Italian Boss, Proud Miss Prim

by Susan Stephens

  To her surprise Rigo didn’t respond to her attack, and instead granted her a mocking bow. ‘I can assure you my wonderful staff has already told me what you did here yesterday.’

  ‘They did most of it—’

  ‘You claim no credit?’

  ‘Why should I?’

  He gave her a look. ‘Why didn’t you ask me to help?’

  Her only thought had been to start getting things in a better state for him. ‘I didn’t want to trouble you last night.’ Blushing now, she quickly changed the subject, having convinced herself she neither needed nor wanted Rigo’s praise. ‘You were upset and so—’

  ‘You’re making excuses for me?’ he suggested mildly.

  There was that flash of humour again in his intense green gaze and she hungered for more of it. There was silence while they studied each other’s faces with new understanding. It was no longer Rigo Ruggiero, infamous playboy confronting Katie Bannister, poorly paid messenger girl with a hopeless taste in suits, but a man and a woman who each had the same goal.

  But don’t get too carried away, Katie warned herself, breaking eye contact first. A leopard doesn’t change its spots that easily. A maxim that could apply to both of them, she conceded as Rigo resumed his inspection.

  ‘This room will have to be gutted…’

  And with that the spell that had so briefly held them was broken.

  ‘In fact,’ he added, ‘all the rooms will have to be gutted—make a note.’

  She did so, but this time there was a smile hovering round her lips. No wonder he couldn’t keep his staff. ‘It’s only cleaning and redecoration,’ she pointed out, but by the time she looked up from her notebook Rigo was out of sight.

  Had he forgotten she was with him? Katie wondered when she found Rigo examining an electrical circuit box. ‘Electrician?’

  ‘Full check,’ he confirmed. ‘Our first goal must be safety for everyone, and then we must concentrate on bringing the palazzo back to its authentic state.’

  ‘No earth closets, I hope?’ she couldn’t resist murmuring as he cast an eye over her notes.

  ‘State-of-the-art plumbing. There’s nothing better than a long, hot shower.’

  As he looked to her for agreement she blushed again.

  Opening a door at the far end of the corridor, he stepped outside. She followed, desperate to be free of all the conflicting emotions bottled up indoors. Gulping in the fresh, clean air, she exclaimed with pleasure and relief.

  Rigo turned to look at her. ‘How do you like the job so far?’ he demanded.

  She saw the irony in his eyes. ‘I’m only here until you find a replacement.’

  ‘Or I sack you.’

  There was another of those long moments where they stared into each other’s eyes. A breeze had whipped Rigo’s hair into a fury, but his eyes were full of laughter as he raked it back.

  She’d asked for this and she’d got it. Mad for him or not, she was under no illusion: Rigo wanted someone with an organised mind to take notes for him, just as he said. He needed her—not for all the reasons she’d like, but because she could keep life organised. She was a convenient choice, Katie reasoned as he dropped onto one hip. ‘Are you coming or not?’ he said.

  ‘I’m right here.’

  ‘Of course, you do realise if you prove satisfactory this could become a permanent position.’

  ‘If I decide I want it.’ She looked away so he didn’t see her disappointment. Her dreams extended further than being his PA in a suit.

  They spent the rest of the morning checking and discussing and formulating an initial plan of action, while she filled her notebook with notes. By lunchtime Katie could only conclude Rigo had some magic dust that had wiped the previous night’s debacle from her mind. The incident at the pool also appeared to have been forgotten. It was better this way for both of them, Katie concluded; no tension, no agenda, purely business.

  They joined the staff for lunch, all of whom were keen to put Rigo’s plan for them into action right away. ‘But run everything past me,’ Rigo reminded Katie as he left her in charge. ‘I’ve had enough surprises for one visit.’

  She didn’t doubt it.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  KATIE’S face burned as she saw knowing smiles exchanged between the staff. Rigo had come back into the kitchen to tell her that two teams of men were waiting and he needed her right away.

  ‘To take notes?’ she suggested, avoiding his gaze.

  ‘You’re quick,’ he murmured, ushering her out. ‘One team is here to start work on the heavy cleaning,’ he explained, ‘so we don’t put unnecessary pressure on the staff.’

  ‘Good idea. And the other?’

  ‘They’re here to sort you out—’

  ‘Sort me out?’ Katie exclaimed.

  Taking the pad from her hand, Rigo stuck it in the back pocket of his jeans. ‘You won’t need to take notes for this.’

  ‘For what?’ Katie’s heart leaped into her throat as Rigo took her by the hand.

  ‘If you’re going to be working for me you’ll need a new wardrobe of clothes—’

  ‘To go rooting round the cellars with mice and spiders?’

  ‘Your clothes are giving me eye-ache.’

  ‘Well, I’m sorry if I—’

  ‘You might be in Italy, but you don’t have to dress like a nonna.’

  Katie was too shocked to speak. A maiden aunt was one thing, but a grannie? Freeing her hand, she stood her ground. ‘I’m hardly on show. And as I’m only here until you find a—’

  ‘Think of it as your uniform,’ Rigo interrupted, ‘though, of course, I expect you to set a good example to the servants when you’re off duty too—’

  ‘And will you be buying them clothes?’

  ‘I will, as it happens. It’s about time they had something new, don’t you think?’

  He’d put her in an impossible position, but then Rigo was good at that.

  ‘Rigo, wait—’

  He stopped suddenly in the middle of the hall. Catching hold of her, he steadied her on her feet and stood back. Two groups of men were waiting at the far end of the hall—one team wearing overalls, the other in flamboyant suits. The overalls looked more appealing right now. She freed herself as discreetly as she could, conscious that even in a space as big as this sound travelled. As did sexual chemistry between two people. ‘Even if I did work for you on a permanent basis, which I don’t,’ she told Rigo in an impassioned whisper, ‘I have a perfectly serviceable suit—’

  ‘That brown thing? Chuck it. Or, if I find it first, I’ll chuck it out.’

  ‘Fortunately it’s already packed in my suitcase.’

  ‘So you’ve decided not to stay?’

  ‘I was ready to leave last night,’ she admitted. ‘I asked your driver if he would take me to the airport today.’

  ‘Well, lucky for you I spoke to him too. And next time please do me the courtesy of speaking to me before you instruct my staff. Now, let’s get on. None of these people want to be kept waiting. I can’t think of a woman in the world who would turn down the chance to have the designers I have chosen create a look for her.’

  ‘A mistress in the world, maybe.’

  It was only a mutter but he heard her.

  ‘Don’t flatter yourself.’

  Ouch.

  ‘I’m merely extending the same courtesy to you I show to all the people who work for me—’

  ‘And you can’t keep any of them.’

  She could always call a cab, Katie reasoned as Rigo’s expression darkened.

  ‘Those I don’t want leave my employ.’

  ‘So I have to earn the right to work for you?’

  ‘You have to do the job you’re paid for. That’s reasonable, isn’t it? There’s a wonderful opportunity here if you want to be part of it. With the right team I can take Carlo’s poisoned chalice and turn it into something wonderful—and that’s all I’m prepared to say at the moment.’

  ‘You’re talking abou
t something more than renovating the palazzo?’

  ‘When my ideas are fully formed I’ll let you know.’

  ‘So you don’t trust me, but you want me to work for you?’

  ‘I’m saying confidentiality is an issue.’

  ‘I’d need to know more.’

  ‘When I’m ready.’ And, when she still looked doubtful, his lips curved in a dangerous smile. ‘Do you really need more time to get used to the thrill of working for me?’

  Rigo’s arrogance she could deal with, even his impossible behaviour she was getting used to, but when he played the humour card she was lost.

  Just about. ‘I can’t afford to deal in riddles where my career is concerned,’ she prompted, only to have Rigo close the matter with a decisive gesture. ‘This will have to wait until you’ve seen your team. Come and show me when you’ve made your selection.’

  ‘At most I need one plain and simple suit.’

  Rigo shrugged. ‘Your loss.’

  And with that he left her to negotiate plain and simple with men for whom Katie guessed plain and simple was an abomination.

  Katie was forced to admit she was wrong. As the designers discussed their ideas she realised their taste wasn’t so far distant from her own—just in monetary terms. Unlike some men she could mention they were prepared to listen. When she asked for plain and simple they called it stylish and smiled. Once they had reassured her that all the measurements they needed could be taken over her clothes, she relaxed. They agreed on one tailored suit with both skirt and trousers to ring the changes, as well as three sharp shirts. They could dress her from stock, they admitted, to which she agreed immediately. It was both cheaper, and…well, truthfully, she couldn’t wait to see what they had in mind.

  So she did have a figure, Katie realised as she performed a twirl later in the privacy of her own room. It was a surprise to find she was a stock size and didn’t even need an alteration, but then breasts were most definitely ‘in’ in Italy, where clothes made allowances for women with generous curves.

  Left to her own devices she might have chosen something concealing, but the designers had insisted the jacket would hang off her shoulders if she chose a larger size. The elegant navy-blue tapered pencil skirt and matching short jacket with a sexy nipped-in waist made her look, well, if not glamorous—she could never be that—then, at least, something the right side of presentable. It was such a thrill to have some smart new clothes—and, as uniforms went, she conceded wryly, staring at the label in awe, this wasn’t half bad.

  The accommodation the housekeeper had chosen for her was another delight. It had survived the worst excesses of Rigo’s brother and was the most beautiful suite of rooms Katie could imagine. The silks might be faded, as was the counterpane on the bed, but Katie had always loved shabby chic and this was the perfect example of it. She wouldn’t change a thing in the room. Having everything pristine and new would take away from the palazzo’s charm. Any renovations would have to be carried out with the utmost sensitivity—though she had no doubt Rigo was more than capable of that. He was very different from his public face. The Press might think him a playboy, but that only showed how little they knew him.

  She sighed as she gazed out across the formal gardens. She was more than a little in love with him even though much of Rigo was hidden behind whichever mask he had chosen to suit his purpose. She wondered what he was hiding and why—and what were these plans of his? He had decided to keep the palazzo and renovate it, but then he was going to use it for something he wouldn’t tell her about. Would he ever trust her enough to tell her? And could she stay until he did?

  He’d have to tell her if she was going to work for him, Katie reasoned, pulling back from the window. No employer could hide much from his PA. Was that why he’d sacked so many? Rigo was asking them to give blind loyalty to a man they knew to be ruthless and who would only tell them what he thought they should know. Would she put up with that?

  Glancing at her watch, Katie realised it was time to show Rigo the outfits she had selected. Outfit, she corrected herself, smoothing the skirt of her new suit. So that shouldn’t take up too much of his time—though what he would think of the sexy shoes the designers had insisted she must wear with the severely cut two-piece, she couldn’t imagine. Well, she could. He would think her frivolous and extravagant and with very good reason. Lifting up a heel, she stared rapturously at the luscious crimson sole. The contrast with the black patent court shoe was both subtle and fabulous. She had never owned shoes like these in her life before and would have to pay Rigo back from her wages, which meant staying on—for a time. The shoes were worth it, Katie concluded.

  Katie Bannister in high heels and designer labels—who’d have thought it? Katie Bannister, whose heart was beating like a jack-hammer, because she was going to see the man she loved, though Rigo must never guess how she felt about him.

  He stood watching her as she walked across the hallway towards him. He noticed the way her hips swayed as if she had only recently become aware of her femininity. She loved her new suit. He loved to see her wearing it. He could tell she liked it by the way she moved. It was so good to see her standing straight, walking tall, hiding nothing.

  He wanted her.

  She hadn’t seen him yet and so she knocked on the door of the library, where she expected to find him. Hearing no reply, she moved on towards the entrance to the leisure suite. He walked up behind her, hoping to surprise her, but something flashed between them and she turned. ‘You look beautiful,’ he murmured.

  He heard her swift intake of breath. She remained quite still. ‘Really beautiful…’ He didn’t touch her. He didn’t want to spoil the moment as it shimmered between them. And then he noticed she was trembling.

  ‘Do you really like it?’ she said.

  ‘More than you know…’ He was sick of the pretence. He was sick of Katie’s lack of self-belief. He wanted the chance to help her rebuild it. He wanted her in his bed. She wanted him. She couldn’t have made it more obvious. Her honey-coloured eyes had darkened to sepia and her parted lips offered him a challenge he couldn’t ignore. Katie Bannister was changing faster than any woman he had ever known and the look of question, of adventure in her eyes mirrored his own. ‘Now you’ve got the uniform,’ he teased her, ‘be sure you obey all my commands.’

  ‘Until you sack me?’ She refused to see the joke. ‘I’ll work in a team as you first suggested, Rigo, but I refuse to be the next in a long line of disposable dollies dressed for your amusement—’

  ‘Is that what you think this is?’ He gave the suit ensemble an appreciative once-over. ‘And I thought you’d like it.’

  ‘I do,’ she admitted. Her eyes were wide and innocent, but there was a riot of activity behind them.

  ‘Rome and Tuscany,’ he tempted, sure that was an offer she couldn’t refuse.

  ‘I’ll stick with the trial period we agreed on, thank you.’

  ‘I need your organised brain on board.’

  ‘I’m flattered,’ she said dryly.

  ‘I mean it. You’re quiet, organised, discreet, quick-witted—’

  ‘Biddable, do you mean?’ she interrupted. ‘Or just plain dull?’

  ‘Dull? Who said quick-witted was dull?’ Had the definition changed since the last time he used it? ‘Work with me,’ he tempered, keeping the bigger picture at the forefront of his mind.

  ‘As what, Rigo? The perfect back-room girl?’

  ‘You want to run the show?’ he demanded with exasperation, planting his fist on the door above her head.

  ‘Before I agree to anything I’d have to know exactly what’s involved. That’s reasonable, isn’t it?’

  Their lips were inches apart and he was tempted to take advantage of that and then tell her everything. But he was still developing the idea and his kids’ club wasn’t up for negotiation. It was and always would remain confidential—not for his sake, but for theirs. He wouldn’t go out on a limb where that was concerned and he wouldn’t
put unfair pressure on Katie. ‘I can’t tell you yet—’

  ‘But you expect me to throw up everything I have in England and move to Italy to work with you on a permanent basis on this…secret project?’

  ‘I’m asking you to take a chance.’

  ‘With you?’

  He stared into her eyes and wondered how he had ever thought Katie Bannister a quiet little mouse. Passion lurked so close to the surface in both of them and her sweet wild-flower scent was driving him crazy.

  But he was not as innocent as she was.

  ‘No, you’re quite right,’ he said, ‘this would never work. I can’t imagine what I was thinking.’

  Rigo enjoyed provoking her. She knew that. Even so she was tempted to go along with his plan. He had injected danger into her life and she was addicted to it now. But could she work for him and feel like this? Could she do anything with a clear head until he finished what he had started last night? Sexual desire did not play by the usual rules. Clear thinking could vanish in an instant, leaving only the danger of desire.

  ‘Shall we take this somewhere more private?’ Reaching past her, he opened the door.

  The door swung to, enclosing them in the sensual cocoon of the luxury spa. Rigo locked the door and handed her the key. Neither of them spoke; they didn’t need to. Heat spread through her body until it came to a pulsing halt. Her lips were parted and her eyelids were heavy. She was ready and so was he. She could feel Rigo’s breath on her face, on her neck, on her ear, his lips only millimetres away. They stood facing each other, staring into each other’s eyes. When she was certain she could stand it no longer he drew her close. The relief was such she cried with pleasure. Her body was pressed hard against his and she could feel his erection throb and thicken as it strained against the fabric of his jeans. The more she tried to fight this Katie registered dizzily, the more she wanted him.