A Perfect Caress

by Nana Prah

  “So do I,” Jay said. “With this guy you’ve hired, we’re sure to get to the bottom of it. Someone will be doing jail time for theft when this is over.”

  Lanelle calmed at the reassurance. “Thank you for your hard work.”

  Her primary personal accountant for the past ten years chuckled. “I should thank you for the opportunity to learn about forensic accounting firsthand.”

  “Good. It means you won’t be leaving me to snoop into other people’s financial issues.”

  “Keep treating me like you do and you’ll have no worries. How’s Italy?”

  Lanelle smiled. “It’s brilliant, but I’ll have to tell you more about it when I get back. This call is costing me a fortune.”

  Jay snorted but didn’t reply. “Have fun. And don’t worry, we’ll figure out what happened.”

  “I know we will. Bye.”

  Lanelle sat as she hung up and rested her head against the back of the chair. She’d get to the bottom of whatever was going on and then make the culprits pay, with interest.

  She’d let Jay worry about it for now. Her main concern was keeping Mr. Sanderson out of places he didn’t belong. Like her heart.

  Chapter 18

  With his wild gestations and dramatic voice rising and lowering as if in a play, Dante seemed to take great delight in orating the history of Carrara marble. He played the role of a guide on a tour of the quarry once the blazing sun had gone down enough so it wouldn’t singe their hair.

  Somehow the words “anarchism among the stone carvers” had made it into Lanelle’s head, but the explanation hadn’t. She’d ask Dante about it later. Or I could stay away from him and look it up online. The second option appealed more.

  The tour had been wasted on her, but she was pleased to see how much Vanessa liked learning about the quarry and the processing of marble. The questions the young woman asked seemed to impress her uncle.

  “Lanelle?”

  A small hand slipped into hers. She looked down at the cutest little boy she’d ever had the pleasure of getting to know. She and Ryan had a slow start in warming up to each other. They were more alike in personality than she and Vanessa, and both seemed to crawl rather than sprint when it came to trusting others.

  “Yes, Ry.”

  “Why are you quiet today? You didn’t holler at me when I got caught climbing.”

  She chuckled. “Did you need another person to yell at you?”

  “No.”

  “How about if I scold you now for doing something you know you shouldn’t have been doing?”

  A broad grin dimpled his cheek. “Come here.” Bending, she lifted him into her arms with a grunt. His legs wrapped around her waist as he laid his head on her shoulder rather than fighting to get down as she’d anticipated. Her little lost angels came to mind. Blinking back tears, she choked out, “Why are you smiling?”

  He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Because it means you love me when you shastricrise me. That’s what Mommy says.”

  It took Lanelle a second to figure out the word Ryan had butchered. Then she smiled. “It’s ‘chastise.’ And even when we don’t yell, we still love you.”

  “Yeah. Vanessa loves me the most. She’s always shouting at me and telling me what to do.”

  She nodded. “I think you’re right.”

  Dante stepped beside them. “Why are you carrying my nephew like a baby?”

  Ryan stiffened. “I’m not a baby.”

  “Then get down and walk.”

  Ryan’s deep sigh indicated he’d enjoyed being carried. With one last squeeze of her neck, he loosened his legs and slid down, running toward his parents.

  “You pamper him,” Dante charged.

  Emotion overwhelming her, Lanelle avoided looking at him. “We all do. He’s a good kid. If a little rambunctious at times.” She kicked a stone, sending it skipping away. “He’s almost a year older than my oldest would’ve been.”

  Without seeking permission this time, he wrapped her in a hug. Lanelle soaked up his comforting warmth before remembering just how much she shouldn’t need his touch. Shoving herself away, she tucked a strand of wind-blown hair behind her ear.

  Dante steered them in the direction of the others. “I’ll have to discuss it with the rest of our crew, but I wanted your opinion first.”

  She viewed his profile as she waited for him to speak. His nose had the cutest little flare at the nares.

  “One of the people I’ve worked with for years suggested we spend a few days in Rome and the rest of the vacation in Sicily. What do you think?”

  Why was he asking her? She’d go wherever they led her on this adventure. “Why Sicily?”

  “The guy is from there, and he talks about it all the time. He says it’s a restorative place.”

  “How so?”

  He lifted both shoulders to his ears and held the pose for a couple of seconds before releasing them. Lanelle stifled a giggle. So Ryan got the gesture from him.

  “I didn’t ask,” he said, “but after searching the internet, it seems like a great place. I recall Mr. Calvano encouraging me to visit there, but I was so focused on work when I came that I never bothered.” He gazed out into the horizon. “We could do some island hopping, sightsee or just lie on the beach all day.”

  Lanelle thought about the potential within the change in plans. Perhaps if they weren’t running all over Rome, she’d get to spend more time alone with Dante and get to know him a little better. Or you could stay the hell away from him, like you’ve been doing.

  “What do you think of the idea?”

  She hitched a shoulder, hoping to give off a vibe of indifference, although excitement bubbled up within her, happy he was interested in her opinion. “It’s your dime.”

  His deft fingers skittered along her bare arm until they reached her hand and held it. A delicious shiver ran up her spine. “I’d like to know if you think it’s a good idea.”

  Pulling her thoughts back from the fringes of pleasure, she said, “It’s a good idea. Rome is sure to be crowded and busy, which might not be the best for any of us. Well, except for Ryan. From what you mentioned, Sicily sounds like a good place to relax.”

  As if in slow motion, he brought her hand up to glide his lips across the knuckles. “Thank you.”

  Lanelle could get used to his gentle and affectionate ways. “You’re welcome.”

  As she and Dante walked hand in hand toward the others, she didn’t bother to pull away from him. Overriding her heart wouldn’t be possible without some sort of surgery. She’d have to ride the wave to see if she’d glide onto the shore or tumble in head over ass.

  * * *

  Dante almost felt badly about squirreling Lanelle away from his family. He’d been on the cusp of turning to join them when Ryan’s pout made its appearance. They’d arrived in Rome two days ago after their overnight trip from Carrara and had been roaming the city as a tight unit.

  The air rushed through Lanelle’s hair, pulling strands out of her ponytail as she pedaled hard in an attempt to beat him in the race she’d initiated. He’d definitely made the right decision to spend uninterrupted time with her.

  He pushed a little harder and reached the designated point before her. “I win.”

  Chest rising and falling with the exertion she’d set into trying to best him in the bike race, she panted, “Unfair advantage.”

  He raised his brows. “Are you calling me a cheater?”

  She laughed, raised her arms in the air and set her face to the sun. His heart caught at how glorious she looked. Then she looked at him. “Your legs are longer than mine.”

  He laughed at her logic as he relished being with her.

  With her hands back on the handlebars, she stood on the pedals, lifting herse
lf from the seat as they rolled down the road. “The bike tour was a great idea.”

  They’d taken the more adventurous route on their tour through Rome. He appeased his guilt for leaving the others to undertake their own tour by saying, “Ryan couldn’t have handled this route.”

  Lanelle nodded. “I could barely handle it. But it was so much fun rushing down the hill.”

  “Even when you wiped out?” His heart had leaped to his throat when she’d tumbled off the bike onto the dirt path.

  She raised her arm where the abrasion she’d sustained from elbow to wrist had stopped bleeding. “We were near the bottom, so it wasn’t too bad. I didn’t care for the rock killing my buzz, though.”

  He’d anticipated her having a good time on this outing. Yesterday they’d spent the day with the family shopping and touring the Colosseum. Hanging out with the others made it easy for Lanelle to avoid him, so he’d taken the initiative, making plans to get them alone. Executive decisions were what he did best.

  “What’s on the agenda for our last day in Rome tomorrow?”

  They rode closer to the edge of the road as a car passed. “The family is going to a children’s museum to keep Ryan from whining. And we’re taking a handmade pasta cooking and dessert making course.”

  She frowned. “I can’t see Ryan sitting still while making pasta. Why are we separating again?”

  Because I want you all to myself, you beautiful, frustrating woman. When we’re with the family, you cling to Vanessa as if you’re her chaperone. He gave a safer answer than the one his mind had wanted to spurt out. “To give them a chance to do things together as a family. Soon Vanessa will no longer be a student commuting from home. She’ll be out of the house, and opportunities like this will come few and far between. I’m sure Alan and Cynthia want to relish them while they can.”

  Lanelle nodded. “So I’m stuck with you?”

  For a moment, he stopped pedaling as the bike careened forward. At the slight quirk of her lips and the gleam in her eyes, he knew she didn’t mind. Rather than answer, he said, “I’ll give you a chance to redeem your loss. Race you to the top of the incline.”

  She huffed out a breath as she looked ahead. “You’re on. Call it.”

  He loved her competitive spirit. They’d been riding over the Roman countryside for the past three hours, and he was exhausted. Her tenacity spurred him on. Making sure they were parallel, he said, “On your mark. Get set. Go!” It wasn’t in his nature to let anyone win on purpose, so he pedaled hard to reach the top, but she beat him by a tire.

  “What do I win?” she panted.

  Dante didn’t even pretend to think. “All I have to offer is a kiss.” He’d been dreaming about it for the past three days. Being around her but not with her had been torture.

  She swallowed, and he feared she’d decline. Then she stopped the bike and straddled it with both feet flat on the asphalt. “I accept.”

  Wasting no time, he swung his leg over the back of the bike while still in motion and laid it down as he rushed to her side. Hunger and need drove him to capture her lips in a hard kiss as he framed her face with his hands. She clasped onto his shoulders as she opened for him. The hot, wet kiss turned into something that would better serve them behind closed doors.

  Making love to her outside in the capital of the homeland of his heart wouldn’t be the wisest decision. Dante slowed down the kiss with teasing nibbles of her lips, appreciating every nuance of their fullness. He gave her one last nip before forcing himself to back away. Her whimper didn’t make it easier. “Your prize has been claimed.”

  She opened her eyes and blinked in rapid succession. Then clarity replaced the glaze. “Wanna race again?”

  He chuckled as he picked up his bike. “I’d rather not see you go tumbling down another hill. I like your skin on your body, not the ground.”

  “Spoilsport,” she murmured and took off at a leisurely pace with a smile plastered on her face.

  He hoped tomorrow they’d get more of a chance to talk, but the day had been extraordinary, just being in her presence as they took in the majesty of the land. He’d learned the serious side she’d been showing him hid a woman of great hilarity. Lanelle laughed at anything and everything that struck her as funny.

  A woman after his own heart, but then he already knew that. Time to make sure she did, too. He’d read up on Rh factor and the effects it had on a child in the womb. She hadn’t been dramatic when she said her body had attacked her twins.

  All he had to do was get a simple blood test done to know if he could have children with her who would survive. Why hadn’t he done it yet?

  Because it didn’t matter. He wanted her, whether they could produce kids together or not. He’d get tested, but whatever the outcome, he’d have Lanelle in his life. If only she’d have him.

  Chapter 19

  The next morning, Lanelle found it unbearable to sit as she attempted to get out of bed when a knock sounded on the door. Forgoing her conventional way of rising, she rolled onto her stomach and slid her legs off until her feet hit the floor. The move cost her no small amount of pain, making her limp to the door at another knock and Vanessa’s voice floating through the door. “Lanelle, it’s me.”

  She opened the door to find Dante standing behind his niece. He rushed past Vanessa to Lanelle’s side, his brows creased with concern. “What’s wrong?”

  She chuckled when she wanted to groan in pain. “I overdid it on the bike.” She shrugged. “Consequences.” He guided her to the armchair, but she bristled at sitting on it. Her behind had never felt so sore. Then she noticed Dante’s smooth motions. “Why aren’t you in pain?”

  “Uncle D is a cyclist,” Vanessa answered. “He’s even won a few medals.”

  Lanelle glared at him. “You could’ve told me this before you issued those challenges.”

  He performed his adorable Ryan shrug, and she forgave him the duplicity. His voice went low and husky. “I could let you claim more prizes if you’d like.”

  Remembering the kiss sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. If only Vanessa weren’t staring at them, she’d take him up on the offer. If she weren’t so sore, she’d make sure it went further than those searing kisses.

  She snapped herself out of her thoughts, wondering where they’d come from. Nothing had changed. They weren’t dating. Nor would they because she couldn’t give him what he needed. Too heart-and butt-sore to continue standing, she went to the bed and flung herself onto it. Lanelle moaned with relief as her muscles unclenched. “I won’t be going anywhere today.”

  Vanessa sat on the side of the bed. “I’ll stay with you.”

  “No, you won’t,” Lanelle insisted. “How many opportunities will you get to visit Rome? I’ll be all right. A couple of ibuprofen and a warm pack in an unmentionable place and I’ll be fine.”

  Vanessa laughed. “Are you sure?”

  “One hundred percent. Now go take Rome by storm and take loads of pictures.”

  The young woman stood. “Feel better.”

  Dante stayed by her bedside. “If I had known we’d be riding for so long...”

  Lanelle grinned. “I loved every minute of it and would do it again. Maybe with bike shorts on next time.” She pointed a finger straight up. “Extra padding and maybe a chair seat, too.”

  Dante didn’t look convinced. Without a word, he followed Vanessa out.

  Ten minutes later, Lanelle was still contemplating the best way to reach over to the other side of the bed so she could call the front desk to have them send her medication and food when the door swung open. Her martial arts training had her standing before the pain registered.

  Arms filled with a food-laden tray, Dante walked in and set it on the table. “Are you always so jumpy?”

  “Only when people enter my room with
out knocking.”

  “Sorry, I left the door open a little before I went down so I could get right back in.”

  He kept his gaze glued to her as she settled back in bed. “I should’ve known something was wrong when you didn’t come down for breakfast. You never miss a meal.” The crinkles in the corners of his eyes showed up. “Or a snack.”

  The giggle burst from her at his correct assessment.

  He went to her side. “I brought you breakfast, ibuprofen and a hot-water bottle.”

  Her heart melted at the sweetness of his gesture. Then he held out his arm. “Hold onto me and I’ll prop you up so you’re lying at an angle and you can eat.” She did as he instructed. Taking the pill from him, she downed it with a sip of orange juice.

  He handed her the covered hot-water bottle. Lanelle had no shame when it came to placing it on her backside, leaning over to the side a little so she wouldn’t squish it completely and end up with a wet bed.

  She eyed how he’d set everything up by pulling the table to the side of the bed. Yet not where she could reach it. “You aren’t feeding me.”

  Just as he was going to argue, he placed the tray on his lap so she could reach the food. After a few bites of strawberry crepes she’d punch through a cement block for, she asked, “How did you know what I’d like?”

  He arched a brow. “Is there anything you don’t like when it comes to food?”

  She chewed on a piece of sausage and washed it down with a sip of tea, her preference over coffee; she hadn’t realized he’d noticed that about her. But then again, nothing should shock her about this extraordinary man.

  Lanelle cleared the plate, leaving the obligatory scraps, and then she did away with those, too. She regretted not being able to spend the day with him. “So what are you doing today?”

  He considered her as he pulled the table back to its original position with the tray on top. “I’ve never been officially trained, but I figured I’d nurse a woman who overdid it with a bike ride back to health.”