Her Italian Soldier

He clicked off, but it couldn’t be soon enough.

Thirty-five minutes later, Annabelle pulled into the drive. He got off the swing and hurried into the house. Once he’d opened the kitchen door, he helped Annabelle with the groceries she was carrying. “It’s about time you got here.”

He put the bags on the counter, then reached for her. He must have taken her by surprise because she let out a cry. Her gorgeous violet eyes searched his. “I know I’m a little late. What’s gotten into you? That’s quite a welcome after the way you greeted me the first night we met.”

“Forget that man. He no longer exists.” Needing her like he needed air to breathe, Lucca crushed her against him and started kissing her in earnest. They were both trembling when he lifted his head.

Lucca couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever beheld. “What took you so long?”

“It’s because the only corn you sell here is for the pigs and you can’t buy it in a grocery store. I had to stop at a farm along the way. The woman said it was for the animals, but I talked her into letting me buy half a dozen ears. I heard her mutter something about Americans that I’m positive wasn’t flattering.”

Lucca burst into laughter. “You’re fixing me corn on the stick?”

She laughed out loud. “Not exactly. It’s called corn on the cob. Have you ever eaten it?”

“No, but there were some Americans guys I flew with who dreamed about eating it.”

“Then you’re in for a special treat.”

“How can I help?”

“I need a big pot. Fill it a third of the way with water. I also need a saucepan filled halfway with water. Then I need a frying pan and masher for potatoes. Could you put some flour in a bowl for me and hand me the olive oil, pepper and salt?”

Lucca couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun. Maybe never. He got busy helping her. Within minutes she’d started frying chicken and peeling potatoes. Once everything was cooking, she drew out the corn.

“I’ll cook four of these because I can’t stop with just one corn on the cob. I’ll want at least two, maybe more. This is called shucking.”

He watched in fascination as she denuded the corn and dropped it in the boiling water.

“I bought butter for everything and some cream to mix in with the potatoes. We’ll be ready to eat in a minute, then I want to hear about your day.”

Before long, they sat at the table on the terrace. She watched with avid interest as he took his first bite of chicken and mashed potatoes. “Now butter and salt your corn and just start munching away.”

When he’d eaten half the cob she said, “You’ve now had your christening of American food Annabelle-style. What do you think?”

“I’d tell you it was delicious, even if I didn’t think it. But the truth is, it’s delicious. All of it. You’re a terrific cook.”

Her full smile lit up his universe. “Thank you. Coming from the famous Chef Cavezzalli himself, that’s a real compliment.” She looked at him over her second piece of corn. “Judging from your mood, I take it this was a productive day.”

He nodded. “Very.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“So is your food.” Not able to get enough of her mashed potatoes and chicken, he reached for the last of everything, including a fourth piece of corn. “Before you drove in, I was on the phone with an orthopedic man from the hospital in Naples. He’s going to fit me in on Monday.”

She went still for a moment. “For him to accommodate you this fast is the best news I’ve heard to date.”

“If he can operate, I want you stay on and be my nurse. I realize Mel Jardine wants you back, but I need you more and will pay you whatever you ask.”

That was twice she’d heard that Lucca needed her for medical assistance. She was afraid that what she needed from him wasn’t in her stars, but it was a little too soon to tell him yes or no. The doctor might decide not to operate. It was possible Lucca wouldn’t make a good candidate for the removal of the plate.

“Why don’t we talk about that after you’ve had your initial visit with the doctor? In the meantime I want you to lie down on the swing and rest your leg while I do the dishes.”

“I’ll help.”

“No, no. Have you forgotten the rule? Whoever cooks in this house does the cleanup.”

Annabelle could understand why Vietri was called the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. The seaside village was dominated by St. John’s 17th Century church. On the top was an elegant dome in majolica that stood out and provided the background for the shooting.