Flying Backwards Page 7

  “I’m glad you are all right. Antonio sounds like a knight in shining armor. And gorgeous too! How the hell did you get so lucky?” She laughed. “I’d totally do him,” she said more seriously. “Nora, you should do him. You deserve it. Go for it, girl!”

  “What? No! Bree, he’s a stranger.” Nora tried to sound offended.

  “Well, you’ll get a feel for him over dinner. Then see how it goes.” Nora heard her take another sip. “But you better call me and tell me what happens,” she admonished in a stern voice.

  “I have nothing to wear.” Nora nibbled on her fingernail.

  “You didn’t bring anything? Go buy something sexy. A short dress, with a clingy bust line. You have great boobs–tease the man a little. After all, he did an heroic deed for you…”

  Nora stifled a laugh with her palm. “I didn’t know you admired me so,” she said in a high, delicate tone. And they both burst into laughter.

  “I gotta go. I’m meeting up with Rebecca. We’re going shopping and then out to lunch. We both have another trip tomorrow. Wish I was with you in Italy. Ciao, bella.”

  “Okay. Tell Rebecca hi for me. Talk to you later.” Nora hung up with a heavy sigh. She wished Bree were there to go shopping with her. At least she’d packed the matching lacy bra and panties she’d purchased on one of her shopping trips with Bree. Bree spent gads of money on unmentionables. She said wearing sexy underwear empowers a woman. Nora only felt uncomfortable and itchy.

  * * *

  It was eight o’clock on the nose when Antonio met Nora sitting on a bench outside of her hotel. “Good evening, Nora.”

  She stood. “Hello, Antonio.”

  He approached and then kept right on coming, until he stood very close to her. As he clasped both her hands in his, his head dipped to the left and his lips gently brushed her cheek. Slowly his dark head swiveled to the other cheek, where his lips sent a tingle down her spine. She tried not to visibly shudder at the sensual touch. She’d forgotten the Italian custom of kissing both cheeks, and her heart stammered as the scent of his skin and cologne assaulted her senses.

  “Nora, you look beautiful.” His eyes slowly accessed her every curve. He released one of her hands, holding the other possessively in his warm grasp.

  “Thank you. You look very nice as well.” Her new dress was the darkest shade of ruby red, a fitted, over-one-shoulder wrap that clung to her curvy frame. Nora registered the approval in Antonio’s eyes. He cleaned up well, and yes, he was just as spectacular-looking as she remembered. There was no hero effect here, just plain old attraction.

  They didn’t have to walk too far to the local restaurant. Before long they were being seated in a quiet corner. The short, somewhat round proprietor greeted Antonio with a vigorous pump of a handshake. He turned to Nora with a broken, “Welcome…‌welcome.” There were smiles all around. Antonio was also friends with the waiter; apparently he ate here frequently. Nora liked what she’d seen so far. Someone with bad intentions would not take her to a place where he was well known.

  “May I order for us?” He tapped his wineglass with his finger. “They have excellent wine here. It’s mine.” He smiled genuinely.

  “Yours? How so?” Nora was intrigued.

  “My uncle owns a vineyard. I do marketing and distribution for him. Would you like to try my favorite?”

  “Yes, please. I have to confess I don’t know much about Italian wines.”

  Antonio nodded to their waiter across the way while pointing to his glass. With a corresponding nod, the waiter disappeared. Indeed, they knew Antonio well. He did not live too far from here, according to Nora’s calculations. He had been emerging from an enclosed courtyard when he’d stopped her attacker earlier. They had indirectly walked in that direction for dinner.

  “Well, I hope you enjoy this one. Did you get a chance to see the city today? I hope you weren’t too deterred after this morning’s ordeal.”

  “Yes, I was fine. Thanks to you. I just held onto my bag a little tighter and paid more attention to my surroundings. I even got in some shopping.”

  His eyes slowly yo-yoed down her torso. As he leaned his elbow on the table he slid the side of his index finger over his bottom lip, back and forth. Slowly. His mouth was slightly open, and she could see his bottom teeth and tongue. Nora felt her own tongue go dry in her mouth.

  Damn, that habit is sexy.

  The waiter appeared suddenly. Antonio sprawled back, his arm draping the chair back. The two men spoke in Italian while the waiter poured the wine. He left the bottle on the table and flashed Nora a smile before leaving them alone again.

  Nora had arranged her hair up in a twist, a clip holding it in place, and a warm breeze tickled her neck. She raised her glass and said, “To you, Antonio, for being my hero today.” She was rewarded for her heartfelt toast with an amused smile.

  “I don’t know about a hero, but I always did like Superman when I was a boy.” He chuckled, and she joined in.

  After her first sip, he smiled with delight at her “Mmm.” With the second sip, she felt the warmth of the alcohol spread through her. “It’s delicious.”

  “Shall I recommend a dinner selection?” he asked as he gestured to the waiter across the room. Nora nodded her approval.

  After the waiter left with their order, Antonio asked, “So–what brings you to Italy?”

  “I’m just trying to see the world. I’ve always wanted to see Italy, so here I am.” She deliberately sounded vague, waiting for the right time to tell him what she did for a living.

  “And you are traveling alone? No companions?”

  From his doubtful expression, she gathered that seemed odd to him.

  “I came alone this time. As a flight attendant, I can travel when and where I want. My schedule doesn’t always match up with my girlfriend’s schedule.”

  “You’re a flight attendant?” When she told guys that she was a flight attendant, their eyes would predictably glaze over as they conjured up some fantasy about the Mile-High Club. And there it was on Antonio’s face. Hook. Line. Sinker.

  “Mmm hmm.” Nora nonchalantly took another sip of her wine. She waited for his wondering thoughts to return. She politely answered his questions: “What airline do you work for?” “How long have you been flying?” “How often can you come visit me?”

  Wait. What?

  “Well, this wine is definitely worth another visit,” she flirted.

  Nora enjoyed the rest of the evening. The food was great. They chatted easily and got to know one another.

  “How long are you here for?”

  Nora quickly calculated her options. It was Monday. She had timed out on Saturday and left Sunday evening. She had slept a little on the overnight flight, but sleeping on a plane was an art form. She’d forced herself to stay awake after she’d checked into her hotel that morning, but she was now getting sleepy. Nora stifled a yawn. “Excuse me. I’m still on East Coast time,” she apologized. “I’m hoping to get a flight on Thursday. I can only fly standby.”

  “How would you like to drive out to the vineyard with me tomorrow? I need to drop off something for my uncle. It would be a good opportunity to see the countryside. It is beautiful this time of year.”

  She was thrilled that he wanted to spend tomorrow with her. Nora liked Antonio. Really liked him. She tried not to reveal her eagerness. The fact that she would run off into the countryside with a stranger was just crazy. But… “I’d like that. Is it far?”

  “It’s a little over an hour. If we leave at two o’clock, I can give you a tour of the vineyard. Aunt Maria will fix us a meal. She would not let us leave without eating,” he joked, but she could tell he was fond of his aunt.

  They walked back toward her hotel. He stopped her before they crossed the narrow street. “Nora, I enjoyed your company very much.” He reached for her hand and drew her close. He brought her hand to his lips, branding a kiss across her knuckles. “I look forward to tomo
rrow. Get a good night’s sleep.” His voice was sultry. He released her hand and stepped back with a lazy smile. There was a promise in those dark eyes.

  Get a good night’s sleep indeed. Nora was captivated. She had drunk too much wine and was very relaxed. A promise for tomorrow… She thanked him again for dinner and for everything he’d done for her. “See you tomorrow,” she said breathily, and she retreated into her hotel.

  Nora called Bree after she’d slipped into a nightshirt to report on the dinner. She informed her friend nothing had happened–so far. Bree sounded disappointed there were no juicy details but pleasantly surprised there was a second date.

  When Nora hung up she catalogued how her life had changed so far–she had transformed drastically. I can’t believe I had the guts to go to that interview and take this job. I’d never really left home before and now here I am in Italy, touring by myself. True, I was accosted and almost mugged. She shuddered. But luckily I made it through unscathed. It only made me be more aware. Nora thought of her family. I tried to pursue another career when they pressured me to become a partner in the family catering business. Yet I still gave up much of my free time to help them with the business anyway. Why couldn’t I just say no? Nora entered the bathroom and pulled out her toiletry bag, her thoughts continuing. I knew at the time I took that office job it was going to be a temporary thing. But I stayed at that unfulfilling job for years to be closer to Phillip. Poor Phillip. He wasn’t a bad guy, he was just not the right guy. Phillip kept me tethered to a life that I was slowly drowning in. But I’ve changed all that. I cut those ties, and I feel elated that I’m allowing myself to freely choose what is best for me.

  Nora washed and dried her face and applied moisturizer, looking at her refection in the mirror and thinking of the man she’d met today. I guess Antonio thought I was pretty; he asked me to dinner and then asked me to join him tomorrow. She examined her flawless skin, her well-balanced features, and the delicate arch of her eyebrows. She smiled, accepting that she was pretty.

  Nora slept well, but her exotic dreams were laced with a dark-eyed man. It was funny how that poster of Rome long ago when she was tile shopping with her sister had prompted her daydream of a dark-eyed Italian man. It was as if her fantasy was coming true.

  Chapter Seven

  The next morning Nora boarded the city bus to Piazza di Trevi to see the Trevi Fountain. According to legend, if you threw three coins into the fountain with your right hand, over your left shoulder, the first coin would guarantee your return to Rome; the second would lead to a new romance; the third will lead to marriage. Nora dug in her pocket for coins. Her heart pumped wildly in her chest as she sent the coins flying over her left shoulder. This is crazy–but what the hell!

  She continued sightseeing until noon and then maneuvered the narrow streets back to her hotel.

  Nora was showered and fresh while she waited on the same hotel bench for Antonio. The day was warm, and Nora chose to wear blue pinstriped shorts, an airy peach blouse, and cute sandals. Her hair was loose, her sunglasses holding it away from her face. A compact, sporty car purred to the curb, and Antonio jumped out. He greeted her with a double kiss, and she drank in the aroma of his cologne. He wore linen pants and a lightweight shirt.

  Antonio cupped the silky stands of Nora’s hair and ran them through his fingers. “You have lovely hair.” She had been wearing it in a haphazard bun when he’d saved her, and she had worn it up at dinner that night. She badly wanted to reach out and touch his hair. Oh, to run my fingers through it, and then grip it in fistfuls and pull him down to me… But she smiled sweetly and thanked him as they strolled toward the car.

  Antonio navigated through the traffic and pointed out city sights. Nora enjoyed having her own, very handsome, personal tour guide. When he mentioned the Trevi Fountain and its legend, she tried not to blush. She could not tell him she had run over there this very morning, like a silly tourist, to throw her coins. As they left the congestion of the city behind, Nora thought the countryside was postcard perfect. Antonio shared information about his family and the family business, sounding very proud of it. His deeply accented voice was very sexy, and she was content to just sit back, relax, and listen to him. She mentioned a little about her own family. The subject of her family’s catering business quickly led to an interesting conversation about food and wine pairings.

  They stopped at a market just outside the city, where Antonio purchased his aunt Marie’s favorite Italian lemon cookies. Nora purchased a small bouquet of flowers for the woman she was very nervous about meeting. They passed through the vast vineyards long before they reached the villa. Antonio later pulled over at the side of the road that bordered the vineyard and held Nora’s hand as he guided her up the sloping hill to the grape vines. He gave her a tutorial about the growing process. He passionately explained how important each step was. She smiled and nodded enthusiastically, his captive audience, but she found herself daydreaming about his hands on her body.

  “Shall we go to the villa? Have I bored you?” He pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

  “Are you kidding? This place is amazing. It’s breathtaking here. I can see why you love it.” She felt his chest puff with pride, and his smile broadened. He bent down and kissed her with his full and firm lips. It was soft and sensual. Lingering. As their kiss ended, he smiled wickedly. She held her breath and waited.

  “My aunt will be expecting us.”

  “We should go then.”

  He kept his arm around her shoulder as they walked back to the car. He pressed his body against hers, sandwiching her between his hard body and the car door. He cupped her chin and ran his thumb over her bottom lip, his face inches from hers. His tongue slid out and replaced his thumb. The seductive lick became a full, sensual kiss.

  When his tongue thrust into her mouth she was glad the car door was holding her up, because her knees were weak. Yes, she felt weak in the knees. Her hands slid up his waist and ran up and down his muscled ribcage. Then she clung to him. If only they weren’t on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere! She was about to burst.

  He pulled away with an apparent effort, a low grumble in his throat. Once their bodies were no longer touching, they simply looked at each other a few moments, each aware of what the other wanted. He smirked before he backed away. She reached behind her for the door handle, got in, and clamped her legs together. She tried not to squirm in her seat. That tingling he caused deep down in her core was expanding.

  As they continued the drive, Antonio described the property. They drove up to the long driveway to the villa, and he called out the window to a man carrying a case of wine bottles. The man crossing the lawn smiled and yelled a hello back. “That’s my cousin Paolo.” After they parked and collected their things, they headed toward the house.

  Nora was impressed at the size of the home. The country villa had a sweeping row of arched doorways that opened into a large central courtyard. The balcony above was framed with wide marble balustrades. The russet clay tiles on the rooftops baked in the sunshine.

  Paolo placed his case down and yelled, “Antonio, Christina! How are you?”

  As they approached his cousin, Antonio said, “Paolo, this is Nora. Nora, Paolo.”

  “Nora, it is nice to meet you. I thought you’d brought Christina. They look alike from far away.”

  Antonio inspected Nora and nodded. “Yeah, I can see it.” That was all he said on the subject of Christina, and Nora wondered why. The two men embraced, and then Antonio ushered Nora toward the house. The villa was surprisingly cool inside, despite the warm afternoon sun. Aunt Maria, who appeared in the kitchen doorframe, wiped her hands on her apron and smiled and opened her arms to him when she saw Antonio. She was a petite woman, her dark hair shot through with gray. She placed a slim hand on Antonio’s cheek before they exchanged a double kiss.

  Aunt Maria looked down at the box Antonio was carrying. “Are those lemon cookies?�
� At his sheepish smile, she replied, “Such a sweet boy. And who might we have here?” She looked around Antonio’s back toward Nora, who now stepped forward.

  “This is Nora. She’s from America,” Antonio announced. Soft-spoken Aunt Maria welcomed Nora in English. Nora could not believe this tiny woman had given birth to seven sons, as Antonio had told her. His was a very extensive family.

  “It’s nice to meet you. These are for you.” Nora handed Maria the bouquet.

  Maria thanked her and then led them into the kitchen, where all manner of food was being prepared. Lovely dark-eyed women of various ages were introduced as cousins and nieces. Antonio was relaxed and socialized with the additional family members who crowded in to join them. There were fourteen in all, including two children belonging to one of his many cousins. They enjoyed a delicious meal with several wine pairings out in the courtyard. Everyone was polite to Nora.

  The sun was just starting to set when they said their good-byes.

  When they approached the city Antonio asked if she would like to go to his place for a nightcap. It was early still and she agreed. Nora did not ask who Christina was, and Antonio never said. It did plague her mind though. If Christina was a girlfriend, surely there would be some clue at his place. Maybe she was an associate? Or a friend?

  His apartment was a walk-up with a pleasant view of an historic piazza. It was neat and orderly. The sofa faced the double doors that opened to a modest balcony. While Antonio opened the doors to let in a cooling night breeze, Nora sat on the sofa, sipping her wine. The din of the distant city wafted in. He turned on some mood music and joined her.

  “Thank you, Antonio, for today. I had a nice time. Your family is so sweet. It makes me miss mine.” She feasted on his brandy-colored eyes framed by dark, lavish lashes, finally alone with him. She had imagined many times throughout the day what would happen when they were alone. You are so out of my league, yet here you are, with me… She reached out to run her thumb over his lush lips.