they started their descent to the city of a hundred thousand, she darted Rini an excited glance. “I love Lecce! It’s a masterpiece of baroque architecture.”
“I haven’t been here in several years, but I remember a restaurant near the cathedral and hope it’s still as good.”
He’d arranged for a limo to drive them into the city nicknamed the Florence of the South. They got out and started walking along the narrow, shop-lined streets to the square for their dinner.
Lots of tourists, plus music from the many eating places, put him in a holiday spirit, something he hadn’t felt in years. Alessandra stopped in front of every shop and boutique, all of which were made from the soft local limestone. The facades were a mass of cherubs. She delighted in their faces as well as the displays. He hadn’t felt this carefree in years.
“Oh, Rini. Look at that precious cat! It reminds me of Alfredo.” They’d stopped in front of a souvenir shop selling the famous Cartapesta items of saints and animals made out of papier-mâché and painted.
“I think you’re right. Let’s buy it for your housekeeper.” Without waiting for a response, he lifted the three-inch orange crouching cat from the shelf and walked inside to pay for it. The clerk put it in a sack. When he exited the shop, Alessandra stared up at him.
“She’ll be thrilled.”
He handed her the gift. “Will you keep it until we get back to the castle?”
“That was very kind of you,” she said in a quiet voice. After sliding it in her purse, they walked out to the square.
“If my memory serves me correctly, our restaurant is on the right, halfway down the colonnade. We’ll eat what they bring us. There’s no menu.” After the call to arrange for the helicopter, he made a reservation at the famous restaurant. When they reached it, the maître d’ showed them inside to a table that looked out on the square.
Mugs of caffé in ghiaccio con latte di mandorla arrived. She smiled between sips. “I’m already addicted to that wonderful almond flavor.”
“Agreed. How about the antipasto?”
She experimented. “These are fabulous. I could make a whole meal on the salmon-and-oyster bruschetta alone.”
“I like the little tortillas with olives.”
“There’s nothing not to like, Rini.” Soon they were served angel-hair pasta with sardines. If that wasn’t enough, they were brought mouthwatering apple crostinos for dessert.
“I’m so full, I don’t think I can move. Thank you for bringing us here. I haven’t had a meal like this in years.”
He loved it that she enjoyed her food. “It’s the least I can do after everything you’ve done for me. I’m in awe of your knowledge. Not only that, you’re a master sea woman.” He put some bills on the table, then got up and escorted her out of the restaurant. Night had fallen, adding to the beauty of the square.
“A sea woman? Sounds like a new species.” Her soft laughter charmed him.
“Until your father gets back, I’m hoping to spend a few more days on the water with you. It’s true I’m here on business, but I’ve decided to take a few days to mix pleasure with it.”
He led them through a street to find a taxi so they could head back to the helipad at the airport. Once on board they took off, then he turned to her. “Your scuba equipment has been calling to me. How about we pick up some gear for me tomorrow and you take us where you go diving. I’ll charter us a boat.”
“That would be ridiculous when we can use my boat.”
“I wouldn’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you.”
“Can we just not worry about that?”
“That’s fine with me. What I’d like to do is camp out. I’ll be your buddy. Could I tear you away from your work that long, or would it be asking too much?”
After they reached the island and got in the car, she eyed him speculatively. “After the exquisite meal, it pains me to have to turn you down. I’m afraid I’m behind on my project, but you’re welcome to take the cruiser and go exploring on your own.”
He didn’t believe her excuse. She could be warm and engaging, but if he got too close, she’d retreat. After finally meeting a woman who thrilled him in so many ways, he couldn’t take the disappointment that she put other plans first. It was driving him crazy.
“If you don’t go with me, I won’t have a buddy. You’re so smart and know so much, a trip without you wouldn’t be fun. What if we go out early after your work is over for the day? Say two o’clock?”
“I’m not sure I can be finished by then.” She got out of the car and started walking to the entrance in an attempt to elude him.
He caught up to her. “Then we’ll play it by ear.”
“You never give up, do you?” But she said it with a smile. “All right.”
Those two little words gave him hope, but the minute they went inside the castle, Liona and her cat were there to greet them. “You have a visitor, Alessandra. He insisted on waiting for you. I’ve put him in the small salon.”
Him? Maybe Rini had been right and she was seeing someone.
“Thank you, Liona.” She pulled the sack out of her purse. “This is for you. Signor Montanari bought it for you.”
The older woman smiled. “Veramente?” She opened the sack and pulled out the cat. “This looks like you, Alfredo. You must have bought this in Lecce!”
Rini nodded. “It caught our eye.”
“Mille grazie, signor. Come on, Alfredo. Let’s look at this treasure together.” She put the cat in her arms. “Buona notte,” she called over her shoulder.
Alessandra’s eyes darted to him. “You’ve made her night.”
He cocked his head. “But it appears yours isn’t over yet, so I’ll leave you to your guest and see you tomorrow. Dormi bene.”
After wishing her good-night he headed for the stairs, which he took two at a time to his room on the third floor. Full of adrenaline because she’d finally agreed to be with him tomorrow, he pulled out his phone and returned Guido’s call. Though it was late, his friend would probably still be awake. On the third ring he answered.
“Rini? I’d given up and was headed for bed.”
“Sorry. I just got back to my room.”
“Where are you?”
“In a castle on the island of Posso.”
Guido chuckled. “Sure you are. So what’s happening? Are we still on for Saturday?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Don’t tell me it’s work again.”
“Not this time.”
“That sounds serious.”
“I am. Have you got a minute?”
“Since when do you have to ask me a question like that? Go ahead. I’m all ears.”
For the next little while he unloaded on his friend, leaving nothing out. When he’d finished, Guido whistled in response.
“In my gut I know Alessandra likes me, but she’s keeping me at a distance. I asked her to go scuba diving tomorrow and she finally gave in, but she’s not easy to understand. She doesn’t wear a ring, but tonight a man was waiting for her when we got back from dinner.”
“Then the first thing you need to find out is if she’s committed.”
Rini’s brows furrowed. “I don’t think she is. The housekeeper referred to the man as a visitor.”