Surrender To The Single Dad

“If you wouldn’t mind stopping, I’d like to get out and look around.”

She pulled off the road and turned off the engine. While he walked a ways, she climbed down and rested one curving hip against the front fender to wait for him. When he returned she said, “I know you see oil beneath the property. But what I see is a fertile field that has been here for centuries. Your plan would create giant, unsightly scabs.”

His eyes narrowed on the features of her beautiful oval bone structure. “If you’re imagining dozens of derricks, you’d be wrong. My gut instinct is to build several right here in the shadow of the mountain out of sight. The existing road to the south travels straight to the sea, where the oil would be transported to tankers. One would barely be aware of the activity.”

“And if you find it, does that mean more derricks?”

“We’ll make that decision later.”

Her softly rounded chin lifted. “What if you don’t discover any?”

“Preliminary reports from this part of Italy indicate vast reserves. We’ll find it, but we’ll proceed slowly with your father having the final say in how long we are allowed to drill. Let me ask you a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“If I were to appeal to Queen Joanna herself and explain the benefits, what do you propose she would say? Forget how long ago she ruled. Your father tells me you’re a historian writing a biography on her. Your research means you know her better than any other living person today. Was she a risk taker?”

He could hear her mind working.

“She backed Antipope Clement VII against the unpopular Urban VI. For that she was given this papally owned land eventually bequeathed to our family. So yes, I’d say she was a risk taker.”

Rini’s lips twitched—he was fascinated by the knowledge inside her brain. “You think she would have granted me an audience?”

She stared at him. “I have no idea.”

“Humor me and put yourself in Joanna’s place.”

A smile broke the corners of her mouth he found more and more enticing. “It was a man’s world. I wouldn’t have trusted any of them. You, particularly, wouldn’t have been given a second audience.”

“Why single me out?”

“Because you’re handsome as the devil, increasing the odds of Joanna being tricked. Give me a little more time to think about your ideas that have persuaded my father to give you a hearing.”

“You mean you’re not tossing me out on my ear just yet?”

She opened the driver’s door. “Of course not. That’s for Papà to do.” On that note she climbed in and started the engine.

He went around to the other side, glad to hear she wasn’t shutting him down yet. “In that case, let’s take the road that leads to the sea. En route you can tell me more about the subject of your future best seller.”

“I’d rather you gave me more reasons why you think this project of yours outweighs the many negatives. My father will want a report to run by my mother and her sister, Fulvia. The property comes through my father’s line, but he always leans heavily on the opinions of his wife and sister-in-law.”

“Who makes the ultimate decisions?”

“When it comes to business, the three of them go back and forth until there’s a consensus.”

“He’s a man surrounded by women.”

She smiled. “As my Aunt Fulvia says, behind every successful man is a more successful woman.”

Food for thought. “Do your parents love each other?”

“Very much.”

“That’s nice. Before my mother died, my parents had the same kind of relationship.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like you’ve been lucky to have great parents too,” she murmured on a sincere note as they started down into the valley. “What does your father think of this latest idea of yours?”

“Though he and I are always in consultation over business, this is one time when he doesn’t know where I am, or why.” He angled his head toward her lovely profile. “I’ve taken this time to do reconnaissance work on my own. I told no one where I was going, not even my best friend. That’s why I was so surprised when I thought you were Dea. I couldn’t figure out how you could have known my destination.”

She darted him a questioning glance. “So it really was pure coincidence that you had business with our father?”

“I was introduced to her as Dea Loti. But the misunderstanding has been cleared up. The simple fact is, I thought you were she. But I shouldn’t have called out to you before I’d met with your father for an explanation, then none of this would have happened. To be honest, I wasn’t ready for you to disappear on me the way you did.”

Her pulse sped up. Did he just say what she thought he said?

“I was a mess and hoped no one would see me sneak in the castle.”

“Not from where I was standing.”

She swallowed hard and appeared to grip the wheel tighter. “When Dea and I were younger, we got taken for each other a lot. Not so much now that she’s become a top fashion model. She’s the true beauty. I’ve always believed I looked different even though we’re identical. But I’m aware other people can’t always tell the difference. Under the circumstances I understand why my shorter hair gave you a shock.”

Not just her hair. As he was coming to learn, many things about her were different from her sister and other women. She was so genuine and charming, it knocked him sideways. “Your hair is attractive and suits you.”

“Thank you.”

“I can see why your father wants to protect you.” Rini decided not to argue the point further when her physical beauty was self-evident. But Alessandra Caracciolo had been born a twin and he’d heard it could be a blessing and a curse, so he left it alone.

They’d reached a crossroads that would take them back to Metaponto and the causeway, but Rini wasn’t ready to go home yet. To his surprise he found he wanted to get to know her better. Much better. Besides her intelligence, she spoke her mind and was like a breath of fresh air. “Do you have time to drive us along the coast? I want to inspect the shipping access.”

“We could do that, but if you want to get a real feel, you should view everything by boat.”

That idea sounded much better. “When we reach Metaponto, let’s find a marina where I can charter one for tomorrow.”

“You don’t need to do that. I’m sure my father will want to take you out on our cruiser so you can talk business.”

“Then let me buy you dinner in town in order to repay you for driving me around today.”

“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. My parents are expecting you to eat with them and I have plans after we get back.”

He had no right to be disappointed that she’d just turned him down. She was probably involved in a relationship right now. Why not? She was a stunning woman. He imagined that men flocked to her.

After having shown him around the property for her father, she’d done her duty and had other things to do. Though it was none of his business, for some odd reason the possibility of her being interested in another man didn’t sit well with him.

* * *

Wednesday morning Alessandra was just getting out of the shower when her phone rang. She reached for her cell and checked the caller ID. “Mamma?”

“Buongiorno, darling.”

“I’m so glad you’re back home. How’s Zia Fulvia?”

“I thought she was better. That’s why I came home yesterday. But after your father and I finished having dinner with Signor Montanari last evening, we got a call from her. She’s having a bad reaction to her new pain medication and it has frightened her. I told her we’d fly to see her this morning. Your father and I are on our way to the airport and will stay with her for another night to watch over her.”

“I can’t believe you’ve already gone,” Alessandra said in surprise. “I haven’t even seen you yet.” She needed to talk to her.

“I know. Where did you disappear to last evening? I expected you to join us for dinner.”

“I’m behind on my book. After I brought Signor Montanari back to the castle, I went straight to the library to work.”

Before Signor Montanari’s explanation about Dea, Alessandra had tried hard to hide her attraction to him. But once she knew he and her sister were not involved and never had been, the news had thrilled her so much, she might have given herself away if she’d gone to dinner with him.

“I’m sorry we missed you, darling. I want to hear all about your scuba-diving trip, but it will have to wait another day.” Alessandra had already forgotten about that. “Your aunt is really distressed.”

“The poor thing. Give her my love and tell her I’ll visit her soon.”

“She’ll love that. By the way, your father wants to know if you would be willing to show Signor Montanari around again? Today he wants to explore the coast by boat. Would you take him out on the cruiser?”

She sucked in her breath. “First let me ask you a question, Mom. What do you think about his idea to lease the property for drilling?”

“To be honest, I don’t like the idea at all.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“It seems a travesty to change anything about the land or what lies beneath it. Your father knows how I feel. Though your father believes Signor Montanari’s ideas have merit, I’m not persuaded. There’s a great deal to discuss before anything is decided.”

“It sounds like Papà doesn’t feel as strongly as you.”

“Let’s put it this way. He likes Signor Montanari’s vision and is willing to hear more. What’s your opinion?”

“He talked a lot about bolstering the economy by providing more jobs. My suspicion is that he’s hoping to run for a high-level government position and this could be the feather in his cap.”

“He’s a brilliant man. That’s what brilliant men do.” But not with Caracciolo land. That’s what her mother was really saying. The time Alessandra had spent with him yesterday had persuaded her he was worth listening to, but these were early days. “Alessandra? What’s wrong? You don’t sound yourself.”

“I just wish I hadn’t brought Dea into the conversation when I was talking with Papà. He ended up phoning her.”

“Your father told me what happened. But when he learned that Signor Montanari had been a guest of Leonides Rossano on his yacht the other night and happened to get introduced to Dea, your father realized he’d made something out of nothing and overreacted. It certainly didn’t have anything to do with you.”

“But I didn’t know the truth until Signor Montanari told me as much while I was driving him around.”

“I’m sorry. It’s understandable you thought he and your sister were involved.”

“I didn’t know. When I saw Dea at breakfast yesterday, she didn’t explain anything.”

“Well he made it clear to your father that meeting Dea was like ships passing in the night.”

“But maybe Dea had hopes it could be more.” Already Alessandra knew a man like Rinieri Montanari only came along once in a lifetime. She and Dea weren’t twins for nothing.

“Why do you say that?”

“If their chance meeting had been so insignificant, how come she flew home last night?”

“Because your father was worried.”

“He was,” she conceded. “But she didn’t even come in my room to talk to me.”

“Alessandra—during dinner I got the impression that the CEO of Montanari Engineering is a force to contend with. If he’d been interested in your sister, he would have made future plans to let her know how he felt.”

“You’re right, but what if she finds out I’m showing him around?”

“What if she does?” After a silence, she asked, “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t think twice about this. There’s nothing wrong with that! I’ll admit my heart skipped several beats when I met him at dinner last night.”

Her mother’s instincts were never wrong.

“He said he truly enjoyed being shown around by you. I could tell he meant it. Don’t blow up a simple misunderstanding your father has apologized for into something major.”

“You’re right. I’m being foolish.”

“You are. Go ahead and show Signor Montanari around until we get back from Taranto. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Okay. Love you. Give Zia Fulvia a hug from me.”

Alessandra hung up, realizing she was transparent to her mother, who understood the situation completely. She felt better after their talk. The longing to be with Signor Montanari again was all she could think about.

She pulled on a pair of pleated khaki pants and a blouse with a small tan-on-white geometric print. Once dressed, she went downstairs to the kitchen for coffee and a roll. The cook made her some eggs. While she ate, Liona poked her head in the door. “Alessandra? Did you see Alfredo when you came down the stairs?”

“No.”

“He ate his food, but now I can’t find him. He usually stays on the main floor while I’m working around. Maybe he’s gone off sick somewhere.”

“I’ll look for him.” She ate a last bite, thanked the cook, then began a search, wondering if Signor Montanari was around. “Alfredo—” She called his name several times. When she reached the front foyer, she worried that he’d slipped past some visitor at the entrance.

She opened the door and almost ran into the gorgeous man who’d haunted her dreams. He was just coming in. The sight of him made her heart leap. He held the big marmalade cat in his arms.

“Buongiorno, Alessandra,” he said with a white smile. “I’ve been waiting for a limo and found him lying outside the door wanting to get back in.”

“Liona will be so relieved. Here. I’ll carry him to the kitchen.”

“I’ll be happy to do it.”

“I don’t mind.”

She could tell he didn’t want to give up the cat, who seemed perfectly happy to be held by him. It surprised her because Alfredo didn’t like many people. “Then follow me.” She opened the door and showed him the way.

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.