The Italian Affair (18 page)

‘Don’t,’ she said, stepping away, out of reach. ‘What if I get pregnant?’

In his experience what ifs didn’t always happen. Again, he moved forward, reaching out for her wanting to reassure her. But this time she moved to the window, so instead his hands fell to his side. He watched her carefully from where he was standing. ‘If you fall pregnant, we’ll face that if it happens. It’s no big deal, Gina.’

‘No big deal. Huh, easy for you to say.’ Her eyes were distant. ‘It wouldn’t affect you.’

A nerve tightened in his jaw, but he kept his voice calm and level. He could see she was strung up tight. ‘You’ve got me wrong if you think I’m like that. I’ve never been afraid to face up to responsibility.’

‘That’s what they all say,’ she shot out bitterly.

Anger shot through him. His voice came out hard. ‘Don’t compare me with your ex-husband.’ Impatiently, he took two steps towards her. ‘Do you trust me?’

‘That’s not the point.’

‘Isn’t it? I think that’s exactly the point.’

She didn’t answer. It wasn’t good enough for Rick. He let out a disappointed sigh. ‘For Christ’s sake, I can’t believe it.’ Their sleeping together had crossed one barrier but infuriatingly had erected another. ‘He certainly did a good job on you.’

She looked at him warily. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I’m talking about your ex-husband.’

Her voice rose. ‘Jason has nothing to do with us.’

‘Think again.’

She didn’t answer. Then, ‘Maybe we’re just infatuated with each other—’ she started to say, as if trying to justify what had happened.

‘Infatuated? Last night was something we both couldn’t control. Don’t destroy it by trying to analyse it.’ He sighed. ‘We’re both adults. I know the difference between infatuation and love.’

What was he trying to say to her? She felt confused. She took a deep breath and made for the kitchen to make coffee.

Rick was worried about what had happened too. While Gina made coffee, he walked outside to get some fresh air. Sure, he was
in deep, but then he’d never been one to waste time when he wanted something. And he knew now he wanted Gina. Only he hadn’t quite decided how to go about it because, as he saw it, there were a number of problems that only time could sort out. Her grief over losing Maria was one. Her wariness, stemming from an abusive marriage, had affected her in more ways than he knew how to handle. Too many hurts still lingered, putting her on the defensive whenever he got close. He had offered commitment if she was pregnant, but he had a feeling that after her first experience of marriage, things weren’t going to be that straightforward. He could stand here and argue with her or he could let the matter rest. He had a feeling arguing would only make the situation worse. He needed to think carefully about what to do.

He turned to face the sea. Fishing boats were outlined against the horizon. He knew the boats belonged to Rosselini Fisheries. Seeing them gave him a sharp reminder of who Gina was. Yeah, there was that complication too.

His gaze shifted, focusing on the long stretch of white sand. Curling surf beckoned like fingers. He knew it would do them both good to have a swim and to take some of the heat out of their argument. It would put things back to the level they were before. He heard her footsteps behind him. He turned to find her standing there, looking uncertain. Worry still shadowed her eyes.

‘I’ve made coffee.’ She held out a mug to him as if it was a peace offering.

He took it. ‘Thanks,’ he murmured. He gave her a smile. ‘I promised to teach you to surf, so here’s your chance. Let’s head down to the beach soon,’ he said lightly.

He hadn’t regretted what had happened the night before and he only hoped she hadn’t either in spite of what she’d said earlier.

By the time they drove down the narrow track with the surf board on top of the wagon, it was nearing midday.

A strong wind blew with large rolling breakers. Conditions were 
excellent. Lying on the surfboard, Rick paddled out to deeper waters. He half-turned to face the shore keeping an eye on the oncoming waves. A few seconds later, a wave tubed and raced off. He’d catch the next one, he decided, as he started paddling again. It came before he knew it. It was the perfect wave to cut loose on. Soon he was skimming the water fast. Adrenaline pumped, making him clench his fists as he rode it through. More waves followed, thick and hollow with enough punch to severely hammer him should he make a mistake.

After an hour, his muscles were aching from the constant tension. He noticed Gina swimming in to meet him. Ready to take a break, he met her halfway. She stood up, the water nearly to her waist. She was wearing a black and gold bikini which when wet revealed more than it ought to. Desire shot through him, hot and sudden.

‘Are you ready to have a go?’ he asked hoarsely.

‘Sure I am,’ she answered, tossing back her hair. Her eyes met his in a challenging look.

‘OK. Here’s what you do. Paddle out lying flat and then turn with the oncoming waves. Try and gain your balance first before you stand up,’ he instructed.

‘You make it sound so easy,’ she replied, laughing.

Gina did her best and managed to hang on for all five seconds before she lost her grip and fell backwards into the water as the surf ripped over her head. When she surfaced, she shook the water from her hair and climbed back on again. After a few attempts, she got the hang of it, though didn’t stay for long on the board. He smiled at her determination not to give up.

About an hour later, Gina swam towards him. ‘My arms are aching. I need a rest.’

‘You did well for your first time,’ he acknowledged, taking the board from her.

‘Who said it was my first time?’

‘So you have been out before?’ he replied with a smile. ‘I suspected as much.’

‘Once or twice,’ she admitted, ‘but it was a long time ago.’

They walked out of the water side by side and Rick left the surf board on the edge of the beach.

When they reached their towels, Rick lifted one up and draped it over her shoulders, turning her around to face him. He tilted her chin up and kissed her squarely on the mouth, tasting the salt on her lips. Then he pulled back, his hands curving around her shoulders.

‘Feeling better?’ he asked. She gave a smile that made his heart flip.

She nodded. ‘The sea always calms me. I really am sorry about before.’

‘Forget it.’

He gathered up their things, and together they walked towards the car. A movement in a gully on the hillside caught her eye. She stared. ‘Someone is watching us.’

He frowned. ‘Where?’ He scanned the gorse covered hills. ‘I don’t see anything, only native bush.’

She pointed. ‘Over there. A man. He was standing there, staring straight at us.’

Rick scanned the area again but all he could see was a flock of seagulls wheeling high above the beach house, their screeches echoing along the cliff face. His arm slid around Gina’s shoulders. ‘There’s no one there.’

Her forehead creased in puzzlement. ‘That’s odd, I was so sure….’

Rick felt uneasy. Nothing he could put his finger on, but the feeling was still there, niggling away at him. It was probably the weather, he justified. Change was on its way. In spite of the sun beating down hotly on the sand, grey clouds were rolling in from the north.

As he walked beside her, he took her in. He’d seen beautiful women before but Gina was something else. Her dark hair hung in wet strands around her shoulders but that only seemed to emphasize the slant of her high cheekbones. The fresh air had heightened the
colour in her cheeks, and brightened her eyes.

He had surprised himself by his strong response to her. But it wasn’t just her physical looks he was drawn to, it was her mind as well. It irked him that she hadn’t given her whole self, not even during their lovemaking the night before. He moved closer, his hand slipping around her waist. Without hesitation, he lifted her up into his arms.

‘Hey, what are you doing?’ she exclaimed.

‘Wait and see.’

When he found a sandy private spot he put her down gently, and lay beside her. ‘We’ve still got a few minutes. Let’s talk for a while.’

‘OK.’

‘What you’ve told me about your marriage, it doesn’t have to be like that between us. You need to give us a chance. You have to trust me. Don’t you see that?’ he said gently. He pushed her hair back from her face and brushed his lips over hers. The kiss deepened.

Eventually she pulled back, breathless. ‘When you kiss me like that I can’t even think straight.’

She didn’t know a kiss could be so seductive. It promised more than she had ever imagined. Long ago she had convinced herself that she wouldn’t feel like this again but she was wrong. So very wrong.

Neither of them knew exactly when the tempo changed. One moment, she was lying in his arms enjoying his mouth on hers, the next riotous sensations clawed through her, demanding release.

She couldn’t believe she responded so readily to his touch. As his mouth found hers again, she let herself melt into his embrace.

‘Now,’ she urged. ‘Let’s make love here.’

‘Making you wait will do us both good.’

‘Damn you. You believe in making me suffer.’

His mouth slid to her throat where he tasted and savoured, then slipped lower to her breasts, which were straining against the silky material. With one quick movement, he unhooked the top of her bikini and dropped it beside her. Only within a moment of him
touching her, he realized he’d underestimated himself badly. That control he’d always prided himself on having, disappeared in a flash.

He heard her breath come in short gasps as his hands slid down her hips, pressing her to him. When he stroked, he could almost swear she purred. Grains of golden sand fell between them, trickling down her abdomen, and rubbing harshly against her skin.

Her eyes told him what her voice refused to and for now he was heartened. He wanted all of her. But he knew he only had her body still. While some men would have been grateful for that, he wasn’t. If this didn’t work, nothing would.

‘Marry me, Gina,’ he shot out.

Shock floored her eyes. ‘What? You can’t mean it.’

‘Why? Is it so hard to believe?’

‘It’s not that … it’s just….’

He waited a few seconds, his mouth twisting. ‘Well?’

‘It’s unexpected,’ she said lamely.

‘You mean, I don’t have the money the Rosselinis have?’ he replied, coolly. He picked up her bikini top and handed it to her.

‘What?’ she exclaimed in disbelief. ‘How can you think that?’

He laughed dryly. ‘Well, what else am I to think?’

She shook her head. ‘You make is all sound so simple. Marriage, love … but what happens if you get tired of me … will you play around? I had enough of that before.’ She shook her head, trying to form the right words to make him understand her fears.

He sighed wearily, ‘That’s something you need to decide for yourself. It all comes back down to trust.’

He could see the tears she’d held at bay for so long, threatened again.

‘Trust?’ she repeated.

His voice deepened. ‘Yeah, trust. Think about it.’

He softened when he saw the fight inside of her and wanted to reach out for her to tell her he’d be by her side always but he also knew realistically she had to make up her own mind about him. He needed her complete trust. He couldn’t settle for anything less.

And because she still said nothing, only stared at him, he had no choice but to walk away.

Late afternoon, the rain hit. Softly at first, and then it came down in torrents, the sound deafening as it battered the iron roof of the beach house. Large pools of water formed in the driveway, mirroring the dark, grey sky. Gina knew that storms like this in summer were not unusual but they could be severe.

Gina flicked her wrist to look at her watch. It was early evening. Rick’s sister still hadn’t arrived and the weather was worsening. She turned up the radio, hoping to drown out the pounding of the waves against the cliff. Feeling restless, she stood at the French doors, looking out. The colour of the sea had changed from turquoise to an angry dirty green colour, churning and frothing, wild in its fury. Tension coiled in her stomach. A rift had opened up between her and Rick. It had been all her fault. Only she didn’t know how to make things right again. Perhaps, later, when they were both alone, they could get over this hurdle. She hoped so. Right at the moment, she could see the worried look on Rick’s face. She knew it was because of his sister. Not because of her.

‘Still no answer from Elena?’ asked Gina.

‘I’ve left two messages on her mobile, but she hasn’t returned my calls.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘I’ll ring my mother. See if she’s heard anything.’

He’d only just picked up his mobile, ready to dial, when it rang in his hand. He pressed the button and held it to his ear.

A voice said, ‘I need you to come and pick me up.’

‘Elena? Is that you?’ Rick frowned as he detected a tearful note in her voice. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘I skidded on the road, and hit a bridge. The car’s a write-off.’

Rick swore under his breath. ‘Are the kids all right?’

‘Yes, they’re OK although shaken up a bit. The cops wanted us to go to hospital to get checked out, but I decided the best thing we could do was to call you to come and get us. They’ll be fine once
they’re tucked up in bed.’

‘Where are you?’

She quickly gave him her whereabouts.

‘I should be there in about an hour. Just stay put.’ He hung up.

Gina, realizing something had happened, moved over to stand by his side. ‘Trouble?’

‘You could say that.’ He explained what had happened.

‘Shall I come with you?’ she asked softly.

He hesitated for a moment. ‘I don’t want to leave you here on your own, but they’ve got a car full of luggage and there’s not going to be enough room.’

‘I’ll be OK. I’ll make dinner while you’re away.’ It was the least she could do.

Rick nodded. ‘Thanks. The kids will be hungry when they get here.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘Have you got your mobile phone with you?’

‘In my bag.’