Luca's Dilemma (22 page)

“Dummies were giving each other manicures again. My head was pounding, stomach churning from the fumes. You should’ve heard them when I told the big one to waddle her indolent ass on in there and do it herself. ‘Our nails are wet, we can’t go in there,’” Sheila mimicked in a high–pitched whiny voice that sent her into a coughing spell and Tina into a laughing one.

“I simply made good use of my vomit–riddled breath to help their nails dry faster. If they consider that a threat, so be it. The sweet memory of their nasty faces scrunched up when they started gagging is more than worth a write–up. Not my fault the twits are so sensitive. Evil bitches,” she finished in a strained voice.

“You know you’re going to hell for that, don’t you?” Tina managed to get out while still laughing her ass off.

“If it’ll keep me from having to deal with their foolishness, bring it. I’m tired of those two.”

“Sheila, you’re a mess.” Tina dabbed the corner of her eyes as she tried to sober. “So, tell me something. Now that you’re engaged, why do you insist on living in this shack? The unpredictable heating system alone is reason enough to move out.” She visibly shuddered, despite the thick comforter wrapped around her. “It’s freezing in here.”

“Where else am I going to live? You and Richard missing my voyeurism, or what?”

“Oh, stop! It only happened that one time, and you know it was an accident.” Tina smacked Sheila’s thigh through the mile–high pile of comforters. “You know what I mean. Why haven’t you moved in with him yet? I haven’t had a grand tour or anything, but I’m sure it’s gotta be nicer
and
warmer than this place.”

“Well, I happen to like my shack.”

“Yeah, right. Last year you had us running the heat at seventy, and that was before winter officially hit. And I know this beat–up furniture doesn’t suit someone who practically comes from royalty. I’ll admit I don’t know Luca as well as Richard does, but I’m sure he’s a far cry from your last egotistical loser.”

“Oh, most definitely,” Sheila readily agreed. The truth of Tina’s comment caused her to simper and snuggle deeper under the covers. “But I want to exercise my freedom for just a little bit longer. It seems like I’ve always been under somebody, my parents, my brother, Ahmed. As much as I’m in love with Luca, he can be a tad controlling.”

“Um, I can see that. But I also see that he does it out of love, unlike the last one.”

Sheila grinned at her friend’s refusal to mention Ahmed’s name. After meeting him once, Tina had taken an instant disliking to the man and had never called him by name during the whole time he and Sheila had dated. However, her good friend had never put her down for being with Ahmed and had always been there when Sheila needed to vent about him.

“Or maybe you’re just being stubborn, Shi.”

“Maybe. But you haven’t witnessed him in action. I thought he was going to double back to the lab and run poor Damon down after I told him the story behind the headless mannequin. He wouldn’t stop grilling me during the ride home until I told him all the details. I practically had to whip out the girls to keep him from turning the truck around. Even then, he still tried to get me to call Damon on his cell so he could cuss him out.

“And my illness seems to have driven him absolutely insane. April still has the Beamer, which as I told you, he loaned her without discussing it with me first. Instead of letting me use one of his vehicles, he insisted on driving me to and from work just because I had the sniffles. I do have to admit I enjoyed the detour to Belinda’s Diner the other day, but I think that side trip was a consequence of guilt. And the oddest thing happened while we were there. I went to the restroom, and when I came out, Luca was nowhere to be found. The bill had been paid so I headed out to the parking lot to wait by his car. A few minutes later, he came strolling up from the docks. His clothes were slightly disheveled, yet he looked the epitome of cool and collected.”

Tina scrunched her face in bemusement. “What do you think he was doing back there?”

“That’s just it. He wouldn’t tell me. He just kept looking around as though he hadn’t heard me when I asked and then practically shoved me in the truck once he got the door open. He kept kissing my hand as we drove away and telling me not to worry about it.”

“Wow. That is weird. What was the guilt trip to the diner for?”

“When he picked me up that morning, I was wheeling one of my elderly patients out to meet her family. Luca had the nerve to laugh uncontrollably after the old woman asked me for a hug then proceeded to grab both my butt cheeks and thank me for all the great loving I’d bestowed upon her during the night. In front of evvverrybody! I never felt mo the ho than at that moment.”

Tina doubled over in laughter, her long, blond hair engulfing her face as her entire frame succumbed to the hilarity of the situation.

“But it’s not only that, T. He’s looked so apprehensive the last few days, barely leaving my side, even to use the bathroom. Thank God he’s so damn good looking since this is the first time in five days I’ve gone more than fifteen minutes without seeing him. Sometimes I swear he feels remorse because I’m sick. Like he’s responsible.”

“I’m sure it’s just empathy, Shi. Let the man love on you like you deserve. I also think you should honestly consider his suggestion to quit the lab.” Tina held up a hand, staying any chance of retort. “Before you start arguing, hear me out. You’d probably be much happier and healthier if you were to follow your dream of being an artist and volunteering at the community center.”

“Okay, what did he promise you? Riding lessons? A cruise, maybe? How about a weekend in New York?” Sheila scrutinized her friend in hopes that doing so would reveal an answer to her inquiry.

“He didn’t bribe me,” Tina stated in mock defense. “You know Luca’s not the only one who cares about you, right?”

Sheila sighed. “I guess.”

“Then you guess right. If I had my way, you’d be one of the VPs at the hospital because I know how dedicated you are toward making a difference. But I also know where your heart is. I really do wish you’d stop being afraid to share your artistic talents with the world. You’re a great artist who could easily make a living off of it, not that you have to. Those kids at the center could benefit from someone like you, and working with them would probably give you the fulfillment you crave. No need to keep killing yourself, Shi. ”

A warm glow spread through Sheila’s chest from the touch of her friend’s earnest words. Maybe it truly was time to reconsider her role in the great scheme of life. Now that she had Luca, working nights was only serving in taking precious time away from him. Nocturnal loneliness no longer played a factor in her decision. The more she thought about it, she realized Tina was probably right about volunteering at the center.

She gave Tina a tiny smile. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Now get some rest. Hopefully, the fever will be completely gone when you wake up again.” Tina’s voice was like honey. Projecting her motherly persona, she pulled the covers up to Sheila’s chin and proceeded to literally tuck her in.

Sheila looked at her friend, suddenly feeling sad that Tina hadn’t been able to have kids. She let the feeling go, remembering how resilient her friend was and how she’d taken the news in stride. It wasn’t long before the warmth of the covers and the affection she felt from those around her prompted her to fall into a contented slumber.

***

Sheila woke to the warm familiarity of Luca’s hand resting on her forehead. Darkness shrouded the sole window in the room, and the small bedside lamp cast a glow across his somber features.

“What time is it?”

“It’s a little after five,” Luca responded in a soothing tone. “You’ve been asleep for four hours. Are you feeling better? Your head seems cooler.”

“Yeah. I feel much better, actually. I guess I really needed the rest.”

Sheila didn’t miss the relief she saw resonating in those deep blue eyes. He stared at her for a long moment before hastily pulling her onto his lap and into a tight embrace, the intensity of it bordering on painful. Fiery lips pressed to her forehead, cheeks, and lips respectively in a manner that bordered on desperation.

“I love you so much. I’ve waited too long to find you. God only knows what I’d do if I ever lost you.” His arms momentarily tightened around her more, crushing her into the heat of his broad chest.

“Goodness, Luca, it was only the flu,” Sheila said with amusement. “True, I’ve never had it before, nor frankly do I ever want it again. But it’s not something the average, healthy person my age dies from.” Sheila placed her palm to his cheek, bringing his loving eyes to meet hers. “Thank you for loving me like you do and taking time away from your busy schedule to care for me. And, Luca… I love you too.”

The blue of his eyes deepened. “I know… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to hear you say it.” His face lit up like a child at Christmas before he seized her lips in a passionate kiss. He rested his forehead on hers, his lips turning up in a lazy smile. “You don’t know what those three words have done to me.” He ran his finger along her jaw. “You’re gonna be my wife soon. Taking care of you is not something you have to thank me for. You’re more important than anyone or anything else in my life.”

“You’re so sweet.” Sheila applied a chaste kiss to his nose.

“Sweet enough to make important decisions for you, right?”

Oh, God. This can’t be good
.

“Decisions like what?” Sheila forced herself to maintain her beauty–pageant smile and remain calm, at least until she heard all the details.

“You’ve been stressed lately, which is probably why you got sick. I’ve already discussed it with Tina and your boss, Sharon. We think a leave of absence would be beneficial for you.”

She gave him a stare meant to challenge his degree of sanity.

“Now hold on. You’ve mentioned yourself how nights are getting to you, and the illness didn’t help. Picture how easy it would be for you to have a relapse. And when’s the last time you had a real vacation? You and I both know that last trip to your parents’ was more work than pleasure. I want to take you away from here, somewhere we could get to know each other better. Please, babe, just take a moment to consider it.”

Sheila relaxed. Everything Luca said was true. Nine years was a long time to go without a great getaway. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

Luca jerked his head back in surprise. “Seriously? No fight? You’ll do it?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, baby, you’re right. I could use a long vacation. I never took time off to recuperate after running from Atlanta.”

“I know. I wish you had. But I’m also grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with you.”

Sheila kissed him, enjoying the feel of his mouth as her tongue forced his lips apart for her exploration. Luca eagerly joined in, heightening the desire she felt for the first time in days. They were interrupted by a knock at her bedroom door.

“Come in,” Luca said, pulling back from her and granting the unwanted intruders permission to enter.

Tina and Richard entered the room, his arm wrapped snugly around her shoulders. The low lighting may have been playing tricks on her eyes, but Sheila swore her friend’s eyes were swollen.

“Is everything all right?” Sheila asked from her perch on Luca’s lap. Some might argue the appropriateness of her position with others in the room, but she was way too comfortable.

“Yes,” Tina said. “I’m just happy you’re feeling better.”

Sheila stared at her friend. Something was wrong all right; she was sure of it. But Tina wasn’t sharing. Richard was unnaturally quiet, convincing her even further that something was up. She sure hoped everything was okay between them. She opened her mouth to push for answers, but Tina quickly changed the subject.

“So are you going to take our advice and go away for a while?” Tina asked with a weak smile.

“Yes, I am. My fiancé finally talked me into it.”

“That’s great.” Tina came closer and gave her a quick hug. “I think that’s absolutely fabulous. Make sure you call me while you’re gone. Richard and I are going to hang around and take care of the horses and look after your house so that you can thoroughly enjoy your time away.”

“Thanks, you two.” Maybe time spent working together would resolve any rough patch they may be going through. Sheila sure hoped so. “When are we leaving anyway?”

“Shouldn’t you be asking where we’re going?” Luca asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Nope. This is my chance to show that I have nothing but absolute trust in you and your decision–making skills. It’s my turn to compromise. As long as we’re together, I honestly don’t care where we go.”

Images of lying in the sun and sipping a strawberry daiquiri while she watched Luca emerge from the crystal–clear waters of the Caribbean popped into her head. Clear, salty water ran down his defined torso, plastering the light trail of hair on his chest and chiseled abdomen to his tan skin. How she longed to see the look on those Barbie dolls’ faces when her gorgeous Italian prince bypassed them making a beeline for her. She knew it was juvenile, but hell it was her fantasy after all. A sudden heat began blooming inside her, and she felt the insatiable desire to be there already. Wherever there was.

“When did you say we were leaving again?”

Chapter 18

Four hours later, Luca sat on the family jet deep in thought with Sheila tucked snugly beside him. Although the majority of her symptoms had subsided, she was still doped up on flu meds and thankfully had slept through most of the flight. He’d yet to inform her where they were heading or why for fear she might inadvertently tell the wrong person or go into an all–out panic. He was smart enough to know whoever was after Sheila would figure out their whereabouts soon enough. However, he seriously doubted they would be brazen enough to follow them.

Tonight, his demons were descending in full force. He’d thought he’d been doing such a great job protecting Sheila by following her everywhere without raising her suspicion all this time. Now he’d been forced to sequester her under the pretense of a romantic getaway at the last minute. She’d kill him if she found out he’d actually been within yards of her every time she checked in to say she had arrived at or was leaving work.