Invitation to Italian

Invitation to Italian
Tracy Kelleher

Talk about adult education! Obstetrician Julie Antonelli's spontaneous decision to take an Italian Conversation class has backfired. Instead of distracting her from the pressures at work, the course proves she can't escape them.That's because the teacher is none other than cardiologist Sebastiano Fonterra–the recently installed Grantham Hospital CEO who drives Julie crazy.Much to her surprise, Julie gets some fascinating lessons about life, family and love. Not to mention seeing Sebastiano in a much more simpatico light. This is one class she won't skip…especially when he's making her believe this could be the beginning of a beautiful future.

Her lips sought his and nipped and tasted

When Sabastiano opened his mouth, Julie didn’t need any encouragement, and they plundered at will.

Then his mouth stilled against hers. She steadied herself against the vibrations tingling her whole body.

“Well, that was unexpected, but clearly enjoyable. Why did you stop?”

“There are rules. Morals,” Sebastiano explained, though obviously with some difficulty on his part.

“What? Adversaries have morals in this day and age?”

He looked at her askance. “When it comes to taking advantage of damsels in distress, even adversaries in this day and age have rules.”

Julie smiled. “Perhaps it’s time to suspend the rules?”

Dear Reader,

Autumn has come to Grantham again, and it’s time for school!

Julie has been chomping at the bit to have her story told. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy keeping the opinionated obstetrician at bay. But I think you’ll agree that Julie has met her match in suave hospital administrator Sebastiano Fonterra. Was there any doubt that sparks would fly in a class in Italian conversation? They don’t call Italian a romantic language for nothing.

On a separate note, you’ll see that Julie loves to do needlepoint—a hobby I am addicted to, as well. There is nothing like handwork to clear the mind and relax the body. And in the end, you have something to show for your efforts—though I think my friends and relatives probably have enough pillows by now.

As always, I love to hear from my readers. Email me at tracyk@tracykelleher.com.

Tracy Kelleher

Invitation to Italian

Tracy Kelleher

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy sold her first story to a children’s magazine when she was ten years old. Writing was clearly in her blood, though fiction was put on hold while she received degrees from Yale and Cornell, traveled the world, worked in advertising, became a staff reporter and later a magazine editor. She also managed to raise a family. Is it any surprise she escapes to the world of fiction?

Many thanks to Maria Engst for her expertise

in Spanish and Dan Shapiro for sharing his

knowledge about obstetrical care.

This book is dedicated to two people:

Bob Bogart, the man to have in a flood.

I owe you much more than a case of beer.

And to Anna Ruspa Fedele—

una professoressa straordinaria.

Mille grazie.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN