Capri Nights by Cara Marsi Read Free Book Online

come from their brief flirtation on this magical island. She pressed a hand to her chest as if she could somehow touch her heart and soothe away the dull pain that formed at the thought of leaving Alex.

CHAPTER SEVEN

    All that day, the villa bustled with workmen, caterers, and cleaning people, preparing for the huge party her father and stepmother were holding that night. Restless, wanting to see Alex and not wanting to spend another evening with Nolan’s friends, Cat called Angelina to meet her for lunch. Friends since their undergrad days at Berkeley where Angelina, a native of Capri, was an exchange student, the two women had remained close.
    Angelina drove to the villa to pick up Cat, and now they were seated at one of Capri’s ubiquitous outdoor cafes finishing a lunch of yellowtail fish roasted on a bed of fennel with sides of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, topped off by espresso and strawberry kiwi gelato.
    Cat patted her stomach. “I’m going to weigh a ton by the time I get home.”
    Angelina’s brown eyes glittered. “I’m sure your Alex will think of imaginative ways to work off the pounds.”
    “Alex and I haven’t made love. I barely know him.”
    “Ah, but you are falling for him. I see it in your eyes.” Angelina leaned forward. “Admit, it, Cat.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.”
    Angelina laughed. “You protest too much. I never saw your face light up when you spoke of Ethan the way it lights when you say Alex’s name.”
    “I like him. Love? No way. Even if I did fall for him, we live in different countries. I have a new career, one I’ve worked very hard for. I won’t leave San Francisco.” She grimaced. “Once Alex’s legal troubles are over, he’ll have a ton of work to rebuild his company and his reputation. His life is here.”
    Angelina shrugged and picked up her wine goblet. “I have only met him a few times, but he seemed like a decent guy, not a playboy like some of his cousins. Very serious minded.” Her lips tilted in a wicked smile. “He’s hot too.”
    “Yeah, he is hot, and decent. I’d hate to see Bailey get her claws in him.”
    “I knew it! You are jealous of that bitch Bailey. She is nothing compared to you.”
    “I’m not jealous. I’m so over caring about Bailey and Tinsley.”
    Angelina touched Cat’s hand. “Be careful of Bailey. She always seemed to have a meaner streak than Tinsley, even back in college. I suspect she’s not changed. If she thinks Alex is hers, she may get nasty.”
    Cat snorted. “Bailey can’t hurt me.”
    Cat’s phone rang. When she saw Alex’s name on the ID, she lowered her head to hide her grin from Angelina. She answered and struggled to keep the elation from her voice.
    “Hi, Alex.”
    Across the table, Angelina thrust a fist in the air. “Yes!” she mouthed.
    After a few minutes, Cat hung up to face a smirking Angelina.
    “You are in love!” Angelina said. “Your face is lit up like the sun. He is coming here, yes?”
    “Yes. We’re going to spend the day together. He’s close so he should be here any minute.”
    They paid the bill and headed out to the square to wait for Alex. When he arrived, he and Angelina exchanged hellos, then Angelina left, after getting reassurances from Alex that he would drive Cat home.
    When they were alone, his hungry gaze devoured her. “You look good, Cat.”
    “Thanks.” She felt good too, in the yellow cotton sundress and gold sandals. Cat hefted her large straw bag over her shoulder. “Where are we going?”
    “I have a special surprise for you.”
    He took her hand, squeezing it as if he never wanted to let her go.

CHAPTER EIGHT

    Alex held Cat’s hand, helping her negotiate the cobblestones in her high heels. She took two steps to his every one. “Where are we going?” she asked again, glancing up at him.
    Her sparkling eyes and the trusting way she held onto him made him want to taste her sweet lips, to protect her from her stepfamily, and give her the happiness