Page 40 of Burning Caine
“Of course not.” I chuckled. “She was always so quiet in class, sitting way up at the front. You know I was always at the back. And I look a little different now.”
“A little bit.” She laughed. “Do you still think you were overzealous on Saturday?”
“Would you believe she has a degree in Art History, studied with ARCA, and speaks Italian?”
“Sounds perfect for you.” She shoved me with her hip.
“Sì, except…” I put a hand on the door to open it, so I could step outside and not lose sight of her, but Sofia held me back.
“Except what?”
I ripped my eyes from Samantha to glance at my sister. “She’s only in Brenton for eight more months.”
“It’ll be a short marriage, then?” Sofia joked.
Samantha hoisted herself up into a massive vehicle.
“She drives a very large truck. How do you impress such a woman?”
“You’re Dr. Antonio Ferraro. Impressing women is what you do.”
“Not this one. She threw me off my game. She snapped at me, turned me down, and still I had a hard time not touching her.” I sighed. “I should have told her the truth about the painting.”
Samantha was finally pulling away.
“I have a feeling about this one, Sofia. I don’t want to mess it up. She’s nervous but fierce. If I push too hard, she’ll give her claims to Hailey. I must play it slow. This is the long game, sì?”
“No, Antonio, it’s not. You said she isn’t staying here permanently.”
I looked at her, an idea forming. “Wait. The painting she brought in Monday?”
“Yes, for Mason’s Gallery. It’s a small tear, should be quick. Alice will work on it next week.”
I let go of her shoulder as the excitement grew. “Samantha was worried it wouldn’t be done in time. I’ll start the repair right now.” I kissed her on the cheek and hurried back to the storage room. Small tear, easy work. I could finish it over the weekend and impress her with my restoration skills before I tried anything else.
“What was that mess?” asked Alice as I tore through the studio.
I stopped and pointed at her and Gianfranco. “Do you two have plans tomorrow evening?”
They looked at each other and nodded.
“Cancelled! Gianfranco, you are coming to dinner with me tomorrow night. Eight o’clock. Train Station.”
“What?”
In the storage room, I hauled out my phone and made reservations. I had to pull some strings, but it would be worth it. I would surprise her. Quick visit, just say hello. She would be with her uncle, in a happy mood. Away from work. Away from lies and disappointments.
I pulledNumber Veeout of its slot. This would be easy. And it would make Samantha Caine happy.
Chapter 15
Antonio
“HowdoIlook?”I ran my hands down the black suit jacket, ensuring it would be perfect.
“Like the most handsome man here, as always.” Gianfranco took a sip of his Scotch. “Why did I give up an evening with Alice for this?”
I scanned the white neoclassical-themed dining room. The crowd was elegant, and I couldn’t wait to see what Samantha was wearing. It was an exclusive restaurant, but it was a family dinner, so something not too extravagant. She’d worn pants each time I saw her. Would it be the same or would she wear a dress?