Luca's Dilemma by Deneice Tarbox Read Free Book Online Page A

honey as he let this bullcrap drip so freely from his precious lips. The dimple in his cheek deepened more with his cocky, one–sided grin.
    Sheila was hip to his type. And it was that knowledge that gave her the ability to stand strong against his Don Juan–like onslaught. “Please have a seat, Mr. Moriatti,” she stated firmly, disregarding the arrogant comment. But from the way his eyes were dancing, she knew he was privy to the fact that once again he had the upper hand.
    “It’s Luca, and thank you,” he corrected before taking the seat, that sly smile lingering on his handsome face.
    Once more, Sheila found herself shaking her head in amusement. Before tonight, she had never actually interacted with the man in a cordial sense, nor had she seen his smile. She had to admit, it looked good on him.
    “I guess I was a little surprised to see you here,” he admitted, encroaching on her thoughts. “Richard told me you and Tina worked at the hospital, but I never suspected you worked here.”
    “We sleep techs kinda like it that way. It’s a great way to hide.”
    They both laughed.
    “You keep in touch with Richard?” she asked as she began the setup process.
    “Yeah, he cares for my horses, among other things, whenever I head out of town. Nice guy, ayuh.”
    “Okay, please tell me why someone with a distinct New York accent is using Maine slang,” she teased. “And are you sure you're using that phrase correctly?” She raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
    “There aren’t any rules on how to use it. You just do,” he retorted, gesturing with his hands out in front of him as though stating the obvious.
    Shelia wasn't so sure about that, but what did she know about Northern etiquette? “How long have you lived here?”
    “A little over a year… and I use Maine slang for the same reason someone with a slight, but distinct, southern accent will soon be using Maine slang. It’s catchy.”
    “Mmm hmmm. I don’t think so.”
    “Don’t ‘mmm hmmm’ me, woman. Mark my words.”
    Once again laughter filled the small room.
    “So, what made you leave Hot–lanta for the precarious, volatile elements of Maine?”
    Apparently that manly–man Richard was running his big mouth about her. She sighed before relaying her overly practiced response. “It was time for a change. Tina was here so I figured, hey, why not?”
    “Don’t you have family back home?”
    “No. They’ve all relocated. My parents grew tired of the humidity and moved to California. My brother’s in Afghanistan serving as sergeant major in one of the infantry brigades.”
    “You must really miss them.”
    “Sometimes. But we manage to Skype often. Quite frankly, I rather enjoy my peace and quiet. Family can be downright demanding at times.”
    “Tell me about it,” he agreed a little too eagerly.
    Sheila was about to inquire, but they were interrupted.
    “Sheila, I’m ready for bed,” Ms. Cote called from the other room, temporarily ending their conversation.
    “Well, I’d better put her to bed. I’ll be back in a little bit.”
    “Take your time, babe. And thanks. I know this experience could’ve been less than comfortable for both of us. But you've made it worthwhile,” Luca stated with a wink and a crooked smile.
    Sheila turned and left the room, shaking her head in amusement yet again. Before tonight such an endearment coming from him would have instantly earned the horse–boy a thorough tongue–lashing. But now that she had gotten to know him, she was able to accept it as part of his quirkiness and didn’t take it as an insult. Had she finally found common ground with her neglectful, yet charming, landlord? Only time would tell.

Chapter 5
    “So do we have a deal, Nathan?” Sal Patina inquired from the other end of the phone.
    “Why are you specifically requesting Luca do this? He’s no longer a threat to you, nor does my son owe you anything.”
    “That’s your opinion, not mine. I no longer have my little angels