Italian's Wife by Sunset

9780373039685_PL.inddExtracted 1 threads from 9780373039685-exw.PDFUntitled Article 01: UntitledTHE picture on the computer screen seemed to fill the room with humour and good cheer. It showed a young man of strik- ingly attractive looks, fair, shaggy hair, dark blue glowing eyes and a smile that hinted at mischief. Oh, wow! Jackie sighed. Just look at him! Della chuckled indulgently. Her secretary was young and easily moved by male beauty. She, herself, tried to be more detached. Hes not bad, she conceded. Not bad? Jackie echoed, scandalised. Hes a dream. But I need more than a pretty face. I need a man who really knows his stuff, preferably one whos already made a name for himself. Della, this is a TV series youre producing. It matters how he looks. Yes, it matters that he looks like a serious expert and not a mere boy. Carlo Rinucci cant be more than about twenty-five. According to his data hes thirty, Jackie said, thumbing through papers. And he has a big reputation in ruins and bones and things like that. But hes Italian. I cant have him fronting an English tele- vision series. Some of which will be based in Italy. Besides, it says here that he speaks perfect English, and youve said yourself that you have to sell the series internationally if its to make any money. This was true. In the world of television Della was a big shot, with her own production company and a brilliant repu- tation. Her programmes were in great demand. Even so, she had to consider the practicalities. She studied Carlo Rinuccis face again, and had to admit that he had a lot going for him. He wasnt merely handsome. His grin had a touch of delightful wickedness, as though hed discovered a secret hidden from the rest of the world. I had an uncle once, Jackie said. He was a travelling salesman with a girl in every town and a line in flattery that would charm the birds off the trees. And no matter what he did everyone forgave him, just for the sake of his smile. Dad used to say Uncle Joe hadnt just eaten the Apple of Life, hed gone to live in the tree. And you think hes the same? Della mused, scrutinising Carlos laughing face. Id take a bet on it. Privately Della agreed, but she kept that thought to herself. Her hard-won caution was warning her not to go overboard for this young man just because he looked good. Very good. MarvellGordon, Lucy is the author of 'Italian's Wife by Sunset ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780373039685 and ISBN 0373039689.