by Zoe Ann Wood
Whatever would keep him from thinking about Ava—or worse, touching her again.
Five
Ava
She barely slept at all. What had possessed Daniel? First that soft touch when he’d tucked her hair back and then the kiss. Did it even count as a kiss if her lips hadn’t been involved? Oh, how she wished she’d had the courage to just grab his face and kiss him full on the mouth. Instead, she’d frozen, too stunned at the soft caress to do anything but gawk at him.
Like a teenager getting her first peck on the cheek from the boy she liked.
She’d always been awkward around boys—and men—but Daniel’s proximity scrambled her brain beyond anything she’d experienced in her life. Did his skin secrete specially targeted chemicals that fried her synapses? Or did he douse himself in eau-de-seduction every morning? Because he smelled amazing. It was all she could do not to go knock on his door and demand a do-over of last night’s situation.
Of course, he looked unaffected by her. Seeing him return from his run, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, was torture.
“I’ll just grab a shower,” he told her as he strode past her. “You can tell them to bring breakfast a little early if you want.”
She’d been sitting at the dining table with her laptop, trying to focus on a report Nadia had sent in. The new interns’ orientation had started, and she needed to have a short video call to greet them. She made a point of meeting the new people, because she never knew when she’d find a jewel among them. Nadia had been a summer intern two years ago, and now Ava could barely manage her schedule without the woman.
Then Daniel returned, freshly showered, and they chatted over breakfast as though the cheek kiss and hair touch of yesterday never happened. Ava scrambled to find her voice and ended up telling him all about her nephews, a safe topic she could talk about at length.
But she halted when she realized he was gazing at her with a warm smile, his hazel eyes twinkling.
“What?” she asked, tucking her hair behind her ear and glancing down at her cappuccino. The coffee was good, but nowhere near as spectacular as the one she’d had in the café next to the Pantheon.
Daniel shook his head. “You really love them, huh?”
She smiled. “Yeah. I wish I got to spend more time with them.”
He pursed his lips. “Why don’t you?”
“Um…” Ava raised her eyebrows, pointing at her laptop. Wasn’t it evident? Because she worked all the time. Because she was gone so often on business trips around the world.
He sobered, looking chagrined. “I didn’t realize…” Pushing back from the table, he waved at her laptop and notes. “You’ve been working before breakfast, even. How often does that happen?”
Ava shrugged. “Not often. I’m usually out of the house by seven, so I take my breakfast to go.” Then she thought about it. “I do work through lunch hour, though.”
Daniel groaned. “And I thought I was the only workaholic…” He pierced her with a worried gaze. “Is your workload too demanding? We could hire someone, let you delegate…”
And now she felt like the worst sort of person for keeping her plans for resignation quiet. “Daniel…”
But he’d already launched into a plan on how she’d get a new assistant to take over the less important tasks she handled, and she’d have more freedom to develop projects that really interested her. “I know you said you wanted to apply for that grant for women in science, remember? You could get one of the interns specifically to handle all the paperwork for that…”
When Daniel was on a roll and talking passionately about their business, he was irresistible. Ava found herself drawn into the conversation, adding her insight, developing his ideas. They worked so well together.
And in that moment, she realized she couldn’t go. She felt at home in Howe Industries, was satisfied professionally, and was saving for her future. Yes, she’d make an effort to work less and spend more time with family. That was a step she could definitely take. And maybe, in time, her affection for Daniel would fade and she’d find someone to create a family with. She was strong enough to keep holding on, even if her heart needed to be locked up tight.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Daniel asked suddenly.
Ava realized she’d gone silent; forcing a smile to her face, she put her hand on his. “You’re a great boss, you know that?” At his disbelieving expression, she grinned for real. “I don’t think people tell you that. But you are.”
He cleared his throat, pulling his hand from under hers. “Thanks. I try.”
Their morning went by in a flurry of emails, conference calls, and excited planning, but by the time Ava’s stomach growled with hunger at noon, Daniel was twitchy and restless. Walking out on the balcony, he stretched his arms above his head, then called over his shoulder, “We can’t stay inside all day. Come on, let’s get lunch.”
So they wandered through the streets until they found a shop selling a wide selection of enormous panini with prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery arugula, then strolled around the old Roman Forum, admiring the ruins where millennia-old columns still stood proudly under the hot June sun.
Their conversation veered toward the personal, and Ava laughed while Daniel told her about his recent trip to visit his parents in Florida, where he and his father had gone on a fishing expedition that had ended with both of them sunburnt and catch-less.
“The worst part was that Mom had a steak dinner ready the moment we returned, which meant she knew we wouldn’t bring back any fish,” he said, chuckling.
He offered her his hand to step down from a stony ledge, and she took it, assuming his gesture was more innate chivalry than any real attempt at holding her hand, and yet he held her fingers for a moment longer than necessary. She didn’t know what to think about it; he didn’t look at her any differently than he always had.
But she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so happy. Even though she couldn’t have the man she wanted, she was certain she was at exactly the right place in her life. Everything would work out, as her mother was fond of saying, one way or another.
Returning to the hotel, they worked through the afternoon, and then it was time to get ready for the evening. Daniel disappeared into his room, and Ava took a long, luxurious shower, thinking she should get a power showerhead for her own bathroom.
She dressed with more care than usual—not to impress, per se, but to commit no cultural crimes against the Italians’ sensibilities. She was conscious of the fact that all their communication with the Italian side had been done through male assistants, and a quick check of the company’s website had told her that all the high-ranking positions in the company were occupied by men. She would be the lone woman at the table, she was sure, unless Paolo decided to bring his wife. That was unlikely, since this was a business dinner.
She’d brought a sleeveless burgundy evening dress that would suit the occasion—it was form-fitting, yes, but covered her knees and had a boat neckline, showing off her shoulders but keeping her ample cleavage covered. She pulled her hair back into an elaborate knot at the back of her head and added classy white gold earrings. Keeping her makeup simple was the way to go, she mused as she applied a nude lipstick and blotted it with a tissue.
Then she picked up her black clutch, slipped her feet into black Louboutins she’d bought as a Christmas present for herself, and stepped out into the living room.
Daniel was already waiting for her, looking too handsome to be legal in his black tux and white shirt paired with a crisp black bow tie. But his reaction was what stopped her in her tracks. He sucked in a breath, and his eyes darkened. For the briefest moment, his gaze roamed over her dress, taking in her shoes, before he snapped it back to her face, a faint flush spreading over his cheeks.
So…maybe the dress wasn’t demure enough? She glanced down at herself, but no, everything was as it should be. Her face heated at the intensity of his expression, but then he seemed to shake
himself from it and checked his watch.
“We should go,” he said, his voice a little rough. Clearing his throat, he added, “I’ve already had reception call us a car.”
Their ride to the restaurant in the EUR district of Rome was quiet, but not unpleasantly so. The old city buildings gave way to newer ones, first residential blocks and then the more modern constructions in Rome’s business area. Ava sighed when the electric car left them at the entrance to a steel-and-glass building on a pine-lined avenue. This would be no quaint little trattoria full of character.
Instead, they were shown into a swanky steakhouse where music was slightly too loud and the atmosphere dark, with large globe lights hanging above each table. Though they weren’t very early, their table was still empty, and they sat, exchanging questioning glances while a silent waitress poured them water.
Paolo Corti and his son Mario arrived ten minutes later, greeting them boisterously but offering no apologies for canceling yesterday’s meeting. Then Paolo ordered for everyone, large cuts of meat and a heap of carbs, even though Ava had planned on getting a salad. Seething, she signaled the waitress and ordered a serving of greens on the side. Daniel sent her an apologetic grimace, and she smiled back, keeping her emotions to herself.
“Are you one of those women who only eat salads?” Mario asked, leering at her.
That’s none of your business. She didn’t say the words out loud and forcefully kept herself from rolling her eyes. “I prefer a lighter meal in the evening,” she said instead.
“You have to enjoy the day,” he answered, toasting her with his wine glass. “Carpe diem, eh?”
The conversation didn’t improve from then on. The two men drank wine like it was water and refused to talk business, saying they would meet the following day at their offices to hammer out the details—she half expected Daniel would start breathing fire at this bold statement. The contract had been ‘hammered out’ already, so this was pure stalling on their part.
Good thing this wasn’t my first contact with Italians. Ava cut into her steak—it was good, so at least she wouldn’t go hungry—and tried to ignore the fact that Mario was staring at her breasts. He was rude, interrupted her every time she wanted to speak, and even draped his hand on the back of her chair. I might have judged an entire nation because of them, and what a pity that would be.
Everywhere she went, there were people who saw only her exterior—the red hair, the curves—and assumed they had a right to ogle her as though she was nothing more than a piece of meat. Bright souls like Daniel, who respected her for her brain, were a rare breed.
“Excuse me,” she said, standing and placing her napkin on the table.
The men barely paused in their conversation, but she felt Daniel’s concerned gaze on her back as she walked toward the restrooms.
She could get through this dinner without stabbing the back of Mario’s hand with her fork. Patience, she schooled herself, staring at the mirror. A frown line had appeared between her eyebrows, and she smoothed it over with her thumb, breathing deeply. She took more time than necessary in there, figuring the two Italians wouldn’t notice her absence, and that Daniel would forgive her.
But after this ordeal was over, she would counsel Daniel to think very carefully if he wanted to get involved with these men. Once their contract was signed, they’d be tied to the company for the next five years, and she wasn’t sure it was worth it. Their respect meant little to her, because she didn’t need their validation, but if they treated all women like this… She didn’t want to subject any of her interns or assistants to such behavior.
She hoped Daniel would agree.
Six
Daniel
His head was about to explode. It took all his will not to rip Mario’s arm off and beat him with it when the man had placed his paw on the back of Ava’s chair and even touched a thumb to her shoulder.
She’d stood immediately, excusing herself, and Daniel hated that she was so uncomfortable. He read every expression on her face, and her pinched lips and a furious frown told him enough. They would not be signing the contract tomorrow.
“She’s a beauty,” Paolo commented the moment Ava disappeared.
Daniel blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Your business associate.” The man chuckled, giving the words a dirty meaning. “She’s a powerful weapon to have in your arsenal.”
“Yes, she’s incredibly smart. She runs half of my company,” Daniel said through gritted teeth, wondering what would happen if he punched the old ferret in the face.
“Do you bring her to all your meetings?” Mario asked.
“Yes. Like I said, she’s indispensable to my company’s—”
“How old is she?”
Daniel carefully wiped his mouth with his cloth napkin and placed it on the table. Then he stood, buttoning his jacket. “Excuse me, gentlemen. It’s been…enlightening.”
Paolo stared at him. “What?”
“I wish you a pleasant evening,” Daniel said, pushing his chair in and gripping the back. It was either leave or launch himself at the insolent lump of dough who didn’t have the decency to keep his hands to himself.
“Wait, what are you talking about? We have a meeting—” Paolo began.
“No, we don’t.” Daniel cut him off. “You’ve been nothing but disrespectful and rude to us. Your contract negotiations were absurd, but I thought we were past that. And yet you made us wait for more than a day to play some game once we arrived here. Not to mention how insulting your insinuations about Ms. Burke have been.”
The older man narrowed his eyes. “You’ll burn a contract like this one because of a woman?” he scoffed. “You’re crazy.”
“I’m burning it because you’re insufferable,” Daniel snapped.
“Don’t tell me you two aren’t…” He trailed off, eyebrows raised suggestively.
“That is none of your business.”
“Oh, forgive me, so the problem is that Mario was playing in your sandbox.”
Daniel saw red. “The problem is that he is incapable of sitting next to a woman without staring down the front of her dress.”
Then the son opened his mouth again. “She’s frigid, anyway. Not worth my time,” he sneered.
“Keep your son on a leash, Paolo,” Daniel growled. “He shouldn’t be out in polite company.”
He grabbed Ava’s clutch from the table and stalked off, his hands shaking with fury. The conversation had lasted mere minutes, and yet his body felt like it had been in a fight, adrenaline rushing through his body and blood pounding in his ears. He needed to get out of there or he’d return and do what he’d been itching to do the entire evening. Hurt them. He’d never been a violent man, but this crossed every line.
Of course, he wasn’t naïve—the industry was full of misogynistic old fossils who thought women were only there to provide décor. But he’d made a point to do business with other companies that valued their employees on the basis of their hard work and education, not gender.
He stopped himself just short of barging into the women’s bathroom. Pacing back and forth in the corridor, he waited for Ava. She emerged a minute later, her expression resigned, but yelped at the sight of him.
“Daniel! What are you doing here?”
He offered her the clutch. “We’re leaving.”
Her eyes went wide, but she didn’t question him. She followed him past the bar and out of the building, where she called the cab while he paced some more. Adding insult to injury, the company that had sent the electric car earlier was booked solid for the next hour, so they were soon stuck in the back of some old Fiat while their driver chatted animatedly.
“What happened?” Ava asked quietly, half turning in her seat to face him.
Daniel shook his head. He didn’t trust himself yet; he had no idea what words would explode from his mouth.
Was he any better than those two men they’d left behind? He wanted Ava more than he wanted his next breath, and he’
d thought he’d been doing a good job of squashing those feelings under a rock, but these past two days had proved otherwise. Whether it was the remaining fatigue, her proximity, the beautiful city surrounding them, or the mind-splitting jealousy that had lashed through him at the sight of another man touching her, he had no idea.
The problem is that Mario was playing in your sandbox… The crude words replayed in his head, over and over. He had no right to Ava, but she was his colleague, his friend. It was only natural he’d felt compelled to protect her.
“Daniel,” Ava whispered, more insistent now. “Are you okay?”
He looked at her, really looked, trying to take in every detail, every minute hint that might tell him how to proceed. There had been moments, all day long, when he’d thought that maybe, maybe she felt the same. That they’d both been pretending for so long that it was easier to keep their relationship strictly professional.
They worked so well together. His company thrived, and his employees were happy under their leadership. He would be a fool to jeopardize this.
But if she also hid her true feelings, wouldn’t it be worth it? Wouldn’t he be repaid a thousand times for being brave enough to make that first step?
She was still watching him, her gray eyes dark in the poor evening light.
Or he might insult her and ruin everything.
The cab stopped in front of their hotel. Daniel shoved a fifty-euro banknote at the driver and told him to keep the change, then propelled himself out of the car to open the door on Ava’s side. She glanced up at him, her eyebrows raised, but didn’t say another word. Whether she’d given up on him or simply sensed that he hadn’t wanted to get into it in front of the cabbie, he didn’t know.
