“Okay, bye and enjoy your night.”
My night. Bianca snorted. If it depended on her, she would leave town as quietly as possible. She had no wish to see anyone who had witnessed her heartache.
But Angie had been very convincing. She assured Bianca that most of the people weren’t even listening to half of what went down between Jenna, Ryan, and her. And if they were, they didn’t care.
Maybe Angie was right. Bianca shouldn’t hide from the world. It wasn’t healthy. But at least Angie agreed to keep Jake away. With Ryan out of town, he was the only other person who would dredge up the bad memories.
As she drove through the free railway passage, her thoughts travelled back to that morning when she’d first crossed paths with Ryan.
If Rainbow hadn’t spilled his milk on her bed that morning, maybe the whole encounter would have gone differently. Maybe Ryan and she wouldn’t have gone down the road to… She shook her head.
No. She was fooling herself. There was no alternative universe in which she could meet Ryan and not fall in love with him. It wasn’t his dazzling looks or his money. It was his heart. He was a good man despite what Bianca tried to tell herself.
His betrayal about Jenna was no more serious than Bianca’s lie about Jake. Now that the startling effect of Ryan’s ex’s appearance had washed off, Bianca could see clearly why Ryan kept quiet. He wanted a chance to get to know her. But then why did he pay that money to Jenna’s director?
Bianca huffed and hardened her grip on the wheel. She wasn’t going to start on this loop yet again. It was worse than Alice’s rabbit hole. She couldn’t come out of it any smarter or calmer. What had happened, had happened.
Even if Ryan didn’t mean to betray or hurt her, he still didn’t have the same feelings for her that she did for him. And this was the only point on which she needed to insist. Only this counted.
She mustn’t trade her love for a strong physical attraction or simple interest. If she stayed with Ryan, their story would have ended anyways as soon as he was back in Philadelphia surrounded by Jenna-type bombshells.
Bianca parked in her usual spot in front of The Sapphire.
Her throat closed as she walked to the door. Three years. Three very good years, filled with challenges and stress, but still the best. Especially these past two weeks. No matter what had happened, she wouldn’t change anything. It was probably how it was supposed to go down.
She paused and inhaled. She had loved it here in Rocky Harbor, but it was time to move on now. She pushed the door open, and a loud hurray greeted her.
Stefano and his wife hurried over and closed her into a warm embrace. “We’ll miss you, Bianca,” they said simultaneously.
Angie came and led Bianca to a large table set for twenty people. There were all the faces that had marked Bianca’s days in this town. The entire crew of The Sapphire including the band, except—thank heavens—for Jake. Mr. Allbright and his sister Cecilia, Scarlett and Lilly. And even the mayor himself.
Bianca’s eyes became moist, but she blinked away the tears quickly. She wasn’t going to cry. The sorrow wrestling in her heart was only a sign that she felt at home here. She should cherish this feeling instead of mourning it.
Just like her chance to experience true love. Even if she’d lost it.
Her gaze wandered to the ceiling where ribbons, in Bianca’s beloved shade—sapphire—dangled joyfully. Each one was stamped with golden lettering that read, “I did it my way.”
She pointed her fingers at them. “Who had the idea about the phrase?”
Stefano smiled. “I did.”
He hugged Bianca’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head. “Shall we sit? Angelo has been preparing a special dinner just for you. And we also have a surprise.”
Bianca lowered herself to a chair positioned to face the stage. The others gathered around and took their seats.
Only Angie remained standing.
She sashayed over to the podium, grabbed a microphone, and climbed up. “My dearest ones, we’re here today to say our good-byes to Bianca. We wish her the best of luck in her future, knowing it will lead her to pure happiness.” She winked, and everybody cheered.
Bianca’s throat dried out, but she plastered on a smile. It was doubtful that she was ever going to find pure happiness, but she didn’t want to spoil Angie’s lovely speech.
Angie raised an arm and swung it toward the curtain behind her. “We’ve prepared a special surprise for you, Bianca.” With that she bowed and jumped off the podium.
Bianca arched her brows. What could they have done for her?
The curtain began to rise, and simultaneously, a soft melody filled the room. Bianca immediately recognized it. It was a Dean Martin song, one of her favorites.
As the curtain lifted, leaving the entire stage visible, Bianca gasped.
In front of her, The Lions of the Past, the most famous jazz band in New York, played their instruments. Bianca had only seen them once, when she’d visited the club where they usually played with her father and Matteo for her twenty-fifth birthday.
How the heck did Stefano manage to fly them over? Booking them must’ve cost a fortune.
Suddenly, the side entrance of the restaurant opened.
Bianca grabbed at her chest because her heart seemed to stop.
Ryan walked in holding a microphone. What was he doing here?
Her eyes darted to Angie, but her friend only smiled back encouragingly.
At that moment, Ryan began to sing while walking toward Bianca’s table. As he spoke about money not being important if one isn’t loved, his baritone, though rough, gave Dean Martin a run for his money.
The world began to spin around Bianca at a quick speed.
What was happening? Why was Ryan singing this beautiful love song? She didn’t even know he had such a great voice. And its message? Was it directed at her?
A glint of hope started to spread in her chest. Could it be that…?
Ryan was almost close to Bianca’s chair. His eyes searched hers. He came to stand beside her, as the song arrived to its end.
He lowered the microphone, and the music stopped.
Bianca’s pulse raced as she watched Ryan kneeling down to her.
He cleared his throat. “Bianca, I never realized the wisdom of these old songs until I heard this particular one. Ever since I lost my mother, I’ve been obsessed with building a safety net around me to ensure I couldn’t ever be hurt again. But money can’t protect you from heartache and it certainly can’t buy you happiness.”
He swallowed and his pupils dilated. “The only one who has that power over my life is you.”
Bianca’s eyes widened. “Me?”
Ryan nodded. “Yes, you, Bianca Biagi. I’m madly and deeply in love with you. I know it might sound strange after such a short time that we’ve known each other, but that’s just the way I feel. Would you take this journey with me and find out where life takes us? Together?”
Bianca’s body turned weightless as her spirit soared.
Could this actually be happening? Did Ryan really love her the way she loved him? This was too good to be true.
She pinched her thighs to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. A spasm ran through her leg. No, she was awake, all right.
Her eyes met Ryan’s, and joy welled up in her heart.
Ryan squared his shoulders. “Of course, if you don’t feel the same way, then I understand—”
“No. I do.” Bianca squeaked and jumped up, throwing herself into Ryan’s arms.
She did it with such zest that Ryan almost tumbled to the floor. As he regained his balance, his lips curled up. “You do?”
Bianca snaked her arms tighter around his neck. “Sure, I do. I’ve been in love with you…ever since…Gosh, I can’t even remember a moment I didn’t love you. You’re all I want.”
She pressed her lips to his, and their breaths united. He pulled her close to him, running his palms along her back and sending delicious shivers to her entire body. B
ianca sighed and every inch of her lit up with burning desire for him. Her heart hummed with the rhythm of Ryan’s lips.
Ryan loved her and wanted to be with her. She was the luckiest woman on the planet. Her body molded against his, becoming like the chords of a violin in the hands of her master. She would have never wanted to break their kiss, had it not been for the short cough from Stefano.
Oh, right. They weren’t alone. She pulled back from Ryan’s strong arms, and he helped her to her feet.
A warmth flooded her cheeks as her eyes met Stefano’s. She had managed to give another spectacle. But this time the idea of the others witnessing her happiness didn’t bother her that much. All that counted was that Ryan and she were going to be together.
Together, but how? Where?
The details of reality rushed back to her at the speed of light. What were Ryan’s plans?
Before she could ask anything, Stefano spoke, “Ryan and Bianca, I’m so happy for you. Something truly marvelous is starting out for you two now.” His eyes shone in paternal affection.
The mayor stepped to them. “And for our whole town, I reckon. With your help, Ryan, life in Rocky Harbor will become even more special.”
Bianca snapped her head to Ryan. What was the mayor talking about? What help?
Ryan peered down at her with a smile. “I’ve decided to create a new branch for Bright Future. Here in Rocky Harbor. This office will care for new developmental projects, acting as an incubator for successful business ideas without taking away the ownership of those who created the plans originally.”
Bianca stared at Ryan confused. Was she understanding him correctly?
“Does this mean that you…?” Her voice trailed off because she was afraid she might have misunderstood him.
Ryan nodded. “Yes, I plan to move to Rocky Harbor. I’ve already discussed details with my board, and we’ve appointed a suitable replacement for the office in Philadelphia. I’d love to follow our first flagship project from as close as possible.”
Bianca’s throat swelled. “Flagship project?”
Stefano winked at her. “Yes, The Sapphire. Instead of buying the restaurant, Ryan has granted us a large enough sum to cover both my financial needs and the strategic investments we were planning before.”
Bianca grabbed at Ryan’s arm. “You did this? But why?”
He brushed his thumb on the point of her nose. “Because I love you, you silly. And you love The Sapphire. ”
Bianca bit her lip. “But I thought you never make a business decision based on emotions.”
Ryan laughed. “I’ve said that. But I realized I’ve been a fool. I was working towards accumulating more and more money without having a real passion for what I was doing. It wasn’t until I saw how dedicated you were to your dream of turning this restaurant around and building up a festival, that I realized it was time to follow my own dreams.”
Bianca swallowed. “And what do you dream about?”
Ryan leaned closer, so that his breath caressed her cheek. “My dream is to make you happy, to care for you and to share our happiness with all the others living around us. What do you say, does it sound like a plan?”
Heat radiated through Bianca’s chest, and she couldn’t control herself any longer. She opened her arms and closed her hands behind Ryan’s neck. “It’s the best plan I’ve ever heard.”
A wide grin spread on Ryan’s face, then his gaze dipped to Bianca’s lips. “Shall we seal it with a kiss then?” he murmured, and his mouth was already on hers.
The others around them clapped and hurrayed but Bianca didn’t hear them anymore.
She was lost in the sensation of Ryan’s fingers grazing her back and his sweet, familiar taste. What did Angie wish her just moments ago? Pure happiness?
Bianca knew that’s what she’d found as the joyous sensation cascaded across her skin. She let their kiss deepen under the watchful eyes of her friends. Friends whom she didn’t have to abandon now. She was going to create a real home here with Ryan.
Ryan’s lips moved to her ear, and he whispered. “I love you so much, Bianca.”
Bianca sighed. “And me, too. Always.”
Epilogue
Ryan watched the busy main street. Who would have thought the festival was going to attract so many visitors? The town was buzzing with travelers arriving from all corners of the country.
Ryan’s father patted his son’s back. “All is ready? When are you popping the question?”
Ryan slid his fingers into his pocket. Yes, the box was still there. Would Bianca like it? “Yes, all’s set. But I’m not sure yet when to ask her. I want it to be perfect.”
His father poked him in the ribs. “Don’t overthink it, son. Follow your feelings, and everything will turn out as it should. C’mon, let’s join the others.”
They moved toward the group standing beside a stand selling colorful candies. Ryan suppressed a smile as he observed the kids lining up in front of it. After all, their festival didn’t only target adults.
Bianca turned as they approached, and her face lit up. “Here you are, love. Matteo was looking for you.”
Ryan’s heart quickened. How was it possible that even after a year his body reacted with such excitement to the sight of Bianca? But he knew it was a rhetorical question. The answer couldn’t be clearer. He’d found his soulmate, the one person he would do anything for.
He stepped over to Bianca, and put his arm around her waist. He gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. “I had some things to discuss with Dad.”
Bianca glanced at Robert. “I hope he isn’t nagging you again about that restructuring. I’ve told him to let it be.”
Ryan’s father chuckled. “Don’t worry, Bi’. I can keep my son’s enthusiasm to help in check.”
Matteo tapped Ryan’s shoulder. “I can’t believe you guys organized this in less than a year.”
Eleni shifted little Gaia from her left hip to the right and nodded. “Yes, guys. It’s amazing. When you invited us to the Sapphire Passion Festival, I didn’t quite imagine it to be this huge.”
A warm sensation filled Ryan’s chest. Bianca had done an amazing job turning her vision into reality, and he couldn’t be prouder to have been able to help her achieve it financially.
His eyes flicked to the nearby podium where a band played a jazzy remake of a classic song. His foot began to tap the rhythm.
Gaia clapped her tiny hands. “Gaia loves music.”
Ryan flashed a smile at the little girl. “Me, too.” He would’ve never thought he’d learn to like these tunes. But these guys were good. Very good.
Gaia lost interest in the melody and leaned out from her mother’s arm. “Gaia wants tuf-tuf.”
Everybody laughed at her comment.
Bianca reached out and caressed her niece’s face. There was a weird glint in her eyes. “Ah, you naughty angel, want to come with Auntie Bianca and get you some bonbons?”
Gaia nodded enthusiastically as Eleni lowered her to the ground.
Bianca took the child’s hand. “Let’s go then.”
Gaia peeked up at Ryan with pleading eyes. “Isn’t Ra-Ra coming with us?”
Ryan’s heart melted hearing the nickname the child had given him. “Of course I’ll come.”
“We’ll be right behind you, I just want to listen to this song first,” Matteo called out.
Bianca, Ryan, and Gaia strolled toward the middle of the main square where Fat Rob’s tent had been built. He had the best toffees in the entire town as Ryan’d learned. He’d discovered so many things about his birthplace since he’d moved here to be with Bianca.
They passed a podium on which The Old Angels played a swing melody, and a small crowd rocked to the cheery beats.
“It was a good idea to space the stages farther apart. This way people can enjoy each group without being distracted by the others,” Ryan said.
Bianca waved toward the dancers. “Let’s hope they get hungry with all that movement and storm to
the foodcourt after they’re done. For now, the music is attracting more visitors than the culinary specialties.”
Ryan reached up and rubbed Bianca’s neck gently. “Don’t worry, it’s only the first day. You’ll see that every aspect will be successful. I’ve seen the goodies Angelo and company have prepared. No one will be able to resist those delicacies.”
Gaia hopped in front of them in her tiny pink sneakers.
Bianca’s gaze was fixed on the child’s back. “I think Gaia adores you. She’ll be heartbroken when they head back to Italy on Sunday.”
Ryan smiled. “She’s such a cutie, hopefully we’ll get to have children like her someday.”
Bianca stopped in her tracks, her mouth opening in a small circle. “Are you serious?”
Why was she so surprised? Didn’t she know that nothing on Earth would make Ryan happier than having a family with her?
Gaia exclaimed, pointing her hand to the Toffee Paradise. “Tuf-tuf there. Gaia buy it alone, Auntie Bi’?”
Ryan searched for some coins and dropped them into Gaia’s palm. “Sure, sweetie. Go on. I’ll wait for you here with your auntie. Don’t get lost.”
Gaia sprinted toward the queue.
Ryan’s eyes drifted back to Bianca who was still standing motionless, an unreadable expression on her face. The pressure of the tiny box in Ryan’s pocket became stronger. He wanted to wait for the perfect moment to give it to her. But what if he did it now?
“Ryan, did you mean what you said?” Her voice was low, but boiling with emotion.
Ryan’s throat dried out, and he swallowed. Why not? If there was one thing he had learned from Bianca, it was that he had to let his emotions flow freely. Planning and withholding for the future could never make up for a lost moment in the present.
He moved closer, so that they were standing face-to-face.
He cleared his throat. “Bianca, how can you even ask me such a question? Don’t you know how I feel about you?”
Bianca bit her lip. “Yes, I do. You love me, and I love you. We just never talked about family, and I wasn’t sure that…” Her cheeks turned pink.
Ryan raised his index finger and pressed it to Bianca’s lips. “Then let me make this clear for you once and for all.”
Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2) Page 16
