Brides Of Summer

Liona was thrilled to see them walk in the kitchen. The housekeeper reached for her cat.

“He found Alfredo outside the castle,” Alessandra explained.

“The poor thing is getting confused. I’ll take him back to my apartment. Grazie, signor.”

“Prego, signora.”

Alessandra trailed him out of the kitchen. “That was very nice of you. Her cat is getting old.” She followed him to the entrance, but there was no sign of a limo yet, only three tour buses bringing tourists to tour the part of the castle open to the public. “I hope the driver didn’t already come and leave.”

“I’ll call to find out.” He reached in his jeans pocket. Her eyes traveled over his rock-hard body. His blue crewneck shirt had the kind of short sleeves that only looked good on a man with a well-defined physique. In a minute he clicked off. “It’ll be a while due to an accident near the causeway.”

“What were your plans?”

His veiled gaze slid to hers. “To charter a boat.”

“There’s no need to do that,” she said on impulse. “Since my father isn’t here to take you, he suggested I drive you where you want to go in our cruiser.”

“But that means interrupting your work.”

“It’s all right. As Papà reminded me, you’re a busy man. Since you’re here, you need to make the most of the time. I’ll do my own work later.” The talk with Alessandra’s mother had taken away the guilt she’d been harboring over Dea. There was nothing she wanted more than to spend more time with him.

“Then I’ll call off the limo.”

“While you do that, I have to run in and get a few things. I’ll meet you at the Land Rover in five minutes.”

Alessandra hurried inside and up the staircase to her room. Her heart raced abnormally hard to think they were going out on the boat together. She filled her duffel bag with some necessary items, then rushed back down to the kitchen and stashed water and snacks in the top of it. She never knew how long she’d be gone, so she never left without being prepared.

When she walked out to the car beneath a semicloudy sky, she found him waiting for her with his own backpack. It had been years since she’d felt this alive around a man. This time when she unlocked the door with the remote, he opened her door and relieved her of her duffel bag so she could get in. He walked on around and put their things in the back before climbing inside.

“Our cruiser is docked on the other side of the island.” She started the engine and drove them the short distance.

“It’s right in your backyard!”

She smiled. “I know. Can you believe how convenient?”

Once she’d pulled up to the pier, they both got out. He obviously knew his way around a boat. After depositing their bags, he undid the ropes while she got on board and found them both life preservers. She put hers on first.

“Who’s the scuba enthusiast?”

“You’re looking at her.”

His piercing dark brown eyes scrutinized her. “How long have you been a diver?”

“Since I was nineteen. Have you ever done it?”

“I learned at fourteen. It’s probably my favorite activity.”

His admission excited her no end. To scuba dive with him would be like a dream come true. “Mine, too,” she admitted. “Excuse me for a minute.”

She disappeared below and pulled out a special oceanography chart of the area for him to look at. When she came up on deck she discovered he’d climbed on board and had put on his preserver. “Here.” She put the rolled-up chart on the banquette next to him. “You can look at this as we proceed.” Alessandra started the engine at a wakeless speed and drove them toward open water.

“This cruiser is state of the art.”

She nodded. “A huge change from our old boat I took everywhere until my father bought this for me so I could go on longer trips.”

“For pleasure?”

“It’s always a pleasure, but I’m part of a team working for the Institute of Archaeological and Monumental Heritage.”

Her response seemed to surprise him. “Where did you go to college?”

“I received my master’s degree from the University of Catania. Our job is to identify and retrieve buried structures of archaeological interest.”

“Living on an archaeological wonder, you come by your interest naturally.”

She nodded. “My area of academics is to study the advanced techniques for nondestructive testing and remote sensing. Hopefully our work will expand our knowledge and help restore the historical buildings above and below the water in this area of Italy.”

He sat on the banquette across from her with his hands clasped between his knees. She felt his eyes probing her with new interest. “It’s no wonder your father told me I would be in good hands with you. You’re an archaeologist. I thought maybe you were an engineer.

“Your father knew that you’re exactly the person I need to consult while I’m here. Like you, I’m anxious to identify where the drilling will cause the least amount of destruction to the environment, both on land and water.”

“Tell you what. After I give you a tour of the coastline, we’ll go to my office at the castle. Since you’re an engineer, you can watch a series of videos we’ve produced that will open your eyes to the many roadblocks you’ll have to consider in order to drill and transport oil.”

“I’m indebted to you, Alessandra.”

“You have no idea what kinds of snags you’re up against, so don’t get too excited, signore.”

“Call me Rini,” he urged for a second time in his deep male voice that affected her insides. “I like snags. They make life exciting.”

Though she agreed with him, she needed to be careful not to let this man get under her skin. Alessandra had a hunch he wasn’t just talking about the search for oil. He had a way of infiltrating her defenses no matter where she turned. She had a feeling that if she got involved with him, he had the power to hurt her in ways that she would never get over.

“Why don’t you consult the map I brought up? It will explain a lot as we go.”

As they cruised along the coast, she glimpsed a half smile that broke the corner of his compelling mouth before he did her bidding and unraveled it for his perusal. He was such a breathtaking man, she could hardly concentrate.

It was hard to believe he wanted to be with her and not Dea. For some reason Rini Montanari hadn’t been interested in her sister. She couldn’t comprehend it.

Probably Dea hadn’t been able to comprehend it, either. But Alessandra didn’t know what went on in her sister’s mind and would be a fool to make any more assumptions about anything.

Just be excited that he wants to be with you, Alessandra.

CHAPTER THREE

BY FIVE IN the afternoon Rini had seen as much as he needed for a preliminary assessment. Alessandra had been a fountain of knowledge. Depending on Onorato’s willingness to continue their talks, he wanted to bring out a team from the Naples office to begin an in-depth exploration.

But at this point business wasn’t on his mind. During their outing he’d grown hungry. She’d brought along water and snacks, but he wanted a big dinner and intended to surprise her by taking her out for a meal. He’d seen a helipad at the side of the castle and went below deck to call for a helicopter.

With her expertise she guided the boat to the pier and shut off the engine. He discarded the life preserver and jumped to the dock to tie the ropes. In a moment the rotors of the helicopter sounded overhead.

Alessandra looked up. “I guess my parents are back. That’s a surprise. Mother told me they could be gone for several days.” She removed her preserver.

“I think that’s my helicopter.”

She blinked. “You sent for yours?” Did he see disappointment in her eyes?

“I chartered one to take us to dinner. Last night you turned me down. Tonight I decided not to take any chances on another rejection.”

Her eyes slid away from his. “Where are we going?”

Good. She’d decided not to fight him. “That’s my surprise. Bring what you need and leave the rest in the boat. We’ll retrieve everything later.”

“You don’t want to change clothes?”

“There’s no need.”

She nodded. “I’ll only be a moment.” Before long she came back up on deck having applied a fresh coat of lipstick.

Avoiding his help, she climbed out of the boat and they made their way to the helicopter in the distance. But she couldn’t refuse him when he opened the door to assist her into the back. Their arms brushed and he inhaled her light, flowery fragrance, which made him more aware of her.

Within seconds they lifted off and the pilot flew them due east. For the next little while her gaze fastened on the landscape below. When 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.”

“All’s fair then. Are you thinking she’s being hesitant because you met her sister first? You know, that kind of unwritten law thing.”

“Maybe.”

“The only way to find out is go after her and learn the truth for yourself.”

“I’ll do it. Thanks for the advice.”

After a long silence, his friend said, “I’ve been wondering when this day would come.”

Guido wasn’t the only one...

“I’ll call you later in the week to make final plans for Saturday. Ciao.”

He rang off, but he was feeling restless and decided to go for a walk before trying to get some sleep.

* * *

Alessandra waited outside the castle entrance while Bruno drove to the dock to get his scuba gear. When he came back, she approached the driver’s side of his van. “Did you find everything?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry to have bothered you so late. I have to leave on the diving trip for the institute in the morning. I wish you’d join us. We’ll be out there for another three days at least.”

“What spot this time?”

“The same one. We haven’t begun to explore that area thoroughly.”

“I agree.”

“Will you come? I know you’re busy on your book, but we need your expertise.” His gray eyes urged her to say yes. “I’d rather buddy with you than anyone else.”

I know. But she didn’t feel the same. “Bruno? Please don’t take this wrong, but I want to keep our friendship on a professional basis and won’t be buddying with you again.”

He looked surprised. “Does this mean there’s someone else?”

Exasperated, she said, “It means I’d prefer to keep my work separate from my personal life. I hope you understand.”

Tight-lipped, he accelerated faster than necessary and took off.

“Someone didn’t seem very happy,” a deep male voice said behind her.

She whirled around in shock. “Rini, I—I thought you’d gone to bed.”

“It’s a beautiful night. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep, so I decided to go for a walk around the castle. Did the fact that my kidnapping you to Lecce upset certain plans you had with your visitor?”

“If I’d had plans, I wouldn’t have gone with you. That man was Dr. Tozzi from the archaeological institute. He came to get his scuba gear out of the cruiser. Tomorrow he’s going on another exploratory dive with the others for a few days.”

“You two dive together a lot?”

“There’s a whole group of us. Last week we went out on our boats from Metaponto. He happened to be my buddy that trip, so that’s why his scuba gear ended up in the cruiser. Tonight I told him he’d have to find another buddy because I would like our relationship to stay completely professional. “

“He doesn’t have his own boat?”

“Yes, but he forgot to transfer his equipment after we’d finished. The institute has a state-of-the-art oceanography boat, but he won’t bring it out until we’ve made a positive find.”

“I see. Are you supposed to go out with them again?”

“Yes, but I have to divide up my time.”

His dark brows lifted. “You’re a very important person, besieged on every side, so I have an idea for tomorrow. While you work on your book for part of the day, I’ll run in to Metaponto to get me some gear. Then we’ll join your group. En route you and I can talk over your father’s business. That way you can please everyone, including me. What do you say?”

She let out a sigh. Already he was reducing her to mush. “I’ll get up early and work until lunch, then we’ll leave for Metaponto. The dive shop will have the gear you need. From there we can head for the dive site and meet up with the others.”

“I’d like to stay out overnight and camp.”

“I would, too. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

“Good.” His eyes blazed. “I shall look forward to it. I’ll see you at lunch.”

He took off for another run around the tiny island without giving her a chance to say anything else. Alessandra hurried inside the castle, secretly excited to go diving with him. Thoughts of buddying with him left her breathless. The idea that they would protect each other was so appealing she couldn’t wait.

At six the next morning she showered and dressed quickly before heading to the library to work on her book. While she was knee-deep in research, Liona entered the library.

“Alessandra? Signor Montanari is eating his lunch in the dining room.”

Her head lifted. “It’s that time already?”

“Si. One o’clock.”

“I can’t believe I lost track of time. Tell him I’ll be right there.”

She raced out of the room and up the stairs to freshen up, then hurried back down with her packed duffel bag. When she entered the dining room he stood up to greet her. The man looked amazing in white cargo pants and a dark brown crewneck shirt.

“Sorry I’m late.”

His dark eyes traveled up her jean-clad legs to her white pullover, then found her gaze. “We’re in no hurry. Sit down and eat lunch.”

“I’d rather not take the time now. While you rent scuba gear, I’ll grab us some food and drinks at the nearby deli to hold us over until tomorrow.”

“With the announcement of an overnight on the water, you’ve made my day, signorina.”

Everything he said and did made her pulse race. Her feelings for him were spilling all over the place. She didn’t know how to stop them. She didn’t want to stop them.

He followed her out of the room with his backpack and they left for Metaponto in the cruiser. At the dive shop they loaded up with extra tanks. Once they’d bought drinks and groceries, they gassed up the cruiser and headed west. She handed him the special ocean chart he’d looked at before.

“We’ll be diving at the midway point between Metaponto and Crotone. Some of the finds date back to the Magna Graecia. We’re looking for some columns from the sixth century before Christ reputed to be there.

“If we’re really lucky, we’ll see the remnants of a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera. This area of the Ionian is a treasure trove, but as you realize, all the artifacts are buried, making them almost impossible to discover.”

Rini looked up from the chart to flash her an intriguing smile. “It’s the almost impossible that fires your blood, non è vero?”

She nodded. But artifacts weren’t the only thing that fired her blood. The flesh-and-blood male who was a living Adonis had made her come alive without even trying. She’d taken one look at him that first evening in the castle foyer and had fallen so hard, she feared she would never recover.

It was too late to wish he’d gone back to Naples. Already she hated the idea that he would have to leave at all. Her thoughts were crazy. This was the renowned Rinieri Montanari she was talking about, not just any man.

Alessandra imagined that every woman who met him couldn’t get enough. Even her mother had been bowled over by him. But the fact that he was still a bachelor meant there was a big reason he didn’t have a wife.

Maybe he’d lost a great love and could never bring himself to marry. Or he enjoyed women, but couldn’t commit to one for fear of feeling trapped. So no matter how attentive he was being right now, Alessandra would be a fool to think she would be the one woman in Italy who could do what no other female had done and win his love.

She glanced at him. “How long has it been since you went diving?”

Rini folded up the chart. “A year, but don’t worry. You can count on me.” Deep down she knew she could trust him. He engendered a confidence she’d never felt around other men. It didn’t bother her that he’d just said he wasn’t concerned about the time that had passed since his last dive.

“How have you stayed away from it so long?”

“Too much work.”

“But there are lots of marvelous diving sites in the Naples area. Surely you could have taken some time off.”

“True, but even though the office is there, I don’t live in Naples and am always anxious to fly home at the end of the day.”

That was a surprise. “Where is home?”

“Positano.”

“Oh—such a glorious spot with fabulous diving opportunities.”

“My friends and siblings did it with me for several years, but for most of the last year my sister Valentina lived with me while she was expecting her baby. That meant no diving for her. As I told you earlier, we’d just lost our mother in a car accident. I divided my time between visiting my father at our family home in Naples and staying around the villa for my sister in order to keep her company.”

Alessandra hadn’t realized he’d carried such a load. She was touched by the way he cared for his family. “Did she have her baby?”

“Si. My nephew, Vito, is thriving. The man Valentina married has adopted him. They live in Ravello with his son, Ric. Both babies were born the same day at the same hospital.”

“You’re kidding—”

“What’s really amazing was that the babies got switched. Valentina brought the wrong baby home while the man she married took home Valentina’s son.”

“What?” She almost lost control of the wheel. “How awful! Where was the mother?”

“They were divorced. At birth she gave up her mother’s rights to Giovanni. It was a nightmare after the babies were returned to their birth parents. By then Valentina and Giovanni had bonded with the children. At that point they began to see each other so they could be with both babies and they fell in love.”

A smile lit up her face. “That’s the greatest love story I ever heard. How hard to love the wrong baby, but how sweet they were able to make everything work out. The person I feel sorry for is the mother who gave her child away. I can’t comprehend it. I love my mother so much, I don’t want to think what it would have been like if she hadn’t been there for me. In fact I can’t wait until the day comes when I can have my own baby.”

He seemed caught up in his own thoughts before he said, “Fortunately she came to her senses and has now worked out visitation so she can help raise her son.”

“That’s the way it should be!” But Alessandra couldn’t help but wonder about the father of his sister’s baby. Still, she didn’t want to pry.

“I can read your mind, Alessandra. Vito’s father was one of Valentina’s engineering professors at the University in Naples, but he didn’t want marriage or children. My sister suffered terribly, but today she’s so happy, you would never know she’d been through so much trauma.”

Alessandra could relate to the trauma. Her hands tightened on the controls. She was living proof you could get through a broken heart and survive the emotional pain, but not everyone could end up as happy as his sister.

“So she’s an engineer, too.”

“Yes. A brilliant one.”

“What does her husband do for a living?”

“He’s the CEO of the Laurito Corporation.”

Alessandra smiled at him. “That’s an amazing combination. Your sister was blessed to have a brother like you to watch over her.” She was coming to find out Rini was an extraordinary man. He’d even bought that little gift for Liona.

“Our family is close.”

Alessandra could say the same where her parents were concerned. Before long she could pick out the red-and-white scuba flags from two boats ahead. “There they are!” The group had already started diving in an area near the coast. “If anything of significance is found, Dr. Tozzi will bring out the institute’s boat. Today we’re still exploring.”

Alessandra brought her boat to a stop and lowered the anchor. After she raised her flag, she looked back at Rini. He’d already slipped on his wet suit. By the gleam in his eyes she could tell he’d been anticipating this dive.

“I’ll be right back.” She took her wet suit below to change. Talk about excited. She could hardly keep her fingers from trembling before going back up on deck.

In a moment they’d put on their weight belts and buoyancy-control devices. He reminded her of the film phenomenon James Bond. She finished dressing and put her goggles in place. “We’ll be going down eighty feet. Ready?”

“Si, bellissima.”

He shouldn’t have said that to her. The deep tone of his compliment curled to her insides, disturbing her concentration. She ended up jumping in the water after he did, almost forgetting to keep her goggles and regulator in place.

The air temperature registered eighty degrees, but the water was cooler. Once below the surface she pressed the button to let out some air. The weights carried her down, down. Rini stayed right with her, watching her as their ears adjusted to the pressure. She could tell by the way he moved that he was a pro. It made her feel perfectly safe.

Eight minutes later they reached the sea floor with its clumps of vegetation and only a smattering of tiny fish. He stayed with her as she moved toward the area where she could see the group working. They all waved to her. She motioned for Rini to swim with her beyond the circle and examine a nearby area. The ridge in the distance looked promising, but as she brushed some of the debris away, it turned out to be more debris instead of a column lying on its side.

Rini found some interesting spots and waved her over to him, but every investigation came up short. She got the feeling they were searching in the wrong area. After a half hour he tapped his watch. She’d been about to do the same thing because it was time to go up and it would take a while.

They started the ascent, listening to the rhythm of their breathing through their regulators. She felt like they were the only people alive and loved this dive that had been magical for her. The sheer pleasure of enjoying this experience with him, of depending on him, could never be equaled.

Once they broke the surface, he helped her onto the transom before levering himself on board. Before she could sit down on a banquette, another boat approached them.

“Alessandra—”

“Ciao, Bruno.” She waved to him and the three others from the institute who rode with him.

“I was hoping you’d make it. Who’s your friend?”

“Bruno Tozzi, meet Signor Montanari.” The two men nodded. She refused to tell him anything about Rini. “It’s too bad we haven’t turned up anything interesting yet.”

“We’ll have to keep searching tomorrow.”

Another of the divers said, “Why don’t you join us in Crotone for dinner?”

“Thank you, but I’m afraid we have other plans. We’ll do another dive with you in the morning.”