Sweet Italian Christmas: Three Christmas Romances

by Helen Scott Taylor

  • • •

  Seth hadn't planned for Gina to try the activities. Yet the bleakness in her gaze made him want to take her mind off her worries. Gina's loud, confident manner was an act. When she thought he wasn't looking, her mask slipped and he glimpsed the frightened, anxious woman underneath.

  "There you go, love. Does that feel comfortable?" Seth tightened the webbing straps of the harness, keeping his mind firmly on the job at hand so it didn't stray to Gina's delectable body.

  "It's a bit tight here." Gina pulled at the section that passed between her legs.

  "Yeah, I know. It has to be tight to keep you safe. Mine's tight as well." He was about to tug at his crotch strap to demonstrate how everything down there was squashed, then he realized that wasn't a very gentlemanly thing to do.

  "Right. Are you sure you don't want to rappel down on your own?"

  Gina peered over the edge of the cliff from the wooden platform, her knuckles white where she gripped the handrail. "No. Can I go down with you?"

  "All right." Seth cleared his throat as he gestured for Gina to step closer and turn around. He clipped the back of her harness to his chest piece and wrapped a protective arm around her as he shuffled them towards the edge.

  Seth grabbed a breath laden with her exotic fragrance and closed his eyes for a moment. This woman was like a forbidden fruit. He wanted her so badly, but he really couldn't go there. Not only was she not his sort, he was supposed to be protecting her.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Scott's knowing grin. His friends had teased him nonstop since they met Gina. They'd never let him forget this.

  Gina squeaked and clutched his arm as he lowered them backwards over the cliff.

  "Okay, walk down." He stepped back, letting out the rope, and Gina shuffled her feet down with him. "Right. Here we go." Seth pushed off with his feet and let out the rope. They dropped about five feet and Gina squealed.

  "All right, love? Ready to continue?" He could feel her heart beating where the side of his arm was pressed against her ribs.

  "Yes." Her voice was breathless with nerves and, he hoped, a little excitement.

  They continued down in short hops. Although he could feel her trembling, she got the hang of the movement and pushed off with her feet when he did. Sometimes the older teenage girls pretended to be frightened so he or Scott would take them down, but Gina was not faking her fear.

  When their feet touched the ground, Gina cheered. Seth unclipped her harness from his and she jumped around like a kid, pumping her fists and dancing.

  "I did it. I did it. Thank you, Seth." Taking him by surprise, she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.

  The warning bell in his head lasted a millisecond before the sensation of her soft lips hit his senses, searing through his body like fire. What little resistance he had combusted under the sensual assault. He closed his eyes and drew her closer, kissing her back.

  Chapter Five

  Dangling in the air, Gina whizzed down the zip wire, the wind in her face, her hair streaming behind her. Beneath her the café came and went, then she flew over the rippling waters of the lake and slowed as the wire neared the ground.

  O'Reilly waited to catch her as she reached the sandy landing area. He unhooked her carabiner and safety tether from the trolley on the metal cable and patted her on the shoulder.

  "Well done, lass."

  "Oh, wow. That was fantastic. What a rush!" Gina scooped back her messy hair, breathless with exhilaration, her heart pounding after the rapid descent. Energy surged through her body, her spirit still flying up in the wintry blue sky with the seagulls.

  She wouldn't have dared try this if Seth hadn't helped her rappel down the cliff first. She'd wanted to prove to him she could do the zip wire on her own. What a buzz. Right now, she felt like she could conquer the world.

  "Look," O'Reilly said, pointing at the top of the cliff.

  Seth launched into the zip run with Tiff in her special military harness clipped to his front.

  "Yay, go, Tiff, the flying dog." Gina shouted and cheered, pumping her fist in the air as Seth and Tiff shot down the wire.

  Tiff's ears blew back, her lips drawn wide in a doggy grin, Seth's arms wrapped securely around the beast.

  O'Reilly caught Seth's harness and slowed their speed as they reached the end of the wire. He unhooked Seth from the trolley, then Seth unclipped Tiff and set her on her feet.

  Gina crouched. "You clever girl." Tiff dashed to her, tail wagging, her whole body wiggling with excitement. Her harness had a handle on the top. Gina used both hands to lift her off the ground. When Tiff's legs pedaled the air, Gina set her down again, laughing.

  "What's the handle on Tiff's harness for?" she shouted.

  Seth wandered over, unclipping the nylon strap around his waist before stepping out of his harness. "Military dogs have to be picked up and carried sometimes. I'll show you." He crouched. "Come here, Tiff."

  The black dog obediently went to him. He lifted her onto his shoulders, then stood up with her legs dangling on either side of his head. She relaxed, appearing to be comfortable.

  "Like this." Seth ran a few yards, then came back before setting Tiff on the ground again.

  "I don't think I'd manage to carry her like that. She's too heavy for me." Gina had never taken much notice of what went on in Afghanistan. It hadn't affected her. Now she wished she knew more about what Seth and Tiff had experienced over there.

  Seth laughed as he brushed the dirt off his neck and shoulders that had fallen off Tiff. "Come on. Time to head back for a late lunch. Are you going to try driving the pickup?"

  She'd been certain she didn't want to, but after conquering the zip wire, driving the pickup would be a cake walk. They climbed in and she adjusted the seat so she could reach the pedals, then turned the key.

  The pickup was a similar size to her brother's SUV, except it was a right-hand drive. She found first gear and pulled away, shifting up with no problem. Then she forgot what she was doing and banged her arm on the door when she tried to shift up to third with the wrong hand.

  The mile to Home Farm passed in a few minutes. Too soon, she crossed the rattling metal bars of the cattle grid that protected Seth's yard from stray farm animals, and swung around to stop outside the back door where he always parked.

  "Full marks," he said. "You can take it into town whenever you want."

  Gina's ecstatic high burst like a balloon pricked with a pin. All her energy and enthusiasm leaked away. She gripped the top of the steering wheel and slumped forward, pressing her forehead against her hands.

  "Gina, love. Are you all right? What did I say?"

  "It's not you. It's me." It was always this way. Up one moment, then bang, she fell off a cliff and plunged into a pit of worry. The higher the high, the harder the fall.

  "What is it, love?"

  Gina hated talking about her mental issues. Her family knew and they sheltered her. They were patient and understanding, and didn't push her when she felt bad. But she kept up a false front with her friends. She held back from relationships so she never got close enough to anyone to have to confide in them.

  Yet Seth was different. She trusted him.

  "I don't want to go on my own. Because of Nico, you know. He might be around."

  "Not a problem." Seth's large, warm hand settled on her back and stroked a soothing circle. "I'll come with you if you want me to."

  At Seth's gentle, understanding tone, stupid tears filled Gina's eyes. He must think she was a weirdo the way her moods changed so fast. However hard she tried to stay positive, she couldn't keep from overanalyzing everything. The thoughts went around and around in her head until she was a nervous wreck.

  "Hey, Gina. Come here, darling." Seth released her seatbelt and pulled her across the central console onto his lap. She curled against him, burying her face in his chest. Seth stroked her hair and she felt his lips on her temple. Then Tiff's warm tongue lapped her hand. />
  Gina laughed through her tears. "Silly dog." She wrapped her arms around Tiff's neck, and the dog tried to climb on her lap.

  Seth chuckled as Tiff pushed her muzzle between them and snuffled. "She doesn't want to be left out of the cuddle." He rubbed Tiff's ears, and Gina laid her head on his shoulder. The knot of anxiety in her chest loosened. Was it possible that Seth still liked her, even though he knew her real personality?

  • • •

  Seth put his arm around Gina's shoulders and led her into the house. He'd tried hard to keep his distance from her and not act on his feelings, but that spontaneous kiss in the quarry had shattered his resistance permanently. He wanted to touch her and hold her. He wanted to look after her.

  To start with, he'd thought she was one of those glamorous wealthy women who treated men like playthings, but she was nothing like that. Behind her confident mask, she was vulnerable and uncertain. She needed him, and he wouldn't let her down.

  "I'm going upstairs to freshen up." Gina swept back her hair and tried to smile.

  "Okay. I'll make us a cup of coffee and a sandwich."

  "You don't have to. Give me a few minutes and I'll make lunch."

  "No." Seth stroked the hair back from her face, his protective instincts roused. "You're not here to wait on me all the time. I can cut a few slices of that wonderful bread you made and put in a filling. I can even work that contraption you bought that makes coffee."

  She laughed, giving him a playful shove before she ran up the stairs with Tiff on her heels. Seth rested his hands on his hips and watched, shaking his head to think this beautiful woman had kissed him. It didn't seem possible.

  Seth put on the coffeemaker before going to the sitting room to touch a match to the kindling already laid in the fireplace. Then he returned to the kitchen.

  Once he'd cut some bread and added cheese, ham, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, he went back to the sitting room and tossed some logs on the fire to get the room warmed up before Gina came back.

  He set out the sandwiches on two plates, and even garnished them with frilly bits of lettuce like Gina did. She'd only been here for a week, and already she had him trained.

  At the sound of her tread on the stairs, he carried through the lunch tray to the sitting room.

  "Let's eat in front of the fire." It was already nearly four, and dusk was gathering in the valley outside the window, the last golden streaks of sun glowing through the clouds.

  Gina sat on the sofa and folded up her legs. Tiff jumped up beside her and rested her chin on Gina's feet. Seth frowned at Tiff and turned to stoke the fire, not really believing he could be jealous of a dog.

  When he'd fought back the green-eyed monster, Seth sat in the vacant space on the sofa and ate his sandwich, stroking the dog to show there were no hard feelings.

  Gina finished her sandwich and sneaked a piece of ham to Tiff.

  "Does lunch meet with your approval, ma'am?" he asked.

  "Lovely." Gina reached over Tiff, pulled Seth closer by his collar, and pressed her lips to his cheek.

  Seth decided that was his cue to take his rightful place at Gina's side. Sliding his hands underneath Tiff, he lifted her over his lap, changing places.

  Gina snuggled closer as he put his arm around her shoulders. He kissed her hair, her temple, her cheek, then found her lips. She turned into his arms with a whimper that sent fire racing along his veins.

  This woman had slipped beneath his defenses and stolen his heart when he wasn't looking. He loved her so much his chest ached. He lost himself in the feel of her slender body in his arms, and the thick silk of her hair against his hand.

  For the first time in ages, he felt a spark of hope for the future. For the last twelve months, he'd lived in a strange vacuum. A year ago, a flood had deluged Robin's Cove and washed away his life. Emily had left to marry Savino and live in Italy, and his cousin Marc had moved to London to open a new restaurant. Visitors no longer came to Robin's Cove now that it was virtually inaccessible after the flood, and Seth's outdoor pursuits center had started to lose money.

  The final straw had been when Seth's thirteen-year-old daughter, Natalie, refused to come and stay with him anymore.

  Seth was worried about his business, but he hadn't realized how lonely he was. Gina filled that hole in his heart. Yet however much he loved her, she wouldn't want to stay here with him. He had a terrible feeling he was setting himself up for even more heartache.

  Chapter Six

  A knock sounded on Gina's bedroom door and she opened her eyes. Tiff lay sprawled on the bed at her side, her head resting on Gina's pillow.

  "Yes," she said, pushing up on an elbow and rubbing her eyes.

  The door opened and Seth put his head through. "You'll teach that dog bad habits. She's not allowed to sleep in bed with me." Despite his words, a grin tugged at his lips.

  "She's good company." Gina scratched Tiff's belly. The animal rolled on her back, paws in the air, and released a doggy sigh of pleasure. Having Tiff's company helped Gina relax. Smoothing the dog's fur and being with the sweet-natured creature made Gina feel better than any antidepressant did.

  "Would you like to come Christmas tree shopping with me? It's only a couple of weeks until Christmas now. Don't know where December's gone."

  Gina sat up and pushed back the tangled mass of her hair, wishing she'd had a moment to make herself look good before Seth came in. "We don't put up a Christmas tree at home, but I've seen them. Emily and Savino had one."

  "How do you decorate your home for Christmas, then?"

  "We have a presepe, a nativity scene. Naples is famous for them."

  "If it'll make you feel more at home, we can put up a nativity scene here."

  A prickling surge of guilt made Gina avert her gaze. She didn't want to tell Seth that by Christmas she hoped she was home with her family, although she wasn't as sure about that now. She hated the thought of leaving Seth on his own at Christmas.

  An hour later, after a shower and a quick breakfast, Gina sat beside Seth as he drove his pickup away from Home Farm along the narrow lanes. Some Italian roads were narrow, but in Cornwall, they barely seemed wide enough to squeeze a car through.

  They went to a garden center that sold plants and everything to do with gardens and yard work. Cheerful Christmas music sounded from inside the huge glass building as they walked towards the entrance doors. Tiny blinking Christmas lights trailed around the walls. Animated models of fat Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and elves nodded their heads and waved as Gina put her arm through Seth's and walked through the foyer.

  Inside, displays of Christmas trees filled the cavernous space, each one decorated with a different color scheme. Bright flowering plants sat on stands alongside displays of silver and gold table centerpieces.

  Everywhere they went a different fragrance hung in the air—the tang of pine, the sweet and spicy mix of the scented candle display, the sugary smell of candy canes.

  As they trailed along, threading their shopping cart through the crowds, children scampered about laughing, and the merry feeling of the holidays filled the air.

  Gina missed her darling niece, Violet, so much. Christmas was a time for children, and the little girl so enjoyed putting up the presepe and unwrapping her presents. Gina pretended to study a display of glass baubles as she blinked away tears of homesickness.

  They toured the building, picking up a pack of tiny lights, a pot of poinsettias, and some baubles that caught Gina's eye. But the one thing she really wanted wasn't here.

  The British did not have the wooden frames full of shelves that Italian families used to display their crib scenes, presents, and other Christmas treats. "They don't sell presepi."

  "Look over there." Seth pointed. "They have nativity figures."

  The selection of figurines was so meager Gina had missed them. She was used to whole markets dedicated to selling them. She found a Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger, along with a donkey, cow, sheep, and a shepherd with a c
rook.

  She examined the display of Christmas stockings, looking in vain for one decorated with a picture of La Befana, the good witch who delivered presents to the children at Epiphany in Italy, but in England all they had was Santa Claus. She picked two plain red and green stockings, a sewing kit, and some pieces of felt to make her own.

  When they'd finished shopping inside, Seth pushed the cart out to the courtyard where all the cut pine trees were arranged. He held up a tree as tall as him. "What do you think?"

  It was a rich green with busy branches and a wonderful fragrance. "I'm no Christmas tree expert, but it looks good to me."

  They paid for their purchases, loaded them in the pickup, and took a route along the ocean. With a clear blue sky and calm sea, the rugged Cornish coast was beautiful, if very different from the Amalfi coast at home.

  "Let's have lunch out for a change. You deserve a break from cooking." Seth reached over and squeezed her hand, a question in his eyes. He must have sensed her mood change.

  Gina pasted on a smile, fighting the sadness that had crept up while they were in the store. She loved being with Seth, but everything was so different here—not only the houses and the countryside, but the food and Christmas traditions as well. She missed Italy so much it hurt.

  They pulled up by an old stone building at the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. The sign hanging outside said The Candlelight Inn.

  Seth climbed out, then came around to open her door. As she stepped out, he wrapped an arm around her and stroked back her hair. "You're very quiet now. Are you all right?"

  She leaned into him and pressed her face against his chest. "I'm just missing home. I wish the police would let me know what's happening. I hate this uncertainty."

  Nico had been out of prison for two weeks, and yet the police had no idea what he planned to do. Apparently he'd gone straight to his father's country estate outside Naples, and he'd been inside their walls ever since.