Page 163 of Play of Love
"For inspiration," he added confirming my thoughts. I couldn't help the little smile that played at the corner of my mouth, neither could I help the odd little flutter that stirred within my as I continued to gaze at him.
"We'll be there very soon." The driver announced. His voice broke the moment in their stare, and I looked away.
Soon, came very quickly, but I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
The luxurious villa they approached looked like something from a fairytale. Like Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. Like it was created within a fantasy, and with the scenic landscape around it, I was more inclined to believe I'd fallen asleep and drifted into a dream.
The villa was beautifully positioned on the hillside with a panoramic view of the sea in the background displaying enticing crystalline waters. It was perfectly elegant with its cream and burgundy coloring, Roman tiles that laid adjacent to each other on the roof and decorative wooden casement windows. I marveled at the pristine lawn with olive trees, pomegranates and oak trees adorning it, and the flowerpots on the walls attached by wrought iron baskets.
"Casa di Sabbia." The driver declared, but I already knew its name. I'd seen it in the brochure and thought if I were rich enough this would undoubtedly be the first place I'd book. Sure I made a very good income from my music, but it was only in the last three years that my composed music had made it to concerts that brought people in. I was by no means rich.
Gage, on the other hand, was another story. It hadn't occurred to me before how wealthy he must have been. But, of course, he would be. He was the all-star quarterback for the L.A Gladiators. People like him weren't only worth a fortune, they made a fortune too.
We pulled up outside the front and got out. Lucy was in so much shock she hadn't spoken.
"Grams are you okay?" Gage asked slipping his arm around her.
"You booked us in the Casa di Sabbia?" Lucy asked gazing up at him.
"I figured since we're going to be here for a while we may as well be comfortable. We have the place to ourselves."
"The whole place?"She asked taking in a breath. He nodded.
"Yeah I thought you two may want to play some music and I didn't want you worrying about disturbing anyone. Open space and plenty of room."
All I could do is stare at him.
"Gage this is amazing." Lucy gave him a big hug. I could have hugged him too but thought I'd probably touched him enough for one day.
"Signora may I help you up the steps?" The taxi driver asked Lucy.
"Si grazie." Lucy smiled taking his outstretched arm, while he lifted her suitcase.
"Thank you," I said to Gage. His blue gaze focused on me and I watched in fascination as the corners of his mouth slid up into a sexy smile.
"You're welcome." The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame.
"I have to pay my way on this one." I told him.
"No, you don't." His smile widened.
"It's the Casa di Sabbia. Yes, I do." I nodded firmly.
"This trip's on me Evie. You offered to come to Italy without even thinking about it. It's the least I can do."
I wanted to protest, but the spark in his eyes made me stop. "Thank you."
I pulled in a breath as I watched his gaze take me in. "Is there any chance at all you could forget about this morning?"
It was wishful thinking, total wishful thinking, but I thought I'd ask. He replied with a laugh.
"No," he simply imparted. I felt my mouth fall open.
"Could you at least pretend?" Anyone else I was sure would say sure, let's forget about it. But no, not Gage. It was amazing how I could go from being fascinated with him at one point to being well and truly annoyed.
He turned up his smile a notch and gave me a cheeky look as he said, "no."
"Why not?" I pouted with a frustrated sigh. My face flushed with humiliation now, and anger at myself.
