The American Contessa

by Noni Calbane

  Facing him, Gaby crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Oh, I don’t know. A good book is a good book.” Holding his gaze, she replied haughtily, “But I must say, I prefer a book where the protagonists are likable and the words aren’t so utterly predictable.”

  Frowning at her sharp taunt, Luca took a step back and looked away. This was not going well. So she thought him unlikable and his words predictable? He was at a loss. If he’d flirted with Anna Maria in this way, there was no doubt in his mind that they’d be on floor by now going at it like rabbits. How do you talk to a woman who seems to see through you like a pane of glass?

  Avoiding her gaze he exhaled. “You may want to try reading between the lines,” he said seriously. “Maybe a character could be deeper than you think, but the writer just has trouble finding the right words.”

  “Maybe,” Gaby replied carefully. He was definitely trying hard to have a real conversation with her. She could tell it was hard for him not to fall back on seducing and cajoling a woman for whatever he wanted from them. Truth be known, she was having trouble thinking of what to say to him as well. The time for polite chitchat between them had long passed. They’d gone well beyond that stage in their relationship. An awkward silence ensued.

  “I saw you looking at the painting. You like it?” he suddenly asked, breaking the hush between them.

  “Yes I do,” she answered honestly, glad for a safe subject. “Who is she?”

  “Well, it’s a long story.” Luca leaned his back against the bookcase, his gaze riveted to her face. “The Count at the time was in love with a commoner. The family’s Governess to be exact. That’s her in the painting.”

  Finding that he had finally found a topic on which he could speak easily, Luca relaxed a little and continued, “He loved her so much he forgot all about his station, his family, everything. Her last name, we still don’t know. But her first name was Marina. The Count wanted to marry her and gave her the necklace she wears in the portrait.”

  Gaby walked towards the painting and looked back at him. “I thought all the family are hung together in the portrait gallery on the other side of the Villa?”

  “Yes … they are,” he answered casually as he joined her by the picture.

  “He didn’t marry her, did he? I mean you don’t even know her full name.”

  “No, he didn’t. His family convinced him it would be a mistake to marry her,” he stated matter-of-factly.

  Gaby shook her head incredulously. “I can’t believe that if he was so much in love, that what his family thought would make any difference.”

  “You don’t understand these things,” he said offhandedly. “The world I’m from places a lot of importance on such things. Marrying beneath you is not an option.”

  “No,” she said emphatically, “I understand better than you think. She probably didn’t fit into his world. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t belong together.” Gaby’s voice rose in pitch as she imagined the Governess, Marina, being told by the man she loved that it was beneath him to marry her. “If he’d loved her enough, nothing would’ve mattered. He didn’t fight for her even though she was probably the best thing that ever happened to him.”

  “That’s quite an assumption. Love conquers all, is that it?” he snorted.

  Gaby sighed resignedly. “You still didn’t tell me what happened to her.”

  “She … disappeared. There’s no record of what became of her. She was quite the hellion apparently though. Family lore has it, that when he ended it, she threw the necklace back in his face …”

  “Good for her,” Gaby whooped.

  “And …, she cursed him.”

  “I’d curse at him too.”

  “No, I mean she cursed the Manetti family; the necklace in particular.” Luca twisted his lips in a wry smile. “The necklace was always passed on to the woman who was to be the future Contessa.”

  “What was the curse?” Gaby asked wide-eyed.

  “That whoever possessed it would never be happy, and I guess,” he continued sardonically, “by association, neither would the Count she married.”

  “Hmm.” Gaby exhaled and studied the painting once again. “Do you believe that?”

  Luca waved his hand in the air. “It doesn’t matter what I believe. The necklace was stolen years ago, and has never been recovered.”

  Swallowing hard, Gaby lowered her eyes to the floor. His comment was a harsh reminder of why she was there in the first place. She was growing to hate the deception more and more with each passing minute she spent in the Italy.

  “So it would seem I’m quite safe from an unhappy marriage,” he said mockingly. “If ever I were to marry, that is.”

  “So it would seem,” she replied solemnly. Slowly walking towards the library door, Gaby looked back at him. “Goodnight Luca.”

  “What, no book?” he blinked.

  “No. Guess your tale was bedtime story enough,” she answered wearily.

  Luca was hesitant to let her leave. He tried to quickly think of something more to say. “If there’s anything you’ve seen that you really want to read, I’d do it sooner rather than later.”

  Pausing at the door Gaby replied, “Oh, why’s that?”

  “My Nonna is giving about a third of the library to some charity or other in a week. So a lot of the books are being boxed up for donation and there’ll be less choice soon.”

  Gaby’s mouth dropped open and she nodded in comprehension. Passing through the doorway he called to her, “Gaby?”

  “Yes?”

  “Sweet dreams,” he smiled at her.

  She smiled wanly back. “You too.”

  “Certo. You can bet on it,” Luca whispered, but she’d already gone.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  One week.

  That wasn’t enough time.

  In a week, Luca and Carmina’s Grandmother would be visiting the Villa and holding a charity event to celebrate the donation of a good portion of the books from the Manetti library to a local historical society. Soon, some of the Societa’s volunteers would be coming to the Villa to sort through the shelves to select those books to be given away.

  What if one of the volunteers happened upon the book for which she’d been searching? Of course, “Crime and Punishment” was not on the list to be donated. It wasn’t of any historical Florentine importance. But the entire library would be disturbed and anything could occur with so many people going through the books.

  Sitting on the terrace with Carmina for breakfast, Gaby pondered what to do. Abandoning the whole quest seemed like the most likely prospect. But she had promised her Grandfather to do what she could in finding the necklace. Why oh why had she made such a rash promise? She wracked her brain for a way out of the whole mess and decided the only thing she could do was to at least put in an effort to look for it. If she didn’t discover it, or if someone else did, then so be it.

  Luca strolled out of the Villa to join them and eyed her warily. Last night’s encounter with Gaby had left him craving her company more than ever. Her indifference was killing him. He could make her angry, but he didn’t want only anger from her. He wanted … everything. Taking a seat next to her, he observed she was behaving most oddly. She was preoccupied this morning and not affected, good or bad, by his presence in the least.

  After she’d left him the previous evening he had walked the halls of the Villa, recounting every moment of their conversation. Gaby had been quite receptive to him at dinner when Carmina provided a buffer, but alone in the library he’d resorted to all his old seduction tricks and she would have none of it. At least they hadn’t ended up in a shouting match, hurling insults at each other. For that he was grateful and even a little optimistic.

  It was the damnedest thing! Women were usually completely at his mercy and taken in by his smooth demeanour. Gaby was completely different. His flirting held no appeal for her. But then, even Carmina had no use for him when he behaved in a spurious or superior manner. It was for that r
eason, and that reason alone that he had been natural and candid at dinner the previous evening. He knew that Carmina would take him to task, in front of Gaby if necessary, if he conducted himself badly. Could it be that Gaby found his candour appealing? Being himself seemed like the only option open to him at this point. Could he really be himself with her? There was only one way to find out.

  Gaby was deep in thought when Carmina touched her arm.

  “Are you still with us?” she asked brightly.

  Smiling at her friend Gaby replied, “I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t sleep very well.” Avoiding Luca’s gaze she took a sip of coffee. “Would you mind terribly if I didn’t come shopping with you today?”

  “No, of course not,” Carmina answered. “Take it easy. Maybe soak up some of our famous Italian sun by the pool.”

  “Thanks, that sounds like a great idea.”

  Luca quietly watched their interaction and said nothing.

  *****

  The cool water was invigorating and just what Gaby needed to refresh and cleanse all the thoughts from her head. She wanted to forget all her troubles for the moment and just let the water wash them all away. Lap after lap she swam, tiring herself to the point of exhaustion. As she emerged from the water and lay on the chaise lounge beside the pool, the sun warmed her skin and she closed her eyes, oblivious to all around her.

  “Be careful you don’t burn.”

  Opening one eye, she saw that Luca had taken the chaise beside her. Wearing only a pair of shorts, he looked fit, tanned and completely devastating.

  “Duly noted,” she replied sternly, closing her eye again.

  “Gaby?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I want to apologize to you.”

  She opened her eye once again. “You do?”

  He looked sheepishly at her.

  Sitting up, she reached for the towel slung over the back of the lounge and covered herself. All of a sudden, a bikini was not sufficient protection from all that male testosterone. If he was going to use his charm on her she needed every barricade she could lay her hands on against his heavy artillery.

  “Why the need to apologize all of a sudden?” she queried, raising her eyebrows at him.

  He shifted nervously in his chair. “The things I’ve said to you; the insults, the suggestive remarks. Well, I admit I’ve been behaving like the total jackass you said I was, and I’m sorry.” He let out a long breath as though saying as much had been a significant effort.

  “Okay, apology accepted,” Gaby said simply.

  Luca looked at her confusedly. He’d apologized but it really hadn’t changed anything. It’s not like he expected her to jump into his arms or any such thing. But her manner hadn’t altered at all toward him. How could she be so cool, calm and collected, while he was so totally besotted. Did she feel anything for him but pure distaste? He had to find out. “Look, I know that you don’t like me, but …,”

  “Who said I don’t like you?” Gaby asked.

  He looked at her hopefully. “Do you?”

  “Well, not much,” she smiled. Apologizing was obviously not something he did very often, she thought smugly. Why not make him suffer a little first. “But then you haven’t really given me much reason to like you, have you?”

  “I’d like to,” he stated tensely.

  Gaby licked her lips and grinned at him. It was great to have the upper hand, even for a moment. “Well, maybe there’s hope for us to be friends yet.”

  Luca’s face dropped. “I don’t want to be friends with you. I mean I do. But ... I …” Putting his face in his hands, he groaned loudly, “I can’t stand this.”

  “Stand what?”

  Without lifting his head he replied fervently, “Being so close to you. Sleeping in the room down the hall from you but being kept at arm’s length.” He raised his eyes to hers. “Don’t you know what you do to me?”

  Stunned, Gaby stood up. Running away seemed like a pretty good idea. The hungry look he was sending her way, had her more nervous than a virgin at a prison rodeo. “I don’t think there’s much point in having this conversation. You know I’ll be leaving soon.” Looking from Luca to the door back inside the Villa, he guessed her thoughts immediately.

  “Don’t go,” he pleaded with her, clutching her hand. “If friendship is all you can offer me right now, I’ll take it.”

  Standing as well, Luca blocked her path. There was no way she was leaving him now. He’d bared himself as he had never before to any woman. “But don’t think that I don’t want more … much more.”

  Gaby’s eyes fell to his lips and a small sigh left her own.

  Sensing her slight surrender, Luca seized the chance and grabbed her by the shoulders. Savagely lowering his mouth to hers, he plundered with all the longing and lust he’d felt since the moment he’d seen her. His tongue invaded her mouth, coaxing her to respond in like.

  Instinctively, Gaby’s arms wound around his neck and she pressed herself against him. She’d never been kissed with such passion and need. His hands encircled her back and molded her body to him more tightly. She could feel his hard length against her stomach. Their lips parted for a moment and he breathed, “Oh Gaby, what you do to me.”

  As his lips trailed kisses down her neck, Gaby threw her head back to allow him better access. This could easily get out of control and she wasn’t sure if she had the power to stop it. She hoped if she begged him to, he would have the restraint. “Luca, this isn’t a good idea,” she uttered softly. “Please. Please, stop.” He groaned loudly and halted his sensual onslaught.

  When he released her, they were both panting hard and Luca gave her the most conceited and egotistical grin imaginable. “You’re right, this isn’t exactly private. Why don’t we continue this in bed upstairs?” he murmured, inclining his head towards the house.

  Widening her eyes at him, Gaby was in disbelief. Give this guy an inch and he’d take a mile! Sure, she’d kissed him back –he was without doubt a great kisser, but did he really expect her to go to bed with him after one little apology and a kiss. Realising that her hands were still resting on his chest, she gave an almighty push, which landed him straight into the pool. Splashing and spluttering he came up for air.

  Gaby was positive he would be furious, but when he broke the surface of the water, he still held the same stupid grin on his face as before.

  “What was that for?” he yelled, beaming at her from ear to ear.

  “I thought you could do with some cooling off!” she declared back at him.

  He splashed some water up at her and waggled his brows, “Why don’t you join me?”

  “But I’m not hot,” she countered with a wicked smile.

  He looked her up and down and his voice got husky. “I beg to differ.”

  Gaby picked up her towel and walked around the pool’s edge under his watchful eye. As she reached the other side, he swam across to meet her.

  “Have dinner with me?” he asked hopefully, putting his elbows on the side of the pool and looking up at her. “To celebrate our new found . . . friendship.”

  “More like a new found truce,” she replied, folding her arms in front of her. “What did you have in mind?”

  Luca took a moment to regain his cool. He’d been sure that she would shoot him down the instant he’d asked her out. “Well, I happen to know the maître d’ at the best restaurant in the city. We can have a Michelin star dinner then go dancing at an exclusive club.”

  Gaby looked unimpressed.

  “Or not?” he continued uncertainly, “Where would you like to go?”

  “Well,” she said slowly, “I’d really just like to go for a pizza like a normal person.”

  “And I’m not a normal person?” he asked with a raised brow.

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “I may be a Count, Gaby. But I’m just a man. Just flesh and blood; like any man.”

  With that, he pushed himself up to sit on the side of the pool with his legs dangling in
the water. “Just like any man, I make mistakes, say the wrong things all the time, as you’re well aware. And like most men I ..., love pizza.”

  Gaby thought about what he’d said. She also watched the droplets run across his skin and fall from his rather spectacular body. Unsure of which reason made her decide, but pretty sure it was the latter, she uttered softly, “Okay.”

  “Okay, what?” Odio, was she actually saying yes.

  “Pizza. Tonight. Eight o’clock,” she replied turning towards the door to the Villa.

  “I’ll pick you up at Eight sharp,” he called after her.

  Laughing at him, she yelled back, “Considering, I live two rooms down from you, you’d better not be late.”

  She could still hear him laughing as she ascended the staircase to her bedroom. From her window she could see him still in the pool, floating on his back.

  Gaby bit her lip. Flesh and blood he’d said. Yeah, didn’t she know it. Pity all that flesh and blood was packaged in such an exasperating and irresistible way. Easy girl!

  *****

  At eight o’clock sharp Gaby heard the tapping on her door and opened it so quickly that Luca looked somewhat stunned. He was wearing a casual white dress shirt and faded jeans, and looked for all the world like a regular Joe out to pick up his girl for a date.

  His dark eyes ran over her form fitting floral halter neck dress, lingering on the slight hint of cleavage she revealed. It was obvious he liked what he saw and Gaby couldn’t help but inwardly do a happy dance.

  “Hi,” he said, unable to keep the smile from his face.

  “Right on time,” she smirked. “I do like a punctual man.”

  “Great. But be warned. I intend to make you like more than my punctuality by the end of evening.”

  Gaby arched her brows at him. “There’s an old American saying that says “don’t count your chickens till they hatch.” I advise you to do the same.”

  “No,” Luca said adamantly. “I won’t let you be negative about tonight. Repeat after me. I’m going to have a wonderful evening …,”

  “I’m going to have a wonderful evening,” Gaby repeated with a grin.