by Alexia Adams
“Did you say there was food? I’m starving.” Leslie’s voice grated down his spine.
“Yes, of course. Please follow me.” Luca led them around the side of the house to where a picnic table had been set up. A white-coated man stood at attention, sweeping away the lids covering the food as they arrived. A young woman appeared from inside the house, carrying a tray with glasses of chilled Prosecco.
“I’ll say one thing about you Italians, you sure know how to eat,” Leslie said as she snagged a glass of the sparkling wine.
Sophia declined the wine when offered and asked for a glass of water instead.
“Are you sure you are all right?” Luca put a finger under her chin and examined her face. She was a little pale, but the smile she gave him was a bit more real.
“Yes, of course. I just don’t feel like wine so early in the day,” she said quietly, her eyes darting toward Leslie.
“Chet, Leslie, do you mind starting? I want to show Sophia the cottage.”
“Of course, go right ahead,” Chet answered. He picked up a plate and loaded it with olives, pickled mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and cheeses.
Luca took Sophia’s hand in his and led her into the cottage. Sheltered by the mountain behind, it was cooler than outside. He glanced around, pleased that the place appeared neat and clean. The cottage had a rustic charm he was sure the designer in Sophia could appreciate.
“I know it is tiny compared to the villa. As it is just the two of us, I did not think we really needed a lot of room.” He stared at her face, waiting for some indication of what she was thinking.
“It’s very pretty. It’s nice how they’ve kept all the original features.”
“One family has owned it for 200 years. They do not want to sell, but neither does anyone want to live here, so it is available for as long as we want.”
She pulled her hand out of his and wandered over to the stone sink, running her finger along its bumpy surface in a long caress.
“If you want, I can hire a cook and gardener to come from Teramo.”
She raised her eyes to his but still didn’t say anything. A shimmer of dampness appeared and she quickly blinked it away. He was such an idiot. She wasn’t well. He should have taken her back to the hotel, not sprung this surprise on her.
“Come upstairs, I think you will like the view from the bedroom.”
He took her hand in his again and led the way up the narrow stone steps. If he carried her to bed he’d have to be very careful not to bump her head. Of course, with no one around for miles, they didn’t necessarily have to wait until they made it to the bedroom to enjoy each other.
Sophia stuck her head through the doorway of the two small bedrooms. The furniture upstairs had been in such bad shape that he’d had the owner’s permission to get rid of it. He figured Sophia would enjoy finding new pieces. Even though it was only a temporary home, she’d probably feel better if she could stamp some of her own personality on it, as she’d done with the villa, which now had the heart and soul it had been lacking before she’d come to live there.
“This is the master bedroom,” Luca said as he flung open a door at the end of the small hallway. It had probably been two or even three rooms originally, judging by the ceiling. But at some time in the past fifty years, it had been turned into a cozy room with attached bathroom. “Come look at the claw-foot tub. I thought you would enjoy that.”
“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered at last.
Luca pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. He rested his cheek on the top of her head and rubbed his hands up and down her back until he felt her relax.
“We will come back tomorrow, or next week, when you are feeling better. Then we can look for some furniture, and new curtains, and anything else you think we need. I want you to be happy here, Sophia. Whatever it takes, it is yours.”
She clung to him tightly for a few more minutes, and his heart rate accelerated. He’d never seen her like this. Even when she’d told him of her family and her past, she’d been more animated.
Her stomach rumbled, and he gave himself another mental kick up the ass. He was making a disaster of this husband role. “You must be starving. We can eat now and discuss all that needs to be done later.”
He led her back down the stairs and out into the sunshine. Three empty glasses of wine sat on the tray, and Chet still had his next to him. What had happened to Leslie that she’d gone from classy to trashy?
“Sit here, amore. I will get you a plate.” He hurried over to the buffet and picked out her favorites.
She gave him a warm smile as he handed her the plate and he managed a deep breath, the pressure in his chest releasing a little. He still hadn’t shown her the cottage’s best feature, and he was trying to decide whether to wait until the Wilkinses weren’t with them or show them all after lunch.
Sophia picked at her food but downed three glasses of water. After everyone said they were done eating, Luca stood.
“I have one more surprise. If you do not mind a little walk after eating, follow me.”
He took Sophia’s hand and made sure to slow his walk so she didn’t get out of breath. It was the perfect day to show her the view. They wound their way through a forested path. A small bridge spanned a creek, which tumbled over some rocks further down in a picturesque waterfall near the house. He’d make sure there was a comfortable chair there for Sophia to read in.
After about ten minutes, the trees thinned and they emerged onto a little plateau. A slate terrace and a pergola covered in roses graced the center. They all wandered over and stared at the view. In the far distance the blue Aegean Sea shimmered in the early-summer sunshine. But it was the magnificent view of the medieval village they would be turning into a world-class spa hotel that was the real prize.
“See, from here you will be able to watch as we turn the past into the future. I plan to take a photo every day when it is not raining and create a slideshow of our progress.”
“What a great idea,” Chet said. “It will make great marketing material.”
“The view is beautiful,” Sophia agreed.
Leslie huffed. “I’m sure Rapunzel said the same thing when she looked out of her tower.”
Chapter 14
Sophia leaned her head against the cool tile wall of the hotel bathroom, hoping to quell the rising nausea. Luca and Chet had gone off to a meeting with the regional planning committee to discuss the restoration of the village and its transformation into a hotel complex. They didn’t expect any opposition to their plans as the tax revenue and local employment benefits were substantial. Leslie had pleaded a headache and decided to stay in the hotel, so Sophia had been relieved of her chaperone duties.
Now she could vomit in peace, without Luca hovering over her. He’d been really sweet at the cottage, almost carrying her down the hill in the end. And for the drive back to Teramo, he’d insisted that she sit up front with him, relegating the billionaire Chet to the backseat, next to his wife.
Sophia had pretended to sleep while Luca and Chet discussed the initial construction phase. They were going to start with the smallest houses, which were to serve as accommodation for the workers while they rebuilt the larger structures. She and Luca were to live at the cottage for at least the first year, although Chet acknowledged that Luca had other projects that would require his attention so he didn’t need to be onsite every day. Luca already had someone who would take over from him in Milan, dealing with the day-to-day business aspects of his company.
Next they talked about other places in Italy and southern France where they could possibly replicate the project. At that point, Sophia stopped listening. Leslie was right. There was always one more deal.
Her mother’s pinched face loomed before her mind. The disillusion, the drudgery, the despair of giving up on her dreams had haunted Janice Stevens until there was no light left within her to shine on her children. Sophia couldn’t, wouldn’t let that happen to her. But could she really be so
selfish as to pursue her dream at the cost of Luca’s? Isabella had said that she put her husband’s happiness before her own, knowing that he did the same. If it was always the one person giving up their happiness, however, could the marriage last? And would Luca soon lose interest in her, as Chet had done with Leslie, if she had nothing to bring to the relationship?
The turmoil of her thoughts echoed in her stomach.
Her mobile phone rang in the other room and she hurried to answer it, although if it was Luca, she wasn’t sure that she wanted to speak to him just yet.
“Ciao, Isabella,” Sophia said, seeing her friend’s name on the call display.
“Sophia, I have the great news. But first, did Luca get the job?”
“Yes. He is meeting with the officials now to get started on the paperwork.”
“You do not sound happy.” Trust Isabella to pick up on that hundreds of kilometers away when her husband hadn’t been able to work it out while standing in the same tiny room in a cottage.
“It means Luca has to move down here for at least a year, probably two.” Sophia’s stomach roiled again and she took a drink of water.
“Oh, I see. Then that makes my news of no matter.”
“What’s your news?”
“You remember my friend from school who works with a company that rents houses to English tourists?”
“Yes, we met her at lunch a few days ago.”
“Well, her company is looking to redecorate all twenty of their properties. They want to combine local Italian features with some English style so the guests will feel more at home. She wants us to bid on the contract. She believes you will be a top contender to be the chief designer as you know both cultures. But if you will not be living in the area … ” The excitement in Isabella’s voice faded away.
“How much is the contract worth?” she swallowed again.
“Fifty thousand euros. And that would be just our commission. The total budget for the redecoration is 200,000.” Her dream come true. Dare she take it?
“I’ll have to call you back, Isabella. I think I’m going to be sick.” Sophia raced to the bathroom, making it just in time.
• • •
Luca stared down at Sophia curled in the fetal position on the bed. His heart swelled and it was time he admitted it, at least to himself. He was in love with his wife. Sophia had become the foundation that supported the rest of his life. When he was with her, he experienced an inner peace he hadn’t even realized was missing. The sense of purpose he’d been unconsciously searching for, he’d found in her arms. His money, his success, it all meant nothing if she wasn’t there to share it.
He wanted to tell her. But, his head told him to hold back. Sophia was always so serene, so in control. He had no idea what she really felt. Sometimes, she even appeared to be playing a role. On the drive down from Milan, she said she could easily fool Leslie that she was desperately in love with her husband. What he would give to make it real. This deal? The future of his company? His stomach felt like it was falling.
He sighed. This wasn’t supposed to be so complicated. Sophia seemed to enjoy his company, she certainly enjoyed their lovemaking. Was he still just her ticket to an easier life? She never asked him to stay home or made any demands of him. He couldn’t give her his heart if she didn’t want it.
He would have to be content with telling her how he felt during the heat of their passion. Of course he had to tell her in his mother’s native language, as Sophia’s Italian was too good now for her not to know what he was saying. The wry thought passed through his mind that his mother would be so proud that he could still remember some of the Sardinian she’d taught him as a child.
As he continued to stare, her eyes fluttered open and she stretched.
“What time is it?” Her voice was husky with sleep.
“Almost eleven. Sorry to be so late. We went for drinks after our meeting to celebrate. Have you eaten?” He glanced around the room. There were no room service dishes here or in the hallway outside the room.
“No, something I had at breakfast didn’t agree with me. I haven’t felt like eating.”
He sat on the bed beside her and checked her forehead for a fever. If anything, she was a little cool. “I think we should take you to a doctor.”
“Honestly, Luca, you worry too much. I’ll be fine in the morning. What’s the schedule for tomorrow? Are we going back to the site?”
“No, there is no need. I may still have to go back next week if the regional planners have any questions. I thought tomorrow we would take the coastal road back, stop in some of the villages, and enjoy the sea air.”
“Actually, I would like to get back to the villa as soon as possible tomorrow. Isabella and I have an important meeting on Monday and I’d like to prepare. We have a chance to bid on a huge contract to redecorate twenty rental properties.”
There was a sharp stabbing pain in his chest. “Twenty? That is amazing.”
She yawned again. “Are you coming to bed now?”
He searched her face, her eyes were already closed.
“Actually, I have a few emails to send first. I will join you in a little while.”
“Okay, ’night.”
He turned away from the bed and grabbed his laptop out of his bag. He’d work in the lobby so as not to disturb her. The chances were slim that he’d actually be able to concentrate and send the urgent messages. Not when the distinct possibility of living apart from his wife loomed large before him. But he had seventy-five people depending on him for work—he couldn’t just pack it in because he wanted to spend every possible moment with Sophia.
He couldn’t give up the hotel project and he couldn’t take it.
• • •
Sophia stepped through the door to the villa. She loved this house. Would she love it the same if Luca weren’t living here? Probably not.
At least she felt better than yesterday. A good night’s sleep and a couple cups of tea had done the trick. That, and leaving Teramo in the rearview mirror. But that respite was probably short-lived.
Maria bustled out of the kitchen as Luca brought in their bags, informing them that dinner would be ready in about an hour.
“Do you need to work on the proposal for your meeting tomorrow?” There was an odd light in Luca’s eyes. Probably the same look she got when he talked about his project.
“No. Isabella is coming over tomorrow morning, and we’ll work on it together then.”
“Shall we take a walk in the garden?”
She searched his eyes and saw hope and something else. Fear? “I’d love that.”
He took her hand and they strolled toward the rotunda set in the topiary garden. The trailing roses were in full bloom and their delicate scent filled the air with perfume.
“You do not like the cottage, do you?” Luca stopped walking and tilted her face up, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.
“The cottage is fine. It’s just so far from anywhere. I’ll be trapped there while you’re at work.”
“It is only for a little while. There is no other option, Sophia. The city is more than two hours away. We plan to start construction at 6:00 a.m. If we live in town I will have to leave by four and will not get home until after eight at night.”
“I know.” She tried to blink it away, but a tear fell down her cheek. Luca bent and kissed it away, holding her close.
“I cannot bear for us to live apart, amore. It hurts to even think about it.”
“For me, too. But I’m scared of what I will become. I told you when we first married that I didn’t do sitting around the house well. And what if you tire of me? You will be dealing with interesting people all day, and when you come home the only thing I’ll be able to talk about is the dust bunny I chased around the sitting room.”
“Dust bunny?”
“Never mind. The point is, I’ll be bored out of my mind. What if I turn into Leslie Wilkins?”
“You will never become that. You are too stron
g. You are my warrior ninja woman. And I do not know why you think I will get tired of you. You fascinate me, Sophia. More each day.” He kissed her lips, absorbing her sigh.
Yeah, but for how long?
• • •
Sophia shut down her laptop and prepared to answer questions. Thankfully she was sitting and they couldn’t see how badly her knees were shaking. Even Isabella, who always seemed so confident, was fiddling with their paper proposal in front of her. The board had been silent during her presentation, and Sophia had no idea whether she’d nailed it or missed by a mile.
“Thank you, Signora Castellioni and Signora Carrero. That is the best presentation we have seen. You understood exactly what we were looking for,” the chairman said. The elation Sophia expected to feel was squashed by her nausea. “Do any of the other board members have questions?” John Templeton looked around the room. An ex-British Army commander, he was as rigid as a concrete wall. No one, it seemed, dared question him. “Very well, then. We will make a decision this evening and let you know the results.”
Sophia and Isabella managed to wait until they were in Isabella’s car before they shouted in glee. Isabella pulled out her mobile and called Dante. Sophia couldn’t understand the conversation—it was too fast in Italian—but she could hear the pride in Dante’s voice as he congratulated his wife. Sophia’s fingers hovered over the screen of her phone. Should she call Luca?
He’d done his best to be supportive, but she knew his heart wasn’t in it. When they’d made love for the past three nights, each was as if it were the last time. There was a poignancy in his kisses that had never been there before.
Her phone buzzed in her hand. Luca calling. Was he excited to hear how her presentation went? Or was he hoping she’d failed?
“Amore, where are you?”
“I’m in Monza. I’ve just finished my presentation.”
“Have you forgot that we are to have dinner with one of my clients tonight?”
Damn, in her excitement she had forgotten. “No. Sorry, I’ll be home in a few minutes. The people before us went over their allotted time, so we are running a little late.”