Free Christmas Choices by Sharon Coady Page B

dried her hair, and put on lotion and minimal makeup.
    She snagged a cute, rose-colored sweater and a pair of black jeans. Underneath, she put on the rose-colored Victoria Secrets demi-bra and matching thongs. She had just finished dressing when she heard a soft knock on the front door. Glancing in the mirror, she hurried to the door to let Dante in.
    “Mia Bella, how lovely you look,” he exclaimed, as he took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You take my breath away.”
    “You are too kind, Dante. Thank you for the compliment. Please come in while I grab my shoes. I’m sorry I’m not ready. I confess I got lost in my work this morning.” She shrugged her shoulders.
    “I understand. He glanced down. “You even have beautiful feet.”
    She laughed. “You are too much. No one has pretty feet. Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back.”
    When she returned, she found him examining her painting. She took in a sharp breath as he turned to look at her.
    “What’s the matter Rhian?”
    “I didn’t expect anyone to see my painting yet, especially you. I’m really embarrassed.”
    “Don’t be. This painting is outstanding. You have captured such pain and sorrow in this man’s eyes. It makes me feel much compassion for this person. His story seems to be one of hurt. Maybe he is hiding a secret deep down inside of himself?”
    Rhian turned pale, she felt light-headed as she held her breath while Dante spoke.
    “Who did you use as a model, Mia Bella?”
    “You really see the pain in his eyes?” she whispered.
    “Yes, I do. Very few artists can accomplish what you have, Rhian. I am very impressed.”
    She let out a sigh. “I didn’t know if anyone would see that other than me.”
    “You painted it beautifully. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone capture so much expression before, not even me!”
    “I’m just amazed you could see what I saw in his eyes.”
    “Ah, this man ...” He pointed toward the painting. “He is someone you know, someone you have feelings for?”
    She glanced up into his eyes and saw no judgment, only concern for her. “Yes, but he doesn’t return those feelings. He might be too damaged.”
    “What happened to him? Do you know?” he asked gently.
    “I don’t know what happened to cause him to close himself off. He acts hard, as if he doesn’t care about anyone but himself.”
    “Mia Bella, don’t be upset. If he is someone who could not love a woman like you, he is not worth another thought. You are a woman who feels deeply in her soul, and he may not be capable of returning those feelings. I’m so sorry you were hurt. Is that why you came here, to leave him behind?”
    She felt her face flush crimson. “Yes.” A tear slid down her cheek. “It’s one of the reasons.”
    “Oh, please don’t cry. It is not a crime to feel such passion. I think it is wonderful to have such deep feelings and to care so much for others. Here in Italy, we feel emotion is nothing to be ashamed of.”
    “Really?” she asked, looking into his eyes. “You don’t think I’m a stupid woman feeling this upset over a man I have no relationship with?”
    “Mia Bella, did your heart feel something for this man?”
    She nodded her head.
    “Then why would I think you were foolish?” he asked her gently.
    “I don’t know. Maybe because I wanted to be with him, consequences be damned? I left out of fear that my feelings would not be returned—and my daddy’s anger toward the relationship. I guess I got what I wanted.”
    “You got what your mind reasoned you wanted. Your heart and body didn’t get what they wanted. I don’t feel it’s wrong to make love to someone you feel a connection with. We don’t think like Americans.” He put his hand under her chin. “Now you must let your mind rest and not worry about what your heart wanted so badly. Do you understand me?”
    “I’ll try. I just don’t know how strong I can be. I hope I haven’t spoiled our day.”
    “No. Come,