and realizing the plane was now moving took a deep breath. ‘What – the boyfriend or the mind?’
Alberto’s lips relaxed too. ‘Yes, well either, I suppose.’
‘I’ve Nonna’s business to attend to mainly. What about you? What’s the reason for your journey today?’ she asked, not wishing to discuss too much of her private business with a total stranger.
‘I’m working with a university in London. We are teaching one another really. I’m exchanging my knowledge with theirs. They are helping me refine development of an electric autonomous car my company have designed.’
‘What is that, exactly?’
‘Have you heard of driverless cars?’
‘They’ve been in the news lately. The industry still having problems with them; well, totally controlling every potential hazardous scenario, I gather. Rather like the robots and artificial intelligence.’
‘That’s it. And the wireless charging is another issue.’
‘Totally out of my realm,’ Olivia said feeling the subject could quite easily fly over her head with no power required whatsoever. She did find his geekiness attractive though. ‘It sounds amazing and very interesting. I’d love a car to drive me. It would be nice to be chauffeured everywhere, especially in Italy. I’ve never driven there before and I’m not looking forward to it.’
‘Let me. I can give you a tour of Tuscany.’ He held his palms open and nodded as if he had resolved her problem. ‘I have time tomorrow. I’ll take you.’
She thought of her tight schedule. ‘I couldn’t possibly. I’ve so much to do before Monday. Maybe next week some time, but impossible tomorrow I’m afraid.’
‘A few hours – that’s all. I’m sure you can spare a few hours.’
Afraid he could read her as simply as she could read a diamond catalogue, she leaned on the chair arm by the window and bit her lip. She only had the next two days to clean, as tempting as it was. And, she reminded herself, it was not her intention to start any romance as stunning as he was, and cute. ‘I would love to but I have so much to do in the short time I’m here. Thank you, anyway.’
‘You know balance is key to a healthy life, right?’
‘Yes, but I’m reluctant to reward myself until I’ve actually done some work, which, as yet, I haven’t.’
She watched his playful eyes as he pondered momentarily. He seemed so caring and grounded, as though he genuinely paid attention to keep the balance in his life. And her mind catapulted back to minutes before – the way he had helped the lady in front with her children. He was so at ease and not at all intimidated by a baby. Unless of course he had his own.
She was just about to open her mouth when he said, ‘What about tomorrow afternoon then, after you do some work? You could begin an hour or two earlier. I’ll get you back home for an early night too. Why don’t you take my card?’ He whipped a card from the top pocket of his shirt and held it up. ‘When you finish your morning’s work, ring me.’ Then as if he had looked up her character traits on some hidden profile of hers on Google, added, ‘Or before, if you like to be organized.’ That was so spooky.
Hesitating before accepting the card, she licked her bottom lip. ‘Really, I’ve just …’
‘I’m single, I promise, if that’s what you’re worried about,’ he said as though reading her concerns. ‘I would very much like to see again. Please take it. I promise you, I’m never this forceful, but sometimes, you have to push yourself that bit harder for what you want. At least allow yourself the choice. I’ve learned never to close an open door until you’ve at least seen what’s behind it.’
Rubbing the smooth card, Olivia’s other hand flew to her mouth as she laughed, nervously. He was clearly on her page – as well as being physically irresistible.
‘You sound very wise; maybe I should heed your advice.’
She closed her Kindle realizing there was more entertainment to come from the man beside her, and even if she tried to read, nothing would go in. How could she absorb anything with his body at such close proximity? Her body and head were swirling with lust.
This was truly a bizarre situation to be in, and not one she could ever have imagined. This wasn’t on her agenda. Hadn’t she just convinced herself she didn’t need a man? Wasn’t that what she’d spent the whole of Friday night and weekend concluding? A loud ping sounded over the Tannoy and the lights signalled so that seat belts could be unsecured.
‘Perfect, so let me buy you a drink when the stewardesses begin serving.’
‘Thank you. Yes, but something non-alcoholic – I’m driving the other end.’
‘You choose,’ he said with a dimpled smile.
She peered at him as he craned his neck to gauge the steward’s movements. She surreptitiously eyed him, admiring nearly black curls, strong dark brows and lashes, straight nose, well-proportioned lips that she found herself yearning to kiss. She could feel a heat radiating from her chest, as though her blood had only just found its way into the main artery of her heart. Even her loins ached for his touch and she yearned to touch him. She had never had to restrain herself like this before.
He then suddenly glanced sideways at her and she jumped, guessing he’d caught her looking.
‘Oh, er, a fruit juice,’ she said swiftly.
His blush blazed as bright as hers. ‘I might have the same,’ he said.
Trying to steady her rapid breathing, she moved her gaze to the window. Was he having to control his lust as much as she? He seemed fidgety. Had Nonna sent some spiritual message from her photographs? Maybe Nonna was here in the clouds and knew this meeting was going to take place. Could it be Nonna’s spirit was the force urging her to act; to finish with Will, to be here on this flight, meeting this Italian man?
Ridiculous, she told herself. Alberto was just playing with her. Men lusted after anything in a skirt, didn’t they? And Will, he had never evoked such momentous eruptions in her. It set her wondering what it would be like if everyone in the cabin disappeared right now. What would she be capable of with these wild and lurid urges? She tried to switch her mind back to the long list of things she had to do. Would a few hours be possible?
She was still gazing into the ether when the child in the row in front of her popped up from his seat again. He showed them a fire engine and a Fireman Sam figurine, and then he and Alberto began chatting. They spent the following hour hearing all about Fireman Sam and all his vehicles, playing peek-a-boo and singing nursery rhymes to the three-year-old whilst the mother fed the baby and got some much needed rest.
Her rest was short-lived, however, as little Freddie reported his need for the toilet, and his mother immediately jumped back to attention with the baby in her arms.
‘Would you like us to help? We could hold the baby whilst you take him,’ Olivia said, then added as a reassurance: ‘You don’t have to worry, we aren’t likely to run away anywhere.’
Agreeing with a nod, the woman popped a soother into her daughter’s mouth. ‘Zero chance I’d say. Thank you. That’s very kind.’ She handed the child to Alberto to pass
