Chapter 25
Rowan
One Year Ago - Italy
I’m not used to how narrow the roads are in this rural part of Italy, so my driving is extra careful, bordering on being under the speed limit. The Fiat behind me honks incessantly and I wave at him through my open window to pass me.
Maggie stifles a laugh next to me and I shush her as the guy passes by us. He’s gesturing wildly at us and I yell out, “Sorry,” even though he can’t hear me. I’m met with gesticulating hands right as he speeds up and pulls in front of me, a little too close for comfort.
My cheeks turn red and Maggie guffaws. “Oh. My. God. Did he just give us the Italian equivalent of flipping the bird? You should honk back,” she says excitedly and I laugh, shaking my head.
She seems ecstatic about this vacation and I can’t believe we’ve never thought to do this until now.
I guess we’ve always been too focused on work.
“Let’s not anger the man any further,” I say, swatting her hand away when she reaches for the wheel.
“You’re no fun,” she says, a bright smile in place. Maggie is wearing a white sundress with lots of buttons in the front and showing off her long, tanned legs. Her blonde hair is wavy and pinned half up in a bun.
Meanwhile, I’m wearing a pair of light pink shorts and a floral short-sleeved shirt. “I’m plenty fun,” I say, winking over at her.
“In 2.5 kilometers, turn right,” the GPS informs us and I turn my attention back to the narrow road ahead. The hour long drive from Milano to Masserano took us mostly on the highway, but once we got off, we were able to enjoy some of the mountain views in the distance.
We drive up the hill until the GPS finally tells us we’ve arrived. The stone walls are pristine and the greenery around them perfectly trimmed. I type the gate code in and the large black iron gates slowly open inward.
I look over at Maggie and find her grinning at me. “I don’t know how you pulled this off, but this is really cool,” she says.
“I have friends in high places.” I laugh and squeeze her bare thigh. I let my hand linger and forget the Fiat is a manual. When I hit the accelerator again, the engine dies.
Maggie’s hands fly to her mouth and she tries her best to cover up her laughter. I groan and rest my head on the steering wheel for just a second. “This is so embarrassing. Here I thought I was woo-ing you.”
“No, babe, I’m still woo-ed, I promise.” She giggles and pats my leg.
I start the car back up and put it in first gear, pulling into the property and keeping my hands to myself until we’re up the long driveway. Our laughter turns into awe when we park in front of the eight bedroom villa, with brick walls covered in grape vines.
The warm and pleasant air hits me as we get out of the car and walk around.
“Woah,” I say once we make it to the back.
The villa sits atop the hill, overlooking the entire valley of olive groves, rows and rows of grape vines, and the village.
And beyond it, the Pennine Alps that run along the Swiss border.
“This is incredible,” Maggie says, taking in the view.
“I did good, right?” I grin, pulling her into my arms.
“Very good,” she says, biting her lip.
“Some would say good enough for a reward?” I tease, kissing the side of her neck. She tilts her head to give me more access and I smirk, running my nose along her skin.
“I wouldn’t go that far, I need to see the rest of the villa first.” She laughs, sneaking out of my arms.
“What if I said there’s a pool?”
“That would merit a reward,” she says, tapping her lips with a finger.
“Well then, let’s go unpack the car.”