Page 111 of The Strength Of A Woman

“You look great,” he says. “I’ll be ready in a moment. I need to shower first.”

Listening to the running water, I move closer to the window and look out.

His men have dinner in a gazebo. Sixteen people around a big table.Another table is set not far.

They grill food, have drinks, and are loud.

It’s a nice atmosphere, sensorially overloaded, and I wonder if I’m ready for it.

Life will get you ready––a thought whispers in my head.

A few moments later, a smell of aftershave wafts into the room.

I turn around just as he exits the bathroom, wearing riding pants, a tailored shirt, a riding jacket, and boots, his gun visible.

He’s making no secret of it.

I make no comments as I take him in and study his face.

His eyes sparkle with a smile.

“Ready?” he asks, fastening his buckle.

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you going to be cold?”

He tilts his eyes toward my shoulders.

“I also packed a blanket and two pillows.”

A smile curves his lips.

“You want us to spend the night over there?”

“Yes. Why not?”

“Let’s go.”

He signals to the door, and minutes later, we ride into the night, heading to a place different than the one we visited today.

One that I’ll like even better, he assures me.

The one he’s picked is a little closer to the house, but far enough that the noise and the lights can’t interfere with our quiet evening.

The hooves rhythmically hit the ground as we ride down a dirt road, veer right, and enter an oasis of greenery.

The smell of the earth fills my nostrils, while a chorus of insects adds a layer of soothing background noise.

We let the horses nibble on the grass before we settle into a spot from which we can see Etna, the horizon, the sky with a multitude of stars, and the faint lights of the house in the distance.

He removes his jacket and his boots, making himself comfortable, while I set the plates down and show him what we have for dinner.

“You really like doing this?” he comments as he sits down and starts eating.

“I’ve never done it,” I reply, chewing on a slice of zucchini flavored with oregano, salt and pepper, and olive oil. “With someone,” I add, laughing. “I used to do it back at the house.”

I pick some cheese and taste it before drinking wine.