Free Catch me! Catch me not! by Nora Dillon

sadness. The one man she loved more than any other thing in the world had just cheated on her. Dear heavens, here she was not even twenty six and she had a failed marriage behind her in less than two years. Her best friend was about to pop any moment now and she was leaving her.
    Carlo followed her into the bedroom. He cleared his throat and tried to persuade her to think again.
    “Emma, my love we can sort this out”
    “Don’t you dare call me your love!”
    “Emma, we can get through this together. I am so sorry!”
    “Carlo, don’t touch me and don’t say anything. You have done enough. I wish only that I could have been here for Georgina. I am all she has except for her kind, gentle respectful husband. Please leave me alone to decide what I am going to leave and what I am going to take. Go!”
    Carlo realized that now was not the time to try and persuade her to listen to him. Perhaps a few weeks apart would refresh the stalemate they had found themselves in. Cristo, he had been so stupid. He was going to lose the most precious thing in his life and all because of a few drinks too many.  Santo cielo, but she looked beautiful! That long wavy strawberry blond hair, streaked with gold and copper highlights. Those eyes which changed colour with her mood  were now grey blue brilliant grey blue...her pink lips pursing together so as not to tremble, what have I done?  How had it happened? What had he thrown away?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
                 
     
     
     

CHAPTER NINE
     
    Carlo smiled as he read Emma’s email. She sounded as if she was getting her life together. Georgina and Fabio had returned to London for the Christening of their son, whom they called Luca as it was easy for both families to pronounce. They told him about her. She was working in her old job but more senior now. She was telling him about a puppy she had seen and wanted to get. It was a lovely Labrador and looking at those hazelnut eyes he could see why she would want such devotion. She wanted him to help provide day care for the puppy. Without it she would not take it on. She had said that dogs needed training and love because they were faithful. This reference made him wonder if he could ever heal the hurt his one mistake had caused. He was sure one day they would be together again. Fabio and Georgina had learnt about the reason why she had left Singapore so suddenly and both were upset with him. He had not just lost his wife, he had lost his friends and his father’s respect. Antonio had been most eloquent in his displeasure.
    He read on and then stopped absolutely shocked. Oh my God! She was wondering about a divorce. Whilst the possibility had always been there, the thought of losing her forever made him feel quite sick. He guiltily read on, praying the reason was not another man, he would kill him before letting another man touch his wife. Fabio had told him in no uncertain terms that this was ridiculous since he had foregone any rights in that department the moment he went to bed and  had sex with another woman.
    Could he make it up to her? Could a few hours of madness be forgiven? Could they try again for a baby? Was a baby so very important when they had each other...good choice of words Carlo...had and it would permanently be had if he did not go to London and win her back.
    Panic struck. He was going to lose Emma. He had to think. He went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of white wine pouring himself a glass. He went sipped the wine smiling and planning. He had won her heart once he could do it again. He wanted to Skype her but it was too soon and besides the wine was slipping down very well.
    He went to list the things he loved about her.
I love her eyes, changing colour with her moods
I love her hair in the sunlight, copper, gold, amber oh so many colours.
I love her wicked smile after we have made love.
I love the way her body comes to life under my hands.
I love her cooking!
I love her accent in