Free Stealing Luca's Heart by Ellie Lyons Page B

offered.
    Luca slammed the back door shut and walked over to the Jeep. “Sorry, but that’s not in the plan. Since you’re our guest at the farm while you’re here, I’m taking your stuff to my parents’ house. Gabi will drive you out to our place when you’re done at the hospital.”
    Gabi leaned against her Jeep, arms folded. Ally detected a smirk.
    “Look,” she began. “I’m very grateful for the time, effort, and expense everyone has made here on our behalf. However, I can take it from here.” Why was Luca wearing that same smirk as his cousin? “I’ll make my hotel arrangements once I’ve seen Dad.” Ally wondered if the Tetaris were used to everyone taking their marching orders without question.
    “We’re all sure you’re more than capable, Ally, but these orders came from a higher authority, and I…we,” he said, looking over at Gabi, “don’t have the ability to change the plan.” He crossed his arms, expressing that the conversation was over because that was just how things were done.
    She looked over to Gabi, who shrugged her shoulders.
    “Whose orders?”
    “His mum’s,” Gabi offered. “She figured you had enough on your mind without worrying about where your bed would be tonight. Why don’t we head over to the hospital, and you can meet her. Just so you know, Aunt Simone’s Italian,” she warned. “She’ll feel insulted if you don’t stay at her home and let her feed you.”
    Ally considered this and realized Gabi had a point. Italian or not, it would be rude to refuse. “Okay.” Maybe she had overreacted about the suitcase. She just wasn’t used to having people taking care of everything. She held out her hand like an olive branch. “Luca, thank you again for everything you did today. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”
    “Yes, you will,” Luca said, holding her hand. “Dinner at my parents’. Tonight.”
    Oh, that was right. Dinner. She pulled her hand away as it started to sweat again. She nodded and turned back to the Jeep. When she climbed into her seat, she quickly realized that she had gotten in the wrong side of the car. She forgot they drove on the opposite side of the road in the opposite side of the car. She got out and in again, trying not to look directly at either one of them, knowing they were both watching her.
    Luca walked over to give Gabi a kiss good-bye on the cheek and then whispered something before stepping away to his truck. He climbed in and pulled out of the hangar, giving the girls a wave as he headed down the road.
    * * * *
    Several miles from the airport, Luca turned onto the dirt road leading up the mountain. He settled into his seat, reflecting on a day that wasn’t as big a chore as he had anticipated. They all had to get up at the crack of bloody dawn to meet Cal’s daughter, without causing a scene with fans wanting pictures and autographs. He’d assumed Ally would be put off by a scene. Having met her now, he knew he had made the right decision, even if she didn’t like the special treatment off the 747. He usually could put up with all the attention as fans meant well; plus it was good publicity for his rugby team and the family business. There were times like today, though, when being such a public figure got in the way.
    Surprisingly, Ally Edwards had him intrigued. She was obviously attractive. After all, he was a man. But there was something else. In their short time together, he deduced that she was intelligent, devoted to her family, overly polite, and treated him like a casual business associate. But he’d seen her blush while they were talking. He never took psychology, but that seemed like an invitation to him. She wouldn’t be in the country for long, he reasoned. Luca decided that he’d have to move on that invitation soon, even tonight. He punched the gas pedal down and accelerated up the dusty, mountain road.
    * * * *
    Gabi headed her jeep toward the hospital in Queenstown. Ally looked out her window and knew if she