Free The Sicilian's Proposition by Lynette Rees Page A

woman behind the desk shook her head. “No, Signorina .”
    Joanne was just about to give up when the glass reception front doors parted and Dante stepped inside, striding toward her. “I’m so sorry Joanne, I had a puncture.”
    She let out a breath. “That’s okay, I was beginning to think you weren’t coming and Jackson Byrne was enjoying the floor show.”
    He smiled a smile that found its way directly to her heart, robbing her of her breath. “Let’s not worry about him, Joanne. Today we spend all day together on my boat.” He took her arm and guided her to his car outside.
    ***
    At the waterfront, Dante helped Joanne aboard his white luxury yacht named Maria . “She’s beautiful,’ Joanne exclaimed, and then frowned for a moment.
    “You’re wondering who Maria is, aren’t you?” he said, looking deep into her aquamarine eyes. “Please rest assured, Joanne, this yacht is named after my mother. I bought it last year after her death. In the early days it gave me great comfort heading out to sea on my own, but really I wasn’t alone as it seemed as though Mamma was with me.”
    She smiled. “Of course, I should have guessed as much.”
    What did she really think of him? That he was a womanizer? A playboy? At one time maybe, but not now. Now all he wanted was a quiet life, a good woman, and a family like his brother.
    “Well it looks a lovely day for a boat trip!” he said brightly. The sun had been out since early morning. “I hope you’ve brought your sun protection cream and your bikini, Joanne,” he joked.
    Her face flushed. She looked a little shy. He liked that about her. She was nothing like the women he had taken on boat trips in the past. They couldn’t wait to strip off and show him their wares; they were proud of their lithe bodies. Tanned and taut, yet although their bodywork was up to scratch, they were self-centered sorts. He could see that now, though at the time, he had a blind spot to it.
    What he loved about Joanne was her innocence, her zest for life. He was sure she was on the verge of telling him last night what had happened to her during her childhood. It must be something big for her to hold back like that.
    He showed her to a seat next to his up at the helm where they could both look out to sea as he piloted the boat.
    “Where are we going?”
    “Aah. Wait and see young lady.”
    “You’re full of surprises, Dante.”
    He shrugged. “Yes, what is life if we do the same boring thing day in day out? You could be back in London now, at your desk instead of being in this beautiful country.”
    “I’m glad you reminded me. It makes this trip feel all the sweeter.” She smiled. It was good to see her so happy, yet there was something she needed to say.
    “Joanne, if you ever want to talk,” he said, taking her hand. “Just let me know.”
    He heard her take in a deep breath and let it out again. “Okay,” she said at last. “You’ll be the first to know, if and when I’m ready to talk about things.”
    “Well, let’s set sail then!” he shouted. “Anchors away!”

Chapter Five
    The sun glinted off the sea, sending a profusion of sparkling lights into her eyes, dazzling her vision. She could almost taste the sea air and feel the wet, cold, ocean spray coming up to meet her. It was an exhilarating trip as the boat glided across the waves. Reaching into her bag, she grabbed her sunshades and put them on. “Ah that’s better. So, where are we going?”
    “To a beautiful place. You will not be disappointed, amore mio . Now, how would you like a nice glass of wine? I shall save the champagne for when we get to our destination.”
    He leaned over and opened up a large plastic box and took out a bottle of wine that had been chilling and handed her two crystal glasses.
    She blinked. “At this time of the day, Dante?”
    “Any time is a good time for a glass of wine in Sicily.” He poured the wine into the glasses and, taking one for himself, took a long sip. “Ahh,