He hadn’t shown this side to her yesterday. He’d been arrogant, gruff, and insinuated she was some sort of “loose woman” who’d shown up to cause trouble. Clearly, there was another side to Jack. And that revelation shook Gabriella to the core.
In fact, she recognized an affinity in their natures. He clearly had a passion for music, just as she had a passion for cooking. Was he a good guy beneath his arrogant exterior? It awoke a curiosity in Gaby to delve deeper into the makeup of the man, and an impromptu vision of lying beneath him stole her breath. Her thighs pressed together as she tried to control the sudden arousal that grabbed hold of her.
Madonna! Get a grip, Gaby!
Her physical reaction to Jack was quite unlike her. She’d never had this issue in the past with men. She hated being set up on dates by well-meaning friends and relatives, and loathed dating apps. She preferred to spend most of her time in the kitchen developing recipes and trying new dishes, or at the gym. Other than the waiters and male kitchen staff, who were more like brothers to her, she had little to do with men and had next to no social life. Maybe that was why her reaction to Jack was so strong? She had to tread carefully regardless of her physical attraction and her curiosity about him.
The piano and cello chased each other in a series of repetitive crescendos, filling every corner of the room, and then it was over. The last notes hung in the air as if disappointed that the instruments would dare not continue, allowing them to disappear into nothingness. Silence descended.
More than anything, Gaby wished she could hear more of the magical music. She felt lightheaded, as if she’d had a climax and her body, having reached its ultimate contentment, now relaxed, wanting to do nothing more than reflect on what just happened.
Without thinking, immersed in a blissfulness she’d rarely ever felt, Gaby applauded.
The formidable giant who held the cello jumped up and turned his steely gaze on her. Gaby’s heart thundered in her chest, and she leaped up from the seat she’d taken in the back of the room.
But rather than acknowledge her with a gracious bow, Jack speared her with an angry gaze. “What are you doing here? Do you always intrude where you are not wanted?”
“Oh, Jack, stop acting like an ogre,” Aunt Kitty scolded. “The young lady is merely showing her appreciation.” With a flick of her wrist, she dismissed her nephew and turned to Gaby with a warm smile. “How do you feel today, my dear?”
Gaby tried not to wither from the intensity of Jack’s scornful glare. His mouth clamped shut after his aunt’s reprimand. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but the music was so beautiful. I had no intention of causing trouble by intruding. Please forgive me.” An errant tear slipped from her eye, and she hastily brushed it away, hoping the ogre didn’t notice it. Trying to gather her composure, she straightened her shoulders and avoided looking at Jack.
He might look like a golden god, but he acted like a sullen schoolboy.
“Don’t be silly; music needs an audience. I am happy you enjoyed our practice,” said Lady Darling. “We will be playing a short recital on Saturday for our guests after what will no doubt be a stimulating dinner party. As long as you are a guest in this household, you are welcome to partake in whatever activity you choose. I do hope you will join us.”
“Thank you, your ladyship. I would love to hear that piece again. May I ask the composer?”
“It is Brahms’s Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38,” Jack said in a less blustery tone. “Er, my aunt is right.” He cleared his throat. “Music without an audience does not fulfill its purpose.” He offered nothing more, no apology, simply stared at her.
Why is he looking at me like that? Like he’s blaming me for something.She’d done nothing wrong and had arrived here through no fault of her own. Of course, she couldn’t admit that to Jack or Lady Darling, especially without telling them the truth. The old adage,the truth shall set you free, sure as heck didn’t apply here.
“Jack, since you insist on presenting your least appealing self to Signorina D’Angelo, I believe you should keep her company while she breaks her fast,” Lady Darling said. “Perhaps your mood will improve with a hearty breakfast. Come, my dear—the music has awakened my appetite.”
She disarmed Jack of his cello and bow and placed them on their stand. Taking Gaby’s hand, she called over her shoulder, “Come along, Jack. I have no idea what has been going through your mind recently. Signorina D’Angelo is deserving of our hospitality and welcome.”
Jack snorted. “Aunty, you are ever mindful of the feelings of others. I may not always agree with your assessment of their character, but I will acquiesce to your judgment until such a time as I find your kindness ill-used.”
Gaby glanced back and found his penetrating gaze on her. He did nothing to hide his suspicions that perhaps Gaby might be one of those nebulous “ill users.” Though clearly reluctant and dour, he followed Gaby and Lady Darling from the music room.
Chapter Five
Maremma, Italy
October 17, 1902
Lady Darling chattedamiably about the dinner party she was planning and the guests soon to arrive. Gaby didn’t understand why, but the gracious lady treated her like an equal and a friend. Perhaps she lacked friends in this remote area of Italy, or she was simply one of the kindest people Gabriella had ever met.
Jack trailed behind them, offering nothing to the conversation, and when Gaby glanced back at him, their eyes met. Before he looked away, she sensed he’d been watching her, which triggered a blast of heat that climbed her neck and filled her cheeks.
“Constance Shipley is an American, like you. She’s from Boston, I believe,” Lady Darling said. “She will be arriving today with her companion Blossom Rosalind. According to the art dealer Stefano Bardino, who will also be joining us from Florence, Constance is a major collector of Renaissance art and is here on a buying expedition.”
Gabriella’s ears perked up when Kitty mentioned Renaissance art, and she forgot her discomfort. The words of Marco Allegretto and his muse echoed in her mind:Devi aiutarci!You have to help us. Trust in your destiny.Whatever strange supernatural forces had brought her here, perhaps it had something to do with the upcoming dinner and, more importantly, the dinner guests. This wealthy American woman and the art dealer from Florence were possibly linked to Allegretto’s artwork.
But why me?How was she meant to help Allegretto and his muse, and to what end? Gaby felt like some sort of newbie undercover agent who’d been parachuted into a mysterious case she had no idea how to solve. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But this was not a James Bond movie. Even if she somehow figured out how to help Allegretto, which was a very big if, how would she find her way back to her life in the future? Would Allegretto come for her?Otherwise, how else am I supposed to get home?
Her chest constricted. Thinking about her family back in Chicago and how worried they must be gave her heartburn. Gaby always checked in with her mom, every day. And it had been more than twenty-four hours since she’d been hurtled back in time. Her mom must have called Em and Jen to find out what was happening by now.
