Finding Love in Positano by Lucy Coleman

Author:Lucy Coleman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Published: 2022-05-05T00:00:00+00:00

16.

Throwing Caution to the Wind

It’s the wine, I tell myself. And the fact that Nico and I are working in such close proximity. Sitting cross-legged on the floor as we sift through a mountain of paper, it’s boring enough for the mind to begin wandering. It hasn’t really registered with me before how fresh Nico smells, despite the dust that lingers in the air and the odour of staleness from the boxes we’re diving into. Nico reminds me of the scent of citrus, but when he jumps up to carry over yet another box to place in front of me, the warmth of his body in action seems to accentuate it.

‘That’s an interesting cologne,’ I eventually ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

‘It’s a body spray I buy from a friend of Olivia’s. She has a little shop in the heart of Positano – Bellezza Naturale. The ingredients are organically sourced and chemical-free. I’m sure Olivia will end up taking you there at some point. Sorry if it’s a bit overpowering.’

I didn’t mean to make him feel awkward. ‘No, it’s nice … fresh.’

‘Thank goodness! It’s rather warm in here – do you mind if I open the window a little wider?’

‘Not at all – it’s a little stiff and that’s as far as I could get it to extend.’ As Nico turns away, I discreetly sniff myself. Not too bad considering and, thankfully, the spritz of perfume I sprayed over my top still lingers. The light, floral tones aren’t overpowering, but still pleasantly fragrant.

My eyes stray over to Nico as he reaches over the top of a stack of boxes and pushes against the glass. His muscles strain against his pale blue T-shirt and from the contours it’s obvious that there isn’t an ounce of fat on him. I suppose he’s on the go most of the time.

‘Do you have any hobbies, other than boating, whenever Jack is around?’

‘There’s a gym in the basement of the hotel,’ Nico informs me as he settles down again. ‘I really must give you that tour.’

‘Your mum showed me her and Luca’s accommodation. It’s wonderful – so modern and bright.’

‘She did? You’re honoured, then.’

He doesn’t seem put out and I continue leafing through. Most of what I’m sorting out here are receipts for various purchases over the last two years.

‘Uh … I think you should take a look at this,’ Nico interrupts.

‘What have you found?’

‘Most of this stack seems to be mainly auction brochures. They go back a long time, but I found this pile in among them. I’d better flick through each one to be on the safe side.’

He passes me a handful of envelopes of various shapes and sizes, some of which look like birthday cards. It’s obviously personal correspondence. ‘Maybe we’ll set up a separate box for handwritten letters and photos. I’ll go and get one. Do you fancy a cold drink? There’s lemonade in the fridge.’

‘Perfect. Where do you want me to put the auction stuff? There are an awful lot of these.

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