Her Italian Soldier

He cocked his dark head, gazing at her through shuttered eyes. “Upset?”

“You know—for begging you to let your father know you’d come home early.”

“With a divine surprise like this, how could I be?”

“I’m so glad this night finally came. He wanted everything to be perfect for you.”

“It was perfect. You made it perfect. Now I want my own autograph from you.”

The way he said it in that deep tone sent a thrill through her sensitized body. She unraveled one of the posters and signed it in the bottom right corner. When she’d finished, he rolled it up and tucked it beneath his arm. The look in his eyes set her trembling.

“You have no idea how hard it was not to tell you what your father was planning. Please don’t take this wrong, but under the circumstances, it was a good thing you couldn’t drive a car yet. Otherwise—”

“Otherwise I would have followed you because I couldn’t have helped myself and curiosity would have killed the proverbial cat.”

“Yes.” She laughed softly.

“My father knew what he was doing when he stole you away from Mel. More than the fact that you’re incredibly beautiful, you didn’t let him down. After watching the slide show tonight, I’m convinced you could have a career as a top model.”

“Those are heady words, signore, but for now I like being Mel Jardine’s assistant at the showroom in L.A. when I’m not nursing.” She’d leave Italy with a smile on her face if it killed her. Looking at the Italian soldier she loved to the depth of her soul, it already was killing her.

“Signorina Marsh?”

She jerked her around. Since Lucca had come to the table, she hadn’t been aware of anyone else. “Hi, Fortunato!”

He broke into a broad smile. “Those pictures were fantastic. You look fantastic! Would you autograph the rest of these posters for me? I’m going to give them to my friends. They’re going to eat their hearts out when they find out I know you.”

Annabelle chuckled. “You know how to make an old lady feel good.”

“Old lady—are you crazy?”

“Thanks, Fortunato. You’ve made my night. I’d be happy to sign these.” She felt Lucca’s hot gaze on her while she autographed the last six for his nephew.

“Thanks.” He gathered them up and turned to Lucca. “Do you want me to drive you home now?”

She held her breath while she waited for Lucca’s answer. “That’s very nice of you to offer, but Annabelle’s going to drive us back to the farmhouse. Here.” He pulled some bills out of his pocket and put them in Fortunato’s hand. “I owe you for today.”

He stared at the money. “What’s this for?”

“For chauffeuring your old uncle around town and showing me the hottest clothes to buy. See you later.”

“Ciao.” Fortunato’s eyes lingered on both of them before he disappeared.

“He’s darling,” she remarked.

“Ruggero says he’s incorrigible, but I couldn’t ask for a nicer nephew.” He shifted his weight. It made her wonder if his leg had started to ache. “Do you have to stay around here much longer?”

“No. I’m through. Your father will be talking business half the night. I’ll go inside the villa to change and meet you at the car in the courtyard. Give me ten minutes.”

“Make it five.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Try.” He sounded out of breath. “While you’re gone, I’ll gather up some food for us from the party and we’ll eat when we get back to the farmhouse.”

His male virility was so potent, she’d forgotten all about food.

The blood surged through her veins as she left the table and rushed inside the villa. Marcella was there to relieve her of her clothes and jewels. She hugged Annabelle.