by Cara Marsi
With the grace he found so appealing, she exited the car and ran up the steps. When she got to the top, she turned to wave at him.
Happiness, joy, and sadness formed a knot in Alex’s chest as he drove away. He had a meeting with his lawyer today. Soon, he’d learn his fate.
*****
Surrounded by a cloud of euphoria, Cat headed to her room. The villa was quiet and she assumed the others were out. When she opened the door to her room, her happiness and feeling of goodwill fled out the window.
She gasped and stumbled to a stop.
Her beautiful clothes, her symbols of the new Cat, of her freedom, lay in tattered heaps on her bed. She dropped her purse on the floor. Dread pressed against her chest as she approached the bed. With a shaking hand, she picked up the orange silk dress she’d planned to wear to the rehearsal dinner. Someone had taken a scissor or knife to the beautiful fabric and shredded it until it was hardly recognizable as a dress. All her clothes had met the same fate, leaving Cat with only the clothes she now wore.
Tears sprang to her eyes when she spotted the lovely blue dress she’d bought for her mother. When she’d chosen the dress, she pictured her mother wearing it to one of her parties in Sausalito. Now, it was gone. Clutching the ripped blue dress to her chest, Cat sank onto the bed as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Who could have done this?
Angelina’s warnings about Bailey shot into Cat’s mind.
Bailey.
Red-hot anger propelled Cat from the bed. She threw the blue dress down and began pacing. Her mind conjured up images of ripping Bailey’s clothes to shreds. She clenched her hand, imagining slamming it into Bailey’s face. She’d rip out Bailey’s hair too. She pictured those long blonde extensions on the floor.
Cat stopped in front of her dresser and gripped the sides as she stared into the mirror. She barely recognized the woman staring back, her face twisted in anger. She wouldn’t let Bailey make her into something she didn’t want to be. What was it her mother always said? “Living well is the best revenge” had been Molly Connors’ motto. When Cat’s father betrayed her mother with Nolan, Molly could have become a victim bent on revenge, but she’d made another life for herself. Cat prided herself on being her mother’s daughter.
Angelina! She and Cat were the same size. Cat pulled her phone from her purse and punched in Angelina’s number.
Cat would get back at Bailey in a way the other woman would never expect.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Caitlyn! The limo is here,” Cat’s father shouted from downstairs. She snatched her evening bag from the bed and took one last look at herself in the mirror. Cat never wore red, yet Angelina’s scarlet knee-skimming dress with the plunging neckline flattered her. Who knew she could wear red with her hair and coloring?
When she’d called Angelina earlier, her friend had rushed over with a variety of dresses and pants, saying Cat could keep them all. Cat owed Angelina big time.
“Maybe Cat isn’t coming with us,” Bailey said loudly enough for Cat to hear.
Cat exited the room and locked the door, then dropped the key into her purse. No one would get into her bedroom again. “Showtime,” she whispered.
As she came down the stairs into the living room, the others were waiting, dressed and ready to get into the limo that would take them to the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. Alex and the other guests would meet them there.
Bailey turned. The grin on her face disappeared into a thin line. Her tanned face flushed. “Where did you get that dress?”
“Like it?” Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Cat twirled. She swallowed the laugh that bubbled up. Be cool, Cat.
“You look beautiful,” Cat’s dad said. “As stunning as your mother.” His voice had softened.
“Let’s go.” Nolan said, her voice strident.
Nolan wouldn’t meet Cat’s eyes, a sure admission of guilt from her always-composed stepmother. Yes! Cat had done it! She’d made Nolan squirm. Cat resisted the urge to thrust her fist toward the ceiling.
Putting a hand over her mouth to suppress her smile, she strutted to the limo, trailed by a sputtering Bailey.
Their large party took over a private room at the restaurant. Cat once again found her place at the opposite end of the long table from Alex. She sipped her wine and studied him over the rim of her glass. Elegant in a tailored black suit and white shirt, worn tieless and opened at the neck to reveal fine golden hairs, he possessed a sexy casualness most other men lacked.
He caught her gaze and winked. Next to him, Bailey placed her hand on his arm to draw his attention. With a shrug for Cat, he gently extricated himself from Bailey’s grip, then started a conversation with the elderly woman next to him.
The waiters brought out the first course, antipasto made up of sausage, cheeses with honey and saffron, marinated vegetables, and bruschetta with olive paste.
During the rest of the courses which consisted of linguine puttanesca, turkey breast with orange and greens, and biscotti with honey for dessert, Cat tried to focus on her conversation with the optometrist from San Francisco seated next to her. Her gaze kept drifting to Alex. A few times she saw him conversing with her stepsister. Bailey’s too-big smiles when she listened to him contrasted to the rigidity of his posture and his unsmiling face.
The meal over, the guests relaxed with cappuccinos and espressos. Cat couldn’t wait to escape from these stuffy people and be with Alex. She met his gaze and saw the question in his eyes. Her pulse kicked up.
The soothing scent of her lime basil perfume drifted up, a reminder of her night with Alex and what might come. Soft music played throughout the restaurant. Through the arched windows, the full moon beckoned. She was on Capri, a place made for love. She wanted Alex, a man who stirred her blood and made her long for something untamed.
When Alex gave her a barely perceptible nod, she lifted her espresso cup in acknowledgement. She’d go home with him tonight.
She lingered at the table as everyone started to leave. Bailey grabbed Alex’s arm. When he tried to pull away, she flared her nostrils and shot an angry look at Cat. Alex managed to free himself. Bailey stomped off.
His gaze never leaving hers, Alex strolled up to Cat. He bent to place a tender kiss on her lips. “You will come home with me?”
“Of course.”
They walked outside together and joined the other guests waiting for the valets and limo drivers to bring their cars.
“I need to tell my dad I’m going with you,” Cat said.
Alex nodded.
As Cat headed to where her father and Nolan stood waiting for their limo, Bailey gripped Cat’s arm, stopping her. Eyes narrowed, Cat pulled away and rubbed her arm.
“What do you think you’re doing with Alex?” Bailey spat out. “If you hadn’t chased after him, he’d be with me. I told you he’s mine.”
Cat leaned forward. “That ship sailed a long time ago, Bailey. He’s with me.” She poked a finger into Bailey’s chest. “If you ever destroy anything of mine again I’ll forget I’m a lady.”
When Cat reached her dad and Nolan, her stepmother regarded her with cold, flinty eyes. Nolan’s lip curled. “What do you want?” she snarled.
Cat ignored her. “Dad, I’m going home with Alex. He’ll bring me back to the villa.”
“Do you think that’s wise?” her father asked. “You’re getting involved with this guy. What if he goes to prison? I don’t want you hurt.”
At the caring tone in her father’s voice, emotion clogged Cat’s throat. “I know what I’m doing, Dad. Alex is okay.”
“Alex belongs with Bailey,” Nolan snapped.
“Give it up, Nolan,” Cat’s father said.
“Thanks, Dad.” A smile played around Cat’s mouth as strode briskly back to Alex, almost skipping in her elation.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next morning, Cat stood at her bathroom sink and splashed water on her face. With Tinsley’s wedding in an hour, she had to
hurry. Her body, still languid from a night spent in Alex’s arms, didn’t want to cooperate.
Clutching the edge of the sink, she stared at herself in the mirror. Alex had driven her back thirty minutes ago. Although she’d gotten very little sleep the night before, she didn’t feel tired. Just the opposite. She looked and felt…rejuvenated. Her face seemed to glow and her eyes sparkled. Alex did that to her.
She’d fallen in love with him.
Crap. She turned around and leaned against the sink. No, no, she couldn’t be in love. Not now.
She belonged in San Francisco. Alex had to stay in Italy.
What the hell could she do? If Alex didn’t return her feelings, her heart would break, but that would make going home easier. Even if he felt the same way about her, he might be going to prison. No, she couldn’t believe that.
She and Alex had no future.
Hollowness settled in her chest.
*****
Later, sitting in one of the white wooden chairs set up in the gardens, Cat waited for Tinsley’s wedding to start. A white carpet had been laid down between the two rows of chairs. In front of the chairs stood a small platform topped by a lattice-worked arch decked with flowers where Tinsley and Huntley would take their vows.
Cat smoothed a hand down the pale blue silk dress Angelina had given her. The strapless dress molded to her body as if made for her. Thankfully, Bailey hadn’t destroyed Cat’s shoes. The silver stiletto sandals she wore were her favorites. She’d needed very little makeup today. The light tan she’d gotten and Alec’s lovemaking gave her a natural glow.
She’d see Alex soon. Contentment, sweet as the richest chocolate, settled in her chest. She twisted in her chair to watch the other guests taking their seats. Alex must have gotten delayed. He’d promised to be here early. She spotted him, standing in the entry to the garden. Cat stood and waved. Alex’s bright smile sent a surge of happiness through her.
As he made his way over the white carpet, she admired his long, lithe body. Most men looked good in a tux, but Alex took it to a whole new level. Sophisticated and elegant, with a sexy grace, he could have walked out of a magazine ad for Armani. Heads turned as Alex passed by. A few people whispered to each other, and Cat wondered if they talked about his family’s legal problems or his extraordinary looks.
When Alex got to her, he bent to kiss her lightly on the lips then took the seat next to her. “You get more beautiful each time I see you.” He grabbed her hand and held it. “That dress is perfect on you.”
“Thanks.” She hadn’t told him about Bailey destroying her clothes, and she didn’t intend to. She’d handled it. Giving him a flirtatious smile, she said, “You sure know how to fill out a tux.”
He laughed. “Thank you.”
The music started, Triumphal March by Grieg, played by a violinist. The Italian official who would perform the ceremony took his place on the flower-bedecked platform.
Nolan, dressed in shimmering silver, walked down the aisle on the arm of one of the groomsmen. Next came Huntley’s parents. Huntley appeared from the side, accompanied by his best man. They took their places on the platform.
The guests stood, their attention on the garden entrance. Bailey, the maid of honor, wearing a pale green faille dress walked slowly along the carpet. Her scowl and her pouting lips marred her pretty face. When she’d taken her place at the front, Tinsley, on Cat’s father’s arm, floated down the aisle, a vision in couture and heirloom lace. The gasps from the guests voiced their approval of the stunning bride in an ivory Valentino gown that draped perfectly over her curves.
A short while later, the ceremony over, the guests moved to a large tent that had been set up under a grove of lemon trees. Cat, on Alex’s arm, inhaled deeply. The scent of lemons and roses would always remind her of Capri. She glanced at Alex. Capri and Alex would always be entwined in her heart.
After appetizers and drinks, and mingling with the other guests, Cat and Alex sat down for dinner at a table with her dad and Nolan. The tension flowing from Nolan was heavy enough to cut with a serrated knife. She barely acknowledged Cat and Alex. Cat’s father tried to make conversation, but eventually an uneasy silence settled over them.
Alex grabbed Cat’s hand under the table and squeezed. She squeezed back and began to relax. With Alex beside her, she’d get through this day despite the anger shooting at her from Nolan and Bailey.
The photographer motioned to Cat’s father and stepmother that he wanted to take their picture, leaving Cat and Alex alone at the table. As they were enjoying their lobster and filet mignon, the steak so tender it could be cut with a butter knife, Bailey left the wedding party table and strode to theirs. She leaned close. Malice flashed from her eyes.
“This isn’t over, Cat,” she hissed.
Cat twisted her fingers around her fork. “Grow up, Bailey.”
“What’s going on?” Alex asked.
Bailey fixed him with an angry glare and waved a hand over her voluptuous body. “You gave up all this for a skinny cook?”
Alex stood. “Cat is beautiful inside and out, and a talented chef. I’m honored to have her in my life.”
His sweet words and the way he rushed to her defense brought a smile to Cat’s lips. Beyond Bailey’s shoulder, Cat could see the photographer assembling the wedding party. Tinsley called out to Bailey.
“You’re wanted elsewhere, Bailey,” Cat said.
Bailey’s face reddened and her lips curled. With a snarl, she stamped away.
“What was that about?” Alex asked when he’d sat down again.
“It was nothing,” Cat said. “Just Bailey being Bailey.”
Alex’s brow furrowed. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Night had fallen by the time the four-course meal finished. A wooden dance floor had been laid next to the lemon grove. During dinner, the band had played soft music, and now played a rock tune that got many of the guests up and dancing.
Alone again with Alex at the table, Cat settled back in her chair. The scents of flowers and lemons floated on the gentle breeze and night insects sang among the bushes and shrubs. A perfect night, one made for love. She was with the perfect man, handsome, intelligent, kind, and sexy.
Alex took her hand and threaded his fingers through it. “It is a beautiful night,” he said, as if reading her thoughts.
“It is.” She kissed him lightly on the lips.
The band struck up a romantic ballad.
“Dance with me?” Alex asked.
Holding hands, they sauntered out of the tent to the dance floor. Cat lifted her face to a sky sprinkled with stars, with small clouds scudding by like sailboats on the tranquil bay. When Alex took her into his arms, Cat rested her head on his chest and allowed him to lead her in a slow, sensuous dance. The other dancers faded away until only the music, the starry night, and the man who held her close filled her senses.
“Your perfume suits you,” Alex said. “Sexy, sweet, and innocent.”
Cat lifted her head to meet his eyes. “A very dear man gave it to me. Someone who means the world to me.”
“You mean everything to me.” Alex bent his head to lightly touch his lips to hers.
The power of his words made Cat’s body tingle with joy. She had a vague sense of the music ending, but she and Alex continued to sway, their bodies so close they moved as one. Soft clapping and a few whistles stirred her from her dreamy haze. They pulled apart to see others watching them, grins on their faces. With a laugh, they bowed to the crowd, eliciting more clapping.
As they strolled leisurely back to their table, their arms around each other’s waists, Alex leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Let’s leave. Come home with me?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
As dawn broke over Capri, Cat, unable to sleep, stared at the ceiling and snuggled closer to Alex. Their lovemaking had been passionate but spiked with an underlying sadness. Her time on this enchanted island had
almost come to an end.
“You are awake?” Alex said, his voice heavy.
She rolled to face him. “I couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind.”
He brushed strands of hair back from her face. “What is bothering you, my Cat?”
Skimming a finger along his full bottom lip, she said, “I don’t want to leave Capri. Or you.”
He sat up and pulled her with him, settling her against his chest. “Don’t leave.” He stroked her hair. “Stay here with me.”
“You know I can’t. My home and my life are in San Francisco. For the first time, I’m free to follow my dream, to see where it takes me.” A tear slipped down her cheek.
Alex gathered her closer and rested his chin on the top of her head. “I understand, but I need you. Every day I have you in my life, my world is brighter. With you I have hope. I love you, Cat.”
Wiping away her tears she pulled back and met his gaze. “You love me?”
“You must know I do.”
“I’d hoped, but…” She let her voice trail off.
His eyes lit. “You love me?”
Her throat thick, she could only nod.
He cupped her jaw. “I don’t want to lose you. I can’t offer you anything until I learn my fate. When my legal problems are over, we will find a way to be together.”
Pierced by a poignant ache, Cat smoothed a hand over the sharp planes of his face, the chiseled cheekbones, the full lips, and the firm chin, committing the look and feel of him to memory. “We live so far apart. I’ve fought hard to have the career I want. I can’t walk away.”
His features stark, he drew a deep breath, as if fighting for control. “I can’t leave Italy, even if I’m exonerated. There will be much work for me to do.”
“I don’t want a two-continent love affair. I don’t see how—”
He put his finger over her lips. “Shush. I love you, Cat, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Things will work out. They must work out.”