Second Chance with His Princess, page 5
Pay attention, Luca. “Dr. Torriani.”
“From the prominent nobles of the Torriani family in Piedmont?”
“Not the same patriarchal line.”
“That explains why you’re not an architect or sculptor. But I’m thrilled you’re the renowned doctor Rolf told me about.”
“He’s paid to say that.”
Her familiar chuckle delighted him. “I happened to be in this area on business and know a child who’s in dire need of your particular skills.” The reference to business intrigued him. “Will you forgive me for intruding on your work long enough to make an appointment?”
Luca spread his arms. “As you can see, there are no more patients. Come in my office and we’ll talk about it.”
He glanced at the receptionist. “Buon weekend, Adele.”
“E tu, Dottore,” she said through gritted teeth.
They walked down the hall to his office. Once inside, he shut the door hardly able to believe she’d come. “Finally we have the time and space to talk about the things we didn’t have time for last weekend, Bella.”
She walked around studying his diplomas on the wall while he studied her tantalizing figure. “Columbus, Ohio. You spent all those years in the States studying medicine. You were so far away,” her voice trembled. He felt it to his bones.
“Not all. If you’ll notice the document behind my desk, I ended up in Freiburg, Germany, to do my residency.”
She turned to him. “How long have you practiced here?”
“A year and a half.”
She gave him a searching gaze. “What brought you to Saint Moritz?”
“You mean who. As soon as I was ready to go into practice, my father suggested I join a medical group here looking for a sports medicine doctor.”
He heard her mind working. “Don’t tell me. Your parents moved to Saint Moritz ten years ago.”
Luca nodded. “He and Mamma bought a home with an office where he sees patients. But enough about me. Why don’t you sit down and tell me what you’ve been doing all these years while I’ve been away from my favorite place on earth.”
She subsided into a chair near his desk. “You mean our own Garden of Eden?”
Their eyes fused. “Where else?”
“It’s still my favorite place too, Luca.”
The two of them loved to hike to a special grassy spot above the palace beneath arching tree branches full of leaves. Walking underneath made them feel like they’d entered a cathedral. There’d been something magical, even spiritual about it where they’d seen red deer wander through.
His brows arched. “Have you gone there often?”
She gazed at him through half-veiled lids. “Not since the last time you and I saw two adorable mountain hares living there.”
Cherished memories made this conversation hurt too much. He perched on a corner of his desk. “What’s the latest news from the palace?”
“Well, the honeymooners are in paradise, and Vincenzo’s former intended is going to marry the palace guard with whom she fell in love.”
“Sometimes good things do happen to the right people.”
She nodded. “Sometimes being the operative word.”
Bella, Bella. “Getting back to you, I want to catch up. I take it you finished high school. So, what did you do next?”
“Princess Constanza and I grew closer. Our parents had fits when we told them we wanted to attend college in Geneva to learn marketing management. They said a princess didn’t do that kind of work. We told them we were living in the modern age and needed some skills in case the revolution came.”
Luca burst into laughter. “I can hear you saying it. Only you would think of it. Did you prevail?”
“Yes, but we couldn’t neglect our princess duties or avoid meeting suitable future husbands.”
His lungs froze. “Prince Antonio for example.”
“Yes. Among others.”
Of course. Bella’s comment did nothing to help his troubled state of mind. “Tell me what you did after graduation.”
“We went to work for a regional manufacturing company.”
Incredibile. “You’re a wonder, Bella. I’m totally impressed. Are you still working there?”
“No. After a while we both turned in our resignations. She wanted to work in her family’s robotic business. I planned to work for my family’s timber company. I talked it over with Vincenzo and learned we Swiss don’t really export wood, so there was no market for me to build or expand the business outside the country. By then my parents insisted I head some charities and put my new skills to work organizing fundraising events.”
She’d aroused his curiosity. “You mentioned you were here on business. Last weekend you indicated the same thing.”
“Princess business, but I didn’t want to draw attention in front of your fascinated receptionist.”
“Your instincts were right on. Several days a week my father drops in to see me on my lunch hour and has developed a friendship with Adele. His motives are embarrassingly transparent.”
Bella’s eyes flashed purple. “I can see why. She’s a lovely brunette who couldn’t take her eyes off you. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s hoping to get the two of you together.”
“It’ll never happen.”
“Because someone else has captured your heart?”
His pulse raced. “Could be.”
An impish smile broke the corner of her luscious mouth. “All your father needs to hear is that I paid you a visit today.”
His father would find out before long. He had the instincts of a bloodhound. Luca got to his feet. “That reminds me. How did you come to be Alectrona Cossu?”
“I’m amazed Vincenzo never let it slip.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was named Princess Bella Alectrona Cossu Baldasseri. My grandmother on my mother’s side is a princess from the House of Cossu on Sardinia.”
“I know,” Luca murmured. “Vincenzo and I talked to her on several occasions when she visited with your family. She had a warmth that made it fun to be with her.”
“Now you know why I love her so much. She’s been an invalid and isn’t expected to live much longer. I talked to her last week and she has a horrible cough that means she could be verging on pneumonia.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It really frightened me.”
He heard the concern in her voice. “Maybe you need to fly there and see her.”
“I plan to.”
He cocked his head. “You still haven’t explained about Alectrona.”
“My mother wanted me to have the name Alectrona because she loves Greek mythology. My father wanted to call me Bella.”
“I don’t know why you couldn’t have told me all that years ago.”
“Because it’s too many names and ghastly. I’d rather be Bella, plain and simple. You should hear Constanza’s royal name. It’s longer and worse than mine.”
Bella had always made him laugh. Every time he was with her, he felt a renewal of life. “When did you get here?”
“I flew in on the helicopter this afternoon. The family thinks I flew to Lausanne to see Constanza. Once I checked into a hotel, I took a taxi here not knowing if you’d be available.”
Maybe he was dreaming, “How long can you stay?”
“I have to fly back to the palace tomorrow morning. I’m helping Mamma with my grandfather’s eighty-eighth birthday party.”
The weekend he’d been dreading was back on again. Luca only had tonight to be with her and explain certain facts. He removed his white coat and hung it in the closet. “We haven’t begun to talk. Are you hungry?”
“I am now.”
“I’ll drive us to a place outside town. They serve skewered beef, pizzocheri and truffle fondue to die for. We’ll leave by the rear entrance. My car is parked in the private lot in back.”
CHAPTER FOUR
BELLA HAD TAKEN up Luca’s offer to contact him. Now she intended to find out what had been behind that kiss.
She followed him out to his car, an older-model blue Alpha Romeo sedan. “I remember you and Vincenzo always loved talking about Italian cars like this one. You’ve remained loyal.”
“It’s been a reliable car.” He helped her in the passenger side. Once she’d buckled up, he drove them out of the alpine resort town of five thousand to a tiny village higher up in the mountains.
Saint Moritz had always been known as a winter paradise, but September had to be the perfect time of year to enjoy the fall before snow started to appear. Being alone with Luca like this was so exciting, she felt feverish.
They wound around a more isolated area and pulled up to a small off-road restaurant that looked more like a cottage. Half a dozen cars were clustered around. He parked the car.
“This is a surprise, Luca. You would never know it’s here.”
“Alf’s is Saint Moritz’s best-kept secret. Most tourists don’t know about it. That’s why I like it.”
Her gaze swerved to his. “How did you find it?”
“I’ve had a patient whose parents own it. When I can’t stand my own cooking, I eat at the hospital cafeteria, drop in at the folks or come here.”
“Where do you live?”
“In an apartment near my office.”
Bella would give anything to see it, but he would have to ask her. They both got out of the car and walked to the entrance. She ached for him to take her arm, anything—but he was careful not to touch her. All she could think about now was Luca’s mouth on hers with nothing to prompt it except years of suppressed desire on her part. And his? She needed to find out.
“Luca? Bainvegni! Co voi?” A welcoming male voice spoke Romansh as they walked inside. Bella watched a bearded, middle-aged man wearing an apron hurry over and hug Luca hard. A pair of warm blue eyes stared at Bella. “Aren’t you Pri—”
“A business associate,” Luca cut in. “Alf Engen, meet Signorina Cossu. She’s here on important business. Is your truffle fondue on tonight’s menu?”
“Always for you, along with Barolo wine. Come with me.”
The diners ate in booths shaped like horse-drawn sleighs. Bella smiled at Luca. “This place is as charming as the owner. No wonder you like to come here. He cares for you very much. Tell me about your patient.”
“Alf Jr. is a star hockey player. Last year he incurred an AC shoulder injury and the doctor wanted to operate. I was consulted and worked with him. No operation was needed and now he’s ready to play this season.”
“You worked your magic.”
“Dr. Torriani!” another male voice broke in on them. She turned her head to see an attractive dark blond guy in his twenties headed for their booth with their wine and fondue. “Papa said you were here with a blonde goddess. For once he wasn’t exaggerating.”
His eyes, a sea blue like his father’s, studied her with embarrassing male interest before serving them. “I understand you’re here on business. How long are you going to be in Saint Moritz? I’m free every night.”
Luca actually frowned. “Slow down, Alf. I’m afraid Signorina Cossu has other calls on her time.”
“I don’t doubt it, but since I have an in with you, how about cutting me a break. What are you doing tomorrow, signorina?”
“Tomorrow she’ll be busy.” Luca’s quick, less-friendly answer sent darts of delight through her body.
Alf grinned. “As long as it’s not with you, Doc, I can handle it until she’s free.” His gaze swerved to hers once more. “Where are you staying?”
“With her associates,” came the pointed answer.
“Okay, Doc. I was only asking. Guten appetit.” He winked at Bella.
When he’d disappeared, she looked at Luca. “He’s a handful.”
Luca swallowed his wine. “Does this happen with every male you meet?”
She took a sip of hers. He sounded jealous. “I was going to ask you a similar question. In case you didn’t know, I planned my visit to your office hoping you’d still be there, and alone. Does every good-looking female staff member stick around after hours, praying you’ll take them home?”
“Praying? Your choice of words breaks me up, Bella. Why don’t we change the subject? If you were able to stay in Saint Moritz tomorrow, I’d ask you to take a hike with me. I thought we’d follow the Fuorcla Surlej trail. You’d love all the meadows and wildflowers. Further up you’d see the Tschierva glacier.”
“Stop!” she cried with a smile. “You’re torturing me.” It was torture to hear his plans for them if she could stay. She ate the last of her food and finished her wine. “Please tell the owners that’s the best fondue I’ve ever eaten.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He put some money on the table. “Let’s go while it’s still busy around here. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get rid of you-know-who so easily.”
Bella noticed that since Luca’s former patient hadn’t returned, it appeared he’d gotten the message. You didn’t mess with Luca.
* * *
Relieved to be back in the car, Luca drove them into Saint Moritz, the playground of athletes and the affluent including royals like Bella’s family. Night had fallen. He chose an isolated spot along the shore of Lake Saint Moritz.
“I brought you here because we can’t go to my apartment or your hotel room. The pictures of you with me would be plastered all over the news tomorrow. I don’t want to be the man to upset the royal family.”
“And your father.”
“He doesn’t run my life any longer. That’s all over. I had a private talk with my mother last Sunday. She had no idea what my father and your mother did until Vincenzo told her.”
“My brother?”
“Yes. While I was in Ohio, he went to her out of love for all of us. I knew deep down she wasn’t responsible. She admitted she’s been very unhappy with my father ever since.” He had yet to tell Bella about the letters his father had torn up. Luca didn’t have the heart to tell her that yet.
“Oh, Luca. The poor thing.”
“It’s a great relief to know the truth. That’s why a day in the mountains would have been the prescription for what ails us.”
“Except we don’t have a disease that can be fixed that way,” she reasoned. “We were cruelly torn apart by forces beyond our control at the time so we couldn’t even say goodbye. But that doesn’t have to be the case now, does it?”
His heart thudded. “What’s on your mind?”
“We’re both over twenty-one and in charge of our own lives. We’re free to live the way we want. Do you think you could get away from your work next weekend? At least for one night?”
“You mean like old times,” he murmured.
“Not exactly like that since Vincenzo won’t be with us. I always wanted to camp out alone with you.” Something was going on with Bella he didn’t understand, but he was excited about it. “We’ll eat the fish we catch, study the constellations with your telescope and visit our own Garden of Eden to see if the mountain hares are still living there.”
Good heavens... This woman had turned into temptation itself, heedless of the consequences to her. He had no magic power to erase her from his consciousness and didn’t want to. Over those early years Bella had become part of his DNA.
He turned to her. “I’ll come to Scuol next Saturday and go home Sunday.” It was only a fifty-five-mile drive. “If you can find a way to meet me at the Garage Lishana on La Via de la Staziun at nine a.m., we’ll leave for the mountains from there.”
“Isn’t that where you had a part-time job?”
“You know it is. For a couple of years, yes. I’ll bring all the gear we’ll need.”
Her eyes glowed purple fire. “I’ll tell Mother I have to be away overnight on official business. Then I’ll leave my car for a checkup and get in your car.”
“Official business, eh? I’m waiting to be enlightened.”
“Have you got all night?” She sounded serious rather than playful, arousing his curiosity no end.
“Unfortunately, no. I still have patients I need to call before it gets any later. But next Saturday I want to hear it all.”
“You may be sorry. Please don’t let me hold you up any longer, Luca. I’m staying at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.”
He started the car again and drove to the center of the town. “A ton of journalists hang around there waiting for celebrities to show up and make their day. One sight of Princess Baldasseri with a local will create a frenzy.”
“Which is why I’ll ask you to drop me off at that next corner. I’ll walk the rest of the way.”
“I’ll follow you in the car until I see you’re safely inside.”
“Don’t worry about me. My bodyguard is always following me, and I carry this in my purse for protection.” She pulled out a pocket-sized version of bear spray even though there weren’t any.
She needed that kind of protection. “Whoa.” Luca laughed. “If Alf Jr. had any idea.” He pulled over to the curb.
Bella put it back in her purse with a smile and looked over at him. “I’ve had the most wonderful evening in ten years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ll never know how much I’ve needed to see you for closure.”
But Luca did know, having suffered from the same agony. He leaned across her to open the passenger door. Her fragrance assailed him. “I’ll see you next Saturday.” On their campout he’d tell her what happened to the letters.
She rolled those fabulous violet eyes. “We can hope, but after our history, there could be interference. I won’t believe it until I see you again face-to-face.”
He couldn’t let her go like this, not after remembering what had happened ten years ago. “I’ll give you a call if something untoward comes up.”
