Surrender To The Single Dad

CHAPTER FOUR

RINI FELT LIKE he’d been stabbed in the chest. Too many emotions rocked him at once. There was someone he needed to talk to before he bared his soul to Alessandra.

“I’m afraid my story would take all night. Let’s reserve it for tomorrow evening after another dive. If you don’t mind, I’d like to sleep up here tonight.”

“Then you’ll need the quilt and pillow on the bed in the other cabin in order to be comfortable.”

“I’ll get them.”

“You sound tired after that dive, Rini. I am too, so I’ll say good night.”

“Buona notte.”

He waited an hour before going below to bring up the bedding. Once he’d made himself comfortable on the banquette at the rear of the cruiser, he pulled out his phone and called his sister. Rini knew it was too late to be phoning, but he had to talk to her.

After four rings he heard her voice. “Rini? What’s wrong? Has something happened to Father?”

“No, no.”

After a short silence she asked, “Are you ill?” He could hear Giovanni’s concerned voice in the background.

“Not physically. But I’m wrestling with a problem that needs your slant. Do you mind?”

“What a question! After all you’ve done for me, I’d give anything to help you if I can. Tell me what’s going on.”

He raised up on one elbow. “Let me give you a little background.” Without wasting words, he explained his dilemma from beginning to end.

“Ooh” was all she said when he’d finished.

“Forgive me if this touches too close to home, but you’re the one person in the world who would understand her pain after Francesco went after her sister.”

“Rini? I got over Matteo’s womanizing and it sounds like she has gotten over her pain, too, so forget her past. You only have one problem. Let this woman know how you feel about her and prove to her that your love for her is everlasting. If Mamma were still alive, she would tell you to follow your heart and not let anything get in the way.”

He could hear his mother saying those very words. “Alessandra was really hurt.”

“So was I. It passes when the right man comes along. Trust me.”

He breathed deeply. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Nothing worthwhile is simple, Rini. But look what happened when I followed my heart instead of letting go of Ric, the baby I thought was mine...”

“You mean instead of listening to me tell you not to get involved with Giovanni,” he groaned. “I was a fool to interfere.”

“Of course you weren’t! I know you were only trying to protect me. But it all worked out and I’m now an ecstatic wife and the mother of two angelic boys.”

His eyes closed tightly. “But from the start Giovanni wanted you enough to defy convention, too. That’s why it worked.”

“Rini, tonight you’re alone with her on her family’s cruiser. Do you seriously think that would have happened if she weren’t absolutely crazy about you?”

“Her father asked her to show me around.”

“But to dive? Camp out over night? Have faith, dear brother. A little patience wouldn’t hurt until she realizes she can trust you with her life.”

A lump had lodged in his throat. “Ti amo, Valentina.”

“Ti amo. Buona notte.”

Rini lay back down, thinking about what she’d said. Even if a miracle happened and her attraction grew into love, she didn’t know about his infertility, an insurmountable hurdle in his mind.

The next thing he knew, the sound of gulls brought him fully awake. Clouds blotted out the sun. He sat up to check his watch. Seven thirty. Was Alessandra still asleep? He gathered the bedding and took it below to the other cabin. Her door was still closed.

One thing he could do was fix them his favorite prosciutto ham and eggs to go with their breakfast. As he was putting their plates and mugs on the table, she appeared in the doorway wearing jeans and a T-shirt that molded to her beautiful body.

“You’ve got color in your cheeks.”

“I went for a walk.”

He’d had no idea. What a wonderful bodyguard he’d made! “If you’d wakened me, I would have gone with you. Sit down and I’ll serve you.”

“Umm. Everything smells good.”

He poured them coffee and sat opposite her.

She took a sip. “How did you sleep?”

Rini stared at her through shuttered eyes. “There’s nothing better than spending the night under the stars. What about you?”

“It’s fabulous out here, but I confess diving makes me tired. I fell asleep once my head touched the pillow.”

“That’s good. How soon do we need to join the others?”

“They’ll be out there by nine o’clock.”

He swallowed the last of his eggs. “Just for the fun of it, what would you think if we enlarged the search area by traveling a quarter of a mile farther east from them to dive at the same distance from the coast?” He wasn’t ready to share her with the others yet. “I consulted the chart. The depth of the sea floor isn’t quite as great there. Maybe seventy feet. Who knows? We might make a discovery.”

Her lips turned up at the corners. “Your mother must have gone crazy to have a son who went around with such an excited gleam for adventure in his eyes.”

Rini liked the idea that she’d noticed. “Is that what I have?”

“Oh, yes. It probably got you into a ton of trouble.”

He chuckled. “So what do you say?”

“I like your idea. Later on this afternoon we can join the others for another dive.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Pleased she was willing to go along with him so they could be alone a little longer, he got to his feet to clean up the kitchen. She cleared the dishes and they made quick work of it. He’d never experienced this kind of togetherness with a woman before. Rini couldn’t imagine letting her go.

“Thanks for fixing the delicious breakfast. I’ll change into my wet suit and meet you on deck.”

He bounded up the stairs to put on his own gear. To spend a whole day with her doing something they both loved couldn’t have excited him more.

In fifteen minutes they’d arrived at the spot he’d suggested for a dive. They had the whole sea to themselves for the moment. She lowered the anchor and erected the flag. Together they put on all their equipment. “Ready?” he called to her.

Her brandy eyes clung to his, pulling at his heart strings. “Let’s go!”

They jumped in the water. He experienced delight as they sank lower past more tiny fish. Once they reached the bottom, they explored around all the vegetation that grew taller and was more plentiful than at the other spot. He saw traces of some deep-sea-fishing tackle caught by the undergrowth. It was like playing hide-and-seek as they swam here and there like little children let out to play.

His eyes followed her as they moved through a new chute. He was so mesmerized by the fun he was having, he almost ran into her because she’d suddenly stopped. When he looked beyond her, he saw a large roundish shape like a big boulder covered in debris ahead of them.

The hairs lifted on the back of his neck and knew she was feeling the same electricity. Something was here that didn’t belong. He swam to one side of it and waited for her to approach the other side. She was the expert.

Her hands began to brush away the layers of silt. He helped her. After five minutes of hard work, they uncovered part of what looked like a sculpted mouth. Alessandra’s eyes stared at him with a glow through her goggles. This was a fantastic find and they both knew it.

While he marveled, she tapped her watch. He’d been too engrossed and forgot the time. They needed to go up to the surface now! It was hard to leave after what they’d just discovered, but they would be back later.

Rini knew the rules by heart. Keep his breathing steady as they rose, but it was hard when his adrenaline was gushing. He could only imagine Alessandra’s joy. This was her life!

They broke the top of the water and swam toward the boat. Like déjà vu he helped her on board the cruiser, then climbed in himself.

“Oh, Rini,” she cried, having removed the belt and breathing apparatus. “We found something that could have belonged to the Temple of Hera. We’ve got to find Dr. Tozzi and bring the others here!”

Without conscious thought he grasped her upper arms, bringing her close to his body. “Congratulations!”

Her eyes, the color of dark vintage brandy, searched his. “It was your inspiration that brought us here.”

For a moment he was caught up in the wonder of her beauty that went soul deep. “I’ll never forget the experience of winding through that undersea garden with you.”

“Neither will I,” she whispered.

He pulled her closer and closed his mouth close over hers. The unexpectedness of it must have caught her off guard because she began kissing him back with a fervency he could only have dreamed about.

Hungry for her, Rini drove their kiss deeper, marveling over her response to him. Sensation after sensation of desire caused him to kiss her senseless. Only the wake from a passing boat that bounced the cruiser reminded him how far gone he was.

Alessandra seemed to feel it, too. She tore her lips from his and moved out of his arms. “If—if you’ll mark this spot on the chart, I’ll drive,” she stuttered.

He didn’t like it that she’d headed for the controls, leaving him bereft. So much for him practicing the patience Valentina had talked about. Rini hadn’t been able to keep himself from crushing her in his arms. He’d wanted that divine fusion to go on and on.

While Alessandra raised the anchor and started the engine, he reached in his backpack for a pen. He found the rolled-up chart on the banquette and sat down to fill in the information, but it was difficult. To his surprise the wind had kicked up. He looked overhead and noticed that more clouds had been amassing. Three hours ago it had only been overcast and there hadn’t been this breeze.

She drove as fast as the elements would allow. Finally in the distance he saw the flags of the three boats. They drew closer and waved to several groups of divers in two of the boats. Soon Alessandra drew alongside one of them. “How long has Dr. Tozzi been down?”

“He and Gino should be coming up any minute.”

“Did you find anything?”

They shook their heads.

“Well, all is not lost. We have some amazing news.” She cut the engine and lowered the anchor while they waited in the rocking crafts for the head of the institute to appear. Rini shared a private glance with her. He could feel her eagerness to impart their finding.

Rini watched until he saw two heads pop out of the water. The divers reached their boat and climbed in. The second the good doctor removed his headgear, his gaze shot to Alessandra.

“You missed this morning’s dive.”

“We did our own dive farther east and raced here to tell you what we found.” In the next breath she told everyone about the head.

“You uncovered a mouth?” The doctor sounded incredulous.

“I wish we could show it to you now, but the weather is acting up. Maybe by early evening we can do another dive. In the meantime, why don’t you follow us to the cove where we spent the night on the beach? The site is right off the coast from there and a little east where we can eat before you leave for the port.”

Everyone agreed it was a good idea. Alessandra raised the anchor and started the engine. Once again they took off for the cove. While he stayed on the cruiser, Alessandra climbed out to chat with the others. They decided the storm wouldn’t hit until evening, but it would be better not to go out diving again today.

“Are you staying here again tonight?”

“I’m not sure what our plans are, Gino, but we’ll definitely be here tomorrow at nine to show you the dive site, unless the weather is worse.”

Rini had checked ahead. There’d be a storm later. On impulse he picked up the chart and got out of the boat to show it to them. “In case we don’t get together, I’ve marked the coordinates on here if you want to write them down.”

Dr. Tozzi glanced at it and made notes on the pad in his pocket before handing it back to Rini. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

The group prepared to leave. Nothing could have made Rini happier. So happy, in fact, that he handed Alessandra the chart, then helped push the other boats back in the water and waved everyone off.

* * *

Alessandra had to suppress a smile. Rini couldn’t have been more helpful. How could any man measure up to the famous CEO who could scuba dive and read ocean charts with the best of them?

In a few more days, when he’d finished up business with her father, he’d fly off to Naples and his busy life that sent him all over the country. She had to remember he was only here in the south of Italy for a few more days. To think of him leaving was killing her.

If it turned out her parents agreed to let his company do some drilling, Rini would send out their experts. From time to time she’d see him coming and going from the castle. But for today and tomorrow, they would be together and it thrilled her heart.

She turned to him. “How would you like to do something fun?”

He cocked his dark head. “What kind of a ridiculous question is that to ask a man alone with a beautiful woman?”

“Just checking,” she teased and got back in the boat with her heart thudding in her chest. “If you’re game for a bumpy ride, I know a place where the food is divine. By boat it will take us about an hour and a half. When we get there we’ll enjoy an early dinner and stay overnight.”

“That good, hmm?”

“Yes.”

“Only if you’ll let me drive us. So far you’ve done all the work.”

“I don’t mind, but if that’s what you want.”

“It’ll relieve my guilt.”

“Over what?”

“I like to feel useful.”

“You were amazingly useful when you pushed all the boats off the sand. You reminded me of Hercules.”

His deep laughter resounded in the air.

“I’m not kidding. They would have had a terrible time in this wind without your help.”

“If I impressed you, then it was worth the pain.”

Her eyes scrutinized him from head to toe. “You did it so effortlessly, I doubt there’s a sore muscle in your body.”

He returned her gaze, sending the color flooding into her cheeks. “I guess it comes from both of us living in and out of the water.”

She looked down. “Would you believe I still need to get out of my wet suit?”

“Do you need help?”

She felt the blush break out on her face. “I think I can handle it.”

“While you do that I’ll push us off and we’ll get going.”

Her chest fluttered as she hurried below deck to change and freshen up. After ascertaining that her parents had left her aunt’s and had gone back to the castle, she joined Rini. He’d changed clothes and was seated in the captain’s chair wearing his life preserver. “Tell me where to go.”

Alessandra reached in the cubbyhole for her regular map and opened it, but the wind made it difficult to keep steady. “We’re here. Keep following the coast past Metaponto, then we’ll cut a diagonal and head straight for Taranto.”

“That’s where your aunt lives?”

“Yes. Our mother’s titled family descends from the Duca di Taranto, although the title is now defunct, like my father’s.”

“Ah. It’s all making sense.” He put the map back and handed her a life preserver. “Sit across from me so we can talk.”

She grinned. “Aye, aye, sir, but I don’t think we’ll be able to hear each other.”

“As long as we’re together, I don’t care.”

The man could read her mind. She sat on the banquette and stared out at a sea full of white caps. The moderate swells slowed them down, but she was having the time of her life. Since he hadn’t vacationed in a year, Alessandra suspected he was happy, too, especially after he was the one to have picked the area where they’d made an underwater find. Every time he looked at her, his dark eyes burned with charged energy, melting her to the spot.

Outside Metaponto he stopped long enough to switch gas tanks. “I remember seeing Taranto’s naval base and shipyards from the air.”

“Then you know it’s a big commercial city and port. Our Taranto relatives live in one of the eighteenth-century palazzi in the old town center. I’ve let my aunt know we’re coming to see her. She broke her hip and has a nurse around the clock, but she loves visitors. Be warned she’ll insist we eat dinner with her before we leave.”

“I don’t want to impose.”

“She’ll love it, Rini. Since you’re a seafood lover, get ready to enjoy the most luscious roasted oysters you’ve ever eaten in your life. The cook prepares them in a special sauce followed by sea-bream-and-mussel soup. It’s out of this world. Mother would steal her if she could.”

He eyed her speculatively. “What’s the other reason you’re taking me there?”

You could never fool a man like Rini.

“She’s mother’s brilliant older sister by nine years and was married to a general who died two years ago. When Mamma was thirty, she almost died giving birth to me and Dea. Fulvia couldn’t have children and was there to do everything. She won my father’s devotion. As I told you earlier, her opinion goes a long way with both of them. I’d like you to tell her your business ideas for developing the property.”

His features sobered. “Are you saying your mother doesn’t approve?”

“I’m afraid not. Both of them were raised to be purists and believe that the former papal legacy should remain untouched.”

“What about your opinion, Alessandra?”

She took a deep breath. “I’ve listened to my father and think your idea is an important one. If a lot of oil is found, it will help the economy. But what’s important is what Zia Fulvia has to say.”

Those dark eyes searched hers. “Why are you trying to help me?”

A good question. “I believe in you and an even playing field.”

“I’m humbled by your faith in me.” He rubbed his jaw where the shadow of his beard was showing. She thought him irresistible. “Will I find her difficult?”

“Yes.”

She loved the bark of laughter that came out of him.

“But you told me you like snags because they make life more exciting.”

When he smiled, she felt herself falling toward him. “I did say that, didn’t I? Let’s go and get this over with. It couldn’t be worse than a visit to the dentist.”

Alessandra kept chuckling as the cruiser pounded the white water on its way to Taranto. She’d never met anyone with a sense of humor like his. He was getting to her with every minute they spent together.

Due to the wind they made slow progress. It was after five when they passed through the outer and inner sea to pull into the private dock reserved for her aunt’s family. Alessandra called for the limo that drove them to the Taranto palazzo in the old town.

“Tarantos have lived here for over four hundred years,” she explained as they turned into the courtyard with its fountain supported by Taras, the son of Poseidon from Greek mythology. “You’ll think you’ve entered a fabulous museum. Fulvia and Mamma were raised princesses and Fulvia still lives like one.”

“She won’t shudder at the sight of us fresh off the boat?”

At seventy-seven Fulvia was still all woman and would probably faint when she saw the gorgeous male Alessandra had brought with her. “No. She’s used to my showing up a mess after a day at sea.”

Rini helped her out of the limo. “Lippo,” she called to the older man who opened the ornate front door at the same time. “Come stai?”

“Bene, grazie, Alessandra.”

“Please meet Signor Montanari.”

“Piacere di conoscerla.”

She looked at Rini. “Lippo and Liona are cousins. Our families couldn’t live without them.”

“Your families are close-knit in many ways,” Rini murmured. “Does he have a cat, too?”

Alessandra chuckled. “He would, but my aunt has allergies.”

“Signora Fulvia is in the drawing room, but she’s tired since your parents left and is still off her food.”

“We won’t stay long.”

“After you’ve spoken with her, dinner will be served in the small dining room.”

“Grazie, Lippo.”

Alessandra led Rini through hallways of marble floors and walls lined with gilt-framed portraits to her aunt’s favorite room. Still a beauty, she sat in a wheel chair surrounded by the mementos of her deceased husband, who’d enjoyed a distinguished military career.

“Buonasera, Zia. I’ve missed you.” She hugged her aunt. “I’m so sorry about your hip.”

“A hazard of old age. Don’t let it happen to you, cara.” Her brown eyes flicked to Rini, assessing him with uncommon interest. No woman could help it. “Your fame as an engineer precedes you, Signor Montanari. Alessandra, why don’t you see if your dinner is ready while I have a chat with him? Then I’ll ask the nurse to take me to my room.”

Her aunt had to be more miserable than she looked in order to get down to business this fast. “You poor thing. Please don’t overdo it. I’ll be right back.” She shared a private glance with Rini before leaving the room. Though she felt the slightest bit apprehensive, he seemed perfectly at ease.

She didn’t think anything could throw him. If he couldn’t achieve his goal with her father, Alessandra knew he’d look elsewhere for oil because he was a man on a mission.

* * *

By nine thirty the bad weather had turned ugly. Rini felt the rain as he helped Alessandra into the limo and gave the driver instructions to return them to the private dock. Though she’d told him they could stay the night at the palazzo, the illuminating conversation with her aunt had turned him inside out and he’d wanted to leave.

Her aunt had told him something that had nothing to do with his business meetings with the count. She’d brought up an alarming personal issue that had a direct bearing on Alessandra and her sister. He needed to think long and hard about it for the good of the Caracciolo family before he shared it with Alessandra, if he ever did. The only solution was to kill his feelings for her. In order to do that, he needed to leave the castello and search for hydrocarbons elsewhere in the south.

“I’d rather get back to the cruiser. It will do fine while we wait out the storm.” He imagined it would last all night.

“Well?” she asked with a smile after they’d gone below deck to the small room she used as an office. The rain pounded down outside. He stretched out in one of the chairs and extended his legs, crossing them at the ankles. Across from him sat the woman he considered the greatest beauty of the Taranto family bar none.

The humidity had curled the tips of her delightful hair. With her pink cheeks, she reminded him of one of the adorable cherub faces from Lecce. Her physical looks were a given. But what he found truly exquisite was her spirit—she had decided to give him a fighting chance to carry through with an idea, although it would never see the light of day now.

“I loved the tour of the palazzo and the meal was superb.”

“It always is, but I’m talking about your chat with my aunt. How did it go? She was too tired to talk to me before she went to bed.”

None of it was meant for Alessandra’s ears. “I thought I was talking to a strong minded woman.”

Laughter bubbled out of her. “She’s tough all right.”

Choosing his words carefully he said, “We talked pro and con. Her knowledge and directness impressed me before she asked to be excused to go to bed.”

She eyed him curiously. “That’s all you can tell me?”

Tight bands constricted his chest. “There isn’t anything else.”

“Oh, dear. It doesn’t sound like it went well.”

“I have no idea. But be assured I enjoyed meeting her and I’m indebted for your help. Since it’s getting late, why don’t you go on to bed? I’ve got business calls to make. Sleep well.”

* * *

After they’d left her aunt’s palazzo the night before, Alessandra couldn’t believe the change in Rini. He seemed to have turned into a different man, and was aloof, preoccupied. What on earth had they talked about that made him so unapproachable?