Emily wanted Gabriella and herself out of the depressing room and into the sunlight. She threw her arms around Gaby, and they hugged one another tight. Their embrace was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Gaby, may I come in, please?”
Gaby shook her head no and grabbed Emily’s hand. “It’s Jack. What should I do?” she whispered.
Emily whispered back, “Let him in, of course. You know you want to. Do you want me to leave?”
“Absolutely not!”
“Gaby, I know you’re in there. I beg you not to turn me away.”
Emily rose from the bed and smoothed her skirt. With her hand on the doorknob, she looked back at Gaby, who was running her fingers through her hair, neatening it as best she could. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Emily swung the door open. Jack’s gaze shifted from her to Gabriella. He looked confused and unsure of what would come next, but seemed to quickly regain his composure.
With his shoulders back and the intensity of his gaze fastened on Gaby, he began. “I’ve been a complete ass, and I’m sorry. I beg you to forgive me.” It was apparent he’d given what he said immense thought.
Emily nodded, looking pleased. “That’s a very good start, my lord.” She closed the door behind Jack. “Don’t you think so, Gaby?”
“I-I…” The tears that had all but dried up sprang forth replenished, and Gaby wiped at her eyes. “I’m sorry too.”
“Oh, bother,” said Emily. “You have nothing to apologize for, so please don’t. Frankly, you two need to get your act together, as we have bigger problems to solve. Now, get on with it and kiss and make up.”
Gaby jumped from the bed and ran into Jack’s arms. “I love you Jack, but you must curb your suspicions and trust that I would never deceive you. If we don’t have trust, we have nothing.”
“I know you’re right. I promise I will never doubt you again. I’m just a fool.”
“That you are, my lord.” Emily giggled.
Chapter Thirty
Maremma, Italy
October 21, 1902
Jack closed hiseyes and opened his mouth.
“Holy hell, that’s simply scrumptious!”
“Do you want more?”
“I do!” He bent and kissed her lips.
“Jack! Your lips are all chocolatey.” Gaby erupted in giggles. “I might have to swirl this all over your body and lick it off.”
“Don’t even think about trying that again, my lady.” He helped himself to another bite and shook the spoon at her. “You don’t think I’d stop you, do you?”
“Remember, what’s good for the gander is good for the goose,” Gaby said, licking the chocolate from the spoon.
Watching her made him hard. Never had he thought the kitchen could be a place for sensual delight, until Gaby came into his life. And now it was his favorite place to spend time with her. Next to in his bed, of course.
Gaby had made him breakfast and concocted something he’d never seen or tasted before, and he couldn’t stop eating it. The eggs and fried pancetta were delicious, and the fruit-filled crepes were lighter than air; but the chocolate and hazelnut spread tasted simply decadent.
“You know we could make a fortune producing this on a large scale.”
Gaby chuckled. “Yes, we could. But I didn’t come up with this idea. It’s called Nutella, and it will be invented by an Italian baker named Pietro Ferrero in about forty-five years. So, it wouldn’t be right to deprive him of that. Besides, the Ferrero family will go on to make wonderful and amazing treats for the entire world to enjoy. Trust me on this.”
