At first, I’d thought Mrs. Mafucci or her husband were the ones I’d find out by the pool, but one glance at the body doing laps and I knew exactly who it was.
I’d been momentarily taken aback, like one was when you came across someone in a place where you weren’t expecting them to be. Then I’d been happy over the fact she was here, and then when I realized she was skinny dipping in the pool, I felt something completely different.
I hadn’t wanted to startle her, but I also knew if I let her get out of the pool without alerting her to the fact I was there, she’d murder me.
“Damon,” she squeaked. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed a vacation … some time to clear my head, and your mother suggested I come here,” I said, lifting her bathrobe and walking to the top of the stairs.
I turned my head, averting my eyes and fighting the urge to peek as I heard the water sloshing off her body as she ascended and grabbed the robe from my hand. I waited a few beats until she said, “I’m dressed,” then turned back and looked at her.
“Hey,” I said softly, thinking how beautiful she looked under the glow of the moon, with her hair slicked back off her face. Her face had always been my favorite.
“Hey,” she replied, her tongue darting out nervously. “I’m gonna go put some clothes on and be right back.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, my grin turning devilish as my hands went to the button of my jeans. “I can even the playing field.”
Her eyes darted down and then quickly back up to my face.
“No, I’m good,” she croaked. “Why don’t you get more wine and I’ll be right back.”
After glancing at the table and noting the tray was low on cheese, I picked it up and went inside in search of the bottle she’d opened and more provisions. Once the tray was loaded back up, I grabbed an empty glass and the bottle and headed back outside.
By the time I’d poured us each a glass and was sitting in the other chair, Charlotte came scurrying back out.
She picked up her phone and read out loud, “Damon is there…” before turning to show me the screen with a laugh.
Charlotte sat across from me and picked up her glass.
“I should have been more suspicious when my mother insisted I come out here a few weeks early.”
“Yeah, me, too,” I replied with a chuckle. “Who knew her matchmaking skills were so advanced. But, seriously, don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair first thing in the morning.”
“What? No, Damon, you don’t have to go just because my mom pulled a fast one on us.”
“I don’t want to intrude on your time,” I said, thinking of her in the pool and realizing she had probably been looking forward to some alone time.
“You won’t,” she insisted. “I mean, come on. This house has like ten bedrooms, plus a guest house, plus a pool house. I think there’s enough room for the both of us.”
“I get the feeling you wanted to be alone…”
She took a sip of wine then said, “Yeah, I guess I did, a little. You were probably here for the same thing. But I also wouldn’t mind having someone to go to museums with … maybe have dinner.”
I inclined my head, thinking spending time with her alone in Italy sounded pretty fantastic.
“Only if you’re sure I won’t be putting you out. I’m more than happy to find an Airbnb nearby.”
“No, not at all. And that would just be silly. Save your money. There’s plenty of space for us both.”
I picked up my glass and raised it to her. “Thanks. Here’s to discovering Tuscany.”
“Cheers,” Char replied, clinking her glass to mine. “So, what brings you here, other than my meddling mother?”
I sat back with a sigh and looked out over the pool.
“I guess I needed a break. I’ve been going nonstop for years, and I thought taking a little down time to prioritize my goals in life was just what I needed. Plus, the chance to see the sights, eat the food, and immerse myself in the culture didn’t sound so bad. And I thought I’d find plenty of inspiration.”
“Mmmm, that all sounds perfect, and pretty in line with why I came early as well.”
“I agree that seeing some of those sights and sharing experiences with you also sounds wonderful, if you’re truly up for it,” I said softly, my gaze on her face to try and gauge her actual feelings on the subject.
“Absolutely,” she said easily, and I knew she was being forthright.
Maybe it was the romantic surroundings, or the need to not let such a rare opportunity pass, but I found myself leaning in a little closer and saying, “You know … I think this is the first time in our lives that we’re both single.”
Charlotte blinked rapidly, before saying cautiously, “Yeah…”
“I have a proposition for you,” I began, and when she simply stared, I bit back a smile and said, “We have three weeks before the family and friends storm the compound. What do you say we take that time to enjoy a romantic vacation together?”
Charlotte seemed to choke a bit before clearing her throat and asking, “What do you mean, together? Like, you want to have a fling?”
I gave a half shrug and said, “We don’t have to label it, but fling works as well as any other word. Call it a chance to enjoy the country, and each other, with no interruptions or outside influences.”
“I … I have to admit, I’m a little shocked right now. I didn’t think you thought of me that way.”
I lowered my voice and said, “C’mon, Char, you know that’s not true. I think we’ve both had thoughts over the years, we’ve just never been in a position to do anything about it.”
She put her glass down a little too forcefully, causing some wine to spill over the rim.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, her tone a little breathless.
I decided to give her some space after throwing a wrench into her evening and stood. “Think about it,” I said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek before adding, “Goodnight.”
With that, I took my glass and went inside, hoping she’d be open to my suggestion, even if I had taken her by surprise.