by Donna Alward
Tommy had played himself out bounding through the grass, and collapsed in a contented heap a few feet away. “I haven’t been doing this with him enough lately. I need to or he’s going to get fat and lazy.”
“Everyone needs downtime like this. Outside, peace and quiet, something simple and restorative. It’s what I hope people find at the Cascade. A break from the…what’s the term…the rat race. Time to smell the roses. For some, this is a way of life.”
“For someone like you, you mean?”
He smiled and took a bite of bocconcini. “Someone like me?”
She gave him a significant look and he grinned. “Oh, you mean the idle rich.”
She took a drink of the mellow chardonnay, enjoying the light teasing between them. “I will concede that you are definitely not idle. You’ve proved that this last week.”
“You thought I was?”
She looked down over the valley. “Oh come on, the golden son of Fiori Resorts? I’ve read the magazines, you know. Life handed to you on a silver platter? Fancy cars and fast women…or is that fast cars and fancy women?” She couldn’t stop the teasing quiver of her mouth.
“Either way,” he admitted dryly.
“You’re incorrigible,” she giggled, leaning a little sideways and jostling his shoulder.
And sighed into her wine.
“Have I been pushing too hard, then?”
She eyed him carefully. Had he? He never looked tense or flustered or tired, but she knew for a fact that he was up and working by the time she arrived in the morning, and just last night when she had gone home late, he was still on his computer in his office.
“I don’t think you’ve been pushing anyone harder than yourself. But maybe the Cascade staff isn’t used to that pace.”
“Staff like you?”
She put off answering by nibbling on her potato salad. But his gaze remained on her face and she swallowed.
“I didn’t get where I am without putting in the hours,” she replied. She was tired. It was no secret. But part of the fatigue was due to the fact that things were changing and she was unsettled. She was under stresses he knew nothing about, nor would he. She was waking more in the night than she usually did. The nightmares had returned. She was looking over her shoulder. It meant she started most days already at an energy deficit.
“I wouldn’t have asked so much of you if I weren’t sure you could handle it, Mari.”
And she couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her at his words of confidence.
“And I thank you for that. As well as thanking you for realizing I needed a breather.”
When Mari pushed away her plate, Luca reached into the basket one more time.
“I know I probably shouldn’t have, but I got them to sneak in dessert.” He removed a ceramic pot and a spoon, held them up.
“You thought of everything.”
“Not everything. They only sent one spoon.”
She stared at the single utensil. What sort of game was he playing? She thought he’d simply hand her the dish and that would be it. But instead he dipped the spoon in and out, a smile playing on his lips.
“I told you that there was simple beauty to be found. That the Cascade meant an experience, more than providing a service. What if we weren’t running the hotel? What if we were guests? We wouldn’t be thinking of whether or not this was profitable, we’d be thinking of how wonderful the afternoon has been. We’d be opening our senses, our minds. We’d be thinking of ourselves and enjoyment and not worrying about a thing.”
Her heart tripped over itself as he held up the spoon, rounded with crème brûlée.
“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 brûlée. What do you think?”
What Mari thought was that test driving a sports car 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.
But she’d have to go back to the hotel with Luca and 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 wineglasses 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 evening 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 back seat 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 toward the lobby doors together. Just before they reached 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 toward 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 co-workers, 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. “He hasn’t said a word about his family.”
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 at 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 w
anted 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 gaze 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 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 anymore.”
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?”
