Stealing Luca's Heart (12 page)

“I’ve no doubt, Ally, but I’ll take Tara’s side on this one. Some things you need to make time for.”

She watched him hesitate and then lean in across the table.

“We have become friends over the course of this long day, yes?” When she nodded, he went on. “Then I’ll share a secret too.”

Ally crossed her arms, leaned in, meeting him in the middle.

“You and I have the same problem.”

Bullshit
. “You expect me to believe that?” She leaned back. “I haven’t had that much wine.”

She watched something flash across his face. Was it disappointment? He said he was confiding in her, so maybe she should give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Let’s just say it’s a challenge to find women who aren’t after something. I’m very selective. Mum would say overly so.”

“After something?”

“Yeah, apparently some might consider a Tetari man a good catch.”

She winced, thinking of Tara. Even she’d been able to see he’d be a catch from the Internet in Iowa City. “I can hardly feel sorry for you, Luca. Something tells me you can handle that problem.”

Not wanting to look like one of those women, she stood up. Yes, definitely a good idea not to drink anymore of that wine. Her brain was a little foggy.

“Look, like you said, it’s been a long day for both of us. Thanks for the wine and company, but I think I’ll excuse myself and turn in.” She pushed the chair back behind her. “Please apologize to your parents if you see them tonight. I wanted to stay up and talk with them, but between the wine and everything else, I’m ready to call it a day.”

Ally handed him her wine glass to deal with. “I hear you’re stuck with me tomorrow afternoon for a tour?” She noticed that her voice sounded a little hopeful.

Luca set down both wine glasses, stood up, and came around the table. “You got it. Get lots of rest; you’re going to need it. Mum’s got a whole day planned for you.”

They stared at each other for a moment. Now that he was next to her, Ally caught his scent, a mix of woods, spice, and alcohol. Man, he was so much bigger up close. Something about the way Luca’s eyes were dancing over her made her heart flutter. Luca reached down and took her hand and, lowering his head, gave it a gentle kiss. Still holding her hand, he brought his face close to hers and said softly, “It’s very nice to have met you, Ally Edwards. Sleep well.”

“’Night,” she mustered, hoping her legs wouldn’t give out before she reached her room. She turned to close her patio doors and stood in the doorway, watching Luca walk away into the darkened New Zealand landscape.

*

Luca blew a loud whistle for Molly. When she didn’t come, he figured she was already home. That dog was like a chicken and would always return home for bed. Actually, his bed. This evening reminded him why he loved it here.

He kicked a rock off the dirt road, and Ally’s image entered his mind. It had been a welcome surprise coming around the house and catching her in such a relaxed state, eyes closed, wet hair, all but inviting someone to kiss that full mouth.

He’d enjoyed her company this afternoon and admitted he’d felt disappointment when the dinner had been moved. Tomorrow night was the big summer picnic that his mum threw every year. He was sure Ally had no idea that tonight’s quiet family dinner was merged with a huge event. No matter. He was looking forward to spending another day getting to know Ally Edwards.

Luca heard a jingling behind him. He clapped his hands at the sound of his dog’s collar. “C’mon, Molly!”

Chapter 10

Queenstown, New Zealand

A rooster could wake the dead, Ally decided, debating opening her eyes to greet the day. The determined bird must be right outside her window. She didn’t have to look at the clock to know it was the crack of flipping dawn. Her body felt well-rested after close to ten hours of sleep. The rooster wasn’t winding down, so she figured she might as well get up.

Ally slid out of bed, walked over and pushed apart the sliding doors. The fresh air wafted in, reminding her that it was going to be a warm summer day. Standing in the open doorway, she admired the soft orange glow on the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before the sun would strike over the mountains, illuminating the valley.

Her mind replayed last night on the patio with Luca. How long had it been since a man had rattled her? Had it bothered her when he simply showed up? No, not really, she admitted. But she vowed not to allow herself to become a convenient conquest of Luca Tetari’s, assuming she was reading him correctly. She had more self-respect than that. If anything happened, it would be on her terms.

She recalled Gabi said to wear something that could get wet. She made her bed and thought about what she’d brought that would fit that need. Thankfully, she’d packed her swimsuit. She pulled on her black one-piece and opted for her nylon black running shorts, red tank top, and flip-flops. She smiled at the red tank top, thinking that Gabi would like the color. Once she’d brushed her teeth and tied her hair back in a low ponytail, she left her room in search of coffee. Not knowing what time these people got up in the morning, she figured she’d make coffee for everyone. It was the least she could do since she’d all but disappeared after Simone left her door last night.

The kitchen was easy enough to find, remembering Simone’s directions along with the aroma of food meeting her in the hallway. She wasn’t the first one up. There must be a television on in the kitchen because there was an unbelievable amount of noise coming from there. She entered the kitchen doorway and stopped.

She was suddenly standing in what could have passed as the local café on a Monday morning. There were people standing around holding coffee cups, plates full of food, or sitting at the long kitchen counter. People were also spilling out onto the stone patio outside. The wall-to-wall sliders on the back wall were wide open, allowing for what she estimated to be at least fifty people, mainly farmhands by the looks of it, to mill around.

Heads turned, many with appreciative looks, when she entered the room. She was caught off guard by the commotion, wondering what she should do next. She noticed Luca outside, talking with Sean.

One smiling young worker crossed the room toward her, but he suddenly stopped, turning his head behind him. She watched as the man turned to find that Luca stopped him midstep with a one-handed grip on his arm. Luca had a smile on his face, but the man looked uncomfortable and excused himself.

“Good morning,” Luca said cheerfully, coming up to her.

She gave Luca a bright smile. Before she could speak, Simone was also at her side.

“Good morning, love, did you sleep well?” Simone asked, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Absolutely. The room is perfect,” Ally commented, glancing from Simone to Luca. “Sorry I didn’t leave my room last night. Someone came by for a chat and then before I knew it, that gorgeous bed was calling to me.”

“I’m glad and I agree. You look rested.” Crossing her arms, Simone turned to her son. “I had heard you had an evening visitor stop by your room after I left. Hopefully, he behaved himself.”

Surprised, she just shook her head and laughed. “He came with a dog. Both seemed harmless enough.”

Luca just shrugged his shoulders innocently.

Simone studied Luca for a moment before linking arms with Ally and leading them over to the kitchen counter, leaving Luca behind. Over her shoulder she said, “Luca, you’re picking up Ally at the hospital after lunch.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“One full breakfast, please!” Simone hollered to the cook working the grill. He acknowledged hearing her order by raising his spatula and nodding.

Simone turned to her. “Every Monday morning we like to have breakfast for all the workers to start the week off right. They all filter through here from five to eight. The hours are crazy during the peak season, so it’s the least we can do. We also try to do barbecues for everyone and their families at least a couple times a year. It’s not all about work, right?” she said, patting her shoulder.

“I’ll remember not to walk in here on a Monday in my pajamas. Just point me to where the coffee is, and I’ll be good to go.”

Simone pointed to the far wall. It was set up as a coffee and tea station.

“Now that we’ve got your breakfast all sorted, I’m going to excuse myself. I’ll see you out at River Rage to drive you to the hospital. I’ve got some things to pick up in town for dinner tonight, so this works out well.”

“Thank you, but I really don’t want you to feel I need babysitting.”

Simone gestured to someone in the crowd and ignored Ally’s comment. “I’ll see you later.” Simone hustled to catch up with someone outside.

It sure was nice to have someone else in charge of all of life’s details for once, she decided. She made her way over to the coffee, selected a mug, and finished off what was left in a large French press. She added some milk and noticed some big brown crystals in a bowl, some type of brown sugar she guessed. She stirred those in too.
Not bad
, she thought after a taste.

Ally turned and surveyed the large room that was already clearing out. She admired the beamed ceiling and the single wall of brown-paneled cabinets that filled the entire length of the room. There was a sleek white counter running alongside. The wall by the hallway held a wood-burning fireplace similar to the one she’d noticed in the living area. Shifting her gaze outside, she guessed the large stone patio must curve around to the back of the house where it ended at her room.

The chef walked up next to her, handing her a hot plate of food.

“Thank you.” Her mouth watered.

With plate and mug, she walked outside to find a seat. Not seeing any available chairs and afraid of missing Gabi, she walked around to the front of the house and sat on the front step. She didn’t see Luca anywhere and assumed he must have taken off for work. Not everyone had the day off.

Balancing the plate in her lap, she devoured the baked tomato, scrambled eggs, and toast. She was savoring the last of her coffee when she heard the front door opening behind her. Turning, she saw a stocky man wearing a white crew shirt, jean shorts, and black rain boots. His weathered face held sparkling blue eyes that seemed a bit mischievous against the black hair. This handsome man must be Luca’s dad.

She remembered him from the farm website. Though she’d just laid eyes on him, she could already see why George and her dad would be friends. He was in his fifties, she guessed, but appeared to have the body of a man much younger. Must be the clean air, fresh food, and hard work.

“Ally!” his gruff voice bellowed. “I was hoping I’d run into you this morning before I took off.” He extended his hand down to Ally. She took his strong handshake. “Don’t get up, I’ll come down and join you,” he said, taking a seat next to her. He had a newspaper in his hand and quickly folded it, setting it aside.

“I’m George, the man you probably have a few choice words for. Now, don’t shake your head. I know you’re wondering how the hell I managed to get him shot!”

“Not at all, Mr. Tetari. No one blames you. In fact, I don’t know how to thank you properly for saving his life. He’s very fortunate to have you as a friend.”

George studied her for a moment and then gave her the Tetari smile. “Call me George. Simone was right; you are a lovely girl. Sorry I wasn’t here last night to welcome you, but the work never seems to get done around here. We’ve got a pretty big project in the works. You’ll probably hear about it this afternoon when Luca shows you around.”

She nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.” The tour, she meant to say.

“We never did find out who used your dad for target practice, but we’re just glad he’s bouncing back. In fact, I’m told he’ll be coming out to the house in a day or two. Wait—that may have been Cal who told me,” he laughed, giving her shoulder a slap. “Either way, it’s a good thing. The man acts like it’s going to be a prison break. I believe Simone did tell me that his doctors are quite optimistic.”

She couldn’t believe it. “That’s great news. I didn’t know that. I’m having lunch with him later and hope to get an update then.”

George waved to a couple of young men who had climbed into a pickup truck. He held up a finger to tell them he’d be right there. “It’s nice to know he doesn’t blame us, but he should. You’ll have to excuse me, but I need to get out in the fields.”

George glanced down at the newspaper next to him. “One thing you need to understand is that we have an unusual family. We’ve been blessed with so much, and in recent years we’ve also been able to enjoy Luca’s rugby career, which brings its own set of challenges,” he quickly added, glancing at the paper again.

She was bewildered, having no idea what he was talking about. They both turned their heads when the sound of Gabi’s Jeep came tearing up the road to the house. Looking relieved, George scooped up the newspaper and walked over to the jeep, whispering in Gabi’s ear.

“I know, I saw it!” she squealed. “I know
he
won’t mind; he should be so lucky,” Gabi said to George, who nodded and waved good-bye to Ally. “I’ll see you tonight at the party, Ally. It’s a pleasure to finally meet one of Cal and Nancy’s girls.”

What a nice thing for him to say.

She and Gabi watched as he easily jumped into the back of the waiting truck and waved good-bye.

“Good morning, Gabi!” she offered with a wave.

“Good morning! Come on…leave the dishes on the step and jump in. Hey, River Rage red, great choice!”

They drove back out to the main road she came in on yesterday and noted that Gabi took a left this time. She did her best not to zero in on the steep narrow turns, choosing to focus on their conversation and the sunny morning.

“You and your uncle seem to get along well,” she commented, realizing they almost matched. Gabi was wearing a red logo T-shirt, swim shorts, and her braided blonde hair was under a red RR cap.

Gabi glanced briefly at Ally from behind her black sunglasses. “Well…he’s like my second father. Do me a favor and dig out today’s newspaper from my bag. It’s just behind my seat.”