Spotting Jean Paul to her right, talking to Carlo Samboti, Natalia took another moment to push Adam, and the sinful way he made her feel from simply a dance, to the back of her mind. She shook her hair back, added an extra sway to her generous hips, and headed for Jean Paul.
She was here on business. Not to find a new lover. Natalia kissed Carlo’s cheek in greeting, did the same to his wife Rosina, and promised the other woman a private fitting at her shop. Keeping business firmly in the front of her mind, she deftly took Jean Paul’s offered arm and let him lead her to a quieter corner of the hall.
Then again, there was no law saying she couldn’t mix business with pleasure.
An hour and one promise later to e-mail in the morning the business plan for her expansion, Natalia once again found Adam.
“Gideon and Sabrina left already,” he said with that same dark look from earlier.
Her heart tripped and Natalia felt her blood heat in her veins. She hadn’t imagined his attraction to her. She’d thought maybe she had; after all, the dance floor had been dimly lighted—maybe she’d misinterpreted his look in the shadows.
“She didn’t want to interrupt you and Jean Paul. I promised I’d take you home,” Adam added, his hand brushing her inner elbow.
The touch, so light and yet so erotic, had Natalia catching her breath. She nodded and stepped closer. Adam’s hand moved up her arm, over her shoulder, and she felt each touch of his fingers, the graze of his palm over her arm, straight through her.
He moved, his hand now settling on the small of her back, and led her toward the doors. Natalia hid her disappointment as they fetched her wrap and his coat from the cloakroom. Honestly, what had she expected? A heated kiss in the middle of a banquet?
The ride back to her townhouse was quiet, the easy conversation between them as seductive as the heated intensity of his gaze. Natalia commented on several of the guests and was amused about Adam’s comments on how some of the fashion matched some of the personalities.
When the taxi pulled up to her townhouse, Adam stepped out first and offered his hand to her, pulling her against him.
“You’ll be leaving tomorrow?” she asked as he escorted her up the sidewalk to her front step. “Back to London?”
Despite the cool April night, Adam’s hand lay warm on her back. She felt his touch through the gown and wondered if she needed to add a dozen or so additional layers. How could one touch, seemingly innocent, affect her so strongly?
“Yes,” he said and turned her at her door. “That’s the plan.”
“Safe travels.” Natalia curled her hands into the edges of her wrap. “Thank you for the lift to my door.”
She turned for the door, now slightly open. She wondered if Carlotta stood on the other side or had left already. Turning back, Natalia met Adam’s gaze, the dark eyes that had captured her all night, that seemed to see straight through her.
“Oh.” Smoothing her hands over the lapels of his coat she added, “Allow me to leave Milan memorable.”
Natalia didn’t need to stand on her toes to kiss him, though he was over six feet, and she silently thanked her heels. Adam’s lips were cool and just as delicious as she’d thought they would be. She slid her lips over his, tasting them, teasing that fuller lower lip with her tongue.
Adam’s hands tightened on her hips, and she wondered when he’d pulled her closer. Then he deepened the kiss and she met him, opening to him almost instantly. She pulled him closer, her hands combing through his hair, and moaned against his mouth.
Gathering all her willpower to her, Natalia broke the kiss and pulled back. Breathing heavily, a delightful throbbing between her legs, she looked up at him. She gave him a cheeky grin, didn’t miss the way his hungry gaze followed her, and turned for her door once more.
“Good night,” she said over her shoulder.
Chapter Two
The next day, as she’d shown Sabrina her new line, Natalia’s mind had all too frequently wandered to that delectable kiss. A kiss she took but he had firmly returned. A kiss, she lamented, that would likely be a one-time occurrence, no matter how scrumptious she found Adam Clayworth. She hadn’t slipped Adam her phone number, not that there weren’t a dozen other ways for him to find her or her to contact him.
And he hadn’t pursued her.
Eh, that was fine. She’d wanted to kiss him and had done so. Of course she’d enjoyed it immensely—who wouldn’t have? And yes, yes, she wanted to kiss him again, wanted to do more than kiss him, truth be told, but an inner voice insisted she’d never see Adam again.
It annoyed her that she seemed unable to shift her focus from a man, even one who looked like Cary Grant, to her work. Luckily for her, Sabrina had focused on the Principessa Natalia exclusive line for Gideon Hotels, not on the lack of conversation.
With a toss of her head and an impatient flick of her hand, Natalia brushed all thoughts of Adam aside. Natalia didn’t need a cross-continental affair. She had entirely too much work to do and too many responsibilities to her fashion line for that kind of entanglement.
“There you have it,” Natalia said with a flourish. “The designs I’ve kept to the side just for Gideon’s boutiques.”
Sabrina smiled at her and nodded. She looked around at the models standing before her then down at the tablet with additional photos. Her friend seemed quite pleased with the selection; Sabrina hadn’t held back her admiration since the models, all curvy of course, started through the second floor showroom.
She’d oohed and ahhed appropriately, clearly excited with the new line. Natalia grinned; she so loved Sabrina’s reactions. They were absolutely perfect.
“Indicate to Violet which designs you want for the boutique,” Natalia continued. She clapped her hands before her, unable to hide her own excitement. “Then we’ll get the orders together.”
“This is an easy order to place,” Sabrina said and fingered-combed a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear. “I want everything.”
Natalia was a professional, so she didn’t let her pleased shock show. Still, the order was huge and would go a long way toward expanding her line. However, she couldn’t hold back her smile.
“Here’s a list of each boutique,” Sabrina said and handed a folder to Violet. “The quantity for each item is listed. I want the entire line.”
Violet, all British and stoic, took the file and walked calmly away. Natalia had a feeling once she and Gina read through the list, there’d be champagne. Natalia subtly dismissed the models, unable to hold back her smile, and turned back to her friend.
“Thank you so much for the special couture outfits you did for me personally,” Sabrina added as she stood. Natalia gestured to the table with pastries and fruits. “Audrey is going to be so jealous.”
Laughing, Natalia scooped a small spoonful of mixed fruits onto her plate and popped a grape into her mouth. “The countess has received a couple designs separately,” she confided.
“Of course she did,” Sabrina said with a sarcastic huff but couldn’t contain her smile. But she shrugged it off good-naturedly.
Sabrina picked at her fruit for a moment, and Natalia wondered what occupied her friend. “I see you and Adam got on well last night,” Sabrina said.
Natalia allowed a slow grin to form as she ate a piece of melon. She and Adam hadn’t got on as well as she’d have liked, but alas. “He was very intriguing. But I doubt I’ll see him again. Didn’t you say he works from London?”
“Yes.” Sabrina nodded. “My understanding is he travels a lot. Well,” she said and clearly changed the subject, “I need to go find Gideon now. He wants to head down to Rome; we’re going to take a quick little tour.”
Giving her friend a strange look she asked, “Haven’t you been to Rome many times?”
A faint blush colored her cheeks and Sabrina laughed. “We’re going to take a real estate tour. He wants to put in a smaller boutique hotel.”
“Ah, good.” Natalia laughed and rubbed her hands comically to
gether. “Another shop for me to fill.”
Sabrina agreed, promised to see her before they returned to America, and left. Natalia walked her out and said good-bye to Gideon, who had claimed he’d business phone calls to make before they left for Rome and now waited by the car for his wife. Watching the car wind its way through Milan’s traffic, Natalia took a moment to breathe deeply of the beautiful spring afternoon.
When she worked on her designs, she so rarely saw the outdoors and now took several minutes to enjoy the day.
Back in the showroom, Natalia looked through the file Sabrina left and made notes on the various quantities for Gideon Hotel’s boutiques. She needed to order the fabric bolts and get the entire thing to the factory soon—like yesterday—to meet this deadline. It’d be tight, but she was determined that Gideon Hotels receive their deliveries on time.
Not only was it her reputation, but she refused to be late with this order; Principessa Natalia was making a name, yes, but Natalia wouldn’t forget the company that offered her her first major contract.
“There’s a man in the retail shop asking if you’re available.” Violet set a drink in front of her. “He’s tall and handsome,” she added with a wink. “And if you don’t want him…”
Natalia frowned and sipped her iced coffee. “What’s his name?”
“Oh.” Violet smiled. “Mr. Clayworth. And he speaks proper English!”
She already knew that; she’d spent considerable time with him last evening. No, not as much as she wanted, but that man’s voice was deep and rich as sin and did all sorts of things to her insides.
“Send him up,” she said instead.
Half expecting Violet to accompany him back into the showroom, Natalia was surprised to see Adam walk in alone. Dressed in a charcoal gray suit instead of the black tie from last night, she was pleased to see he looked just as delicious in a suit as a tuxedo. The blue shirt against his dark hair and eyes did things to her.
“I truly never expected to lay eyes on you again,” she admitted. Standing from her desk, she debated crossing the room and shaking his hand. After that kiss? A simple handshake wasn’t going to happen.
Instead she leaned her hip against her desk and rested her hands behind her. The lavender pencil skirt hugged her curves perfectly, if she did say so herself, and the heels lent her just the right height to lean comfortably against the desk. The cream-colored top, chiffon over a tank top, hung off one shoulder and naturally drew the eye to her generous breasts.
Natalia was pleased to see Adam was not immune.
“I hope it’s not an unpleasant, or unwelcomed, surprise,” he said and stepped farther into the room. “After all,” he continued, his stance casual as he shifted on his heels, “you did leave Milan memorable.”
A tingle of pleasure started low in her belly and spread warmly through her. Keeping her voice professional, Natalia raised an eyebrow. “How can I help you, Mr. Clayworth?”
“While I’d love to say I’m here only to see you and ask you to lunch,” he said then added, “which I am. I’m also here to ask a favor.”
Tilting her head to the side, Natalia studied him. “I’d be happy to do you a favor. And you need not take me to lunch.”
“Then I’ll need a second favor.”
Curious, she studied him, but found she couldn’t read him. Interesting. Normally people were so easy for her to read, the way they held themselves, the way they fidgeted and moved. Adam held himself closed off—not angrily but clearly with a tight rein on his emotions.
“Oh?”
“Allow me to take you to dinner,” he said with that same intense stare.
She couldn’t help the slight chuckle or the way her lips curved upward. Or, for that matter, the flush of arousal. “Very well,” she allowed but had a feeling she didn’t fool him. “What is this favor you need?” She emphasized favor just enough for the word to sound as suggestive as she could make it.
One eyebrow rose in interest and he gave a slight nod of…appreciation? Yes, Natalia decided. Definitely appreciative interest.
“Last night at the banquet, I noticed you speaking with Carlo Samboti.” Adam waited while she nodded. “I would very much appreciate an introduction to him.”
Natalia knew the Sambotis. Carlo was a banker and friends with the bankers she’d used for her initial business loan several years ago. Rosina, his wife, was one of her first customers—the woman had money to spend and adored Natalia’s designs. Since then they’d been friendly.
Friendly enough to foster an introduction, she thought with a critical look at Adam. Why wouldn’t an EU banker already know Carlo? Eh, Adam was English. He probably needed all the introductions he could get.
“You should’ve said something last night,” she said with a twist of her wrist. “I would’ve been happy to introduce you.”
“I wasn’t aware until this morning that I needed the introduction.” But he smiled at that.
His smile was one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs she’d ever encountered. The way his lips slowly curved into a hint of naughty promise. And his eyes. Had she thought him closed off before? The chocolate brown gaze held a wickedness he didn’t bother to hide.
Heat rushed through her, surprising in its intensity. Embracing it, she let it flow over her for a moment before she pushed off her desk. Making sure to sway her hips provocatively, Natalia took several slow steps across the room.
“How soon do you need to be introduced?” Her voice was low, far lower than such a question needed to be.
His eyes darkened further at her tone, and she took another step closer. Natalia didn’t touch him, didn’t need to. She was utterly captivated by the way he watched her.
“As soon as it can be arranged,” he said.
Natalia nodded and held up a finger for him to wait. Grabbing her mobile, she scrolled through her contacts until she found Rosina’s number. A short conversation later, Natalia invited her to dinner on the pretense of showing a new design she knew Rosina would love.
Casually she met Adam’s eyes and added, “And be sure to bring Carlo. I have a friend who wants to meet him.”
Disconnecting the call, Natalia switched to English. “She and Carlo will be over for dinner tonight at my townhouse.”
One eyebrow raised, but she saw sincerity in his gaze. “You work fast.” He nodded. “Thank you.”
“I try,” she told him with a saucy wink. “Be at my house by 7:30 for drinks.”
His hands left his pockets, and Natalia half expected him to reach for her. There was interest and arousal there, she didn’t make that up, though she refused to look for more obvious signs. Holding his gaze, she waited.
“Is there anything I can bring?” he asked.
Not what she’d expected. Or hoped for. Adam stood there, so reserved, so undeniably sexy in that suit, and so very British. Natalia wanted to see him out of the suit, his perfectly coiffed hair wild from her fingers. She wanted to make his control snap.
“No, no.” She waved his offer away if not her visions of them together. “I’m well equipped to handle a small dinner party.”
He gave her a final look, one of those hot, searing ones that shot straight through her. Reserved, maybe, but definitely not without passion.
“Yes,” he murmured and took an infinitesimal step closer. “I’m sure you are.”
Her heart pounding, she licked her lips. But then she pulled back. Stepped away. “Just bring your handsome self,” she said cheekily.
Surprised at her move, she wondered why she’d done that, broken the tension, eased away from him. Normally she wouldn’t have. Nonetheless she felt as if she could take a deep breath once more with the added space between them.
“Thank you.” Adam inclined his head as if nothing had happened and took his leave.
Natalia unashamedly tilted her head and admired his bum as he walked out.
Chapter Three
She’d left early. Natalia had ignored the shocked and somewhat knowing l
ook Violet had given her when she’d announced her departure. She’d flat-out ignored Gina as her American assistant asked if she had a hot date.
Because she wasn’t leaving early to get ready for said definitely-not-a-date. She was leaving early because her mind had been nowhere near her designs or budgets or production. Natalia was angry with herself.
She’d done all the dinner party preparations, calling in Piero, a local chef she used from time to time, to do the actual cooking. Carlotta was many things, but a fine dining cook was definitely not one of them. Mostly, Natalia had wondered why she’d chickened out. Chickened out? Was that the right term?
Yes, she’d heard Gina use that phrase. It was correct. Mostly. She wouldn’t have done that before, not with a man she was attracted to. A man she wanted in her bed.
Now, standing in front of her wardrobe, Natalia cursed herself for pulling back.
“Idiota.”
Her entire life, she’d railed against women not feeling good about their bodies. Her line was especially designed for women with curves, to make them feel sexy and confident.
Turning for the mirrors, she glared at herself even as she ran her hands over her full hips. She loved her curves, her voluptuous breasts and wide hips. Confident and sexy, yes, but more she was comfortable in her own skin, with her body.
This was Italy and she knew her body was appreciated in the usual Italian ways—pinched and whistled at. She was amazed she wasn’t black and blue all the time. Other cultures thought it sexist, and Natalia admitted it was, but…
But what? She was more than attracted to Adam. The dark eyes that took her breath away, the way he watched her, so mysterious and yet knowing. They held secrets, ones she wanted to slowly unwrap, layer by layer. They also told a story, one Natalia had been shocked to discover she’d also wanted to know.
He probably looked at everyone that way, watching them from an aloof stance at the corner of the room. Yes, that description fit him perfectly. Fit Adam and intrigued her. He was so utterly different from her—the reserved British man who definitely held all his secrets closely to his chest.
Princess Curvy: A Curvy Girl's Italian Affair Page 2
