Love in Pictures Read online

  “You’re on in five…four…”

  At the sound of Jimmy’s prompting, Logan finished his last sip of water and returned the bottle to its position on the floor below his anchor desk. He cleared his throat and stared straight into his teleprompter.

  Jimmy gave the sign that Logan was on air, and the words started scrolling. Logan spoke clearly and confidently about the new community center when something and someone caught his eye.

  A woman.

  A diamond.

  Logan blinked. What was London doing here?

  She smiled and waved.

  Logan stumbled over his words.

  Oh God, not now. Please.

  As if time was in his favor, the teleprompter instructed Logan to go to commercial break. He tried his best to regain his composure, but it was too late. He tried not to show his distress on his face as he read the words.

  “W-w-we w-will b-b-be right b-b-back.”

  Jimmy gave the sign that they were off-air. He studied Logan and shook his head. “You all right, man?”

  Logan nodded. He pulled at his tie. Why did it feel hot?

  He gulped his water and gazed at the spot where London stood. He was not imagining her. He adjusted his collar and tried not to stare, but she was even more gorgeous than when she broke his heart and left him for her modeling career in Europe.

  And that ring. The bling was blinding. Was it the same one he’d given her and refused to take back when she broke up with him? Or was she engaged to someone else? But why would she show up now, and how did she get access to the studio?

  “Logan, you’re on in five.”

  He averted his eyes to the ceiling, nodded, and prayed for composure. Dear God, please help me to get it together.

  Jimmy gave the sign that Logan was on-air. He regained his composure, smiled at the cameras, and to his mortification, continued to stumble over his words as he read the teleprompter. He prayed that this wouldn’t cost him his job. He would talk to London as soon as this broadcast ended and get to the bottom of why she was here. Why now?

  ~*~

  “I missed you, Logan.”

  Logan set his jaw. He was trying not to show his anger, but London made him stutter on air after five weeks of incident-free newscasts. He could lose his job. After the show, Logan had walked over to London. She gave him a warm hug and kissed his left cheek, acting like they never broke up. He took her by her elbow and guided her to the exit. He told the receptionist that he and his guest were going on a lunch break. Fifteen minutes later, they sat at a table for two in the restaurant that was in the same building as WJLA’s studio.

  “Why are you here? Why now? How did you even get into the studio?”

  London reached across the table and closed her hands over his. “Because I missed you, love. And I got in because I know people.”

  Logan withdrew his hands. He gave a slow, disbelieving shake of his head. “I don’t understand. You wanted the freedom to chase your career dreams. You broke up with me.”

  London toyed with the diamond on her ring finger. “Yes, I did. But I needed to make my career dreams come true, and they did. But lately, I’ve been thinking. We were good together, Logan. I would like to recapture what we had.”

  He said nothing but focused on the ring. He recognized it as the one that he had customized for her. “Why are you still wearing that?”

  She smiled coyly. “Because I’m hoping we can keep our engagement?”

  He shook his head and finger-combed his hair then slapped his hands on the table. “You left me for your career. Didn’t talk to me for two years, and now you want me to take you back? Resume our engagement and get married?”

  “It’s worth a try, right?”

  For a moment, he stared at her. Two years ago, this would be the situation he’d hoped for but now… Now he had met Michelle. They hadn’t spoken in months, but she had made a lasting impression on his heart. She was so much kinder and more caring than London. She was brilliant, beautiful, and a good businesswoman. Most of all, she didn’t get turned off by his stuttering. His speech impediment used to annoy London.

  “You surprised me today,” Logan said. “I hadn’t stuttered in weeks.”

  London nodded. She reached for his hand. “I know. I’m sorry, sweetie.”

  Logan raised his eyebrow. She wasn’t fazed by his stuttering? This was new. Maybe she had changed. But was it worth giving her another chance? And what about Michelle? They hadn’t spoken in months.

  London’s hazel eyes shone bright with hope. Her sleek, honey-blonde hair flowed from her crown to her shoulders. Her light tan made her glow. Her skin was flawless, and her red lips were pursed in a perfect pout. She reached into her purse and pulled out a business card.

  “Here’s my new number. Think about it and call me with your decision. I’m in town on business for two weeks.”

  Logan glanced at the business card and then at London. “I can’t promise I’ll call you.”

  London smiled. “I know, love. But I hope you will.” She picked up her purse, stood, and kissed Logan’s right cheek. Without speaking a word, she left.

  Logan grabbed a napkin and wiped both of his cheeks. He didn’t want any contact with her. He picked up the business card, and for a moment, he was tempted to tear it in two. But then his heart softened. At one time in his life, he was ready to marry her. Now she was back and hinting that she’d changed. Maybe he should give her a second chance.

  Chapter 14

  Michelle paused at the airport entrance. She held her luggage tighter and surveyed the scene in front of her. People busied about, luggage in tow. Some rushed past her into the airport, about to board their flight out of Italy. Others strolled past her outdoors, on their cell phones or simply looking like they were basking in the sunshine while waiting for their ride.

  As Michelle stood still, she tried to gather her emotions. Wow. I’m actually in Italy. I cannot believe it. I am going to photograph my clients in one of the most romantic destinations on earth.

  Despite the sixteen-hour flight, Michelle was ultra-awake and ready to seize the day. Her attention turned to the cars pulling to the curb. Maria said she was sending her nephew Nico to pick Michelle up at the airport and drive her to their villa.

  She inhaled deeply, prayed to God to calm her nerves, and moved forward. The automatic doors slid open, and the cool breeze whipped through her hair while the sun kissed her skin. She restrained herself from dancing for joy.

  Watching the sunrise over the ocean through the window from inside her seat in first class was the first romantic experience for Michelle during this trip. Since she was in the most romantic country, she expected more beautiful experiences. Maybe Juliana was right. She just might get an Italian boyfriend. Whatever she and Logan had was gone, and it was time to move on. However, she did recall her conversation with Juliana at the café after their jog in the park. Juliana quietly mentioned that when it came to Logan, Michelle still got that faraway look in her eyes.

  Michelle shook her head. That was then, this was now. Her mama taught her the importance of living each day in the present and not dwelling on the past. She was going to enjoy every moment of this new adventure. She reached into her purse and retrieved her English to Italian language translation book. The glossy pages flipped easily as she looked up a greeting and smiled. She shut the book, held her arms open wide and greeted the people in the language of the land. “Ciao, bella Italia!”

  Several people stopped and waved at her, returning her greeting with a friendly smile and “ciao”. Michelle’s heart warmed. She almost felt at home.

  The wind whipped through her hair as she walked to the pick-up lane and waited patiently in line with other travelers who were hailing taxis. A man who looked like a dark-haired, olive-skinned, Italian version of the famous American actor Matthew McConaughey stepped out of his fire-red Lamborghini and stood out above the crowd. He made eye contact with Michelle and flashed a bright smile that revealed book-perfect
teeth and waved.

  “Buongiorno, signorina!”

  Michelle smiled, waved, then continued waiting. People sure are friendly here. I love it. But I don’t think that I know that man. Seconds later, the man stood by her side. She jumped and turned to face him. “Yes?”

  He chuckled and extended his right hand.

  “I’m Nico Ricci. Maria’s nephew. I am your second shooter for the wedding. You are Michelle Hadley, no?”

  Michelle shook his hand. “Yes, I am. How did you know my name?”

  “Facebook and my Aunt Maria’s bridal magazines.”

  Michelle narrowed her eyes as she recognized the man. Her cheeks warmed. How could she not notice him before? This was Maria’s nephew. She saw his photo on his photography business website. He was much more dashing in person, a rarity. She extended her right hand. “I’m sorry, Nico. I didn’t recognize you at first. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Nico accepted her hand but instead of shaking it, he raised it to his lips and kissed it. He then smiled at her. “Always a pleasure to meet another wedding photographer as bella—that means beautiful—as you.”

  Suddenly, she felt very shy. “Thanks,” she murmured. She withdrew her hand from his firm yet gentle grasp and reached for her luggage.

  He maneuvered around her and within seconds had all her luggage in his grasp except for her purse and camera bag. He smiled, revealing his perfectly aligned, pearly-white teeth. Michelle’s heart fluttered. He had a great smile, and he was very good looking, but she was determined not to make their time together anything but professional. If God wanted to send her an Italian boyfriend, it would have to happen after the wedding.

  Nico spoke, interrupting her private thoughts. He tilted his head toward where his car was parked. “Shall we?”

  Michelle nodded and followed his lead. “We shall.”

  ~*~

  “Here we are. Wake up, bella Michelle.”

  Michelle’s eyes slowly fluttered open. She yawned and stretched. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep in the passenger’s seat of Nico’s unbelievably hot ride, but jet lag had gotten the best of her. So, after a ten-minute conversation with Nico, she’d fallen asleep. She glanced at her watch. It was an hour later, and they’d just arrived at the most beautiful villa Michelle had seen.

  Nico parked his car on the street next to the pathway that led to the front door of the villa. He turned to Michelle and smiled. “Welcome to my home.”

  She took in the glorious scenery before her eyes. The villa was elegant, three stories tall, and set on the waterfront. She could almost feel the beach that looked like it was only a few hundred feet away. The fresh air and saltwater scent of the sea wafted to her nose. She inhaled deeply as she tilted her head upward. Her gaze fixed on the balcony with rose-colored rails that wrapped around the second and third stories of the villa painted in a deep shade of cream. There were four arched windows with sea blue shutters on each story of the villa.

  She turned to Nico. “You live here?”

  He chuckled. “Yes. I live with my Aunt Maria and her husband Giovanni. Nice, huh?”

  “Breathtaking.”

  Nico unlocked the doors. He got out of the car and popped the trunk. As he retrieved Michelle’s luggage, she forced herself to stop staring and exit the car. She slipped her purse over one shoulder and her favorite Ona camera bag over the other then placed her feet that were comfortably clad in memory-foam ballet flats on the smooth blue pavement.

  Nico had already started toward the front door. She picked up her pace and followed him. A moment later, the door flew open, and there was a petite but curvy woman with silky black hair that perfectly framed her face in loose curls. The woman had a radiant smile, beige skin, and blue eyes that sparkled like the sea. Michelle identified the woman, Maria Ricci, from their Skype conversations about the wedding plans.

  Maria kissed Nico on his right and left cheeks then did the same to Michelle.

  “Ciao, my loves!”

  Michelle drew back. She wasn’t used to such enthusiasm and affectionate greetings, but the woman’s gusto reminded her of Juliana’s way of interacting with people. She made a mental note to call Juliana after she got settled in. Her stomach grumbled, and the woman laughed. “We’re going to eat lunch soon.”

  Michelle blushed and averted her eyes to the larger-than-life pink roses that lined the walkway.

  The woman extended her hand to Michelle. “It’s so wonderful to meet you in person.”

  She shook Maria’s hand. “You too. Thanks for opening your home to me. It is, how do you say en Italiano? Molto bella.”

  Maria’s eyed danced, and she clapped with joy. “It is so delightful to hear you speak our language.” She looped her left arm through Michelle’s right and ushered her into the home. Nico followed. “I’ll show you to your room. Nico will leave your bags there, and you can freshen up before lunch.”

  As they climbed the stairs, Michelle noted how every decorative detail of the house said Mediterranean. The deep blue carpet, white walls, and glossy white marble floors. Even the tan leather couches, country-style tables, and plush rose-pink chairs looked warm and inviting.

  Maria opened the door and let go of Michelle’s arm. “This is our guest suite. Fresh sheets are on the bed. Make yourself at home. Lunch will be served outdoors on our patio overlooking the coast. It’s downstairs in the back. If you need help finding it, just call out to me. I have very good hearing.”

  Michelle smiled. “Thanks, Maria. I appreciate your hospitality.”

  “It is my pleasure.”

  Nico walked into the room and placed Michelle’s luggage on the floor next to the queen-sized bed. He smiled at Michelle. “If you need me, just call my name. I have good hearing too.”

  Nico and Maria laughed in unison. Michelle smiled. She liked the warmth of this family. They put her at ease. But she still needed time with Nico to establish a rapport before they worked together at the wedding. She turned to him as he exited her room. “Nico?”

  He stopped. “Yes?”

  “Can we talk about the wedding? I know we have all day tomorrow to scout the area, but I really need to get a feel for how we’re going to work together.”

  Nico reached out and rested his right hand on her right arm. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, princess. This is not my first, how do you Americans say, rodeo?”

  Michelle sighed. “I know. I’ve seen your photography website. It’s very impressive, but we still need to time to talk and scout the area.”

  “My lady, we will do all of that tomorrow. Today we eat and enjoy life. Tomorrow we can work out the details. Deal?”

  Michelle bit her lip. It was no point starting an argument over this, so she acquiesced. After all, they did have all day tomorrow to interact and travel up and down the Amalfi Coast as they prepared for their clients’ wedding. She looked Nico squarely in his eyes, hoping that her standing in a strong, power stance with folded arms conveyed that she meant business. She made sure that the tone of her voice was even before speaking. “Deal.”

  Nico chuckled. “See you outside for lunch soon.” With that, he disappeared down the long hallway. Michelle listened to his footfalls descend the stairs before returning to her room. She shut the door behind her and threw herself on the bed. Jet lag was no joke. She was sure that Maria wouldn’t mind if she rested before eating. Michelle snuggled with the purple, lavender-scented pillows and closed her eyes. She inhaled deeply. The scent was so relaxing. She could get used to this. As she drifted off, she thought how lovely it would be if Logan were here to share this experience. Italy was so beautiful. He’d love it here. She’d love it if he were here. If only they were still talking to each other. He was slowly but surely becoming the one man she could not forget.

  Chapter 15

  A knock at the door woke Michelle from her slumber. She opened her eyes and squinted at the glare of the bright yet beautiful sunlight that flooded her room. The refreshing scent of ocean
air and cool breeze filled the room. She sat up straight. “Yes?”

  The door opened by a few inches, and Nico peeked in. “May I come in?”

  She smoothed her hair and adjusted her shirt. She’d slept on top of her bed in her clothes from yesterday. She yawned. Hopefully that was the last of the jet lag. “Yes. Come in.”

  Nico opened the door wide and entered. He was holding a breakfast tray. Her stomach rumbled at the sight of food. Nico chucked. “Since you slept through lunch and dinner last night, I brought you, how do you Americans say? Breakfast in bed.”

  Michelle chuckled. She accepted the tray that Nico placed on her lap. “Thanks.” She studied the food then sampled a slice of the fresh oranges and enjoyed the tangy, citrus taste. She inhaled the roasted coffee beans and poured cream into the cup of coffee before taking a sip and diving into the ciabatta. She paused between bites to speak. “The food tastes delicious. Did you make it?”

  Nico sat down in the chair by the desk across from the bed. “No. We have a chef. Her name is Carissa. She’s good, no?”

  Michelle’s mouth was full, so she nodded and gave Nico a thumbs-up.

  He chuckled. “I’ll let you enjoy your food. We leave in twenty minutes.” He stood and walked toward the door.

  She swallowed and sipped some coffee before talking. “Twenty minutes? Where are we going?”

  “You wanted to scout locations for the wedding tomorrow, no?”

  “Yes. I did. Still do.”

  “Good. I’m ready when you are.”

  She gave him another thumbs up, and he left. She picked up her pace in finishing her breakfast. Five minutes later, she was finished, and in another ten, she was ready to go.

  Now fully dressed, she picked up her camera, stepped onto the balcony and gazed at the panoramic waterfront view. She took pictures of everything. The ocean waves rose to the shore then receded back into their depths. People relaxed along the beach. Couples strolled hand in hand. Children chased seagulls and built sandcastles.