Never Too Late Read online

  “Jaiden likes your cake, Nonna.” Tony winked at his grandmother as he brushed crumbs from the baby’s fingers.

  The old woman responded with a large smile. “Of course, she likes Nonna’s cake.” The tiny woman clapped her hands in front of her face and smiled broadly at her great-grand-daughter, who chortled with glee.

  Mila set a small cup and saucer in front of her mother-in-law and then one in front of Katerina. Returning to the buffet, she retrieved two more cups, placing one in front of her husband before returning to her seat.

  Wendy quickly served herself and her husband, careful to set the hot liquid out of the baby’s reach.

  Savoring her first sip, Katerina nodded as she returned the cup to its saucer. “Delicious, as is everything, Mrs. Marino.”

  The cup halfway to her lips, Mila smiled at the young woman. “You can call me Mila, Katerina. You seem like one of the family already.”

  At his mother’s comment, Alex set down his empty cup with a clatter. He shot a quick look at his mother but her attention was already on the baby. Ever since Tony married, his mother had been dropping hints about bringing his girlfriends to dinner. Little did she know he hadn’t dated any woman seriously in years. The last woman had been a professional surfer, who couldn’t understand his need to work the vineyard rather than spend days at the beach, waiting for the perfect wave.

  Now, immersed in caring for the vineyard and making new varieties of wine, he had no interest in a woman interfering in the lifestyle to which he had become accustomed. But he allowed his mother to think he was dating. Heaven forbid she start fixing him up with friends’ unmarried daughters. Pushing away from the table, he stood. “Thank you, Mother, and Nonna.” He bent and kissed his grandmother’s cheek.

  “Where are you going, Alex? We’re having our digestivo in the living room.” Nonna fixed him with a stare, as if skipping the after-dinner drink designed to aid in digestion were a sin. She turned to their guest. “Do you like grappa, Katerina?”

  Alex felt like a fly caught in a spider’s web as he caught his father’s look. No escaping the continued family saga. He turned just in time to see his grandmother, her hands clutching the visitor’s arm, disappear through the archway into the hall.

  Maybe he should make his escape and risk his grandmother’s wrath. But something caused him to linger. The statuesque blonde was a welcome, cool breeze in the hot climate of his passionate family…and, despite her lack of athleticism, he was curious to learn more. Debating his options, he glanced outside to see a squirrel hanging upside down from the birdfeeder. The mystery of the barking dog was solved, but the mystery of their boarder remained. Curiosity won out over self-preservation. As if preparing for battle, he followed the sound of laughter into the living room.

  Chapter Three

  Katerina smiled down at the tiny woman clutching her arm, still rattling on in Italian. Now more than ever she understood the need to hear one’s native language when in a foreign country.

  “You sit here.” The grandmother pointed to a plush leather couch facing the fireplace, where a crackling fire burned. She pulled a wooden rocker closer and plopped down, setting the chair in motion. “I sit here. Antonio.” She beckoned with one finger. “Bring the baby over.”

  Tony set the baby on the rug in front of the fire and amused her with blocks. He settled down beside her, his back against the hearth. The retriever appeared and lay next to the rocking chair.

  “Help yourselves, everyone.” Mila set a tray of tulip-shaped glasses on a sturdy wooden trunk in front of the couch. She perched on the arm of her husband’s chair and draped an arm around his shoulders.

  Katerina handed a glass to the grandmother before taking her own. Wendy set a bowl of foil-wrapped chocolates in the center of the trunk and curled up at the opposite end of the couch from Katerina.

  Nonna gestured at the glass. “You like?”

  Katerina swirled the clear liquid and then drank. The tiny sip quickly warmed her head to toe, although she wasn’t surprised. “Very much.” Having spent much time in Italy, Katerina sampled the strong after-dinner drink many times.

  Nonna nodded. She looked over Katerina’s shoulder. “Alessandro…” She motioned to the couch.

  “Nonna, I’m fine.”

  Katerina turned to see Alex leaning against the archway into the living room, his arms crossed, as if debating whether to enter the room or make an escape.

  “Alessandro.” The grandmother beckoned with her finger and pointed to the space between Katerina and Wendy. Turning to the baby, she began singing softly in Italian.

  Katerina had the distinct feeling that a family member saying “no” to the grandmother was rare.

  Alex settled onto the couch and glanced at Katerina, an apologetic look in his eye.

  Catching his eye, she couldn’t help but smile. He acted like a small boy being punished. Dressed in dark jeans and a blue plaid shirt, Alex emitted the fresh scent of soap. Katerina breathed deeply as her gaze traveled up the long legs to the dark hair curling against the collar of the flannel shirt. Broad shoulders hinted at a man accustomed to physical labor. Letting out the breath on a long sigh, Kat looked away, reminding herself in six months she returned to Germany. Alex reached for the lone glass on the table, leaned back, and sipped. “So, what brings you to California?”

  Katerina looked around the room at the friendly family. Her homesickness retreated a tiny bit as they waited for her answer. “I have a temporary assignment at Almond Valley College.”

  Wendy nudged Alex’s knee with her own. “The college has a housing shortage, so when Colleen asked if Kat could get a housing allowance they agreed and voila, here she is.”

  Kat held up her glass. “The fringe benefits are certainly better here than at the school. Thank you all for having me. Salute.”

  Wendy peeked around Alex’s broad shoulders. “Colleen tells me you’re a whiz on the computer. Could you look at something for me later?”

  “Of course.” Katerina settled into her corner of the couch, turning toward Wendy as she answered. Although her comment was directed at Wendy, Alex remained in her direct line of sight, giving her a sudden appreciation for Nonna’s authority. He certainly was, as an American woman might say, easy on the eyes.

  Alex caught her eye. “You work with computers?”

  “Well, actually, I—”

  Just then Jaiden let out an ear-piercing screech and conversation halted as everyone’s gaze swiveled to the unhappy child.

  “She wants the chocolate,” Tony explained, pointing at the bowl. “You don’t want her to have it, do you?” he asked with a look at his wife.

  “Oh my goodness, she about gave me a heart attack.” Mila clutched at her chest. “That little girl can scream.”

  “I’m afraid she gets that from the McLaughlin women, Mom. We’re well-known for our screams. Just ask Rob and Matt. And no, we’re holding off on the chocolate for a while. Sorry, little girl.” Wendy joined her husband on the hearth and ran a hand over her daughter’s dark, curly hair.

  “So Pop,” Wendy stacked blocks as the baby clapped her hands, “Tony was telling me about an old cabin at the back of the property. We took a ride out and I was thinking if we did some remodeling, we could advertise it as a honeymoon cabin. What do you think?”

  A low groan issued from Alex.

  Facing him, Katerina detected a slight tightening of the man’s jaw.

  His father leaned back and put a finger to his chin. “You’re talking about the old homestead. I’ll see how much work is needed to bring it up to snuff but I’ll consider the idea.”

  Katerina almost laughed as Alex’s mouth dropped open. He obviously hadn’t expected his father to go along with Wendy’s idea. Her gaze shifted from Alex to Wendy and Tony and she wondered how long Wendy had been part of the family business. If she didn’t know better, she could guess from Alex’s facial expressions he had some issues about the arrangement.

  “Is it in the budget?”
Addressing the question to his father, Alex leaned forward, elbows on knees. “We’re replanting the back field with new stock, don’t forget.”

  Frank gestured toward his wife. “Your mother and Tony can answer that question better than I.” He directed a smile at Kat. “But we have company tonight. Business can wait until tomorrow, Alex.”

  Alex reached for his grappa and leaned back against the couch. “Whatever you say, Dad.”

  Kat was certain only she could see the clenched fist at his side. She studied the family, engrossed in Jaiden’s antics with the blocks. Nonna’s head nodded as she watched the baby through half-closed eyes.

  “Uh oh, somebody needs a new diaper. Phew!” Tony lifted the toddler, legs dangling, for his wife. “Your turn, Wendy.”

  Wendy took the baby and settled her in the crook of one arm, before reaching a hand out for her husband. “If you help, I’ll make it worth your while.” She pulled him from the floor and they disappeared up the stairs, the little girl chattering nonstop.

  “Why don’t you help me in the kitchen?” Mila ran a hand through her husband’s thick, salt-and-pepper hair.

  “I thought I’d finish the paper.” He looked around at the floor. “Where did it go, anyway?”

  Mila kissed him on the cheek and smiled. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

  Frank laughed heartily. “Well, if you put it like that…” He rose from the chair with a grunt and followed his wife. “Maybe I left the paper in the kitchen.”

  Katerina looked over at the grandmother. Her head tilted back against the chair, both she and the retriever were sound asleep. One hand hung down and rested on the dog’s head, stretched out beside the chair. She looked at the dark-haired man sitting next to her, his leg touching hers, his dark eyes just inches from hers.

  “Alone at last,” he murmured. He leaned closer and Katerina’s breath caught in her throat.

  Just like in the American movies, the handsome cowboy was making his move.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his hand reach for…one of the foil-wrapped chocolates in the bowl in the center of the table. “These people can drive you crazy if you let them.” He stopped halfway through removing the foil and regarded her with one raised eyebrow. “You haven’t lived until you’ve had one of these. Do you like chocolate?”

  With effort, Katerina kept her mouth from dropping open in shock. What happened to the handsome cowboy making his move? She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before answering. “Yes, but I’ve already eaten too much. I gain weight just looking at chocolate.”

  She was unable to suppress a shiver as his gaze moved quickly up and down her body, appraising her.

  “You look fine to me.” He moved into the opposite corner of the couch and stretched out his long legs.

  Uncomfortable under his steady gaze, she reached for her grappa and with a trembling hand brought it to her lips. Alex’s scrutiny only served to intensify the heat from the strong drink. To distract herself, she focused on a large painting over the fireplace—a painting of Alex’s horse—then noticed the baby grand piano, covered with photos, in a corner of the room. When her gaze returned to the opposite end of the couch, Alex’s stare hadn’t wavered. He still studied her as if she were a curious specimen just arrived on Earth. Heart racing, she raised a hand to her face, wondering if the heat showed.

  “Well?” Alex crossed his feet at the ankles.

  “Well, what?” Katerina set down her glass and fanned her cheeks with her hand.

  “Why do you worry so much about gaining weight?”

  Avoiding his dark eyes, she shrugged. “I am at a desk all day. I don’t exercise very much.”

  “Why?”

  Annoyed at the line of questioning, she sipped at her grappa, belatedly realizing if she drank much more she might spontaneously combust. “I’m not very good at sports. I am a…” She stared into the fire as she searched for the American slang. “…bookworm.”

  Alex nodded slowly and continued to study her. “It’s never too late to learn, if you want to, that is.”

  She chuckled. “I’m afraid it is too late for me. I am…older…so I’m not accustomed to sports.”

  Alex pulled in his legs and rested his elbows on his knees. He reached out and this time, touched her arm. “Then go for a ride with me.”

  Certain he was teasing, she fixed him with a stare. “I thought we were talking about sports and exercise.”

  “Riding is great exercise. Try it.”

  She glanced around the room, trying to quell her racing thoughts. The idea was tempting, but the mere thought of riding a massive horse caused her heart to go into overdrive. She considered the dark-haired man tempting her and, ignoring the tiny voice in the back of her mind, agreed. “Okay, I will give it a try.” Her father would have a fit if he knew. She hoped she didn’t break any bones. “One time.”

  “Great.” Alex leaned back on the couch and stretched out his long legs once more.

  They sat in silence a moment. A snore came from Nonna. Kat caught Alex’s eye and when his lips curved up into a grin, she returned a smile. “Does your grandmother always wear black?” she whispered.

  “She’s in mourning,” Alex whispered back. “Her cousin in Italy died.”

  “Oh, I see,” Katerina replied, ashamed at asking the question.

  “…five years ago,” Alex continued. They looked at each other and, just as they had earlier in the bedroom, collapsed in fits of silent laughter. Katerina slapped her hand over her chest as she grew breathless from laughing. She dabbed at a tear in her eye. Maybe California wasn’t going to be such a bad place after all.

  ****

  “He’s so big.” Katerina stood at the railing of the indoor arena, her gaze on Alex’s hands as he tightened the cinch on Wendy’s horse. Both busy with work, four days passed before they were able to get together. She had barely seen him since Sunday evening, when, except for the snoring grandmother, they were left alone. She had ended up telling Alex more about her family than anyone she had met so far.

  Alex slanted a look her way, one dark eyebrow quirked. “Another inch shorter and he’d be classified a pony, Kat.”

  Wiggling her toes in the unfamiliar boots, Katerina took another deep breath in what had been so far, an unsuccessful attempt to calm her nerves. Her heart pounded like a bass drum in her chest. A riding lesson from the talented Mister Marino may have been a prize for some women, but Katerina wasn’t one of them. She would much prefer a cup of coffee on the veranda, or perhaps a walk through the garden…definitely not a ride on a big, four-legged animal with a mind of his own who could run like the wind. Unfortunately, for every excuse she presented, Wendy had a solution.

  No riding boots? Surprise! We’re the same size! No jeans? Wendy unearthed a pair from her early pregnancy days. Thank you very much! The woman was rapidly becoming an annoyance.

  She looked down at the borrowed jeans and tugged at the denim shirt skimming her hips. “I am too heavy for this horse, Alex. If he is a pony then he is a child’s mount and I am much too—” she struggled to find the right word, hating to admit it but finding no other way out of this predicament “—fat.”

  Alex laughed out loud as he turned and crooked his arm around the saddle horn. “Katerina, of all the excuses I have ever heard, that one takes the cake.”

  “I’m not entirely sure what you mean by ‘taking the cake’, but regardless, Alex, I cannot ride this animal.” Katerina propped both hands on her hips and glared at the man with what she hoped came off as defiance. Staring at the man turned out to be a mistake. Today, instead of the tight buff riding pants, he wore a pair of faded jeans and soft flannel shirt. Tearing away her gaze, she focused on Sunny’s thick mane.

  After sauntering toward her, Alex propped his arms on the top rail and one boot on the bottom. “Far be it for me to impose on a woman who obviously has her mind made up.”

  Katerina breathed a sigh of relief. Just a slight show of defiance and she go
t her own way. She should try this more often. Brave enough to hazard another glance, she tore her gaze away from the horse to encounter the bold dark eyes of her host. “Thank you.”

  “No problem, mademoiselle. You can ride my horse.” He turned and nodded toward the huge bay standing at the other end of the arena.

  “What!” She shrieked as the drumbeat resumed in her chest. The thought of sitting on the enormous, powerful horse almost took her breath away.

  “Of course. If you feel you’re too heavy for Sunny, then I’m sure Twister can carry you. But let me go on record as saying, as a man who’s been around horses all his life—” his gaze traveled slowly from the tips of Katerina’s boots to her eyes, “—you are definitely not too heavy for this horse. In fact, I think you’re just right.”

  Katerina’s mouth dropped open and for a second, she had to remind herself to breath. All the breath had whooshed out of her lungs at the sudden and surprising compliment. Did all American men flirt like Alex? Was he flirting?

  His lips pursed. For a crazy minute, she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, the lips emitted a shrill whistle. The bay at the end of the arena trotted over and hung his head over the railing. One big brown eye stared at Katerina. “Look, he likes you.”

  Katerina’s mind raced in an attempt to get out of the mess she had gotten herself into. For just a brief moment she thought she had been successful but the charming Californian had tricked her. She reached out a finger and touched the soft muzzle even with her chin. “Okay, Mr. Marino, you win. I will ride Sunny if you are sure I am not too heavy, and you can ride…” she surveyed the animal head to long flowing tail “…Twister. He looks like Sam.”

  “This horse is Sam’s younger half-brother. Now stop wasting time. You’re burning daylight, woman.” Alex quickly swung the nearby saddle onto Twister, cinched it, and buckled the bridle. He turned. “Well, you have to come through the fence, they can’t come to you.”