Her Italian Soldier

“Do you really need me to tell you? How could you be anything else when you were her husband’s best friend? I heard the love for him in your voice during your flashback. I’m sure he’s up in heaven thrilled you’re going to do the honors.”

When she didn’t think it was possible, a glimmer of light ignited those somber depths. “You’re just what the doctor ordered today. How come you’re home this early?”

“Our film crew worked fast this morning. Everyone wanted to get away to enjoy a long weekend.” The word everyone included Annabelle, who couldn’t wait to return to the farmhouse.

“Since my father flew to Milan this morning, does it mean you have no more calls on your time?”

“He did?” She wheeled around. “How do you know that?” she cried.

“I called him last night and told him everything.”

She let out a happy gasp and wanted to throw her arms around him, but of course she couldn’t. “Everything? Literally?”

“Sì.”

Her eyes misted over. “Thank heaven.” The news that Lucca was home meant the timing for Guilio’s surprise would have to be moved up. No wonder he’d gone to Milan today. He had to make new arrangements. His staff would have to work miracles.

“That sounded so heartfelt, I realize you really have been carrying a heavy burden. I admire your loyalty to my father. Very much in fact.”

“He’s a terrific man to work for.”

Lucca’s chuckle told her he had his own opinion on the subject. “We had quite a conversation about the beautiful Signorina Marsh. I told him I liked your company and want you to stay on.”

She wanted that more than anything. It was a thrill to wake up in the morning and know Lucca was in the house, that they’d talk and fix food and just be together.

“Take your time to decide while you’re enjoying your day off. What were you planning to do?”

A certain inflection in his voice convinced her he had to be at a loose end. “I thought I’d take a long drive and do exactly what I want to do.”

She thought her response might have deflated him a little. Now that Signora Beraldi had gone, maybe Annabelle’s company was better than none. Ironic that he’d craved his solitude, yet this week of being cooped up by himself was probably making him claustrophobic.

“Want to do it with me? You’re welcome to come.”

“I’m afraid I can’t go swimming yet.”

Even so, it sounded as if he would like to take her up on her offer.

“That’s not on my agenda.”

“I’m surprised.” He gave her a speculative glance. “Most foreigners can’t wait to ruin their complexions by tanning themselves on every beach they come to.”

“Well, I’m not your typical tourist. Today I’d rather give my eyes a workout. Giovanni, the photographer, warned me not to get a sunburn or anything close to it.” She flashed him a smile. “If you’re interested, get what you need and meet me at the car.”

When she went outside a few minutes later, she discovered him in the front passenger seat. With everything out in the open, she felt like she was walking on air.

Until now her dilemma had tortured her. Whose secret could be revealed first that would cause the least amount of damage? She knew enough of both men’s past history to realize they were equally vulnerable. But now she didn’t have to worry about it. Guilio’s plan to surprise his son was still safe. The relief was exquisite.

Lucca turned to her, but she couldn’t see his eyes for his sunglasses. “What’s the verdict? Is my nurse going to leave me high and dry, or can I count on you to be around when I need to talk? Normally night is the time when I get my restless attacks. To know you’re just down the hall gives me more comfort than you can imagine.”

She sucked in her breath. “I’m still deciding.” That was because the alarm bells inside her head were going off, warning her to proceed at her own risk. This was a man who already meant too much to her. Any more time spent with him, and he would become her whole world. But if he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, then she was in for a letdown she might never get over.

He slanted her a glance. “I’m assuming there are times when you’ve had ragged moments since your divorce and need to unload on someone you can trust. I can be a pretty good listener if you’ll let me.”

There’d been times when she would have loved a confidant besides her parents. Lucca sensed it because he was a very intuitive man. It was also true that he’d needed help and their unplanned housing arrangement made it easy for her to provide it.

Annabelle didn’t know when it had happened, but she did feel secure around him. For so long she hadn’t believed she could depend on a man again, let alone want to. She’d thought Ryan’s betrayal had caused a part of her soul to die, but Lucca’s effect on her made her realize it had only gone into hibernation. Otherwise she wouldn’t be taking this drive with him.

“You’re like your father, hard to turn down.”