Leanne posted the piece, smiling and shaking her head. Those girls. So brave and independent. They should go into politics when they grew up. The world would be a better place with such brave women in charge.
* * *
When she had finished the post and freshened up, Leanne walked through the saloon to the rear deck. This was the first time she had seen Carlo since their photo shoot. ‘Hi,’ she said. ‘You look cool and comfortable.’
Tony waved his bottle of beer towards her. ‘Yeah, a cool beer is just the thing after the sailing we did. You want some Ožujsko? It’s a Croatian beer. Very nice. I bought a few bottles and put them in the fridge.’
‘No thanks,’ Leanne said, staring at Carlo’s back. ‘I’ll just have some ice tea.’
‘Coming right up,’ Tony said and went to fetch it for her.
Claudia got up. ‘I’m going to freshen up in my cabin, as we’re going out later.’
Leanne nodded. ‘Good idea.’ She could hear Tony and Nico talking in the saloon, something about the weather and the direction of the wind the following day.
Carlo turned and smiled at her. ‘Hey there, bella. Did you see the photos?’
‘I did.’ Leanne sat down beside him. ‘How about you?’
Carlo put his arm along the back of her chair. ‘Oh, yes. Loved them.’ He leaned so close she could feel his warm breath tickle her neck and smell that spicy aftershave he used – it made her tingle. ‘I felt that we were doing something very… intimate while we posed. And when I saw it on the screen, it was even better.’
‘Oh,’ Leanne mumbled, shivers going up her spine. Her voice trailed away, while Carlo lightly kissed her bare shoulder.
Suddenly Tony appeared behind them. He slid a tall glass towards Leanne with a wink. ‘I think you need this. It’ll help cool you off.’
‘Thank you.’ Leanne avoided his probing eyes and sipped the cool drink. She held the cold glass to her hot cheek for a moment. It wasn’t the heat that made her cheeks flush, but Carlo’s eyes on her and his arm resting lightly on the back of her chair, his fingers touching her bare skin. He smelled so good too. It was irresistible.
Tony sat down and finished his bottle of beer. ‘So, you’re treating us to dinner tonight, I hear?’
Leanne nodded. ‘Yes. But not here in Jelsa. I found this cute little village about twenty minutes from here by motor. It’s around the headline to the north. A village called Vrboska. So I thought we could all go on the yacht and leave your sailing boat here until we get back tonight.’
‘Or we could all pack up, leave here and moor our boats over there for the night?’ Tony suggested. ‘I’ll ask Nico if there are any free spots in the marina there. He can contact the harbour master.’
‘That’s a great idea,’ Leanne exclaimed. ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ She sat back, relieved. This way, they’d be gone and that man – if he was spying on Claudia – wouldn’t be able to find them. Leanne decided to change tack with her blogposts as well, only mentioning places after they had left, just in case. Even if the man was just some weirdo, meeting Sinead had made her realise how very public their posts were. They had around a hundred thousand followers and more to come, she thought with a shiver. It suddenly dawned on her how huge the blog had become and how recognisable she and Maddy were. They’d better sharpen up and be more vigilant in future.
‘Why so serious all of a sudden?’ Tony asked. ‘You looked all soft and dreamy there and now you’re frowning. What’s up?’
Carlo pulled her close. ‘Something wrong, cara?’
Leanne briefly brushed Carlo’s shoulder with her cheek. ‘Nothing wrong. I was just thinking about the blog and how popular it’s become. I think we need to be more careful in future and not announce where we’re going and when, that’s all. You can never be too safe, can you?’
Carlo nodded. ‘I know what you mean. I think this is important. And we are in a very popular area with a lot of people passing through.’
‘Is that why you picked Vrboska for our dinner?’ Tony asked.
‘Yes,’ Leanne replied. ‘But I also found this little fish restaurant. It’s near the harbour where everything they serve is homemade. Even the wine is homegrown. And we don’t have to dress up, it’ll be nice and casual.’
Tony laughed. ‘Who’s going to break that to Claudia? She’s doing a major overhaul in her cabin, she told me. Face mask, make-up, hair – the lot. And she’s picking out an outfit right now.’
Carlo looked highly amused. ‘Don’t tell her. Just say we’re going to a fashionable spot up the coast.’
Leanne grinned and slapped his arm. ‘You cruel man.’ She reluctantly pulled out of Carlo’s embrace and got up. ‘I’m going to do that Instagram post now, while we have a signal. That first photo we took. I’ll put in a few hashtags and then we’ll see.’
Carlo smiled at Leanne. ‘I’m sure it’ll be picked up. If only because you looked so good in those things.’
‘The fabrics do feel amazing,’ Leanne agreed. ‘And they look heaps better on than just hanging up. Okay, that gives me lot of ideas, thanks. See you later, lads.’
‘Maybe we could agree to meet up at the restaurant?’ Tony suggested. ‘Carlo and I will set off right away and sail up towards Vrboska. We’ll book a table for—’ He checked his watch. ‘Eight o’clock? Then you might have time for a swim beforehand.’
‘I never say no to a swim,’ Leanne replied. ‘Sounds heavenly.’
‘I looked it up on my phone,’ Carlo said. ‘There’s no beach but across the bay from their harbour, there is a place with flat rocks where you can dive in.’
‘Great.’ Tony picked up the empty beer bottles from the table. ‘I’ll take these for recycling. See you later, girl.’
Behind Tony’s back, Carlo pulled her close. ‘Swimming is good, but later, we could find a spot for just you and me,’ he whispered, his hot breath tickling her cheek. I want us to be on our own… you know? But only if you do, too.’
Leanne sighed and pressed her chest to his. ‘Do I want you, you mean?’
‘Yes.’ Carlo put his hand on the small of her back and let it slide further down. ‘That’s exactly what I mean.’
‘You must know I do. But…’
‘But?’
‘Where can we be alone?’
He stroked her cheek. ‘Do not worry, cara. I will take care of it. After dinner. Okay?’
‘Absolutely wonderful,’ Leanne breathed, her heart hammering.
‘Ciao, darling.’ He kissed her lightly on the lips and walked away with the grace and suppleness of a cat.
Lightheaded, Leanne held on to the railing and stared out across the harbour. How incredible. This beautiful man wanted her as much as she wanted him,. She had seen it in his eyes and felt it in his kiss. She sighed. Could life be any more perfect?
Eighteen
The restaurant in the harbour of Vrboska proved to be an excellent choice for dinner. There was a great buzz under the stripy awning, where tables were crammed close together, all packed with groups of people eating, laughing and drinking. They had to weave around the busy tables as a cheery waiter showed them the only free one, set for six, right at the edge of the water.
‘Fantastic choice, Leanne.’ Lucilla beamed her a surprisingly warm smile as she sat down.
‘Yes,’ Claudia agreed. ‘Such a quaint place. And the town is so picturesque. I saw people actually living in those little houses. I waved at them and they waved back. So very charming.’
‘Jesus,’ Leanne whispered to Maddy. ‘What does she think this is, a Disney theme park?’
Maddy giggled. ‘I know. She does the lady of the manor so well.’
‘Fantastic place,’ Carlo said behind them. ‘Much nicer than Jelsa. And just look at that view.’
Leanne turned and saw what he meant. The little town was enchanting with ancient stone houses, cobbled streets and a tiny, steepled church. A humpback bridge straddled the canal that ran into the sea at the end of t
he harbour, where the water lay like a huge blue mirror, its surface only broken by two swans swimming leisurely around. As the sun cast its final golden rays on the scene before it disappeared behind the mountains, the sky slowly turned a deeper blue. ‘It’s stunning here, I have to say.’
Carlo pulled out a chair for her. ‘Sit here, beside me, so you can show me the Instagram post and we can check the comments and likes.’
‘Thank you.’ Leanne sank down on the chair, wondering how she would manage to eat. Butterflies churned in her stomach as he sat beside her, lightly brushing her thigh with his leg.
He touched the sleeve of her white top. ‘I see you’re wearing part of the collection. Looks nice on you.’
‘Yes,’ Claudia agreed from her place across the table. ‘That top is wonderful on you. Looks soft and comfortable too. I would never pick something like that, it’s so daring, but on you it works.’
‘Thank you,’ Leanne replied. ‘And I’m sorry that you had to go back and change. That Vera Wang black shift with the pearls was lovely. But not right for this place, I suppose.’
‘Not really, no.’ Claudia adjusted her sleeveless cream silk blouse and smoothed her hair. ‘But you have to go with the flow, as the saying goes.’
Claudia looked relaxed and happy, Leanne reflected, all the tension gone from her face. She didn’t even complain when the home-grown wine arrived, served in two big flagons.
Maddy studied the menu. ‘Looks like everything comes from either the sea or the garden behind the restaurant. How wonderful.’
‘That’s right,’ the waiter replied, his pen and pad ready to take their orders. ‘I can recommend the deep-fried calamari with aioli, or the grilled sardines for a starter. And maybe, if you don’t want to eat more fish, there’s pork with crispy crackling.’
‘I’ll have the calamari followed by the seafood pasta.’ Leanne looked up at the waiter. ‘Is there garlic in that?’
‘Oh, yes. The pasta comes with a lovely garlic sauce.’
‘Oh.’ Leanne glanced at Carlo sheepishly.
‘I’ll have that, too,’ he announced. ‘Then we’ll both smell just as bad as each other,’ he whispered in Leanne’s ear while the others ordered.
The waiter poured them all some white wine and then went to place the orders. Claudia took a careful sip, and then another, smiling happily. ‘Not bad really, this wine,’ she announced.
‘Delicious,’ Maddy agreed when she had tasted it. ‘What do you think, Leanne?’
She smiled and lifted her glass to her nose. ‘Pears,’ she said and sniffed again. ‘And a touch of lemon with a hint of—’ she winked at Tony ‘— snips, snails and puppy dogs’ tails.’
Tony smiled back. ‘No sugar and spice?’
‘Not tonight,’ she laughed and knocked back the wine in one go.
‘Be careful, though,’ Tony warned. ‘It’s very strong, like all wines in this area.’
Leanne coughed. ‘I can take it, don’t worry.’
‘It says fourteen per cent on the bottle,’ Maddy remarked.
Claudia shrugged. ‘So what? I’m not planning to drive or operate machinery. Remember, I’m Italian. We can hold our wine better than anyone.’
‘She’s already tipsy,’ Maddy whispered in Leanne’s ear. ‘She downed two glasses as if it was water.’
‘The food will help,’ Leanne mumbled back. ‘But what does it matter if she gets drunk? She’s having a good time.’
Maddy laughed and grabbed her wine. ‘So am I. Cheers, pet. Great choice of restaurant.’
‘Accidentally, yes,’ Leanne laughed. ‘Cheers, Mads.’ She sighed as the starter arrived, crisp golden rings of calamari on a bed of fresh lettuce topped with creamy aioli. ‘This smells divine. What did you order?’
‘Grilled sardines, followed by seafood risotto.’ Maddy licked her lips as her starter was served. ‘Smells fantastic. I didn’t think I’d be able to eat anything after our ice cream pig-out, but here I am, starving.’
‘I know.’ Leanne dug into her starter. ‘Me too. I’m so glad Nico offered to stay in the boat to mind Bridget. Not that I’m worried,’ she added, ‘but you never know.’
‘I think we can forget that weirdo,’ Maddy said. ‘It was probably just a fit of madness. Or he was just playing a prank on us. For fun.’
‘Something like that,’ Leanne said, deciding to let her suspicions go. Maddy was probably right. ‘Already forgotten,’ she said, her mouth full of calamari.
The food was delicious, even to foodie snobs like Claudia and Lucilla, who both had something called brudet, a local fish stew, for their main course, which they declared was excellent. Leanne closed her eyes and groaned as she tasted the seafood pasta, filled with juicy prawns, sweet clams and mussels, with a buttery, flavourful sauce, silky and smooth in her mouth.
‘Good, no?’ Carlo said beside her.
‘Heaven on a stick,’ Leanne sighed. ‘I’ll stink of garlic for days but I don’t care.’
‘We all will,’ Tony said. ‘Everything is laced with garlic here.’
‘And it’s delicious,’ Maddy declared. ‘Don’t know when I’ve ever eaten better food.’
‘Yeah, but…’ Tony started. ‘You’d miss the auld spud, though.’
Leanne burst out laughing. ‘Ye’re a bit of a lad, aren’t you?’
‘More than a bit,’ Tony replied. ‘But I won’t deny that garlic is very good for you.’
‘And so is wine,’ Claudia said, into her fifth glass. ‘Cheers, everyone!’
‘Cheers!’ they all shouted and raised their glasses, clinking them in celebration.
The sky darkened as they ate and a huge full moon rose over the harbour, its reflection shimmering in the dark water. Maddy looked at the sky and declared she wanted to go for a stroll in the moonlight after dinner. Everyone agreed it would be the perfect end to the evening.
‘Look,’ Claudia exclaimed, scanning the dessert menu. ‘Croatian coffee with brandy from here. Like Irish coffee but…’
‘Sounds dangerous,’ Lucilla remarked. ‘But why not? A little nightcap with coffee to sober us up.’
‘More likely to make us even drunker,’ Tony said. ‘But hey, what the hell. Might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb, as we say in good auld County Cork.’
Maddy laughed. ‘Geez, you’re more oirish than the oirish themselves.’
‘Spend a little time in west Cork and it rubs off on you in no time,’ Tony replied with a wink. ‘Makes a man out of you, even if you’re a woman.’
Maddy laughed. ‘Must go there and see if it works.’
They ordered Croatian coffee for everyone and it proved to be very good, even if it didn’t quite taste like the Irish variety.
Having finished their drinks, Carlo touched Leanne’s arm. ‘When can we get away?’ he mumbled in her ear.
Leanne looked around the table. Maddy was talking to Claudia, and Tony and Lucilla seemed to be having a heated discussion in Italian. Everyone had laid into the wine big time and had finished their Croatian coffees, looking more than relaxed.
‘They’re all a little sloshed,’ Leanne whispered. ‘Don’t think they’ll notice if we slip away.’
She was right. None of them glanced in their direction as, in the cover of the dim light, Carlo and Leanne sneakily made their way around the tables. Leanne quickly paid the bill and followed Carlo out onto the cobblestones of the street.
He turned to Leanne when they were out of sight of the restaurant. ‘We got away,’ he whispered, pulling her close and kissing her hard on the lips. ‘I have waited for this all evening,’ he breathed against her cheek.
Leanne wrapped her arms around his neck. ‘Me too.’ His touch, his lips, the heat of his body and the scent of aftershave mingled with a whiff of garlic, made her giddy with lust. ‘Where can we go?’
He kissed her again, his tongue doing things to the inside of her mouth that almost made her knees buckle. She pulled away. ‘Stop it, or you’ll have to carry me.’
>
He laughed and touched her cheek. ‘You’re as hot as I am. Come on, cara, I’ll take you to the perfect place.’
‘Where?’ Leanne asked, breathless, pulling at him. ‘Take me there.’
Carlo took her hand and broke into a run. ‘It’s across the bridge and around the headland. A small boating club with a clubhouse.’
Leanne stopped. ‘Too far. What about the boat?’
‘Nico’s there with your dog.’
‘No. I meant the sailing boat. They’ll be nobody there for hours. They’re all going for a walk through town in the moonlight.’
‘Okay. A little risky, but I don’t think we’ll be long.’
‘The risk is part of the excitement,’ Leanne whispered, light-headed with anticipation. She felt like a teenager.
‘Why are we waiting?’ He pulled her along the quay until they reached the sailing boat, moored a short distance away from the yacht.
A Holiday to Remember: An absolutely hilarious romantic comedy set under the Italian sun Page 14