-shaped face, dominated by brown eyes and the thickest set of natural lashes Mari had ever seen.
“Gina.”
Mari could only gape as Luca dropped the picnic basket and crossed the floor with long strides, gathered the woman up in his arms, and swung her around.
When he put her down, she laughed out loud. “I missed you.” She cupped his face and kissed one side, then the other.
“And I you. What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you. Aren’t I allowed?” The smile on her face was filled with teasing.
The Italian accent was clear. Mari didn’t understand the spurt of jealousy she felt nor did she like standing in the middle of the lobby looking daft. She bent to pick up the abandoned basket. The picnic had been two coworkers, not lovers, so there was no reason for her to be jealous now. She had work to do. She’d return this to the kitchen and go back to her office.
As she bent down, the woman spied her. “Luca, introduce me to your friend.”
Mari straightened slowly.
“Of course.” Tugging the woman’s hand, he led her to where Mari was standing. She felt more stupid by the second, embarrassed. Here she was, the manager of the hotel, in jeans, a sweater, with her hair in a windblown tangle, talking to a woman who looked as though she wouldn’t be caught dead in such a state. Not only that, but the scenario was so predictable it even made her wince. Of course Luca would have a girlfriend. She should have foreseen. Instead, she was caught looking provincial and awkward. A caricature.
“Gina, this is Mariella Ross, the manager of the hotel.”
Gina held out a hand. Mari shook it and then looked down. She’d expected soft, perfectly manicured hands with sculpted talons for nails. Instead, the hands were gentle but plain, with neatly trimmed nails painted only with clear polish.
“Mari, this is my sister Gina.”
Mari’s flush deepened. Oh, would she ever stop feeling stupid?
Gina’s light laugh echoed. “Luca, I’m offended. You didn’t tell her you had a sister?”
Mari looked up but to her relief Gina’s eyes held nothing but humor. She should have seen the resemblance straight off. The same color eyes, the same shaped lips.
Gina swatted Luca’s arm with her matching clutch purse. “Of course he didn’t. Men. All about work.”
“What are you doing here, Gina?”
Luca stood by Mari as he asked the question again. This time Mari noticed the brunette’s eyes dim as she said something in rapid-fire Italian and Luca answered back, his cheeks suddenly drawn. Mari wrinkled her nose. Happy, carefree Luca? He looked positively thunderous.
“Is something wrong?”
Luca spared her a glance. “A family issue.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll leave you two alone.” Mari picked up the basket again, prepared to leave.
“Mariella?”
Mari didn’t have the heart to correct Gina. It didn’t matter right now. There was clearly something going on between Luca and Gina that any explanations of her name could wait.
When she paused, Gina continued. “I do hope you’ll join Luca and me for dinner tonight. I’d love to hear about your plans for the hotel. Luca thinks he has the only eye for decoration, but he underestimates his sister.”
“Perhaps you need time to catch up. You needn’t feel obligated.”
“It’s no obligation at all. Tell her, Luca.” Gina smiled up her brother, who was scowling back at her.
Luca turned his head and stared down into her eyes, his expression softening. Despite her fears and misgivings, she wanted to hear him say the words. It made no sense. What they’d shared, first in the attic, and now on the picnic, scared her. She would be foolish to want more. She should refuse and go the other way. Instead, she wanted him to ask her. Wanted to hear him say he wanted to spend time with her. How on earth had this happened?
“We would both like it,” he said, and her eyes dropped to his lips for a brief second. “I would like it. Please, come.”
“I will.”
“Wonderful,” Gina smiled. “It will give me a chance to wear the new dress I bought in Milan.”
Mari felt her insides blanch. She couldn’t go like this. This wasn’t her business supper of a week ago where a skirt and blazer—or in her case, a plain black dress—were the order of the day. There was suddenly a standard to uphold and she wasn’t sure she was up to it.
“If I’m joining you, then I must excuse myself. I have so much to do…if you’ll excuse me.”
She didn’t dare look up into Luca’s face. If she did she’d be caught. Instead she hurried away, mentally assessing her wardrobe and wondering what on earth would be suitable.
Luca watched her go. She hadn’t said as much, but from her blush she’d thought Gina was his lover. A wrinkle formed between his brows. Interesting. Perhaps Mari wasn’t as immune as she pretended to be.
“She’s lovely, Luca. I can’t imagine why you haven’t mentioned her.”
Gina’s voice diverted him and he spun back around. “There’s nothing to mention. Unlike yourself. Let’s go to my suite so you can tell me why you’re here, Gina.”
Once in the rooms, Luca went to a cabinet and opened the door. “Wine or brandy?”
Gina smiled. “Neither. Oh, it’s good to see you. You travel too much and I never see you any more.”
He led her to the sofa, then sat on the arm of a nearby chair. “Father sent you?”
“Father sent the sculpture you asked for. I chaperoned it.”
Luca held his annoyance. He hadn’t seen Gina in weeks, and he didn’t want to argue.
“And you, I suppose, had to get your finger in the pot.”
She grinned cheekily. “Darling, it’s what I do best. I’d be a horrible sister if I didn’t help at least a little with our newest acquisition.”
“I thought you were busy with your newest acquisition.” He slid off the arm and down into the cushions, crossing his ankle over his knee. “How is my new niece?”
“Growing. And her brother is turning my hair gray.”
“Good. You deserve it.”
She snorted out a laugh. “I have missed you, Luca.”
“And I you. But you have Angelo and the children now. You didn’t need to come.”
“I still have an interest in Fiori, Luca. Father sent me with the sculpture and to see if you needed a fresh set of eyes. And resources.”
“You need to be with your family.”
“I left the children with Carmela, the nanny, at Father’s. Traveling with two small children…” Gina shook her head. “It will be a grand holiday for them, with Carmela to keep them in line and Papa to spoil them. It makes me feel needed. Something of my own.”
“And where is Angelo?”
“He is in Zurich, seeing to a new project. He will be back in a few days, and then Carmela and the children will go back to our villa. You worry too much, Luca.”
Luca smiled, though his heart wasn’t in it. Gina tried hard to be the exception. She insisted she and Angelo had found each other and now they had two beautiful children. Yet he’d always had the feeling that Angelo wasn’t good enough for her. He had a difficult time believing it was enough to last. He couldn’t help but wonder if down the road his sister was in for heartbreak. The same way their father had been.
Perhaps he was just being overprotective. He always had been where Gina was concerned.
&nbs
p; Gina yawned, covering her mouth with a hand. “I’m sorry. It was a long flight.”
“You are exhausted, Gina. Why don’t you nap now?” He stood and urged her down onto the plush cushions. “You don’t want circles beneath your eyes tonight, or to be yawning through dinner. You can rest here, since I have work to finish downstairs. When I get back, I’ll wake you and we can get ready, hmmm?”
“And discuss The Cascade, don’t forget.” She winked at him. “Grazie, Luca.”
“Prego. Rest now.” He took the blanket—the same one he’d wrapped over Mari’s arms—and laid it gently over her as her lids drooped.
His fingers grazed the soft blanket and he remembered Mari’s eyes, closed, as he’d fed her crème brulée. Remembered the feel of her, warm and soft against him in the limo today as she’d slept. He’d wanted to slide his arm around her and pull her on to his lap, feel her curled around him.
She had no idea what drove him. No idea why he worked so hard to prove himself. But Gina’s comment about wanting something of her own made sense to him. He wanted to prove himself, to step forward and take a larger role at Fiori. His father had shouldered all the burden of the company, and family, as he and Gina had grown up. Luca had worked hard to take some of that burden, and now he just wanted what was due him.
In the beginning he’d thought it would be fun make Mari see life was more than a balance sheet. It had seemed like a game. And admittedly he was good at games. But it had backfired. He hadn’t counted on feeling attracted to her himself.
Chapter 6
When she walked into the room it was like someone punched him in the solar plexus, strangling all the air from his lungs.
Mari wasn’t Mari tonight. She deserved the fullness of her name. She was Mariella. Every inch of her, from her hair to her toes, was elegance and shy sexuality. He hadn’t known she could look like that. He had imagined what would happen if she let her hair down and left her tidy suits in her closet. But even that imagination had fallen woefully short.
“She is beautiful, Luca. An ingénue.”
Gina’s voice interrupted beside him as they watched Mari speak a moment to the hostess, a smile lighting her face.
