The American Contessa

by Noni Calbane

  Rolling over, Gaby reached out to the other side of the bed. It was empty. She should have known he wouldn’t stay till morning. Putting her head under the sheet, she let out a stream of curses that would make a sailor blush.

  “Buon Giorno.”

  Lowering the sheet with a mortified smile Gaby replied, “Good morning.”

  “My, what colourful language.” Luca placed a tray with pastries and coffee on the bed. “Is that any way for a school teacher to talk?”

  “Haven’t you heard? School’s out for the Summer,” she joked, trying to cover her embarrassment.

  Luca beamed at her. “And I’ve never been happier about that.” Sitting on the bed, he kissed the tip of her nose, and pointed to the pastries. “I thought we needed sustenance.”

  “You thought right!” she exclaimed eyeing the cornetto filled with Italian pastry cream and Amarena cherries. “Have you eaten already?” she asked, noticing he wasn’t making a move on the tray of delicacies.

  “I don’t eat breakfast.”

  Taking a bite, Gaby moaned in ecstasy. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  Luca’s breathing sped up at the sound of her bliss. It reminded him of last night and how she’d sounded when she’d been on the brink of release. He shuddered at the thought and tried to calm his body’s response. “Like I said before, I prefer to watch you … enjoy these things,” he said shakily.

  “Suit yourself. More for me!” she said brightly.

  Luca got off the bed and went to the window. Looking out over the Villa’s garden he reflected on the last twelve hours. He’d gotten what he wanted –Gaby was in his bed. Usually at this point the frantic urge to remove himself from the situation would have begun. But instead, he had spent the early hours of the morning watching her sleep and then thinking of how else he could please her.

  Knowing her penchant for sweet things, like the gelato, he’d gone out early for pastries and bought every single variety in an effort to make her happy. Her smile had been worth it. The fact that he had worked so hard for just a smile was new to him. He usually looked for a payoff bigger than something so simple.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked uneasily.

  Before last night he had feared that he would never make her his. Now? Well, now he feared she would leave him just as quickly. “Nothing,” he replied stoically.

  Getting out of bed with the sheet pulled around her, she came over to him and put her arms around his waist from behind. “Now, why don’t I believe that?”

  Turning, he took her in his arms. “What were you thinking when I heard you swearing from under the covers?” he asked, volleying her question with his own.

  Narrowing her eyes at him, she answered honestly, “I thought you’d had your way with me and left. Isn’t that your usual modus operandi?”

  Luca raised his eyebrows at her. “No. Actually, I usually stay the night; even if I don’t want to.”

  “Oh.” Gaby looked away forlornly.

  Lifting her chin with his finger, he turned her face to his. “You aren’t like the other women, Gaby. With you I not only wanted to stay the night, I didn’t want the night to end.”

  “But it has ended. It’s obviously morning,” she said simply. “How are you feeling now?”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. I woke up early this morning in a panic. The need to flee was definitely …, there.” Seeing her frown, he smoothed her brow with his finger and smiled. “But when I looked at you sleeping, I suddenly couldn’t wait for you to wake up. Couldn’t wait to kiss you again; talk to you again; spend the day with you.”

  “Really?” she sighed.

  “Si. It’s scary as hell, but I want tomorrow with you. I want as many tomorrows as we can have.”

  Gaby launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. She couldn’t believe what he’d said. It was way too early to speak of love, unless she wanted him to bolt in the other direction, but she needed him to know that she wanted to see where this relationship could go. “I’d love to spend tomorrow with you,” she said punctuating it with a kiss on his cheek. “And the day after that,” she pecked his other cheek. “And the day after that …,” she gave him another smack, this time on the lips.

  “Okay, okay,” he said in a mock angry voice. “Woman, if you’re going to kiss me, do it right! And stop pecking at me like I’m birdseed.”

  Winding her arms around his neck and pulling his face down to hers, she slowly brushed her lips back and forth against his. “This better?” she whispered sexily.

  “Hmm. Getting better.” She tasted like sweet pastry cream and cherries.

  Kissing him full on the lips, within moments their playful teasing was forgotten. Groaning softly, Luca pulled her more fully against him.

  *****

  “Don’t tell me, it’s written all over your face.”

  Gaby eyed Carmina innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t give me that. I’ve already seen Luca this morning, and he looks even more disgustingly happy than you,” she replied with a smile.

  “Anything wrong with that?”

  “No,” she said acerbically. “Although he’s freaking me out somewhat. It’s a little unnerving to see my brother so … so … completely and utterly delirious.”

  “I have to admit, I’m a little that way myself,” Gaby chuckled.

  “Sit.” Carmina patted the seat of the sofa beside her. Lowering herself onto the settee, Gaby faced Carmina’s scrutiny. “You’re only a little that way?”

  Sighing heavily and relaxing back into the cushions behind her, Gaby bit her lip. “I just can’t seem to shake a sense of foreboding about all of it. I’ve never thrown myself head first into something so intense before. You think that Luca is acting out of character? Well, I’m running a close second. Why, if you’d told me a week ago if I would feel like this about him, I would have said you were crazy.”

  “It may seem crazy, but Gaby, love is crazy. It’s totally pazzo. You never know when it will hit you. But would life be interesting without craziness? Would you trade what you’re feeling at this moment for not feeling at all?” Carmina threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. “You Americans watch too much Oprah. You spend your time analyzing life … to death! Live life, and stop talking about it!”

  Gaby went quiet and thought carefully about what Carmina said. Love? Was it love? No, no, it was too soon for that. One night did not a relationship make. Could she just forget responsibility and live for the moment? Sure, she could push everything to the back of her mind. Be Scarlett O’Hara and think about it tomorrow. But that wouldn’t solve anything. It would just delay the inevitable.

  Luca had serious commitment, trust and mother issues which were not going to go away on their own. Did she really see any sort of future with him? Summer would end soon, and their relationship could possibly end with it, wouldn’t it? Answers to these and other burning questions would be answered soon, because time was running out.

  “It all takes time. Time to get to know each other well; time to trust in each other,” Carmina knowingly commented as if reading her thoughts.

  “But time’s one thing I don’t have. I have … responsibilities back home …,” Gaby frowned at her friend, “none of which I can ignore. My job. My family …, my apartment.” Not to mention humongous bills that all relied on her finding a certain necklace to be settled.

  “You still have some time before you have to go back home to your job. Why not wait and see what happens, hmm,” Carmina said gently.

  “I suppose you’re right. My problems will still be there when I go back.” Gaby groaned loudly and put her face in her hands. “You know, my life was totally in a rut back home. I’m starting to think that it may be boring as hell in a rut, but it’s probably the safest place to be.”

  Carmina patted her on the arm and got up suddenly. “Well, I’m off to visit Nonna in Milano. I trust my handsome brother will keep you ente
rtained while I’m gone.” Placing a hand on Gaby’s shoulder Carmina smiled compassionately. “Don’t worry Gaby. It will all work out in the end, I’m sure of it.”

  “Thanks Carmina.”

  “What do you have planned for today while Luca’s at work?”

  “I’m going to do some sightseeing. I have a list of everything I want to see; Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David. Then I need to get some postcards to send to my sisters. All very boring touristy stuff to you.”

  *****

  Going to work had never been this difficult before, Luca thought to himself as he descended the stairs. He didn’t want to leave Gaby for a second. He could quite happily return to bed with her for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, a morning business meeting could not be rescheduled, so he would have to go to the office. But not without a goodbye kiss. He only hoped he could stop at one. Her kisses were addictive. Hell, Gaby was addictive.

  Luca stopped at the doorway to the salon and could hear Carmina and Gaby chattering away. Those two were like two peas in a pod. He still envied his sister’s easiness and closeness to Gaby, but he planned to rectify that by trying to get closer to Gaby emotionally as well as physically. If he could crawl inside her to see what made her tick, he would do it. He wondered what they talked about. Did they discuss him at length?

  Hoping to gain some insight into Gaby’s feelings for him, he tried to listen in on their conversation. The thought of eavesdropping was abhorrent to him, but his need to know all things Gaby over-rode any misgivings he had about listening at doorways.

  “So what’s on your agenda first this morning?” Carmina asked.

  “Well, this morning I have a date with David,” Gaby responded happily. “I’ve been meaning to visit him since I moved in with you. He’s not far away from here.”

  “Mmm. A more anatomically perfect man I’ve yet to meet. I hope my brother doesn’t find out –he’s the jealous sort you know.” Carmina saucily waggled her eyebrows.

  “I don’t think Luca will mind my dalliance,” Gaby winked at her. “Like Mae West said, “a good man is hard to find, but a hard man is good to find.” And David is most definitely hard!”

  “Well, well, the schoolteacher is definitely on vacation!” Carmina tittered then looked at her watch. “I’d best go get ready. Enjoy you’re assignation, cara mia. I’ll see you when I get back.”

  *****

  Whittaker. She was going to see Whittaker. Of all people. Luca felt like he’d suffered a blow to the gut. She was going from his bed to that … that vulgar … coarse … American. And not only that, Carmina approved. He felt sick, no angry, no … lost. Gaby, his Gaby had lied to him. Since when was she yours, you idioto, the voice in his head furiously spat.

  His pulse beating rapidly, Luca tried to control his rage. He wanted to punch someone, preferably Whittaker. Breathing heavily he turned from the doorway and bumped into Carmina exiting the room.

  “Luca. Why are you hiding in the shadows?” she questioned with a grin. After noticing his pallor she became concerned. “Why, what’s wrong?”

  “Why don’t you tell me?” he probed with a glare. Running his hand through his hair in frustration, he grunted at her and stormed off towards the stairs.

  *****

  Gaby entered the bedroom and found Luca staring glassy-eyed at the bed. What the hell was he thinking? Was he regretting what had happened between them already? He had told her that he felt the need to bolt after their night together, but the feeling had passed. Had it come back with a vengeance and he was now looking for an escape route? No. That couldn’t be. Half an hour ago, he didn’t want to get out of bed. In fact, she had to tear herself out of his grasp to get dressed. Things couldn’t have changed so quickly. But then, Luca’s moods had a way a changing with the wind.

  “Didn’t you have to go to work this morning?” she quietly asked. He visibly tensed at her words.

  “Trying to get rid of me?” he replied cynically, without looking in her direction.

  Gaby was completely confused by his coldness. “Why would I want to do that?” she answered in puzzlement.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe you have plans for today.” He turned to face her with eyes of steel. “Do you Gaby? Do you have plans?”

  “Nothing that couldn’t be postponed if you’re not busy,” she replied carefully. She couldn’t help but feel he’d been lying in wait for her in the bedroom. The poem Will you walk into my parlour, said the spider to the fly came immediately to mind.

  Gaby came towards him and he took a step back. He looked ready for a fight, and not completely in control of his emotions. Okay then. Better to face the oncoming storm, let it blow through and hope that it wouldn’t make too much mess in its wake.

  “You could postpone it, huh?” he said from between clenched teeth. “I wouldn’t want you to miss something special!”

  “Why do I feel like we’re talking in riddles? If you have something to say Luca, why don’t you say it, and then we’ll both know,” she remarked in irritation.

  Quick as a dark and dangerous animal, he lunged at her and pulled her to him. Grabbing her face between his hands, he wrenched her face up to his. “Gaby,” he rasped, “The thought of you with another man drives me crazy. I want to be the only one. I have to be the only one. Tell me you want me, and only me.”

  Gaby frowned at him, “I do want only you,” a little bewildered at his admission.

  Luca pushed her from him angrily. “How easily you can lie.” Turning from her, he strode to the window. “Go! Go to your lover.”

  “My what?”

  He snorted and looked at her in disgust. “Go to Whittaker.” At her blank look, he grunted, “I know about your plans to meet with David Whittaker this morning. I must say you had me going for a while there. I didn’t think you liked him at all.”

  “I don’t,” she replied calmly. Suddenly, realisation set in. He’d heard her conversation downstairs with Carmina, or rather, part of the conversation. The idiot thought she was meeting David Whittaker! It was almost laughable, except for the look on his face. That wasn’t funny at all. In fact, it was a little scary.

  “What was it Shakespeare said? She doth protest too much. Anyway. Thank you for last night, it was most enjoyable. But not so much that I’d be inclined to repeat it.” Looking back out the window, his shoulders dipped in defeat.

  Gaby stared at him in disbelief. “Are you done?” When he didn’t answer, she sighed in aggravation. “Well, you’ve had an energetic morning, haven’t you?” With no response, she soldiered on, “What with all the jumping to conclusions you’ve done, no wonder you look exhausted.”

  Luca continued to gaze out the window, ignoring her. Completely annoyed, she walked over to the window and tapped him on the shoulder. “Do you mind? I prefer for someone to look at me when I’m talking to them.”

  Turning to confront her, she could see the strain in his face. “You’re a fool Luca Manetti. Before you get carried away and say things that can’t be taken back, you should get your facts straight.”

  The fury in his eyes was almost terrifying. Gaby was sure nobody had ever called Count Luca Manetti a fool. “Go on,” he said with controlled rage. “Why don’t you set me straight then.”

  “All right. Sure, I planned to go see David this morning …”

  “A-ha,” he chimed.

  She folded her arms in front of her. “The statue of David.”

  “The … sta …,” he stuttered.

  “Yeah, the statue,” she replied with a grim face.

  Immediately his face softened and he moved a step toward her. “Gaby,” he said softly. Feeling his warm hand touch her arm, she ripped it from his grip. Luca stepped back from her in dismay.

  “No,” she said. “It’s not that easy Luca.”

  “But I didn’t know you meant the statue!” he replied nervously. “I’m sorry.”

  “So am I,” Gaby replied miserably, walked to the door and turned. “Your anger scares me Lu
ca. I can’t keep worrying that anything I may say or do could set you off.”

  Exhaling shakily, his face was mixture of pain, regret and fear. “I know I have a quick temper and I’m sorry if I scared you. But my feelings for you are so strong, that sometimes I have a hard time controlling them –good or bad. I’ve never felt this way or this much before Gaby.” Shrugging wearily he sat down on the bed. “I know in my heart you would never be with someone like Whittaker, but my head has trouble trusting anyone, even you.”

  “But without trust, there’s no hope for any sort of future between us,” Gaby sighed, the jubilation of the night before a distant memory. “I can’t honestly see how this can work Luca. Maybe its best I leave Italy now and not wait till the end of summer.”

  “No!” he demanded, rushing to her side. Reaching for her, but realising his touch was unwanted and pulling his hands away, he implored, “Please Gaby. I’ll do anything. Please stay.”

  “We’d only make each other miserable in the long run. Don’t you think?” she said unsurely, leaving the room.

  **********

  “It’s not funny Carmina.”

  “Of course not.” Carmina stifled a laugh. “He actually thought you were cheating on him with David Whittaker?”

  “Yep,” Gaby replied glumly.

  “Odio. When my brother acts the fool, I must say he goes at it whole-heartedly. You’re not seriously thinking of leaving, are you?” Carmina enquired, closing her suitcase.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Then, at least, don’t go until I return. I’ll be back with our Nonna in a few days for the donation of the library books and then we can talk more,” Carmina said calmly. “Maybe you and Luca can work things out by then.”

  Gaby exhaled sharply. “I don’t know about that. He doesn’t trust me. And trust is not something you can make someone feel. You either do or you don’t.”

  Holding up her finger to make a point, Carmina added, “Don’t forget, trust is something you can earn too.”

  She nodded in agreement. Maybe Luca could learn to trust her –in time. Pity it was in such short supply.

  “Carmina?” Luca’s head popped around the corner of her bedroom door. “Oh, I’m sorry. I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said clumsily.