Curating Love (Amore Italiano Book 1)

By Cara Marsi

When an American woman snags her dream job of curating an art collection for a noble Italian family, she begins to picture a new life for herself. A sexy Italian shows her a different portrait, one of love, excitement, and sensuality. Can she open her heart and take a chance on all he offers?

All the color drained out of Chloe Decker’s world when her fiancé died. But now her new Master of Fine Arts degree and a letter inviting her to curate the art collection of the wealthy and prominent DiMarco family of Ravello, Italy, lets Chloe begin to picture a new life for herself. This temporary job will be a great stepping stone to her ultimate goal of opening her own art gallery in her hometown of Philadelphia. But she’d never imagined including the sexy grandson of her employer in that portrait.
Matteo DiMarco, the playboy scion of the DiMarco family, will never again let a woman betray him. Casually dating some of the world's most beautiful women works for him and keeps him from losing his heart again. But sweet, beautiful, earthy Chloe reawakens old dreams of a life more fully lived.
Wary of losing her heart again, Chloe’s not ready for a relationship, not even with a fine Italian masterpiece of a man like Matteo. Besides, her future is in Philadelphia, not Italy. Can Matteo convince her to stay and take a chance on him? Can she open her heart and paint a new picture that includes them both?

**The course of true love doesn't run smoothly for Chloe and Matteo. Read more of their story in Ravello Marriage Bargain (Amore Italiano Book 2) available now.**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cara Marsi
• Release date: Oct 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005693817

Cara Marsi

An award-winning and eclectic author, Cara Marsi is published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. She loves a good love story, and believes that everyone deserves a second chance at love. Sexy, sweet, thrilling, or magical, Cara’s stories are first and foremost about the love. Treat yourself today, with a taste of romance. When not traveling or dreaming of traveling, Cara and her husband live on the East Coast in a house ruled by two spoiled cats who compete for attention. Read excerpts of all Cara's books and sign up for her newsletter at www.caramarsi.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

University of Pennsylvania

School of Arts and Sciences

Philadelphia, PA

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Ms. Chloe Decker

Philadelphia, PA

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Dear Ms. Decker,

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Congratulations on earning your Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. We are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen by the DiMarco family of Ravello, Italy, and the faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences for the position of curator of the extensive Sofia DiMarco art collection.

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Competition for this coveted job was fierce. Due to your high grades and broad knowledge of all disciplines of art, we feel you are well-qualified for this sought-after position.

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We estimate this to be a two-to-three-month assignment. Room and board will be provided at the DiMarco villa in Ravello, along with a small stipend.

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Please contact our office as soon as possible to make travel arrangements.

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Our best to you in your future endeavors.

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Sincerely,

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John Randall, Dean

University of Pennsylvania

School of Arts and Sciences

Ravello, Italy

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"Q uanto ? How much?" Chloe Decker rubbed her finger over the etched flower motif on the silver pendant attached to a heavy silver chain. She looked expectantly at the merchant selling his wares at a vendor stand in Ravello’s Duomo Square. The sun-filled square, colorful and crowded with tourists and natives enjoying the warm June day, hummed with activity.

The middle-aged merchant smiled, showing uneven teeth. One hundred fifty dollars, he said in English.

Chloe frowned. She loved the pendant, but did she love it one hundred fifty dollars’ worth? She’d been in Ravello a week now, working ten-hour days with the assistant hired by the DiMarco family cataloging their art collection. On this Saturday, her first day off, she intended to enjoy every minute until the DiMarco chauffeur came to drive her back to the villa in two hours.

As she pulled her wallet from her cross-body purse, a man’s deep voice, speaking Italian, and very close to her, stopped her.

She raised her gaze to golden brown eyes framed by thick black lashes. She scanned the stranger slowly, savoring his stunning good looks. With chiseled features, sharp cheekbones, and narrow high-bridged nose, he could be a sculpture of Adonis, come to life to mingle with mere mortals. Thick black hair curled over the collar of his white dress shirt, and his rolled-up sleeves exposed muscular arms with a smattering of dark hair. Indigo jeans showcased long legs that seemed to go on forever. Tall for an Italian, he towered over her by a foot.

When her gaze traveled back to his face, his teasing grin told her he knew she checked him out and he liked it. She glanced quickly away.

The Adonis spoke something in rapid Italian to the merchant.

"Mi dipiace, Signore DiMarco," the merchant said. Chloe expected him to bow and scrape in front of the younger man.

Wait. Did the merchant call him DiMarco? The hot guy couldn’t be related to the powerful DiMarcos of Ravello, her employers.

The merchant looked at her. "So sorry, signorina. I was mistaken about the price. It is seventy-five dollars."

That sounds better. She took bills out of her wallet and paid him. He wrapped the necklace in tissue, placed it in a velvet bag, and handed it to her.

She stuffed the bag into her purse and turned her attention to the handsome Italian who’d helped her. Hoping he spoke English, she said, I don’t know what you said to him, but thank you.

It is nothing, he said in perfect English with a lilting accent. These merchants like to cheat the tourists. They give Ravello a bad name. He smiled, his teeth white against his olive skin. The sellers expect you to bargain with them. Never pay the first price they give.

She returned his smile. I’ll remember that.

Interest sparked in his amazing eyes as he studied her. You are American.

She held out her hand to shake his. Chloe Decker.

Surprise flashed across his features. He took her