He’d always regretted that he’d never thought to ask.
Leo ignored the sensation, one that had plagued him unrelentingly in the years since his mother had died. Today wasn’t about that past, but the present.
‘You’ve been the international man of mystery today,’ Simone said. ‘Where are we going?’
‘You’ll see.’
‘That’s not helpful.’
Leo winked. ‘I recommend living in the moment. Trust me.’
Simone’s cheeks seemed to flush a gratifying shade of pink, a reaction he enjoyed a little too much. Of course, it could also have been the sun radiating warmth against her skin.
The purpose of today had been two-fold. He’d thought Simone might enjoy some time exploring one of the area’s natural treasures. Then there was their impending dinner with the Tessitores. His marketing manager reported that the Silvestris had been wining and dining the family at some of Milan’s finest venues. Acid burned in Leo’s gut and he gritted his teeth. It was imperative their dinner tomorrow was successful and yet Simone remained a little reticent around him. Moments of trust and closeness like when the paparazzi had been photographing them and she’d sunk into his arms, then moments of pulling away. It was enough to fool the public in a photograph, likely not enough in a more intimate setting as the dinner would be. They needed something more. To cement an understanding between them that they hadn’t truly achieved as employer and employee.
Today was meant to be fun, enjoyable. Reaching a kind of familiarity with one another, when to date they’d only ever been about work.
‘Would it help if I told you we’re visiting a place not open to the public, owned by one of my clients?’
‘You mixing work with pleasure doesn’t surprise me at all. That’s who you are.’
The comment stung, even though it was fair. But in the end, it had been his desire never to be cold or hungry again that drove him to succeed where so many others had failed. Whilst there were a thousand things he needed to atone for, he wouldn’t apologise for that.
Leo steered the vintage wooden motor launch towards a private jetty just visible in the distance. Simone matched the vibe of the day without even realising it. In white canvas shorts and a pretty blue and white polka-dot top. Her hair in a high ponytail, tied with a blue scarf. Wearing sneakers in a blue and white polka dot too, a hint of whimsy that surprised him given she always seemed buttoned up so tight. Add in some oversized sunglasses and a beachy looking wicker and leather bag and she looked like the perfect sixties starlet. He wondered what the fashion magazines might say about her today? They’d likely think the same as him in this moment.
She was perfect.
It shocked him that for two years he hadn’t really noticed her appearance at all when now, he had trouble looking away. There was far more to Simone than she’d ever let on in the office. The woman had been as cool and opaque as the finest Carrara marble. Yet for him, he would only be able to admire from afar. Whilst Leo believed she enjoyed him telling her she was beautiful, their interactions would remain forever distant because that’s what she wanted. So did he. Not to ruin a perfect working relationship or risk the deal with Tessitore he so fervently desired.
‘Are you going to give me even a teensy hint of what’s so special?’
‘There,’ he pointed as the historic villa came into view, rising above the treetops beside the lake. Its famed terraced gardens now obvious.
‘Wow.’
That was a common reaction. The house was passed by most boating tours of the lake and was a favourite with its classical style of columns and arches. However, the true treasure of the place wasn’t the house, as magnificent as it was, but the natural wonder the gardens held.
He pulled the launch up to the private jetty and jumped out, tying up the boat. Then he turned. Simone stood looking down at him as if getting ready to jump down herself.
‘Let me help you,’ he said.
‘Oh. Sure.’
Leo reached up, his hands spanning her slender waist. Taking her weight as she hopped down. Their bodies close, closer. She didn’t appear to be moving, like the day seemed to have paused on this moment. He should let her go, yet why didn’t he want to?
‘You okay?’ he asked instead.
He was just steadying her, that was all. Her lips parted as if Simone was trying to take in more air. He wished he could see her eyes. How stormy grey they were in this moment, which seemed charged with something electric.
‘Signor and Signora Zanetti. Welcome!’
The voice came from behind him. Leo released Simone and she swayed a little. He gently took her elbow and turned to see a man striding down the dock.
‘My name’s Guido and I’m the caretaker. I hope you both had a good journey?’
Leo shook the man’s hand and Simone smiled. She made such a glorious picture against the vibrancy of the lake, her blonde hair gleaming like gold in the sunshine.
‘I don’t think I can imagine anywhere much more beautiful,’ she said, looking around out over the water, up towards the house.
