Two Hearts and a Villa

A twosome Thursday sample for you from the latest book

By Lucy Appadoo

Photo by Gildo Cancelli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/main-street-in-montepulciano-tuscany-italy-13901664/

Rose opened the passenger door of the taxi and brushed the sweat from her face, the humidity hitting her like a tornado. She walked behind the car and hefted her large overnight bag while the young driver pushed the suitcase towards her, nodding in her direction. “Thank you.” The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the hot smell of engines permeated the air around her as she failed to wheel her suitcase with ease. The cobblestone street with its crevices and uneven surface made it impossible for her to push her luggage. She was dripping like a tap.

Waiting for the driver to leave, her eyes darted further ahead to the small strips of shops, crowds bustling about, and weathered apartments in shades of cream, beige, and brown. Wine stores stocked shelves of assorted wines outside and small groups of people entered them. The cafes looked inviting.

She dragged the suitcase with her overnight bag balanced on top of it and gripped her handbag tight as she heaved, wishing she was already at the villa without having to cart her belongings around first. The real estate agent was meeting her at this café here in Montepulciano before she moved into the villa. They had seen each other on Skype, and the villa was only ten minutes from the centre. At least he promised to drive her to the villa afterwards.

With a parched throat, Rose leaned forward, almost tripping over her suitcase when strong arms pulled her upright.

“Are you all right?”

She turned to her side and gasped. Holy hell! Where did this beautiful specimen come from? The man flicked back his short, wavy, light brown hair featuring blonde highlights, and found herself drawn into his sea-blue eyes. Stubble over his chin and around his mouth enhanced his looks. His well-toned, muscled physique incited tingles in her chest. “Yeah, fine. Thanks.”

“Let me push this for you. Where would you like to go?”

She pointed to the café ahead with its cast iron chairs and square rickety tables underneath white umbrellas. Clay pots of brush were placed outside the café, but she couldn’t see Guido, the agent, anywhere. Where was he? She took a seat at a table while her rescuer sat opposite. She didn’t mind him joining her. It should be a crime to be that good-looking.

“Are you here on holiday?” he asked.

“Not exactly. I’m here visiting my old place. I lived here many years ago, and so many memories are coming back. It’s still a magical town.”

He nodded. “Oh, the best. I never tire of visiting the wine regions and beautiful countryside. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” His hands fidgeted. “Where is this place you’re staying at? I don’t mind helping you carry your luggage.”

A waiter with a moustache approached. “What can I get you?”

She leaned back. “I’ll have a limoncello please.” He turned to Mr. Beautiful, who shook his head. Those searing blue eyes caused a flutter in her stomach and her hands dripped even more with sweat. It was so hot here. “It’s only ten minutes away.” Given that she would most likely never see this man again, he appeared easy-going enough for her to share what was in her heart. “My great aunt recently died and…” She pushed back tears. “I inherited the old villa I lived in years ago. It’s a special place and I can’t imagine what it will feel like once I arrive. Amazing memories. It’s sentimental, you know?” She squared her shoulders. “I can’t believe these developers think it’s okay to tear down a house of history and beauty. Sharks.”

He averted his eyes. “I understand.” He cleared his throat. “Are you meeting someone here?”

“Yes. The agent. He should be here soon.”

A fleeting darkness flashed in his eyes as he leaned forward and put out his hand. “I’m Gianni. And you are?”

She smiled. “Rose.” The waiter returned with her bottle of limoncello and a glass and poured. “Do you live close by?”

“In Val d’Orcia, near Pienza, city of Siena. It’s only twenty minutes away, but I love to come to the centre and catch up with friends. I enjoy the assorted wines here.”

“Hmm. I don’t mind wine, but I do prefer the sweet ones. They’re hard to come by here in Montepulciano. I might have to change my tastebuds.” She angled her head. “What do you do in this amazing country?”

He nodded, shuffling his feet on the ground. “I’m part of the family business. We own a vineyard here in Montepulciano.” He handed her a business card. “If ever you want wine, drop in.” He beamed. “Anyway, I had better leave you with your agent. It was a pleasure meeting you, Rose.”

She hid her disappointment. The way he walked in his tight shorts and white fitted linen shirt caused her stomach to flutter. If there was a God, she might bump into him again. Would visiting Val d’Orcia near Pienza be on her agenda? But no. Was she mad? She wasn’t here for romance but rather a mission concerning the villa. A quick review of the place then she’d be back on a plane getting on with her life.

Rose picked up the business card and read it. Abbate Wines. The address was listed underneath, so could she visit? She wouldn’t mind buying some wine while she was here. It would only be a friendly visit.

Ten minutes after he left, Guido arrived. He was a young, handsome man with a slight paunch, a big smile, and friendly eyes. He waved. “Hello, Rose. Good to see you in person.” Shaking hands, she grinned as passers-by gazed in her direction, possibly noticing she was a tourist. “Let’s have a quick drink, then I’ll drive you to the villa. You must be tired and jet-lagged.”

A Steamy Holiday Romance (Billionaire Romance Series – Book 2)

From Tuscany with Love: A Heartfelt Journey of Deception and Romance.

Rose Terrini, a best-selling romance author, travels to Tuscany while struggling with the decision to sell her family villa in Italy.

Gianni Abbate, an ambitious property developer with big plans to sell the villa, meets her in the quaint village of Montepulciano. He conceals his true identity, a sudden complication the moment he realises his instant connection with Rose.

As Rose and Gianni develop a growing attraction, secrets surface and threaten their chance at love as they attempt to overcome their painful pasts. Can their budding romance survive the truth—or will deception tear them apart?

If you like holiday romance and secret identity stories that take you on a thrilling and heart-warming ride, you’ll love Two Hearts And A Villa, the second book in Lucy Appadoo’s Billionaire Romance Series.

Get it on Amazon.

Lucy Appadoo

Lucy Appadoo is a prolific reader. After a childhood spent reading and imagining escapist worlds, Lucy has put her imagination into stories. Her work as a rehabilitation counsellor, and former work as a counsellor in private practice, have led to an interest in writing inspirational stories about authentic, driven women who manage adversity with strength and heart. She writes in the genres of romantic suspense/thrillers with significant life themes and contemporary romance.

Lucy’s interests include researching crime stories and news to inspire her work, watching crime thrillers and suspenseful movies, travel, exercising, reading for entertainment or knowledge, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. She also appreciates her Italian background and culture, which has inspired her to write imaginative stories about her parents’ childhoods.

Check out Lucy’s website and sign up for a FREE suspenseful novel on her website.

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