Page 52 of A Very Italian Wedding
The chandelier flashed, and the lights went off, leaving the room in darkness. Coco growled and Rose let out a distressed hum just before they flashed back on again.
‘That happens sometimes. Why don’t we get comfortable? We can have a glass of wine, wait it out.’ He indicated the table and went to pull out a chair for Rose before going to study the wine on the racks.
‘Won’t it be the wrong temperature?’
‘Probably, but the wine will still taste good.’ Ben pondered the racks. ‘How do you feel about red?’ He pulled out a bottle of Barolo and placed it on the table. ‘It’s my favourite.’
‘Mine too.’ Rose frowned and he wondered if it was because that meant they had something in common. ‘But won’t the Marinos mind?’ She studied the label as Ben picked up the corkscrew.
‘If they were here, they’d insist we have a drink to pass the time.’ He took the bottle from her and uncorked it before pouring a little of the liquid into both glasses, then picked his up and sniffed. It smelled amazing. He sipped from his glass as he slid the other to Rose. She frowned at it before nodding and taking a seat. Ben watched her for a beat, then drew out the chair opposite.
‘It’s good!’ She frowned at the door. Coco was lying beside it with her head on her paws. ‘I’ve never seen the demon so quiet. It’s crazy, but I think I’d rather she was biting me.’
‘I’m sure it won’t be long before your limbs are in danger again,’ Ben joked, watching Rose take another drink.
‘What’s taking them so long?’ she grumbled.
‘There’s a lot of ground to cover and they won’t be thinking about looking for us yet.’ Ben didn’t add that he thought it might be a while. No one would be expecting the dog to be down here, and they were probably too busy to check their mobiles. His eyes flicked to Rose; he couldn’t seem to stop himself. He could see goosebumps on her skin; watched her rub her palms over her forearms.Dammit. ‘Are you cold?’ Ben looked down at his own clothes. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and jeans. ‘I’d offer to lend you something else to wear, but…’
Rose gazed at him. ‘I think I’ve borrowed enough clothes for one holiday. And I have to admit I think Aurora’s suit me better than yours would.’ She gave him a half smile even as she shivered. Then she picked up the wine glass and took another sip. ‘Besides, I’ve got this really excellent wine to keep me warm.’ She finished the glass.
Almost the moment she put it back on the table, the lights went out. Coco let out a distressed rumbling sound and Rose whimpered.
‘What’s happening?’ Her voice wobbled.
‘Give it a minute,’ Ben said.
After a few moments of silence, Rose whispered, ‘Are you sure they’ll come back on?’
‘They always do,’ Ben said. ‘I’ve been coming here for eight years, and this has happened numerous times.’
‘Should we put one of our mobile torches on?’ Rose whispered. ‘Although I’m only on about ten per cent.’
Ben thought about his half-used battery. ‘Let’s leave it for a bit. We might need light later. No use in using all the power now.’
They both fell silent again. Ben could hear Coco fidgeting, could hear a soft chattering sound. It took a minute before he realised Rose was shivering. He shifted his chair around the table aiming to get closer to her, feeling his way in the darkness. When their chairs collided, Rose yelped.
‘It’s me,’ Ben said.
‘I realise that. What I don’t understand is what you’re doing?’ The words were delivered through a wave of chatters.
‘You’re cold,’ Ben said, feeling awkward.
‘So you think we should share body heat?’ Rose asked after a pause.
Ben was about to move, but then he heard the sound of her chair scraping against the floor and suddenly her arm was pressing into his. Bare skin against bare skin. Ben’s reaction was instantaneous, and he had to force himself to still. Every cell of his body was suddenly tense, and all of him, from his head through to his fingertips and toes seemed to be topping a hundred degrees.
Rose shivered again and Ben could feel the stroke of goosebumps rising on her skin.
‘How long do you think we’re going to be down here?’ She asked through a fresh bout of shivers. ‘It’s getting colder.’ Beside the door, Coco let out a low growl of agreement.
‘You could hug the dog?’ he suggested, only half joking. He’d offer to hug her, but if he touched her again, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop.
Rose cleared her throat. ‘I think I’ll take my chances with the hypothermia,’ she muttered. ‘I’m not sure if you noticed, but Coco doesn’t usually like me.’
‘She’s a fool.’ Ben was surprised by the vehemence in his tone.
‘Not everyone does…’ Rose admitted. ‘Some have accused me of being too uptight.’
