1655 Words this chapter
Chapter Nine
Becker shook his head, chuckling as Jess hummed. "You're very happy," he said.
"I am," answered the petite brunette.
"It's because we sneaked out and ditched Cooke, isn't it?"
She giggled. "No." She looked at him and laughed. "Maybe a little. I wanted a romantic stroll in Venice with my boyfriend," she said, enunciating the last word. Becker laughed. "Besides, we'll meet him there."
"Yeah. Won't he be happy with us?"
She giggled. "He's a big boy. He'll survive."
"I hope we will." He sighed. "Dinner with a politician." He groaned. "Even if the food's great, we'll probably get indigestion just listening to him."
She giggled. "Maybe. Right now, I don't care," she said, snuggling into his side.
He laughed and draped his arm around her. He sighed with contentment. "I don't care either, now that you mention it. We're walking down a charming street, paved with cobblestones and the beautiful woman with me is simply breathtaking in the setting sun."
"Aw, thank you," she said. "I can't take full credit for being breathtaking. It's the new clothes."
Becker smirked, looking at her for about the billionth time. She wore a see-through black lace skirt which fell to her knees, with a bright purple mini skirt underneath that stopped mid-thigh.
The top repeated the purple, but now it had a shiny almost metallic look. The top, which had a modest scoop neckline, was sexed up by the sleeves, which were made of the same black see-through lace from the skirt.
"Oh, I'm a fan of the new outfit," Becker said. "You look elegant but sexy." He growled.
Jess giggled. "I'm a bit surprised that you don't mind the sexy."
"Nope, it's modest enough that I don't have to kill anyone."
"That's always good."
"Yeah, plus I get to see some skin."
"And you don't mind others seeing it?" she asked.
"On arms and legs, no. Other areas…yes."
"I'll remember that," she said.
"Oh, you better."
She giggled. "Well…I'm glad you approve."
"I do," he said, looking at her again. "Mmm."
She blushed and kissed his cheek. "You look amazing as well," she said.
Becker wore a nice black leather jacket that Jess adored. If possible it made him look even sexier. Under the jacket was a simple light green shirt. Chocolate brown pants and a purple tie completed the look.
She chose the tie. She wanted to make sure everyone realized that they were together. Not that she would let go of him for one second.
They walked quietly along the narrow street, which was just above the waterline of the canal. "I still can't get over how close we are to the water," Jess said. "Some of the buildings don't even have pavement around them, they just open up to the lagoon."
"That would be a terrible morning, wouldn't it? Forget where you live, open the door and splash!"
Jess giggled. "I imagine though that you'd wake up quickly."
"True," said Becker.
They were in a section of the city that was a bit quieter and further away from the tourist sites, though to be fair all of Venice was worth seeing. Jess was grateful for the peace. She was enjoying the slow walk with the man she loved.
Finally they reached their destination and Jess sighed. "I guess we have to go in, huh?"
Becker laughed. "I was wondering the same thing." He looked around and then whispered, "Let's ditch them."
Jess giggled.
"Don't you dare, Captain," said a British voice as the door opened.
"Cooke, you keep showing up at the most inconvenient times," complained Becker.
The naval officer frowned. "Good. I thought I told you I'd pick you up at the hotel."
"You did," said Jess. "We ignored you."
Becker chuckled.
"Et tu, Jessica?" asked Cooke.
"Yes, me too," she said. "We're in Venice for heaven's sake."
"Not my problem," said Cooke, pulling them both inside. "I'm assigned here; just as you two are, even if it is temporary in your case. If you think about it, I've got the short straw." He maneuvered between Jess and Becker and took Jess' hand. "I don't have an attractive partner."
"Yeah, I'm crying inside for you," said Becker, pushing Cooke aside and taking Jess' hand back.
Jess giggled. "Please don't fight. I'm too hungry to referee."
They heard a noise, like someone clicking their tongue against their teeth. They looked up to see a thin woman, taller than Jess, walking toward them.
Her dress was sage green on top, black on the bottom, divided diagonally across her middle. Her shoulders and neck were visible thanks to the halter style. The dress ended in a diagonal line from her knee to just above her calf.
"Lieutenant Marino?" asked Cooke, gasping in awe.
She blushed. "Yes, it's me," she said. "I was ordered to this thing last minute. I'm starving and irritable, and on top of it all, I have to protect Jess Parker from you two."
Jess giggled.
"You look lovely," said Becker.
"You do," agreed Jess.
"Thank you," she said. "So do you, Jess. I love your outfit."
Jess smiled. "Thank you."
The lieutenant nodded. "Now, what's going on here?" she asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all," said Cooke, maneuvering beside her. "Let's all go in. Lieutenant, may I?" he asked, offering her his arm.
She hesitated. "Alright, but only to prevent a brawl," she said, taking his arm. "Try not to hit on Miss Parker in front of anyone important."
"I wasn't…hitting on her. I was just lonely, that's all."
"Right…" said Marino. "Behave…or I'll have you in a choke hold before you can stutter 'help me."
"I'll keep that in mind. Miss Parker and the Captain were correct, you do look smashing." He smiled, oozing charm.
Marino chuckled. "Thank you, Commander. You look quite dashing. How painful was it, wearing a suit and not your dress uniform?"
"Ugh. Very painful," he said. "How about you?"
"Oh, no. I like dressing up occasionally." She looked back at Jess, and smirked. "Anything to buy a new dress."
Jess giggled. "You know it."
Cooke led them into a small foyer. As he walked, Jess heard him ask, "May I call you Valentina?"
Jess giggled. "He's a charmer," she said.
Becker nodded. "Remind him later to thank Marino for showing up and saving his life."
"Oh, you wouldn't kill him."
He raised his eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
She giggled. "Yes. You're too professional. You'd simply maim him."
"True."
They followed Cooke and Marino across the brilliant white marble floor of the foyer, which was lined with marble statues. The walls glistened in gold with deep red accents.
Jess was already impressed when they walked into the dining room. She literally gasped. "It's gorgeous," she whispered.
Becker chuckled. "Nicer than mine. Of course, my dining room doubles as the kitchen."
Cooke laughed and nodded. "It's nicer than mine too."
"You live on a ship," whispered Marino. "Of course it's nicer."
Jess giggled.
They walked further into the dining room. It was a huge room with a dark wooden floor, polished so it shined. The walls were a warm peach, trimmed in white and gold. A rectangle strip of taupe carpet down the middle divided the room.
The left had the dining area: a large rectangular table set with a glistening white table cloth and beautiful gold and peach china. The chairs were elegant and ornate, trimmed in gold with peach cushions.
To the right, was a white fireplace, trimmed in gold. It was not lit. In front of it were two pristine white couches facing each other, and a glass table lined with white marble.
"I'm in love," said Jess.
"Thank you," said a woman. "Our home has been in my husband's family for generations. It's our pleasure and honor to share it with others. "
"It's very kind of you," said Jess.
"Grazie," said the woman, smiling graciously. "I have the privilege of being your hostess this evening. I am Signora Orsetti, but please, call me Annalisa. Welcome."
"Thank you. I'm Jess." The signora smiled and shook her hand and Jess took the opportunity to look her over.
She was at least fifty years old, but she was aging gracefully without too many lines or wrinkles, Jess noticed. The lady had crisp white hair, not gray, arranged in an attractive bun at the back of her neck.
Her long, form-fitting dress in mauve was belted at the middle with a gold belt chain that hung down her hips. The top of the dress was long-sleeved and sported a long, plunging neckline which contained an old-fashioned cameo pendant.
The Signora turned to Becker. It was hard for Jess to ignore her reaction to him. Her whole face brightened and her eyes were positively dancing.
Jess felt ill.
"Welcome," the Signora said, shaking his hand a bit too long. "I'm delighted that you are here."
Jess swore she licked her lips.
"Thank you. I'm Becker."
Signora Orsetti raised her eyebrow. "Becker?"
"Yes, just Becker."
"Or Captain," said Cooke.
"Ooh, Capitano. I do like a man of rank," said Annalisa. She stepped closer to him.
Jess tried very hard not to push her away.
Then the lady of the house took hold of Becker's arm. Jess sucked in a breath as the old biddy felt up his muscles.
"And you are incredibly fit," cooed Signora Orsetti.
Becker politely smiled.
"Hmm. I adore service men," said Signora Orsetti. "I'm so impressed by how they…protect and serve." Her eyes roamed all over his body.
Jess' mouth dropped.
"Uh…thank you," said Becker uncomfortably. He smiled nervously. "Uh…don't let us keep you from your other guests," he said, trying to get away.
"My other guests? You know, you are correct. I must not neglect them," she said.
Jess breathed a sigh of relief.
Then the signora said, "Come, we must mingle," and she suddenly pulled Becker away from Jess.
End of Chapter Nine
