Leah's Seduction: 5 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) by Trent Emily Jane

Author:Trent, Emily Jane [Trent, Emily Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Camden Lee Press, LLC
Published: 2014-10-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Leah strolled with Gianni through the olive groves on the property, or took morning walks through the nearby woods. Once she saw a family of wild boar nosing in the carpet of amber leaves covering the ground. Several times she heard the chirp-chirp sound of pheasants, and spotted them in the grass.

That time of year, the clay had turned to mud, and they wore boots to go for long walks along the quiet paths in the forest. The peace of the unspoiled valley drew them to spend time at the villa one afternoon, and enjoy a simple meal of crusty bread and foggy green olive oil, with a bottle of locally made Brunello.

In better weather, they could have enjoyed the stone patio under a wooden arch covered with wisteria, roses, and grapevines. Instead, they ate indoors, while staying warm in front of the fire. Another day, recharged from the tranquility of the villa, they visited Montepulciano, a medieval fortress town.

The atmosphere was nostalgic, and for Leah it epitomized Tuscany. The ancient-looking wine shops and the smell of wood-burning fires transported her to an earlier time. It was reminiscent of pictures she had seen of Italy with schoolchildren running through piazzas, and wrinkled old men playing bocce in the sandstone courtyards, with their collars turned up against the brisk weather.

A couple of days before Christmas, they went to Florence. The streets were filled with shoppers in slim-fitted coats and boots, scouring the markets for holiday items. People crisscrossed the stone square carrying oversized bags from gift and pastry shops. The store windows were decorated with presepi, nativity scenes. Even with the sparkling icicle lights shedding a golden glow over the pedestrian alleys, the tone was elegant and temperate.

Christmas dinner in Italy was eaten at lunchtime. Gianni booked reservations for their pranzo, or lunch, at a family-owned restaurant in Massa Marittima, near Pisa. They were served traditional fare. The meal started by toasting with a glass of Prosecco.

“To your beauty,” Gianni said, making tears well in Leah’s eyes.

The drink was followed by a bottle of estate-bottled red wine to accompany the long meal. Ham, cheeses, and plump olives were placed on the table before a starter dish of tortellini in broth was served. Crostini toscani, chicken liver pâté on Tuscan bread was considered a delicacy. And when set before her, Leah tried it and found she loved it, even though she swore that she didn’t like liver.

They had to pace themselves, knowing there would be many courses. Next a dish called bollito was delivered to the table. It was boiled meat in a delicious sauce, with a side dish of fresh, in-season vegetables. With all the courses, they were at the cozy restaurant for hours, and Leah thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Dessert was slices of panettone served with cream. The sweet bread was a popular holiday treat, and it was paired with a bitter shot of espresso. “Every morsel was delicious,” Leah said. “But I am stuffed. I won’t have to eat for two days.

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