Backup Girl [Tom Hiddleston] {EBT book 2/4}

Tuscan sun

The view as the plane descended in to Florence sent chills up Kate's spine. It was a beautiful sunny day, cold but a little warmer than London. After picking up their hire car they decided to explore Florence for a few hours before making the 90 minute drive to Sansepolcro. Kate was almost experiencing sensory overload, their first stop was the beautiful Florence cathedral. Afterward they wandered for a while and found a cafe for lunch. "I don't suppose you speak Italian?" Tom said across the table. "Nope, unless it's musical terminology. I know a bit of French?"
"We'll have to wing it."
"How is this your favourite place and you've never learned any Italian?"
Tom shrugged. "I get by, most places have someone who speaks English or at a pinch French."
"No doubt your charming demeanour helps." Kate rolled her eyes.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Are you big in Italy?"
"Kind of yeah," Tom blushed. "And yet they completely leave me alone like they have no idea who I am. It's great!"

After lunch Tom took Kate to the Galleria dell'Accademia, holding her hand and talking about what he had learned about some of the art when he was at Eton. They drove to their villa in Sansepolcro late in the afternoon. It was older than Kate could fathom, and magnificently restored and decorated. There were magical views in every direction, and it took her a little while to notice the red roses in a vase on the table with a chilled bottle of champagne. "Because we were out all day we have dinner in the fridge as well, it just needs to be reheated."
"Did you find this place?"
"Sort of. Chris and Elsa were here a while ago and recommended it," Tom said. "Do you like it?"
"Of course, I love it!"
"I thought we might have a quiet few days. We can always go exploring but maybe a couple of days doing, well, nothing." He smiled. "The pantry and fridge are stocked, or we can have meals delivered, and I just want you all to myself." He leaned down and kissed her lips, letting his tongue graze hers lightly.

After 3 days alone, enjoying the beautiful views and snuggling in front of the fire, Kate knew Tom must be getting a little stir crazy. Neither of them were the type to do nothing for extended periods and as much as she loved Tom, Kate had just about reached her limit. The night before, rugged up on the balcony, she had asked if he'd like to go out the following day. "Oh god yes," had been his answer. This morning when Kate woke Tom was already researching where they might go.
"I thought we might go to Arezzo and have a look around, it's less than an hour away."
Kate giggled. "I knew you'd be going a bit crazy. That sounds great."
"I didn't want to drag you out if you just wanted to relax. But yeah I would have gone a bit mental by tomorrow."
"Tom, you could have said something. I know you, and I don't like sitting still for too long either!"
Kate showered and dressed in jeans, long warm boots and a pink buttoned shirt with a grey scarf. She took her black winter coat with her to the kitchen to make breakfast while Tom got dressed and was surprised to find warm pancakes, fresh strawberries and maple syrup already waiting for them. Kate was looking puzzled when Tom came to the kitchen. "I ordered it last night," he smiled. "I thought I'd give you the morning off from breakfast duty."
"You're too kind, Thomas," Kate said as she sat down and poured them both an apple juice. "This looks amazing."

Arezzo was stunning with its beautifully paved plazas and streets. "You know they filmed 'a beautiful life' here?" Tom said as they strolled hand in hand.
"I did," Kate smirked. "And I can see why."
The sun was out again, although it was still very cold. Kate could only just stand to be without gloves, and kept her other hand in her coat pocket. Tom had laughed at her more than once, being much more accustomed to European winter.
Back in the car, they drove to Cortona for a late lunch and some shopping, and then took the long winding road back to Sansepulcro. They talked comfortably about their future on the way home. Tom told Kate how much he'd love to have children, and move somewhere a little out of London in to a house with a garden and a dog. "Does the dog come with the house?" She mocked. Tom laughed.
"Oh yes it all comes in a neat little package deal. The wedding, and then we get pregnant, and we buy a house and take a picture standing at the front gate with a puppy and a baby bump."
"Wow." Kate paused.
"Kate? I'm kidding. Everything will happen when it's meant to. That's just how it happens in my head."
"Phew."
"You don't want that?"
He sounded almost hurt, Kate thought. "I do, absolutely. Just not, you know, tomorrow."
"God no," Tom laughed. "I do though. Want that, with you. One day." He reached over for her hand.
"Me too." Kate looked out the window and allowed herself to daydream for a moment.
"Next time we come in winter we'll go skiing." He winked, changing the subject.
"Seriously Hiddleston are you trying to kill me?" Kate laughed. "You go skiing, I'll watch out the window!"
"Deal."

It was late when they arrived back at their villa and a light dinner had been served for them just a few minutes before. After dinner Kate got the suitcase out to start packing for the following day. "Come to bed, darling. We can do that in the morning."
"Well I can't refuse an offer like that, can I?" She said putting the hangers back in the closet.
The following morning they departed after a late breakfast and slowly made their way back to Florence, stopping a few times on the way and taking the winding backroads. The Italian scenery was spectacular and Kate couldn't wait to come back in summer. All too soon they were back on the ground at Heathrow and she sighed. After tomorrow they both would be flat out for the last few days before Tom left for Canada, and shortly after Kate would be going on tour.