by Joan Kilby
“No, you’re the most standup guy I know. Question is, what are you going to do to get her back? I presume you want her back.”
“Hell, yeah. What can I do? She’s at her fashion show tonight. It’s really important to her. I don’t want to barge in there and cause a scene.” Luke pushed away his beer. Suddenly he had no interest in getting shit-faced.
“If I were you, I’d be trying like hell to get to her and tell her how much you appreciate her,” Allan said.
“Appreciate? I’m going to tell her I love her. And she’d better not have a problem with that. Now, can I get a ticket to that damn fashion show or is it too late? They hold that at Bryant Park, right?”
“No, they moved it to Lincoln Center,” Allan said, still reading off his phone. “I know someone who knows someone who works in management.”
Luke clicked his fingers and a grin spread across his face. “Never mind. I just had a better idea.”
…
Luke slipped his arms into the short black waiter’s jacket and buttoned it up over the white shirt and black bow tie. The kitchen was bustling with chefs preparing canapés and waiters about to circulate with trays of food and drinks. The waiter he’d borrowed the jacket off had been only too happy to take a break. He just hoped he’d be able to find Tina among the hundreds of attendees at the cocktail party that would commence immediately following the fashion show.
A louder than usual burst of applause drew him to the door. His heart kicked up to triple time. Tina had come out onto the catwalk and was being presented with an enormous bouquet of flowers. Flashbulbs popped from the photographers. The models lined up on stage and paraded past her in a continuous line. Tina turned and gestured to them. The applause continued unabated.
In her red sequined dress, she was so beautiful it hurt his chest to look at her. If he was able to do nothing else, he absolutely had to apologize. He couldn’t bear for their final conversation to be what went down at his apartment this morning, a bitter dialogue of accusations and recriminations. That wasn’t what they were about.
Finally, Tina raised a hand. The crowd fell silent. “Grazie, tutti, mille grazie! Thank you all for coming tonight. And for your warm welcome to your beautiful city. Thank you to all the gorgeous models and to everyone involved in organizing the show, especially my New York agent, Charmaine Denton.”
More applause. Again, Tina raised her hand. “I have a surprise tonight. During my stay in New York I’ve gotten to know a very special man who began a very special charity, the Disabled Children’s Sports Foundation.”
Luke straightened away from the door. What was she doing?
“Luke Pederson—” She broke off as a cheer went up. Smiling, she waited till the noise died away. “Luke not only gives generously of his money but also his time, coaching a boys’ hockey team.” Tina glanced at the closed, red velvet curtains behind her. “Luke’s nephew Timmy is one of those boys. Timmy and his mother Stella have graciously agreed to appear tonight.”
Through a break in the curtains, Timmy wheeled his chair, closely followed by Stella, who glanced awkwardly around then turned her focus back to her son. She was wearing an evening dress, no doubt one of Tina’s designs, and inappropriately but endearingly, her adored scarf. Luke’s eyes filled as Tina walked back to meet them and leaned down to kiss Timmy on the cheek. He barely heard what followed, his chest was so full and his ears were buzzing.
Stella began to speak, tentatively at first, then more confidently as the buzz of the crowd died down. “Tina, thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it and I know the other parents will too. Our boys will be able to go to the playoffs they’ve been training so hard for. More kids will have opportunities in the future.”
Luke opened his eyes to see Tina hugging his sister. Then she stepped back and applauded Stella and Timmy.
“Please, may I have everyone’s attention.” Tina raised her arms and the crowd quieted again. “The Borlenghi Boutique will donate thirty percent of all sales generated as a result of tonight’s fashion show to the children’s foundation. Timmy, you can tell your uncle that love can’t be bought but good outcomes for kids like you, can. Thank you all, and have a very good night.”
Eyes blurring, Luke clapped until his hands stung. Without a doubt Tina had the most generous heart he’d ever known.
“Hey, you,” the head waiter called to Luke. “Grab a tray. In two seconds those people will be mingling, looking for refreshments.”
…
Tina clutched her empty cocktail glass, smiled and nodded as the Mayor of New York waxed lyrical about his policy of encouraging foreign investment in the city. The show had gone well and Stella and Timmy were a hit. Charmaine had initially panicked at essentially giving away the profits on an entire season of sales, but then she relented, as the buzz from the runway declaration created a wave of good press. The kind of press that would make the House of Borlenghi a household name in America. Tina was trending on Twitter with a veritable army of actresses vowing only to buy “clothes for worthy causes.” Dio, perhaps she’d start a philanthropic trend. She had no desire for more publicity, but she’d do whatever was best for Luke’s foundation. It would be days yet before the sales orders came in from the buyers and the chain stores but she was hopeful.
Giorgio, Layla, and Angela were out there in the crowd, enjoying the party. Every now and then she’d glimpse Angela’s blond head or Layla’s red curls, and wave. As for her, her smile was becoming increasingly forced. She was tired and her heart ached for Luke. She’d kept her eyes open for him, too, but he hadn’t made an appearance. Their “fling” was over, she had to accept that.
“Champagne, madam? It’s Dom Perignon, your favorite,” a familiar husky voice said.
A prickle of awareness skittered over Tina’s bare arms. She turned, her heart beating fast. Luke was wearing waiter’s garb, his somber expression belied by the twinkle in his blue eyes. She plucked a flute of sparkling wine off the tray. Her throat suddenly dry, she said, “You know your wines. Do you work here often?”
“Only the gala events.” He lowered his voice. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” Was he role-playing or being genuine? He must be genuine. He could only have come here dressed like that for her. She glanced around. The mayor’s ear had been claimed by a fashion blogger. It was just her and Luke, in a bubble of their own. Every cell in her body was telling her to throw herself into his arms, but he’d hurt her badly. Even though she’d hurt him, too, she’d learned to be cautious.
He came a little closer. “There’s something I have to say before someone grabs you or the head waiter fires me for fraternizing with the guests.”
“Go on.” She sipped her champagne without tasting it. Everything, her entire future happiness, depended on this moment.
“Just to be very clear, I wish you were a salesgirl,” he said in a low, urgent voice. “That’s the woman I fell in love with. In fact, I wasn’t happy to learn you had so much money. It’s a hindrance to us being together, not a help. But as for this morning, I was wrong about you. You weren’t trying to buy love. You’re just a naturally generous person who wants to believe the best of people because you’re so good and honest and true yourself. I’m sorry if I offended you. I-I have no right to expect it but I hope you can forgive me.”
“Of course, I forgive you.” She swallowed hard, feeling the ache in her chest. “I have trust issues,” she said, searching his face. “I can’t help it.”
“Babe, I know what that’s like.” His voice vibrated with fervent emotion. “Maybe we can work through them together. One thing I want you to know, I will always be on your team. Always.”
“Oh, Luke, I-I love you.” Then a lump formed in her throat and she couldn’t speak so she just nodded. Yes, to standing side by side, helping each other. Loving each other. Trusting.
“I read about that guy Fabio,” Luke went on. “It’s obvious you weren’t to blame. He’s a conman and if
I ever get my hands on him he’s going to regret the day he decided you were going to be his next victim.”
“I’m so sorry I didn’t trust you with the truth. I hope you can forgive me.”
“It was understandable under the circumstances,” he said gruffly. “I wish I’d dug deeper, earlier. I should have known you weren’t the type to hide your identity without a good reason.”
Tina managed a smile. “Oh, I don’t know. Pretending to be a salesgirl hooked me up with a very hot carpenter.” She smoothed a hand over his lapel and gave him a sultry gaze. “You look very sexy in that waiter’s jacket. The champagne is nice but I would like your…full service.”
“Pardon me,” a fifty-something woman in a black cocktail dress interrupted in a pointed tone. “May I have a glass of champagne?”
“Certainly. Here you go.” Luke handed the astonished woman the whole tray. Then he took Tina’s hand and tugged her through the crowded ballroom. She waggled her fingers as she passed Angela. Her sister’s eyebrows rose into her wispy bangs at seeing her leave with a waiter.
Tina laughed in delight as Luke led her through the tent and outside into the balmy evening. Then she stopped abruptly, dragging him to a halt. Lounging against a wall, smoking a cigarette, was Fabio. “Merda!”
“I’m guessing that’s a swear word,” Luke said grimly. “Just give me ten seconds with this guy.” He started rolling up his sleeve.
“He’s not worth it,” Tina said. “Just walk past as if you don’t even see him, as if he’s nothing. Because that’s what he is.”
Fabio threw down his smoke and sauntered toward them. “So, Tina, you still have to pay for it,” he smirked, then turned his gaze to look Luke up and down. “Only now you’ve taken to playing with the help.”
If those insulting words weren’t enough Fabio’s smug look was all the excuse Luke needed to mess up that pretty face. He hauled his fist back and let fly with a right hook that had landed him time in the penalty box on more than one past occasion. His bunched knuckles smashed into cartilage and bone, sending the other man sprawling, his nose bloodied. Fabio spat blood onto the concrete and let loose an angry stream of Italian.
“Save it for the judge,” Luke said, standing over him. “Don’t you ever bother Tina again, or you’ll have to go through not only me but the entire team of the New York Rangers. And those guys aren’t half as gentle as I am.” He turned to Tina and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
Grinning, she hooked her arm through his. “You are one bad ass hockey player.”
Luke pulled her to a halt next to the lit up fountain and pulled her into his arms to kiss her so thoroughly she had to cling to his neck to stay upright. The dancing waters, the starry night, the champagne…and the most wonderful man in the world. Could anything be more romantic?
She was floating as they crossed the plaza arm in arm and descended the steps to where Frank stood next to Tina’s waiting limousine. Frank held the door open, not blinking an eye even though he must have seen the altercation with Fabio, not to mention the kiss. “Good evening, Tina. Sir.”
“This is Luke.” Tina climbed in after him and snuggled close. “My hotel?”
“My place.” He traced her mouth with a fingertip. “Our place. La mia casa è la tua casa.” He gave Frank the address.
“Molto bene,” she said, delighted. “You’ll make an Italian yet.”
“That’s all part of my master plan.”
“Then you’ll come to our family holiday on the yacht in Naples?” She pressed tiny kisses to his jaw, his mouth, his nose. “Seaman First Class Pederson.”
His arms went around her and pulled her close. “Captain Pederson has a nicer ring to it.”
“You can practice your knots when you tie me up,” she whispered in his ear. Then she tickled him till he caught her fingers and kissed them one by one, taking her baby finger into his mouth to slowly suck.
He claimed her lips next with a kiss that was firm and warm. His hand found her breast, caressing her in the darkness. “I’ll go anywhere, do anything, to be with you.”
Tina captured his hands and held them still. In the dim backseat she searched the shadows of his face. “Will you call your mother and wish her Happy Birthday?”
He hissed in a breath. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“Please, Luke. You gave me another chance. Give her one too.”
“You gave me a second chance when I didn’t deserve it. I guess that’s what love is all about.” He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed them. “All right. I’ll call her.”
Tina put her arms around his neck and her words were muffled in his neck as she kissed him over and over. “You won’t regret it.”
As the limo pulled into the traffic and the privacy window rolled up with a whir, he turned to Tina. “Now where were we?”
Epilogue
Six weeks later…
Luke stood on the stepladder positioning Tina’s painting of the girl in the forest so it faced the painting of the boy over the fireplace. She’d given it to him the day after the fashion show, but they’d been so busy they’d only now gotten around to hanging it.
“A little to the left. Not that far.” Tina waved her hands as if conducting a symphony. “A touch to the right. Stop! Perfetto.”
He marked the point on the wall then set the painting on the mantelpiece while he hammered in the picture hook. With the painting hung, he climbed down, put his arm around Tina’s shoulders, and they stood back to view the result. The woods and the lighting were so cleverly done that they gave the illusion that the girl and the boy were just about to meet.
“They really do belong together, don’t they?” Luke said.
“They look happy now,” Tina agreed. “Before they looked a bit sad.”
“I’m happy now too.” He turned to her, searching her face. “Are you?”
“Sì, happier than I’ve ever been.” She touched his face. “Do you really have to ask?”
Not really. Everything was going so well. The bar and the boutique were both doing a roaring business. The foundation had donations pouring in as a result of Tina’s publicity the night of the fashion show, and his interviews on ESPN with the morning show Mikes. After that exhibition game with his old teammates, the owners were reaching out across the league, and it looked like the entire NHL might organize more exhibition games for charity regionally. His foundation wasn’t just surviving—it was thriving!
He’d been to Italy and met Tina’s family. Her mother and sisters were all wonderful, and he got along with Giorgio like a house on fire. Tina and Stella were in cahoots over a ready-to-wear line of practical but stylish everyday clothing that Tina would introduce into the major stores like Bloomingdales.
Best of all, he’d reconciled with his mother. Tina had gone with him to their first meeting at a coffee shop. Not surprisingly, his mom had taken a liking to his feisty Italian. Tina had coaxed out his mom’s story and smoothed over the rough spots. Mom was in counseling and swore she hadn’t gambled in eighteen months. Tina thought she was telling the truth and Luke was willing to believe. If she fell off the wagon, well, he would help her get back on.
Yes, life was pretty damn good. He and Tina spent most of their time together, either in Rome or New York, but inevitably there were many days apart too. He could live with that as long as they were solid. But despite their growing love they had yet to make permanent commitment. He wanted to change that.
“Tina.” He swallowed, feeling a huge lump in his throat. He’d thought about this moment for days. He’d planned different scenarios, written scripts for himself, imagined the most romantic setting he could think of. This wasn’t it but somehow the moment had come. He took a huge breath. “Will you marry me?”
Her startled gaze lifted to his. “Are you serious?”
He nodded.
“Luke, I love you so very much, but…” She was silent a moment. “Do you truly love me?”
He tucked a long curling st
rand of dark hair behind her ear. As if he hadn’t said it a million times already. “You know I do.”
“Would you love me if I was penniless?”
He smiled fondly as she segued into what had become a familiar ritual dialogue that invariably preceded their sexual role playing. “I would.”
“Would you love me if I was a blonde with an overbite?”
“Absolutely. I’d be your dentist.”
She glanced at him from beneath her thick lashes, coy and sexy. “Would you love me if I was say, a milkmaid and you were a farm boy?”
“I would. I would love you if you were a damsel in distress and I was a fireman.” He brushed the curve of her breast but his heart sank a little. He’d proposed and she’d left him hanging. After all this time did she still see him primarily as a sex partner? “You know I’m always up for a little fun. What will it be then, milkmaid and farm boy?”
She gazed at him shyly. “How about bride and groom?”
Luke heard the tremor in her voice, that hint of her vulnerability she still hadn’t completely overcome. His heart ached with love for her. He would make it his life’s work to never let her feel less than worthy of the best he had to offer. His own voice trembled as he said, “I take it that’s a yes.”
“Sì. A thousand times over.” She rested her head on his chest and for a long moment he held her close. At last she eased back, blinking. “We’ll have to take a rain check on the farm yard frolic, though. We’re meeting Stella and Timmy for roller skating.”
“Right, I’d forgotten.” Luke made no move to get ready. Instead he started unbuttoning Tina’s blouse to see what kind of lacy bra she was wearing today.
Tina giggled. “What are you doing?”
“I’m celebrating our engagement. Mmm, pale green and pink.” He lowered his mouth to the swell of breast above the lace and satin.
“Stella and Timmy…” Tina protested but unconvincingly as she slid her hands beneath his shirt and over his ribs.
