Gambler's Folly (Bookstrand Publishing Romance) by Mellie E. Miller Page A

Damiano told her. “Those are his orders, to take care of your meals. If you want something, get it. He will make sure it is safe for you.”
    “What do you mean, that’s all he has to do? Doesn’t he work for the hotel?”
    “No, cara. He works for me. While I own the hotel and, technically, everyone there is in my employ, he is on my personal staff, not the hotel staff. A watchdog if you will.”
    “Okay. I’ll probably order something else after we talk. Really I feel fine now.”
    They talked for a little while longer until Damiano was sure she was going to be alright.
    “I’ll be home in three days, cara. Have you decided what you want to do?”
    “Three days? I thought you were going to be longer.”
    “I was, but the meetings are moving quickly and I’m worried about you. So three days and I’ll be home. Alright?”
    “Yes, of course! I’ll try to decide on our vacation.”
    “Ciao, cara. Arrivederci .”

Chapter 14
     
    So, what would she like to do? The only parts of this world she’d seen so far were Damiano’s suite, his hotels they’d visited, and the shops she’d visited with Marco. All of which told her nearly nothing about what else was available, besides gambling.
    Grabbing a cup of tea, she sat on the sofa and switched on the viewer. Entering her query, she was soon reading about this world, which was now her home. Because of the distance from its sun and the nearly nonexistent axial tilt, the climate changed very little during the year. Most of the world was fairly temperate, except for the planet’s equator, which was miserably hot. The poles of the planet were extremes in the opposite direction.
    While there were oceans, they weren’t as large as the ones on Earth, but lakes were plentiful. There were thousands of island resorts, offering everything from a completely relaxing vacation, to adventure diving, sailing, swimming, parasailing—you name it, we’ll find it.
    Something relaxing might be nice, she thought. But when she really thought about it, she’d done nothing but relax since she’d been with Damiano. Her workouts excluded, and, of course, sex with Damiano, she’d spent a lot of time just relaxing in the suite.
    What else was available? Did this world have any mountains? Yes, it did, and some of them were quite high, with year-round snow. Before she had married Trae, she and some of her friends had enjoyed skiing, and at one time, she’d been pretty good. Not expert, but more than just okay. Besides, a little cold weather might be nice after the heat here in Speranza.
    But would Damiano like something like that? He hadn’t given her any guidelines. He seemed fairly active, and while she was sure he could take time to relax, she thought he might be happier doing something physical.
    Ordering another search, she found several places with excellent skiing. She didn’t have any equipment or clothes to wear for such an adventure, though. Maybe she should pick an alternate, just in case.
    How about swimming? Dam liked to swim. Did she want to go to the ocean, or to someplace inland with fresh water? There were some gorgeous islands in the more temperate areas, which offered all kinds of treats. From diving excursions to view the wildlife, to underwater cave exploration, there was something for everyone, divers and swimmers alike. And of course there were the water parks for families. She didn’t like the idea of all those people just now. Someplace more private and off the beaten track was more to her liking. After all, this was really their honeymoon.
    After searching, she found a couple of places to propose. Of course, Damiano might know of someplace else he would like better, but which offered similar attractions. And that would be fine either way. Snow or surf. At least she could get out and see a little bit of this world, where she would spend another year and a half.
     
    * * * *
     
    Late in the afternoon, four days after he’d gone, an anxious Damiano entered the