“Have you ever considered retiring from teaching and working full time here?”

“Yes, many times. When I first started to look in the area, that was exactly my plan, but Na—well, she was completely against the idea. Then the separation happened.”

“Before I decided to come to LA to study at DuBose, I briefly considered taking sommelier classes and studying more about the wine business. But the appeal to study far away from my family won out. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by the film industry.”

“You had no idea who I was, did you?” I ask, not that it would matter if she did.

“No. Your show didn’t air in Italy. Plus, you look so different now. Is that why you’re never clean-shaven? To avoid recognition?”

“In part. Nadine wanted me to remain recognizable for her own benefit, and it grated on my nerves. I don’t like talking about my past celebrity life.”

“Because of your friend Jamie?”

I nod.

Chiara stops in front of me, rising on the tips of her toes to kiss me. “Let’s talk about something else, then.”

I’m glad she doesn’t push to know more, unlike many people I know. Her attitude makes me want to share everything with her, even my darkest parts.

“No. I don’t want to keep secrets from you. If you have questions, ask away.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t have specific questions. I just want you to know I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Do you know why I feel so in debt to Forrester? Why I can’t walk away from my position at DuBose in the middle of the school year?”

“Because you’re friends?”

“That too, but most importantly because he saved my life. After Jamie died, I was in a very dark place. Hanging out with the wrong crowd, drinking too much, doing drugs. I almost killed my mother when I got us into a car wreck. I was stupid drunk that day.”

Her eyes water. “Oh, Alistair. I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, me too. The guilt still eats at me. I was lucky enough to get a lenient judge who sentenced me to community service and mandatory therapy. Forrester was my therapist, and he helped me more than he knows. I went to rehab, got clean, and walked away from showbiz.”

She cups my cheek. “I’m so grateful you were able to find yourself again.”

“I don’t think I have, not yet. But I know I can with you by my side.”

Her breath catches. She’s staring at me like a deer caught in headlights, making me think that maybe she wasn’t ready for that truth.

“I’m sorry. Too mushy?” I add quickly.

“No, not at all. I like corny love declarations.”

“Oh, so I’m corny now, huh?” I bring her flush to my body.

She rests her face against my chest and inhales deeply. “Yes, very much so.”

Desire is quickly spreading through my body, but I have to ignore my hardening cock for a while longer. There’s one more thing I want to do before I bring Chiara back to the guest house.

Taking a step back, I pull a little wrapped box from my jacket pocket.

Chiara focuses on the gift before she lifts her eyes to mine. “What’s that?”

“Something I got for you back in Italy and never had the chance to give you.”

With eager hands, she takes the package from me. I hold my breath as I watch her expression change from curiosity to utter shock.

“You got me the bracelet like Bisnonna’s.” She looks at me with bright eyes.

I nod. “Do you like it?”

She throws herself in my arms, wrapping her hands behind my neck and kissing me hard. I match her passion beat by beat until my erection is straining painfully against my jeans.

Breathlessly, she pulls back and says, “I love it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Goldi.”

“You know what? I’m feeling a little tired.” She smiles shyly at me.

I brush my lips against hers. “Me too. I think a nap sounds good right about now.”

39

Chiara

Duncan and Molly have gone to bed already, and it’s just Alistair and me on the back porch. Us and the stars. The air is chilly, but Alistair said starting a fire is too dangerous this time of the year. I’m snuggled up against him though, and a warm blanket covers us. Plus, the mulled wine is helping keep us toasty.

I look around and sigh. “No wonder you fell in love with this place. It’s lovely and so peaceful.”

“Yeah. I’m surprised you enjoy the quiet though. I thought you were a city girl.”

“I am, but lately, I’m enjoying places not blemished by noise and pollution more and more. I guess I’m getting old.”

Alistair chuckles, a low rumble that shakes his chest. “You’re only eighteen.”

I glance up, peering at his profile. “Does our age difference bother you?”

Looking down, he smiles. “Not at all, Goldi.”

“I’m afraid you’ll eventually get tired of me. Don’t you ever think about the future? What’s going to happen to us?”

“I do, my love. All the time.”

Heaviness presses on my chest, making me regret opening my big mouth and ruining the moment.

With his fingertips, he touches the space between my eyebrows. “What’s up with this frown?”

“I love you so much. I’m afraid this will be over soon.” I drop my gaze to his chest. “You must think I’m an immature, silly girl.”