Page 23 of Sparring Partners
“Leave?” Luca’s word was an unexpected shock. He cleared his throat. “You’ve only just got here.”
In the gloomy light, Luca shrugged. “I’ve been here for a few months now. I’d had enough of London and was looking for a change. When Alex converted the mansion into a hotel, he needed an experienced manager to get the place up and running. Our stars aligned, as it were. It was only ever a temporary arrangement, even though he’s putting pressure on me to stay. Anyway,” Luca said, unlocking his seat belt, “thank you for the lift. I should let you get on, because I’m sure you don’t want to be out too long in this.” Luca smiled, making no move to get out of the car.
“Rain’ll ease up soon.”
“You seem very sure.”
“Because I am.”
Luca nodded, but said nothing.
The storm would blow itself out soon, but the wind was still brisk and a sudden gust rocked the car. In the half light, the tip of Luca’s tongue swept across his lower lip.
“Would you like to come in? Until it clears a bit. For a coffee, to say thank you?”
Adrian huffed. “You don’t need to thank me. I offered. If I hadn’t have wanted to, I wouldn’t have.”
“Are you always so blunt?”
Adrian mimed thinking for a moment. “Yes.”
Luca laughed, the sound low yet light, sending a rush of heat through Adrian’s belly. Christ. He should say no, turn the car around, and?—
“Do you have decaf? I don’t want to be awake half the night.”
“So, that’s a yes, to coming in?”
Adrian bit down on the smile tugging at his lips. “Didn’t I just say?”
Luca tutted. Getting out of the car, he ran for the door and Adrian followed.
Letting them into the cottage, Luca switched on the light. Following him in, Adrian’s eyes widened. From the outside, the cottage screamed Country Homes, but the interior was straight out of Metropolitan Living.
Open plan, sleek and modern, the only concession Adrian could see to a rural cottage was the heavy, iron wood burning stove yet rather than jarring, it complemented the modern, unfussy interior.
“This is beautiful,” he said, meaning every word.
Over by the counter in the kitchen area, Luca smiled. “I told you Alex was a genius. Even though he’s got a huge and talented team behind him, he was very hands on with every aspect of The New House project. Even this place.”
“It sounds like you’ve known him for a long time.”
“I have. We’ve been friends for a good twenty years, if not more. We met in London, when he hired the conference suite at the hotel I was working in at the time, to promote a prestigious, high end development. I remember it because I was doing a stint with the conference team, and I was helping to set up some of those tall roller banners. One must have been faulty, because it collapsed on Alex and he fell over just as his would-be clients came trooping in. It might have hurt his pride, but not his prospects, because he sold all the properties.” Luca smiled and shook his head. “Okay, I’ve got decaf everything. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Take your pick.”
Adrian sat down on the large sofa in front of the wood burner, sinking into the soft cushions. As Luca busied himself in the kitchen, Adrian took the time to take it all in.
The walls were painted pale yellow and a rich, soft white; it was light without glaring, welcoming and relaxing, blunting what could have been the hard edge of sleek. A built-in bookcase held a small collection of books, including those Luca had had with him in the café. Some framed photos took up the space on one of the shelves. The urge to get up and inspect closer both the books and photos tugged at him, but he resisted.
“I hope you like cake. It’s from the hotel. Classic lemon drizzle.” Luca planted a tray on the chunky coffee table in front of the sofa, and plated up a generous slice without waiting for an answer.
Adrian groaned as he bit into the soft, buttery sponge, the lemon both sweet and sour on his tongue. His eyes caught Luca’s, who smiled. At Luca’s prompting, he took another slice; he’d had to forgo his dinner to rush to the meeting and hadn’t realised how hungry he was.
“That was great. Thank you.” Adrian pushed his crumb-strewn plate and empty mug aside. Outside, the wind beat at the cottage walls. He really should be going. He should?—
“You said coming here was only ever a temporary arrangement. Why’s that?”
Next to him on the sofa, Luca’s eyes widened, just for a moment, before his expression closed.
Inside, Adrian groaned. “I’m sorry. That’s another thing that’s your business and not mine.” It really was time to leave. The thought formed a small hollow in his chest. As he went to push himself up, Luca spoke.
