“I came to say thank you for saving us,” she said.
“You did that yesterday,” he said, watching as she walked closer. He could see no lasting effects of the fire. Only the faintest hint of a limp showed.
“I know. I just wanted to see you again.” She gave a shy smile and the effect on his senses was like the sun coming out after days of rain. For a moment, he felt elation. Then common sense intruded. He’d asked her to stay in Lake Clarissa, she had. Now she probably wondered why.
He glanced around. It was warm in the sun, but would cool down when the patio became shaded by the trees.
“Would you like something to drink?” he asked. He hadn’t had anyone at the cottage since he had arrived. It felt strange to invite her inside.
“A glass of water sounds nice. It’s warmer than I thought it would be today and that’s a long walk.”
“Especially with an injured foot.”
She lifted her leg slightly and rotated the foot in question. “Actually, it didn’t bother me that much.”
He stared at the foot, then let his gaze wander up her body to those freckles. Her hair was curly and framed her pretty face. Her eyes were more silvery now than the other night. Then they’d been a stormy grey. The sun highlighted her hair, some of it the color of honey, some almost white gold. He wanted to touch those silky strands to see if they were as soft as they promised to be. Brush his fingertips across the freckles that dusted her face. Kiss her and feel the rise of desire being with a beautiful woman evoked. Prove to himself he was still alive, healthy and normal.
He resisted temptation. Dared he take the risk?
Every cell in his body clamored for closer contact with her. Temptation was never easily denied. He relished the feelings, the wanting, the anticipation, the desire. After staying alone for months, it was like an awakening, as if his body were coming alive after a long illness, painfully tingling. How ironic, he was attracted to a woman for the first time in ages and he dared not pursue the relationship. At least not beyond a casual friendship.
“Water’s in the kitchen,” he said.
She tilted her head slightly and smiled. “Usually is.”
He led the way through the dark living area back to the kitchen. He opened the cupboard and stared for a moment. There were no glasses.
She followed him, looking around with curiosity. For a moment Cristiano scanned the room, noting the dirty dishes stacked in the sink.
He heard a giggle behind him and turned to find Mariella trying to hide her laughter. He scowled, knowing exactly what she was thinking.
“I’ve seen college kids with digs like this, but I never thought once people were grown up they’d continue to live this way. Or is it only guys?” she asked, the amusement bubbling in her voice.
“Dante would understand,” he said, spotting a glass on the counter. He snagged it and quickly washed it. After it was rinsed, he filled it with tap water and handed it to her, still dripping. His sister would have his head if she ever saw the mess. His father would be speechless. Cristiano remembered how fastidious Luca had always been in the kitchen of Rosa.
She took the glass with a smile. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to offend,” she said. Drinking the entire glass in less than a minute, she held it out for more.
He filled it again. She coughed until she had tears in her eyes. Taking the glass, she sipped it more slowly this time, her gaze looking around the room as a smile tugged her lips.
“I’ve been recovering from an injury,” he said gruffly, suddenly wanting her to know he didn’t normally live this way.
Instant compassion shone in her face when she swung back. “I’m sorry. And on top of that you had the ordeal of carrying me away from the fire. I can’t believe how fast the cottage burned.”
“Entire houses can burn in less time given the right fuel and no safety precautions,” he said. “How’s the baby?”
“He’s doing well. The Bertatalis are bending over backward to be accommodating. Did you know she has three children of her own, all grown now? She says she loves babies and almost begged to watch Dante for me while I walked here. Her husband has offered to take me on one of the fishing excursions on the lake.”
“He leads fishing expeditions in the summer. Take him up on it if you get the chance—you’ll like it.”
“Hmm, maybe. It seems a little cool to be boating.”
“I’ll give you a ride back when you’re ready to leave. Save walking on that foot.”
“That would put you out. Which was not my intention. I truly wanted to thank you. You’re a hero.”
“No, I’m not.” Why did people keep saying that? If they knew the truth—“I’ll give you a ride,” he said.
His motorcycle sat beneath the carport at the rear. Beyond that was a small building, door firmly closed.
Mariella followed, glancing around the kitchen again as she stepped outside.
“I could come back tomorrow and clean up the kitchen for you. As a token of appreciation.”
Cristiano shook his head. “I don’t need it.”
He started the bike and helped her climb on. Instructing her to hold on tight, he didn’t expect the jolt of awareness when she wrapped her arms around him. Her body was pressed against his back, her hands linked over his stomach. He closed his eyes, relishing the feel of her. Her hands were small, gripping over his belly. Her breasts pressed against his back and for a moment he wanted to turn around and pull her into a kiss.
“So how long will Signora Bertatali watch Dante?” he asked.
“No time limit.”
“Want to take the long way home?”
“Sure.”
“Will you be warm enough?”
“Oh, yes.”
He started out slowly and then picked up speed when they reached the road. Turning away from the lake, he took the road he loved to ride when trying to outrun the demons and nightmares. It wound through the forest, dappled in shade in places, in full sunshine in others.
From time to time they could catch a glimpse of the lake sparkling in the distance. It was not as breezy today as other days and in places the lake looked like a mirror, reflecting sky and forest.
Mariella loved the ride. She felt free with the scenery whipping by. Seeing the lake when they turned from time to time was fabulous. Thankful for her rescue, she felt especially attentive to everything today. It was as if she were seeing things in a different light.
All due to Cristiano. And not only because he had saved them from the fire. But to take time yesterday to make sure she and Dante had all they needed was special.
But what she cherished the most was his request for her to stay.
He slowed and pulled off the road in a turn out that went to the edge of the open space in front of them.
“Oh wow,” she said, gazing at the sight. The lake looked like a jewel nestled in a green setting. Beyond another hill and then another rose, until she felt she were on the rim of the world, looking out.
He stopped the motor. The silence was complete. Then the soft sighing of the breeze through the trees could be heard.
“This is beautiful,” she said softly, so as not to disturb the moment.
“We can walk to the edge if you like,” he said.
She hopped off the motorcycle and waited for him. Walking to the edge, she saw several rough-cut log benches.
“Others must come here for the view,”