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  ‘You’ve basically hired another Luca, I see.’

  ‘Isn’t it great?!’ He grinned too.

  Despite the recent awkwardness, it was nice to see him happy and excited. It made her feel like she’d done a good job, professionally speaking.

  ‘I’m glad you found the right staff.’

  ‘Me too. Hey did you know that you can’t really work while sleeping... I mean, dreaming?’

  ‘Sorry?’

  Oh, random fact time.

  ‘We’re paralysed when we dream. Have I mentioned that before? When we dream, our muscles become temporarily paralysed so that we don’t act out our dreams. Pretty cool, huh?’

  Hannah shuddered. ‘Pretty scary actually. What if there’s an emergency?’

  ‘In your dream or in real life?’

  ‘In real life!’ She chuckled.

  ‘Then the brain wakes your muscles up. Haven’t you ever had that experience when you’re just waking up but your body won’t move for a second? That’s the leftover effects of the paralysis.’

  ‘I may have... ew, that’s not a nice thought. What if the brain forgets how to wake the muscles up?’

  ‘Then you’re in a bit of trouble.’

  ‘Indeed. Wow, makes you realise how lucky we are to have working limbs, doesn’t it.’

  ‘You bet.’ He wriggled his arms. ‘Anyway, all set with the newspaper?’

  ‘Yep, they’ll cover the launch in their community pages next week.’

  ‘Fabulous. Thanks Hannah.’

  ‘My pleasure. Have you finalised the pictures you want to show in the slide show?’

  ‘Done. Will email them to you later this afternoon, and we’ll do a run-through tomorrow on the screen.’

  ‘Great. And all the food is stocked up, barring the fresh produce we’re getting on Sunday?’

  ‘Yes, next two days will be nonstop prepping, we’ll have a full kitchen, can’t wait, I’ve missed the adrenaline.’

  ‘I best leave you professionals to it then. I’ll be in on Saturday of course to prepare the tables and the decorations and all the last-minute things, so Sunday will be a final polish and a double check out here while you lot get everything ready in the kitchen. Fresh flowers are coming too.’

  Luca rubbed his hands together. Looked like he’d forgotten about their second kiss and her rejection of continuing it or discussing it any further.

  ‘Hey, I ah, did what you suggested.’ She held out a paper gift bag.

  His eyebrows rose, partially obscured by his hair dangling on his forehead.

  ‘The twenty dollars you gave me. I bought two different things. Both for you.’

  ‘Oh, really? You didn’t have to buy anything for me.’

  ‘It’s just a novelty, really. Nothing much.’ She handed over the bag.

  He pulled out the tub of Fun-Dough, and his face morphed into a different expression of curiosity, as though made of Fun-Dough. ‘What’s this for?’

  ‘Remember what I said, about shaping life into what you want it to be? That day we went fishing?’

  He nodded his understanding.

  ‘That’s to remind you. And I figured you and the staff would probably have some fun with it on break time. I bet Mr Sleepwalker,’ she cocked her head to the door, ‘will make something funny out of it when you’re not looking.’

  Luca laughed. ‘Ha, how cool! Thanks.’ He placed it on the reception counter. ‘And what’s this?’ He pulled out the tissue-paper wrapped rock and unwrapped it. She watched as his face changed once again, this time... softening. ‘Home,’ he said, caressing the stone with his fingers. ‘Hannah, this is... wow, nothing much? This is beautiful. How did you find this?’ He looked up at her and his eyes connected with hers.

  ‘Came across it by accident.’

  ‘“There are no accidents”, my mother used to say.’ He ran his hand over the rock again. ‘It’s perfect. I’m going to put it right here.’ He placed it beside the fragrant jasmine reed sticks at the reception counter, where every customer would see it. ‘Ha, you just gave me a pebble.’ He winked.

  ‘Yes. Well, it’s a rock. Pebbles are smaller.’ After she’d spoken she remembered the night he’d had dinner at her parents’ house and had mentioned the random fact of how penguins chose their mate for life by offering them a pebble. ‘Ahh. The penguins.’

  He nodded.

  ‘Oops. In this case, I assure you, it is most definitely a rock. A stone even,’ she confirmed.

  ‘Pebble, rock, stone... all the same.’ He chuckled. ‘No, seriously, it’s great. Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’

  Please don’t hug me. Don’t, because I’ll have to start all over again resisting you.

  ‘I ah, won’t hug you...’

  What the heck? Can he read my mind?

  ‘Because I probably smell like fennel. And fish. And... and... beetroot.’

  She held back a burst of laughter. ‘Fennel, huh? And beetroot?’ She wafted a hand around her nose like she’d scented something vile. ‘I’m getting out of here while I still can.’

  He chuckled. ‘I’ll see you Saturday.’

  She gave a nod of agreement, then turned to face the door.

  ‘Oh, Hannah?’

  She turned back.

  ‘Hang on a sec...’ He stood behind the reception counter, only visible from his shoulders upward, his gaze looking down while his hands did something. ‘There,’ he said a few moments later.

  She stepped forwards and peered over the counter, and he held up the Fun-Dough.

  She covered a delightful giggle with her hand.

  It was shaped like a penguin.

  Chapter 24

  Luca washed his hands and gave them a thorough dry, then shook the hands of each of his staff members. ‘Well done, team. Thank you and I’ll see you all tomorrow for the launch, it’s going to be... what’s it going to be?’ He pointed at Lea first.

  ‘Awesome,’ she said.

  ‘What else?’ He pointed at Tom.

  ‘Amazing,’ he said.

  ‘And...’ He pointed at Amy, feeling like he was the host of a game show.

  ‘Memorable,’ she said after a few moments thought. ‘Sorry, I tried to think of an A word but couldn’t.’ She chuckled.

  ‘Absolutely fantastic,’ Lea added.

  Luca gave a thumbs up. ‘That’s what I like to hear. Now go! Get some sleep, people.’ He clapped his hands and shooed them out of the kitchen.

  ‘Hannah, you’re still here?’ he said as the staff filtered out. Hannah was sitting in the corner flipping through her folder.

  ‘Yep. Just double-checking everything, making sure nothing’s been missed. I had someone come to the house to help with the animals this evening so I didn’t have to rush.’

  ‘Hannah, everything’s all set. All on schedule. Thanks to you.’ He smiled. ‘Make sure you get a good sleep, we’ll need it.’

  She nodded and closed her folder.

  ‘Oh,’ he said, raising his finger in the air. ‘I have something for you. Just a sec...’ He dashed into the kitchen storeroom and got it from his bag, returning to Hannah. ‘Here. A small thank you for all your effort.’

  She held a hand to her heart and mouthed a silent ‘Ohh’.

  His cheeks warmed.

  She opened the wrapping and revealed the jasmine candle, bringing it to her nose and closing her eyes as she breathed in the scent. ‘Oh, Luca. It may be small but it means a lot. It...’ She nudged her nose with the side of her finger and sniffled. ‘It...’ Her eyes became slightly red and glossy.

  Oh no, have I made the wrong decision?

  He stepped closer to her.

  ‘It... smells like home,’ she whispered.

  ‘Yes. Jasmine Road. I thought it might be a nice reminder. But if it’s too emotional, I can—’

  She held up a hand. ‘It’s perfect,’ she said. ‘Thank you. I love it.’ Her smile reached her eyes, and he knew she appreciated the gift. Hannah dabbed at the co
rners of her eyes with her sleeve. ‘Actually, I have something else for you too. But damn it, I left it at home. My home. Your home. Iona,’ she explained.

  He never thought his restaurant name would make things so confusing sometimes.

  ‘That’s okay, bring it tomorrow,’ he said, not even expecting another gift after all her hard work and then the Fun-Dough and ‘home’ rock.

  ‘No, I wanted to give it to you earlier, like a good luck present. And not among the crowd of people.’

  ‘Oh.’

  She glanced outside, and he followed her gaze, at the dark sky and the moonlight reflecting off the water in the harbour.

  ‘It’s at the house. If you like, drop by before going back to Nathan’s and I’ll give it to you quickly. Or I can bring it to Nathan’s, although he might be asleep, and...’

  ‘Sure. I’ll come by. If you’re sure that’s okay. I’ll just grab my present and run.’

  They laughed together. ‘Sounds good,’ she said.

  Luca went back to the kitchen and grabbed his bag, switched off lights, then before switching off the lights around the restaurant, he took a good look around.

  Tables clean and shiny and ready to be draped with tablecloths tomorrow... small candles on each... chairs all neatly arranged at equal distances behind the tables... framed prints hanging on the walls, various decorations here and there... they had transformed this place into not only a place to eat, but a place to feel at home. It was just as Hannah said it would look.

  His eyes warmed and he blinked as his vision blurred from unshed tears. He scratched his temple to distract from it.

  ‘It looks great, hey,’ she said.

  ‘It feels great too.’ He nodded. ‘Thank you.’ He looked at Hannah, her honest and caring eyes looking back at him.

  Instead of nodding and saying ‘you’re welcome’, she held up her hand.

  He smiled and high-fived it.

  ‘Nice work, Hannah Delannah.’

  ‘Awesome stuff, Luca Antonuca.’

  And then he hugged her.

  ***

  ‘It’s just in here, give me a minute,’ Hannah said, switching on the light to the kitchen. The house was cool and quiet, except for a few murmurs from Scarlett as she settled into the laundry-room bed.

  ‘I’ll wait by the door,’ Luca said.

  ‘It’s okay, come on in.’

  He joined her near the island bench and she held the tall sparkly gift bag out to him. ‘Congratulations on your new business.’ She handed it over with a smile.

  ‘Thanks! Wonder what this could be...’ He smiled back, peeking into the bag. He lifted the bottle out. ‘Organic champagne. And local too. And award-winning, awesome! Thank you.’

  ‘My pleasure. I thought what better way to celebrate than with some bubbles. Whenever you wish to celebrate that is. But I wanted to give it to you today.’

  ‘How about now?’ Luca stepped behind the island bench. ‘Where are your wine glasses?’

  ‘Oh, it’s okay, save it, Luca. For when you can make the most of it.’

  ‘No time like the present. To make use of my present.’ He winked.

  Hannah’s insides went all unsteady.

  Maybe he sensed it, because his smile softened and he said, ‘Of course. It’s late and we have a big day tomorrow. And I shouldn’t impose on you. I’ll let you get some sleep. Thank you again, for everything.’ He popped the bottle back in the bag with an apologetic smile.

  But at that gesture, she felt an urge to take it back out. To take back what she’d said, to find her wine glasses, and say to hell with plans and just let the moment be whatever it will be.

  As Luca went for the door, she came up behind him and placed her hand on his elbow. ‘Wait.’ It came out as a whisper.

  He turned around, his eyes seeking hers.

  ‘I haven’t had a glass of champagne in ages,’ she said.

  ‘And why ever not?’

  ‘I haven’t had much to celebrate.’

  Luca turned and stepped closer. ‘Then let’s change that.’ He took the bottle from the bag. ‘There’s no one I’d rather share these celebratory bubbles with than you, Miss Delaney.’ He waltzed to the cupboards. ‘Now where are those glasses?’

  Hannah smiled at his actions and showed him where they were, and within moments they were sitting outside under the night sky, on a picnic blanket and cushions on the grass, blankets around each of them. The fire pit on the nearby paved BBQ area was lit and sending light and warmth their way.

  ‘The rain clouds have cleared,’ he said. ‘Can see the stars tonight.’

  Yes, the clouds have cleared. For now at least.

  Who knew what tomorrow’s forecast would be, metaphorically speaking, but for now she was going to enjoy the moment.

  ‘To new beginnings,’ Luca said, holding up his champagne flute to hers.

  ‘To new beginnings.’ She clinked her glass with his, then took a nice long sip. Bubbles tickled her throat and warmth awakened her tastebuds. ‘Ahh,’ she said.

  ‘Ahh indeed.’

  ‘And to new... homes,’ she added.

  ‘To new homes.’ He clinked his glass with hers again. ‘Anything else?’

  ‘To... to starry skies.’

  ‘To starry skies!’

  Clink.

  She sipped and admired the silhouette of the big willow tree in the distance, stars sparkling between the branches.

  ‘And to life.’ he said. ‘Viata.’

  ‘Viata!’ She hoped she pronounced it correctly, as it just flowed without effort from his voice box.

  Clink clink.

  She sipped some more, until soon they were onto their second glass. The delicious taste and sensation relaxed her mind and body.

  ‘This is great stuff,’ Luca said. ‘Organic things taste so much better.’

  ‘Of course they do. You’re preaching to the converted here,’ she said.

  ‘It’s always better when everything is organic, don’t you think?’

  ‘Again, Luca... preaching... converted.’ She waved her hand at him in a ‘duh!’ way as though the alcohol had gotten to his head already. Or maybe it had gotten to hers.

  ‘I mean, not just with food.’ He looked her in the eye.

  Tingles spread through her body, from the champagne or his gaze she wasn’t sure.

  ‘When everything in the moment just flows... naturally... perfectly... no force, no pressure, nothing holding it back. Allowing it to be what it is. Organic.’

  She took a long, drawn-out sip of her champagne, as she tried to find a way to resist what he was saying, and what she was feeling. But it only relaxed her further, softened her resolve from a tightly-knitted ball to a loose and unravelled clump of tangled emotions.

  The blanket became too warm around her shoulders, and she nudged it off.

  ‘I’m so glad I’m here. That you’re here.’ Luca put down his wine glass and nestled it into a patch of ground.

  She took another sip, though it was empty now.

  An amused smile escaped onto his lips, as he reached his hand forwards and gently took the glass from her. ‘More? Or have you had enough?’ he whispered.

  ‘Enough. I mean more.’

  ‘More champagne?’

  ‘Enough champagne. More... this.’

  Luca’s eyes widened, deepened, connected more intensely with hers.

  ‘This,’ he echoed. ‘This is...’ He looked up at the sky for a moment. ‘Whatever this is, I love it.’

  ‘Me too. I don’t want to but I do. Right now, in this moment, I do.’

  He took her hands urgently. ‘Hannah.’ He brought them together and up to his mouth, his lips meeting her skin and spreading more tingles throughout her body.

  Oh how she’d waited for this. Longed for this. Yearned for this.

  A spritz of air cooled her face as a breeze went by, and Luca moved closer, gently dropping her hands in favour of her cheeks. ‘It feels so right when we’re together. That’s a
ll I know.’

  She closed her eyes, and a built-up breath fell from her mouth as he ran a hand through her hair and kissed her softly on one cheek, then the other.

  ‘Luca,’ she murmured. ‘You know if we start, we’ll... never stop.’

  ‘Then let’s not stop.’ He ran his thumb across her lips then kissed them gently, firmly, then passionately.

  Oh what the hell...

  Hannah wrapped her arms around his back, then let her hand run through his smooth, thick hair, and he pulled her up onto his lap. Their chests touching, she could practically feel his heart beating in time with hers, his lungs breathing rapidly with hers, and his desire warming her whole body as hers warmed his.

  His hands travelled around her body, massaging and holding her firmly, dormant sensations awakening and overtaking her whole awareness.

  With his arms around her and holding her tight, he lowered her down on the rug and lay half sideways and half on top of her, which sent her newly awakened sensations into overdrive. She kissed him with an urgency that matched his, and as he adjusted the blankets around them, she slid her hands underneath his top and caressed the firm shapes of his chest and torso. His hands came up underneath the back of her top and her skin became hot and needy for more of his touch.

  His pockets dug into her hips and he lifted himself off for a moment to remove his wallet and phone. She smiled and resumed kissing him, touching him, exploring him, as he did her.

  When the blankets were all they had covering them and the heat from the fire pit no match for their own, Hannah’s desire built from simmering to boiling, and her pleasure blossomed into a hot, summery, bliss.

  The more she surrendered and enjoyed, the more passionate he became in response, as though her pleasure was his pleasure. She had never felt so satisfied and empowered.

  By the time their bodies became one, it was as though they already had been, long before, and this moment was simply a culmination of what already existed. That inner connection and attraction she’d always felt for him had been tended to... finally, and anything more was a bonus.

  ‘You’re the most amazing woman I know,’ he whispered, as he rolled gently to the side, his hand caressing her face, his other on his rapidly rising and falling chest, which soon calmed to a satisfied rhythm.