He stopped and glanced at Kayla, whose expression was one of compassion. And then she did something he didn’t expect. She reached over, grabbed his arm again and slid her hand down into the mud until she reached his hand. She laced her fingers tightly around his and gave him a big squeeze.
He exhaled a deep breath and continued. “My father is not a small man and he can be quite intimidating. When I’d had enough and my mother needed help with his temper, I...I’d step between them. My father did not like that at all.”
“You don’t have to tell me this.”
“Yes, I do.” He’d started this and he was going to see it through to the end. “It didn’t matter what I did, it was never up to my father’s expectations. I don’t think there was anything I could have done to please him. And by the time I graduated school, I was done trying. And he was done trying.”
“One day he blew up at me for not doing something in the vineyard. His bad mood spilled over to my mother—this was one of their good periods, so she didn’t want to ruin things with him. When I tried to intervene between him and her by trying to soothe him, my father...he...he threw me out.”
Kayla’s fine brows rose. “But surely he calmed down and let you back in.”
Angelo shook his head as he stared blindly out the window. Suddenly he was back there on that sunny day. His father had pressed a meaty hand to Angelo’s chest, sending him stumbling out the front door. His mother’s expression was one of horror, but she didn’t say a word—not one thing—to contradict her husband. Instead, she’d agreed with him. Angelo’s hurt had come out as anger. He’d balled up his hands and lifted them, taunting his father into a fight. But his father had told him that he wasn’t worth the effort. How did a father do that to his son? How did he turn his back on him?
Angelo blinked repeatedly. “He told me that I was worthless and that I would never amount to anything. And then he told me to never darken his doorway again. He closed the door in my face.”
“But your mother—”
“Wanted to make her husband happy. Don’t you get it? Neither of them...they...didn’t want me.” His gut tightened into a knot and the air caught in his lungs as he fought back the pain of rejection.
This is where Kayla would turn away—just like his parents. She would know he was damaged goods. Not even his own parents could love him. He couldn’t face Kayla. He couldn’t see the rejection in her eyes.
“So you just left?” Her voice was soft.
He nodded. “I wasn’t about to go back.”
“But you were just a kid.”
“I was man enough to make it on my own. I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t live with him after that. And he didn’t want me there. Nico brought my clothes to me, and with the money I’d saved from odd jobs over the years and my inheritance from my grandfather, I left. If it wasn’t for Nico and Marianna, I’d have never looked back.”
“And this is why you avoid serious relationships?”
He shrugged. “There isn’t any point in them. The relationship will fail and somebody will get hurt. It’s best this way.”
“Best for who? You? You know that not everyone will treat you like your parents.”
Suddenly he turned to her. His gaze searched her eyes. What was she saying?
Her warm gaze caressed him. “You can’t keep yourself locked away from love because you’re afraid. Some things are worth the risk.”
She is worth the risk.
He leaned over and dipped his head, seeking out her lips. Every time he thought he’d learned everything there was to know about Kayla, she surprised him again. What did he ever do to deserve her?
He deepened the kiss. She responded to his every move. Her heated touch was melting the wall of ice inside him that he used to keep everyone out. Every second with their lips pressed together and their fingers intertwined was like a soothing balm on his scarred heart.
He needed her. He wanted her. He...he cared oh, so much about her.
A person cleared their throat in the background. “Do you need anything?”
Yeah, for you to leave.
Fighting back a frustrated groan, Angelo pulled back. If it wasn’t for their attendant, he might have continued that kiss to its natural conclusion. Yes, he’d have definitely followed her into the shower and finished it.
In what seemed like no time, they were ushered from the mud bath into a shower and then into a private Jacuzzi. Angelo didn’t know what to do with his hands. Well, he knew what he wanted to do with them, but with their attendant floating in and out, those plans would have to wait for later. For now, he stretched his arms along the rim of the tub and pulled her close to him. He just needed to feel that physical connection.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” He just had to be sure.
“This is perfect. Thank you.”
“Well, not quite perfect. I did overlook the need for swimsuits.” The heat of embarrassment crept up his neck.
“And miss seeing you in your boxers?” She waggled her brows at him. “I think it worked out perfectly.”
“But you had to ruin your...um, clothes. They’re all stained now.”
“Oh, well. It was worth the sacrifice.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to replace your...things.” Why did he get so tripped up around her? It wasn’t like him. But then again, everything was different when he was around Kayla.
“Will you be picking them out yourself?” Her eyes taunted him.
“Sure. Why not?”
“Do you have much experience with women’s lingerie? And exactly how will you know what sizes to get?”
Boy, this water was starting to get hot—really hot. “Fine.” His voice came out rough, and he had to stop to clear his dry throat. “I’ll give you the money and you can get what you need.”
She grinned at him. “I never thought of you as the kind to take the easy way out.”
He had the distinct feeling there was no winning this conversation. No matter which way he went, he was doomed. “I’ll make you a deal.”
“Oh, I like the sound of this. Tell me more.”
“We’ll go together. I’ll pick them out, but you have to promise not to wear them for anyone else.”
Her eyes widened and then narrowed in on him. “Why, Mr. Amatucci, are you hitting on me?”
“I must be losing my touch if it took you this long to figure it out.” He didn’t even wait for her response before his head dipped and he caught her lips with his own.
Their relationship was unlike anything he had known previously—he never tired of Kayla. In fact, he missed her when she wasn’t next to him. And her kisses, they were sweet and addicting.
What was wrong with him? He never acted like this. And he never took part in flirting. He never had to. Normally women gravitated to him and things were casual at best. But with Kayla it was different—he was different. He barely recognized himself. It was as if he’d let down his shield of Mr. Angelo Amatucci, Madison Avenue CEO, and could at last be himself.
However, Kayla had taught him that a relationship didn’t have to be turbulent like his parent’s relationship. She’d opened his eyes to other possibilities. She’d shown him through her patience and understanding that, with openness and honesty, things didn’t have to be kept bottled up inside until they exploded.
She hadn’t been afraid to voice her disagreement over ideas for the wedding pitch. Nor had she been shy about vocalizing her objection to his no-charity-projects rule at the office. And though he hadn’t agreed with her on some of the things, he’d been able to communicate it without losing his temper. Was it possible that he wasn’t like his parents? Or was Kayla the key to this calm, trusting relationship?
He wasn’t sure what it was, but the one thing he was certain about was that he wanted to explore this
more—this thing that was growing between them.
When their attendant entered the room, they pulled apart. Disappointment settled in his chest. But the thought of picking up where they’d left off filled him with renewed vigor. This wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning.
“I just have one question.” Kayla gave him a puzzled look. “What exactly are we supposed to wear when we leave here? Please don’t tell me that we’re going commando.”
He burst out laughing at the horrified look on her face.
“Hey, this isn’t funny.”
“Relax. I have another surprise waiting for you.”
The worry lines on her face eased. “You do? Aren’t you a man of mystery today?”
“I try.”
“So tell me what it is.”
He shook his head. “Just relax and let the water do its magic. You’ll learn about your next surprise soon enough.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CINDERELLA.
Yep, that’s exactly how Kayla felt as she stepped out of the limo. Her nails were freshly manicured, her face was done up by a makeup artist and her hair was swept up with crystal-studded bobby pins. And that was just the beginning.
Angelo had surprised her with a gorgeous navy blue chiffon dress. Wide satin straps looped over her shoulders while a pleated bodice hugged her midsection. The tea-length skirt was drawn up slightly in the front while the back of the skirt flirted with her ankles. The thought that Angelo had picked it out for her and that it fit perfectly amazed her.
And there was lingerie—she wasn’t even going to ask how he got all of her sizes right. Heat tinged her cheeks. Some things were best left unknown. Her silver sandals, though a bit tight, looked spectacular. And he’d even thought to present her with a sparkly necklace and earrings. The man was truly Prince Charming in disguise.
She looped her hand through the crook of his arm as he escorted her into a very posh restaurant. Tall columns, a marble floor and white table linens greeted them. Palms grew in large urns. The soft lighting and instrumental music made the ambience quite romantic. When the maître d’ led them to the back of the restaurant and out a door, she wondered where they were going.
She soon found them standing on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A sweet floral scent filled the air. Kayla glanced up to find a wisteria vine woven through an overhead trellis. The beautiful bunches of delicate purple flowers were in full bloom. Lanterns hung from chains and gave off a soft glow. The whole setup was just perfect for a first date—this was a date, wasn’t it?
Her gaze strayed to Angelo. What exactly had been his intention in giving her this magical day? Suddenly she decided she didn’t want to analyze it—she just wanted to enjoy it.
The maître d’ stopped next to a table by the railing. The view was spectacular, but even that word didn’t cover the magnificence of the sight before her. The sea gently rolled inland, lapping against the rocks below the balcony. The glow of the sinking sun danced and played with the water, sweeping away her breath. She didn’t know such a beautiful place existed on earth.
“If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.”
Angelo smiled at her. “Trust me. I’m having the same dream and I have no intention of waking up anytime soon.”
“You have made this a day I’ll never forget.”
“Nor will I.”
She continued to stare across the candlelit table at Angelo, who was decked out in a black tux that spanned his broad shoulders—the place where’d she’d been resting her head not so long ago. Even his dark hair was styled to perfection. Her fingers itched to mess up the thick strands while losing herself in another of his kisses. But that would have to wait until later. It would be the sweetest dessert ever.
The maître d’ presented the menus and explained the wine list to Angelo before walking away. Everything sounded delightful.
Angelo peered over the menu at her. “I hope you brought your appetite.”
She nodded, eating him up with her eyes. This was going to be a very long dinner.
However much Kayla wanted to throw caution to the wind, there was still a small hesitant voice in the back of her mind. And try as she might, it was impossible to ignore. She’d worked so hard to get to where she was at Amatucci & Associates—did she really want to jeopardize her dreams? And worse yet, if she did continue to thrive there, would she always wonder if her flourishing was due to the fact that she’d had a fling with her boss?
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look?” The flickering candlelight reflected in his dark eyes as he stared across the table at her.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“You mean this old thing?” He tugged on his lapel. “I just grabbed it out of the back of my closet.”
His teasing made her laugh. Maybe she’d worry about all of the ramifications tomorrow. “Is it possible that we never have to go back to New York? Couldn’t we just live here in this little piece of heaven and never let the moment end?”
“Mmm...I wish. I’ve never enjoyed myself this much. But we can make the most of our time here.” His eyes hinted at unspoken pleasures that were yet to come. “You know if we weren’t in public and there wasn’t a table separating us, I’d finish that kiss we started back at the spa.”
Her stomach shivered with the anticipation. “Then I guess I have something more to look forward to.”
“We both do.”
* * *
Like Cinderella swept away in her carriage...
The limo moved swiftly over the darkened roadway back to the palace. All Kayla could remember of the dinner was staring across the table at her date. Angelo had presented one surprise after the other, and somewhere along the way, she’d lost her heart to him.
She didn’t know when her love for him had started. It was a while back. Maybe it was when she first witnessed how much Angelo cared about his family. Or maybe it was when he’d given her a tour of his village and told her about pieces of his past—finally letting down that wall he kept between them. Then somewhere, somehow, Angelo Amatucci had sneaked into her heart.
Kayla loved him wholly and completely.
The revelation shook her to her core. Part of her wanted to run from him—from these feelings. They had the power to destroy everything she’d built for herself back in New York. But how did she turn off the powerful emotions that Angelo evoked in her? And did she want to?
Just a look and he had her heart racing. Her body willingly became submissive to his touch. And she reveled in the way he’d looked at her back at the spa. He had no idea that her insides had been nothing more than quivering jelly when she stripped down to her undies. But when his eyes had lit up with definite approval and then desire, her nervousness was quickly forgotten.
In his eyes, she saw her present and her future. She saw a baby with Angelo’s dark eyes and her smile. Startlingly enough, the thought didn’t scare her off. In fact, she liked it. Maybe it was never the idea of a family that frightened her, but rather she’d had her sights set on the wrong man.
“Hey, what has you so quiet?” Angelo reached out and pulled her to his side.
“Nothing.” Everything.
“I hope you had a good day.”
“It was the best.” She turned her head and reached up, placing a kiss on the heated skin of his neck. There was a distinct uneven breath on his part.
His fingers lifted from her shoulder and fanned across her cheek. “No, you’re the best.”
They both turned at once and their lips met. There was no timidity. No hesitation. Instead, there was a raw hunger—a fiery passion. And it stemmed from both of them. Their movements were rushed and needy. Their breath mingled as their arms wrapped around each other. Reality reeled away as though it was lost out there in the sea.
&
nbsp; Right now, the only thing Kayla needed or wanted was Angelo. If they were to have only this one moment together, she wanted it to be everything. She wanted memories that would keep her warm on those long lonely winter nights back in New York.
Angelo moved his mouth from hers. His hands held her face as his forehead rested against hers. His breathing was ragged. “I don’t want to leave you tonight.”
She knew her response without any debate. “I don’t want you to go.”
For once, she was going to risk it all to have this moment with the man she loved—even if he didn’t love her back.
The limo pulled to a stop at the foot of the palace’s sweeping white stairs that were lit with lanterns trailing up each side. Angelo didn’t follow protocol. He opened the door before the driver could make it around the car. Angelo turned back and held out his hand to help her to her feet.
With both of them smiling like starstruck lovers, they rushed up the steps and inside the palace. Brushing off offers of assistance from the staff, hand in hand they swiftly moved to the second floor. They stopped outside her bedroom door and Angelo pulled her close. His mouth pressed to hers. He didn’t have to say a word; all of his pent-up desire was expressed in that kiss.
When he pulled back, he gazed into her eyes. “Are you sure about this?”
She nodded and opened the door. She’d never been so sure about anything in her life. She led the way into the room. This would be a night neither of them would ever forget.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
WHAT IN THE world had he let happen?
Angelo raked his fingers through his hair, not caring if he messed it up or not. He’d already messed things up big-time with Kayla. In the bright light of the morning sun, he stood on the balcony of his suite in the royal palace. He’d woken up in the middle of the night after a nightmare—a nightmare he’d thought he’d done away with long ago.
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