"Mezzuti might not be the best choice," Cade said. "He would build a large hotel, perhaps not in keeping with the needs of the island. And they are weakened as a company after their recent attempt to diversify into apartment buildings. I fear they would default on payment."
Marco paled and changed the subject abruptly. "But you, Cade. What would you build?"
Cade thought for a moment, a picture coming to life in his mind.
"The island is close to Italy. Guests can be ferried out to the island, or arrive by helicopter. The charms of the island will appeal only to an exclusive clientele. One with money."
The current hotel was primitive and basic. He'd gotten a good feel for it when he checked in. It was pleasant, sure. But it lacked the comforts of life the rich traveler would consider essential. Like air conditioning, twenty-four hour room service, and a fleet of drivers available round the clock to ferry guests wherever they wanted to go. All Cade's hotels had Michelin starred restaurants.
"I have concerns about Mezzuti," Marco admitted, interweaving his hands on top of the blanket. "The island is unspoiled, traditional. My family has lived here for generations." He gazed out at the sea as the sea breeze lifted his white hair, like ruffling the feathers of an eagle in flight. "And family should be the most important factor."
"I agree."
Making sure his family was secure drove every business decision Cade made. Money was the answer to everything. His mother and sisters would never need for anything ever again. Their security was his responsibility. He didn't see them often, what with the pressures of business, but they emailed regularly, which in Cade's mind was the best option.
Marco's gaze pinned Cade's. "I must sell. If not to you, to Mezzuti. And soon after the wedding."
"Can you tell me why?" Cade asked.
"Financial concerns." Marco's lips flattened into a thin line. "Family matters." He turned away and swallowed a mouthful of lemonade, effectively ending the conversation.
"And Adam?" His best friend was joining the business. Surely he needed to know about these financial concerns.
"Adam is a good boy. He will be an asset to The Bellucci Winery. However, these matters do not concern him. I must ask you to keep our discussions private, Cade."
The older man looked tired. Tired and beat.
"The only person who is aware of the financial issues is Melo. I have mentioned the possibility we might sell some land, but I haven't told her I intended talking to you about it." Marco's eyes flicked to Cade's again. Pinned him with their dark intensity. "I must ask you not to discuss it with her. As her father, that it my responsibility."
Cade nodded.
Marco's eyes closed, and his forehead creased in a frown. "I must rest. Can you please tell the doctor I need to go back inside?" His face paled, making the black smudge of shadow under his eyes stand out in stark contrast. A pinched smile stretched his mouth. "There are swimming costumes in the changing huts next to the pool. Why don't you take advantage of one and go for a swim? This heat … " Marco waved a hand weakly in the air.
"I will, Marco. Thank you. I'll fetch the doctor."
Cade rose to his feet and strode into the house. He couldn't let Marco sell to Mezzuti. But how could he justify buying a beach and not building on it?
****
Melo ran her fingers through the swathe of hair that tumbled down her back and groaned aloud. The figures confirmed her father's bleak analysis, and figures didn't lie. Ever. She shoved the chair back, and strode on stiff legs to the window. Disappointment warred through her, clenching at her innards, and roiling her stomach contents. How could Papa have been so stupid?
Adam had spent weeks evaluating the future requirements of the business and, on the basis of his report, the winery had ordered vitally needed new equipment. Someone had to break the news that they couldn't pay for it all.
Melo rubbed at her throbbing temples. She was pretty sure she knew who that poor sucker would be, too.
The golden sun's rays beat off the glimmering mica-shot gravel outside the window. Calling to her. Marco was inside, resting. The sound of the doctor's deep tones as he helped his charge inside earlier had drifted in from the corridor. The villa was deserted, with everyone out on the boat tour of the island. And the silken water of the swimming pool lured like a seductive siren's song. She left the nightmare behind, and climbed upstairs to slip into the white bikini.
Silken water glittered enticingly, little sliver sparks reflecting off its smooth surface. All was silent, but for the familiar sound of cicadas, and the song of a bird, circling high above. Melo tossed her robe onto the lounger and strode toward the pool, leaning to trail a hand in the clear water. It was cool, inviting. Just what her body yearned for after the hours spent locked away with the paperwork. She pulled in a deep breath, and dived in.
The water enveloped her in its cool grip, and her arms moved smoothly, propelling her under the surface. When her lungs protested the lack of air, she broke surface. Even though it had been months since she'd swum, she could still cover half the pool's length in a single lungful of air. She flipped onto her back, staring up at the sky and letting her mind go blank as she floated.
Her mind drifted back to the previous evening. And Cade. He'd effortlessly stepped in when the driver had been unable to fulfill his obligations, and without his help she wouldn't have gotten any sleep at all. Her lips tingled, remembering the feel of his. It had been hectic, once everyone wanted to leave. A constant stream of guests to be ferried down the hill toward the hotel. They'd been separated, but she hadn't been able to stop thinking of him.
Later tonight there was the party in the old Palazzo on the hill. The owner Signora Bettina was Rosa's godmother and had graciously offered to host a dance in her ballroom. She'd even refused all offers of help, stating her butler and well-trained staff had it all under control. All Melo had to do was look gorgeous, and the teal ball gown she'd spent a month's salary on in Florence did that for her.
"Hi, Melo."
Her stomach muscles crumpled, and she jackknifed, arms wind milling wildly. Her mouth opened in a surprised O as she sank under the surface. She swallowed a gutful and emerged spluttering.
Cade stood on the pool's edge. At the sight of the acres of smooth golden skin on display, her heart stuttered and stopped. Those had to be the tiniest swimming trunks, ever. She'd always had him down as a board shorts kind of guy, but the black trunks, slung low on sculpted hips, were a definite improvement. She cleared her throat, and forced her gaze upwards. Across his flat stomach, and the impressive clutch of muscles. To his chest, and the incredible expanse of wide shoulders.
She swallowed. Even in her most outlandish fantasies, Cade hadn't looked this good.
He walked down the steps into the pool. Slowly. Talk about poetry in motion. And what was she doing? Treading water while she stared at him like a star-struck virgin. She swam into shallower water, needing the stability of the pool's bottom under her feet. In danger of drowning at the heated look in his eyes.
She swallowed and forced out a croak. "I thought you were on the trip." She needed to take back some of the control he'd wrenched from her, just by being there. Just by being Cade.
"I decided to skip it. Too tired."
He grinned, looking anything but.
Melo swirled her arms in the water. "I decided to come out and see your father. He's not looking too bad."
He stepped closer, and the water temperature raised a couple of degrees at his nearness.
Cade and Marco had always got on. It was good of him to think of the older man, stuck in bed on such a glorious day. Caring. Warmth welled up, cresting in her smile.
"He suggested I go for a swim, so … " He shrugged. "I'm surprised to see you here; I thought you'd be with the others today."
In the past, she'd opened her heart to Cade. Told him her dreams and innermost thoughts. Things had changed. The burden of the secrets she was carrying weighed heavily on her shoulders.
"I was tired too." Her fingers played with the strap of her bikini top, suddenly aware of its brevity. His gaze followed the movement.
"I like the swimsuit." Passion blazed in his gaze and he stepped closer. The moment expanded as he honed in like an Exocet.
She wanted his kiss. Yearned for it. But here, alone, things could rapidly get out of control. She swung her arms in the water, drenching him with a splash. For a moment, time stopped as his eyes widened in surprise, then the pirate grin spread across his face.