Return of the Italian Tycoon

by Jennifer Faye

  The price for her career advancement was far too steep. In her haste to escape her home and make a name for herself, she feared that she’d lost a part of herself. Now she realized that deep down where it counted, she still had the same principles that she’d been raised with. Her caring hometown and loving family had shown her what was truly important in life.

  And the fact was she could never be happy as an ad executive, knowing she’d stepped over other people’s hopes and dreams to get there. It was time to put her faith in Angelo’s kindness and generosity.

  She needed his help.

  * * *

  Why wouldn’t she let him in?

  Why did she insist on refusing his help?

  Then Angelo remembered how their night of lovemaking had ended. His jaw tightened as he recalled how badly he’d handled that whole situation. No wonder she didn’t trust him. If the roles were reversed, he’d feel the same way. But he couldn’t give up. He couldn’t just walk away and leave her upset.

  “I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but if you’ll give me a chance, I’d like to help.” His tone was gentle and coaxing. “I did my best for Nico and Marianna when they asked me—”

  “But they are family. And...and I’m, well, just an employee.”

  His thumb moved below her chin and tilted her face upward until their gazes met. “I think you know that you’re much more than that.”

  It was in that moment the air became trapped in his lungs. In her worried gaze he saw something else—something he hadn’t expected to find. And it shook him to his core.

  He saw his future.

  It was in that moment that he realized just how much she meant to him.

  He, the man who was intent on remaining a bachelor, had fallen head over heels, madly, passionately in love with his assistant. She was everything he’d been trying to avoid. Excitable, emotional and compassionate. The exact opposite of the cool, collected businessman image he’d created for himself.

  The how and the when of these emotions totally eluded him. The startling revelation left him totally off-kilter and not sure what to say or do next. All that kept rolling through his mind was...

  He, Angelo Amatucci, loved Kayla Hill.

  “Angelo, what is it?”

  “Um...nothing. And don’t try changing the subject. We were talking about you and what has you so upset.”

  She breathed out an unsteady breath. “It’s the emails.”

  “What emails? From the office?”

  She shook her head. “Emails from the band’s manager and the sponsors. Everyone’s pulling out and...and it’s in shambles—”

  “Whoa. Slow down. I think we better take a seat and you need to start at the beginning.”

  Once seated on the couch, everything came bubbling to the surface. She told him about how she was involved with the after-school program. It came out about how the program was about to lose their lease unless they could come up with money to cover a hefty increase in the lease. And then she told him that she was heading up a fund-raiser—a big fund-raiser.

  In fact, he’d heard about the fund-raiser. It was all over the radio and the papers. At the time, he’d been surprised his company hadn’t been approached for a donation, but now he knew why.

  “And this fund-raiser, you’ve been organizing it while you were here in Italy?”

  She nodded. “I didn’t have a choice.”

  So this is what she’d been hiding from him. “And you didn’t think to mention it?”

  “I thought about it.” His mouth opened to respond but she cut him off. “And don’t you dare blame this on me. I tried.” Her voice rose and her face filled with color. “Every time I mentioned helping a charitable organization, you didn’t want any part of it. Me not telling you before now is as much your fault as mine. I couldn’t risk my job.”

  His voice rose. “You thought I’d fire you?”

  She shouted back. “Wouldn’t you have? Correction, aren’t you going to now that you know?”

  What he wanted to do was leave. Kayla was loud, emotional and making him extremely uncomfortable. She had him raising his voice—something he avoided at all costs. In that moment, he had flashbacks of his parents’ endless arguments. He refused to end up like them.

  He started for the door. The walls started to close in on him.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Out.” His head pounded.

  “And my job?”

  “I don’t know.” He honestly didn’t. He was torn between his newfound feelings for her and the fear that they’d end up miserable like his parents. The pain in his temples intensified.

  He stormed out the door, covering as much ground as he could cover with no destination in mind. He just had to get away from the arguing.

  Over the years he’d worked so hard to control as much of his life as possible—keeping it the exact opposite of his emotional, turbulent parents. And then in one afternoon, he found himself back exactly where he’d started—in the middle of a heated relationship. That was unacceptable. His home and his office were kept orderly and on an even keel. Everything was how he wanted it—so then why couldn’t he control his own traitorous heart?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  HAD SHE BEEN FIRED?

  Impossible.

  But she was resigning from Amatucci & Associates effective as soon as she completed this one final task. Kayla sat across from Louisa Harrison on her patio. The Tuscany sun beamed bright overhead, but Louisa had the white table shaded by a large yellow umbrella. The woman was quiet, reserved and poised. Not exactly the easiest person to get to know.

  “Thank you so much for taking the time to see me.” Kayla fidgeted with the cup of coffee that Louisa had served just moments ago.

  “I’m new here so I don’t get much company.”

  Kayla gazed up at the huge palazzo. “Do you live here alone?”

  Louisa nodded.

  “You must get lonely in this big place all by yourself.” Kayla pressed her lips together, realizing she’d once again said too much. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Sometimes I don’t think before I speak.”

  “It’s okay. Most people probably would get lonely.” Louisa played with the spoon resting on the saucer. “I moved here to get away from the crowd in Boston.”

  So Louisa wanted to be alone—perhaps that was the reason for her refusing to host a royal wedding that would bring a huge crowd of onlookers, not to mention the press. So was Louisa an introvert? Or was there another reason she preferred a quiet atmosphere?

  First, Kayla had to build some friendly bridges. Hopefully she’d do a better job of that going forward. She genuinely liked Louisa. And she felt sorry for the woman, being so secluded from life.

  And then a thought struck Kayla—if she wasn’t careful and didn’t stop pushing people away, she might end up alone just like Louisa. First, she’d shoved away her ex because she just didn’t share his vision of the future. And now, there was Angelo, who had given her one amazing opportunity after the next. And how did she repay him but by having an utter meltdown.

  She hadn’t spoken to him since he’d stormed out of their suite that morning. He’d never returned. And she’d been so busy losing her cool that she never did get to ask him for help with the fund-raiser.

  At the moment, though, she had to focus on Louisa. “You know, we have something in common. I’m new here, too. Except I’m not staying. I’m only here on a business trip with my boss, Angelo Amatucci.”

  Louisa’s cup rattled as she placed it on the saucer. “I met Mr. Amatucci. I suppose he sent you here to convince me to change my mind about the royal wedding?”

  Kayla could hear the obvious resistance in Louisa’s voice. She’d have to tread lightly if she were to learn anything. “
Actually, he didn’t send me. He doesn’t even know I’m here.”

  Louisa’s eyes widened. “Then why have you come?”

  “I need to be honest with you. I am here about the use of the chapel.”

  Louisa’s mouth pressed together in a firm line and she shook her head. “I haven’t changed my mind. I told Mr. Amatucci numerous times that I wouldn’t agree to it.”

  “But I was wondering if there was something we could do to make the idea acceptable to you. The fact of the matter is this event could really help the village’s economy. And the royal couple is adamant about using the chapel. If it’s not available, they’ll move on to the next village on their list.”

  Surprise reflected in the woman’s eyes. “It’s really that important?”

  Kayla nodded. “I haven’t lied to you so far. I need you to believe me now.”

  Louisa’s light blue gaze met hers. “I do believe you. As much as I’d like to help, I just can’t do it.”

  Kayla leaned forward. “If you tell me the problem, maybe I can find a way around it.”

  “I...I just can’t have all of those people and reporters poking around here.”

  Something told Kayla that Louisa had spent more time in front of the paparazzi’s cameras than she preferred. Her sympathy went out to the woman, but there had to be a compromise. “What if I make it my personal mission to ensure that you aren’t photographed or even mentioned in the press coverage?”

  Louisa’s eyes opened wide. “You can do that?”

  “Remember, we are dealing with royalty here. They have far-reaching hands. I’ll let them know about your stipulation, and I’m sure they’ll be able to handle the press.”

  There was a moment of silence. “If you’re sure. I suppose it’d be all right.”

  Kayla resisted the urge to reach out and hug the woman, not wanting to scare her off. Instead, she leaned forward and squeezed Louisa’s arm.

  “Thank you.” Kayla sent her a smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d love to hear more about your plans for this place. It’s absolutely beautiful here.”

  Kayla sat back and sipped her coffee. She was happy that she could provide Angelo with this parting gift. With her resignation already typed up on her laptop, it was time for her to print it out.

  That evening, Angelo had plans to dine with his brother and sister. While he was off having some family time, she would catch a plane home. Her moment beneath the Tuscany sun was over, and it was time to face the harsh reality of being jobless and heartbroken.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  THIS HAS TO WORK.

  Angelo sat in the back of a limousine outside Kayla’s apartment. He’d been trying to call her ever since he’d found her resignation letter and the hotel suite empty, but she wasn’t taking his calls. He’d just arrived in New York earlier that day after wrapping things up in Italy. Thanks to Kayla, Monte Calanetti was hosting the royal wedding.

  He’d have left earlier but he couldn’t. Nico and Marianna had been counting on him to stay until the royal decree was announced. Now that he and his siblings had achieved a peaceful relationship, it was as if they were truly a family again—something Angelo hadn’t known how much he’d missed. And though Marianna still refused to divulge the name of the father of her baby, she knew without a doubt that both he and Nico were there for her—to support her no matter what decision she made about her future.

  He’d returned to New York with orders from his brother and sister to track down Kayla and sweep her off her feet.

  Since she’d been gone, he’d had time to realize how black-and-white his life was without her in it. He’d overreacted when he realized that he loved her. But now that he’d come to terms with the depth of his emotions, he hoped what he had planned was enough for her to give him—give them—a second chance.

  Thanks to Kayla’s very helpful assistant, who was a romantic at heart, he and Pam had secretly been able to piece the fund-raiser back together. And Kayla had been notified that a very special sponsor would be sending a car to escort her to the event.

  He hated waiting. It seemed like forever since he’d last laid his eyes on her. He wanted to march up to her apartment and beg her forgiveness, but he couldn’t take the chance that she’d slam the door in his face. Worst of all, she’d end up missing her big night at the fund-raiser. He couldn’t let that happen.

  Instead, he’d stayed behind in the limo and sent up his driver with instructions not to mention that he was waiting. He needed a chance to talk to Kayla face-to-face. There was so much that he wanted to say—to apologize for—but he still hadn’t found the right words.

  The car door swung open and Kayla slid in the car next to him. She wore the navy dress he’d given her for their date in the Mediterranean. It hugged all of her curves and dipped in just the right places. It left him speechless that any woman could look so good.

  When her gaze landed on him, her eyes opened wide. “What are you doing here?”

  “What does it look like?”

  Her gaze scanned his dark suit. “It looks like...like you’re set for a night on the town.”

  “And so I am.”

  “Well, it can’t be with me. I’m quite certain that it goes against your rules to date an employee.”

  “Ah, but what you’re forgetting is that you’re no longer an employee of Amatucci & Associates.” He sighed. “We need to talk.”

  “Now’s not the time. I have a fund-raiser to attend. Alone.” She reached for the door handle, but before she could open it, the car started moving.

  “And it looks like I’m your ride.”

  Her gaze narrowed in on him. “Angelo, there’s nothing left to say. You said it all back in Tuscany.”

  “Not everything. Why did you quit without even talking to me?”

  “First, I have a question for you. I thought it was strange when an internationally acclaimed rock band wanted to play for our fund-raiser on short notice. No one would tell me how Slammin’ Apples heard about our need for help. Now I know. It was you, wasn’t it?”

  He wasn’t so sure by the tone of her voice if this was going to go his way or not. “I was the one who called in a favor or two to have the band show up tonight.”

  “That isn’t just any band. They are amazing. They’ve won national awards.”

  Angelo was going to take this all as a good sign. “I’m glad that you are pleased.”

  Her brows gathered together. “I didn’t ask for your help.”

  “Kind of like how I didn’t ask for your help with gaining permission from Louisa to use the chapel.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t quit in the middle of projects.”

  He hoped this news would thaw her demeanor. “And thanks to you, Monte Calanetti is the official host of the royal wedding.”

  “Really?” A big smile bowed her lips and eased her frown lines. “I mean, I’m really happy for them.”

  “I knew you would be. Nico and Marianna send along their sincerest thank-yous.” This was his chance to fix things. “I’m sorry about what was said in Tuscany. I never ever meant for you to quit. I need to make things right. You’re far too talented to let go.”

  The light in her eyes dimmed. He’d obviously not said the right thing. For a man who made his fortune coming up with just the right words to turn people’s heads and convince them to buy certain products or ideas, why was he messing this up so badly? Why couldn’t he find the words to tell Kayla what she truly meant to him?

  And then he knew what it was—what was holding him back. He was afraid that she wouldn’t feel the same. He didn’t want her to close the door on him as his parents had done so many years ago.

  But still, he had to do it. He had to put himself out there if he ever wanted to win Kayla back. And that was something he most definitely want
ed. After their month in Tuscany—he couldn’t imagine another day without Kayla’s sunny smile or her beautiful laugh.

  Yet before he could sort his thoughts into words, the car pulled to a stop. Without waiting for the driver, Kayla swung the door open.

  “Kayla, wait.”

  Without a backward glance, she faded into the sea of people waiting to get into the convention center. Though he rushed to get out of the car, by the time he did so she’d vanished—lost in the excited crowd.

  He’d lost his chance to speak his piece. Maybe showing her how he felt would be better. He just hoped that his other surprise worked, because he just couldn’t lose her now, not after she’d shown him that there was a different way to live—one with love in it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  KAYLA’S HEART ACHED.

  She bit down on the inside of her lower lip, holding in the pain. Her legs were on automatic pilot as they kept moving one after the other, weaving her way through the throng of people. She didn’t have a particular destination in mind. She just needed to put distance between her and Angelo before she crumbled in front of him.

  After all they’d shared, how could Angelo look at her and see nothing more than an Amatucci & Associates asset? Was that truly all she was to him? The thought slugged her in the chest, knocking the breath from her.

  And the sad thing was, for the longest time that’s what she thought she’d wanted—Angelo to look at her and see her for all of her creative talent. But now things had changed—they’d changed considerably. Now she wanted him to see oh so much more—to see the woman that loved him with all of her heart.

  After passing through security, she made her way to the front of the hall where the stage was set up. The kids of the ICL after-school program rushed up to her.

  “Ms. Hill.” Her name was repeated in chorus.

  “Hi.” With so many happy, smiling faces looking at her, it was like a temporary bandage on her broken heart. She forced a smile to her lips. “Is everyone here?”