“I think you will have to take a chance and find out.”
* * * *
Daníella opened her mouth to say this plan was still not a good idea, but the words stuck in her throat. Why wouldn’t the words come out? She knew why as soon as she asked herself the question. This was something she had wanted for a long time, a second chance with Carlo to prove they could have made it. They would have made it in spite of the hardships that had been before them. The accident had changed everything. Instead of being there, she had to settle for secondhand information of Carlo’s struggle, the pain he had gone through while he pushed his body to heal when it hadn’t wanted to.
She looked up at him. “I will consider this if you make me one promise.”
He nodded without hesitation, and it almost seemed like old times. Times when Carlo would have done anything for her, given her anything she asked for.
“Anything you want.”
“How can you agree so readily when you have no idea what I’m going to say?” she asked with a laugh.
The tender expression that appeared on his face almost made her melt on the spot.
“Because you are a fair person. You always have been. Whatever it is I have to agree to will be worth it if the request is what it takes to get you to take another chance on us.”
She pulled back and looked at him. “Carlo, did you trip fall and hit your head on the way over here?”
He laughed at her once he seemed to realize the sincerity of her question. “No. I might have tripped a few times, but I promise you I regained my balance before I fell.”
The statement caused her to frown. “Speaking of which, what made you come here tonight?
Daníella saw him pause, and something flashed in his eyes but disappeared before she could figure it out.
“I was driving by and decided to stop to see if you were in so we could talk. When I saw the door cracked, I thought something may be wrong, so I came in.”
She winced slightly. “How much did you witness?”
“I came in right before you grabbed the water pitcher.”
Her eyes widened in embarrassment. “And you didn’t say anything?”
Carlo shook his head. “You looked like you were on a mission. Plus you left the door upstairs open, and I don’t need an imagination to know what was going on from the sounds coming from it.”
Daníella felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I can’t believe you saw that.”
He cupped her cheek in his hand. “I thought you handled the situation very well.”
“Still, it would be a lot better if it hadn’t happened at all,” she admitted with a sigh of resignation.
“It may be, but if it hadn’t, we wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
“I guess you have a point,” she murmured softly.
“Yes, I do. A very good one. Now back to the issue at hand. What is the one demand you have?”
“That you allow me into every aspect of your life?”
They both knew why she made request, and she had to wonder if he was willing to do it. If he’d been open to the suggestion when they’d been married, they wouldn’t be here right now. When he spoke, it was softly and his voice was full of emotion.
“You have my word that I will let you into every aspect of my life. I want you there. Seeing Antonio and Tierra so happily married, and Amalía so happy with Hayden, combined with knowing what we had—I miss it. We can have it again. I know it.” He paused. “I’ve missed you, Daníella. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work, if you are willing to do the same.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
He gave her a knowing look. “I know how hard it can be to return what you ask for, but I think it should be on equal footing, so I will let you into every aspect of my life providing you allow me into every aspect of yours.”
“I don’t believe that was an issue last time,” she replied, unable to keep the skepticism out of her voice.
He shrugged in response. “That was before all of this. I’m sure things have happened since we divorced.”
“No more than it has for you.”
“So does that mean you aren’t going to agree to this?”
Before he could stop her, she squeezed around him. “No, I’m not saying that. I just need some time to think about it.” Turning around, she looked at him, unable to keep the hurt from her expression. “If this had been four years ago, even a year ago, I might be a lot more enthusiastic about the idea. However, given my track record with men right now, I’m not certain I should become involved with anyone at this point in time.”
She watched him close his eyes when he spoke. “As much as I hate to say this, because it probably won’t help my chances, but your relationship with Ignacio didn’t work out because he wasn’t the right man for you.”
“And you are?”
His eyes popped open at the question. “You know I am.”
A shiver traveled down her spine as he said the words, mainly because she knew he was correct. Yet, she wasn’t ready to admit it. She was more than willing to give their relationship another try, but she wasn’t going to get her hopes up too soon about it working out.
“Admit it, Daníella. You knew Ignacio was a loser.”
She looked at him with puzzlement. His statement was somewhat shocking because she hadn’t realized how much of a loser Ignacio had been, at least until tonight.
“Why do you say that?”
The expression that appeared on his face could only be described as confident. “Because you didn’t make love with him.”
Her eyes widened with shock, and she began to flush. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. At this point she found it hard to believe she would ever live down the embarrassment of tonight’s events. Carlo shook his head, preventing her from having to choke out words of denial.
“You don’t need to confirm nor negate the fact. Even if Ignacio hadn’t said it, I know you didn’t. There was no way you could be sleeping with Ignacio.”
Her chin came up a little. “Why?”
His gaze became heated, and the passion she saw there made her shiver. She’d been on the receiving end of that look several times in the past.
“Because I know how passionate you are. How insatiable you are.”
She knew he was remembering their heated lovemaking sessions, and he was making her think about them as well. Anytime she and Carlo had come together, the results had been explosive. His touch had always left her satisfied, and she knew hers had satisfied him as well. Still, she couldn’t help but to give him a sassy reply.
“Are you certain it wasn’t your stamina at fault?”
The corner of his mouth lifted into a cocky grin. “We both know better than that.” His look intensified. “What I am trying to say is, we both know you are more than enough woman to have satisfied Ignacio. As you said, he was a loser, therefore proving my point. You chose the wrong man, and you know it.”
She hated to admit defeat, but unfortunately she had to—for two reasons. The first being Carlo was right. The second being she didn’t know how much longer she could be in his presence without attacking him because of the desire building within her. She needed the touch of a man. She knew of no man who could touch her better than Carlo. It was part of the reason she had stayed celibate so long. Why she hadn’t experience another man’s touch since him. Daníella lifted her gaze and stared at him for a moment before smiling.
“Since you agreed to my request, I will agree to yours.”
He smiled back at her. “Good. I’m glad to hear that, but you know what this means right?”
Her smile started to fade a little at his mysterious expression and matching tone of voice. “No, but I’m certain you will tell me. I just wonder if I’m going to like it.”
“Breakfast at my parents’ in the morning.”
Chapter Three
“Madre Santa del dio!”
Daníella’s nerves went through the roof as Mona Ca
rabelli nearly shouted the words, causing the entire Carabelli family to gather into the foyer to see what the excitement was about. When they saw her standing next to Carlo, their expressions mirrored Mona’s.
It only made sense Mona was the first to recover since she had been exposed to the surprise of her arrival longer. Mona embraced her tightly, and Daníella couldn’t help but to hug her back. She’d always liked Carlo’s mother. Actually, she had always liked his entire family. In many ways they were her family, even before her marriage to Carlo. The Carabellis had always been good to her, treating her like family even after she and Carlo divorced. Mona finally released her, stepping back, and the rest of the Carabellis stepped forward to greet her. Daníella smiled as she hugged Tierra, then Hayden.
It was ironic how a brother and sister from one family had fallen in love with the brother and sister from another. Almost a year ago, Tierra had come to Rome on her honeymoon by herself after being jilted at her wedding by the groom. Antonio, the oldest Carabelli sibling, had made it his goal to sweep her off Tierra off her feet, and succeeded. They were now happily married and had been for a few months. Her best friend Amalía, Carlo and Antonio’s sister, had fallen for Hayden during the wedding festivities. Daníella had a feeling it would only be a matter of time before Hayden was asking Amalía to walk down the aisle. Carlo cleared his throat, and she looked up at him.
He was staring at her with obvious amusement. “I could have sworn we were here to have breakfast.”
The statement caused everyone to start for the dining room. When she went to follow, Carlo held her back. She looked at him in confusion.
“Still want to be involved in every aspect of my life?”
She nodded without hesitation. “Yes, I do.”
He smiled. “Buon.” Good.
Carlo took her hand in his and led her into the dining room, where two seats had been left vacant for them. Carlo was the perfect gentleman she had always known him to be. He held out her seat for her, making sure she was situated before taking a seat himself.
As she had suspected on the drive to the Carabelli house, the topic of breakfast was going to be her and Carlo. Amalía happily started the conversation.
“So how long has this been going on?”
“Since last night.”
Daníella felt a blush start its way up her neck as she realized what she had implied. She looked over to Carlo for assistance, but he wasn’t any help. He wore a look of pure amusement. Confusion appeared on Tierra and Amalía faces, and she knew why. They had been aware of her plan to seduce Ignacio and had even given her a few pointers. She cleared up the confusion for them quickly.
“Ignacio and I are over, but we’ll talk about it later.”
That seemed to satisfy her two friends for the time being, but she hated the fact she would have to give them a recap of what happened later. Daníella knew now if she ever planned another seduction, she would plan it by herself. Looking over at Carlo, she had the feeling she wouldn’t need any help when it came to seducing him. She knew him just as well as he knew her.
“Are you going to eat?”
Carlo’s voice brought her out of her musings. “Hmm?”
He smiled at her, and she stared at him blankly, very oblivious as to what he’d said.
“I asked you if you are going to eat.”
Daníella nodded before piling food on her plate, after she’d glanced around quickly to see if any of the Carabellis had noticed her daydreaming.
She almost groaned when she saw all of them were staring at her intently. Knowing what it would take to get through this meal peacefully, she took a calming breath. Putting her fork down, she laced her fingers together before clearing her throat.
“Well, it seems all of you are curious as to why I am here.”
There were a few nods. The rest of the Carabellis just continued to stare. She looked at Carlo to see if he was bothered by what she was doing. He just shrugged his shoulders, so she continued.
“Carlo and I talked last night. We have decided there is unfinished business between the two of us and to give a relationship another try.”
Her mouth dropped open when cheers erupted around the table. She hadn’t expected for them to be this excited. Tierra came over and hugged both of them in congratulations.
Amalía couldn’t stop grinning. Her face mirrored Mona’s. Even Bruno had a smile on his face.
“We are glad to hear our son has come to his senses.”
Daníella dropped her gaze quickly, and Carlo was more than happy to jump in and clear up the misperception.
“Actually, it was I that had to convince Daníella.”
Amalía’s eyebrows went up. “Can you blame her?”
“I’m interested in knowing what persuasion tactic you used to get her to come around. I may need to use it in the future,” Giovanni chimed in.
Daníella smiled as Amalía reached out and hit him in the arm. She would have done so herself if she had been close enough, but it probably wouldn’t have hurt as much. Her smile widened as Hayden stood up, moved his chair back, and physically moved Amalía’s chair over to his previously occupied space, before putting his chair where Amalía had been sitting. He was literally putting himself in a dangerous place.
“I don’t know what I was thinking letting the two of you sit by each other during breakfast.” Hayden gave Amalía a look. “No more hitting.”
Amalía gave him a sweet smile. “Only if Giovanni promises to stop breathing.”
Giovanni mumbled something Amalía heard, and her fist shot out. Hayden grabbed it prior to it reaching its final destination, and placed a kiss on it before giving Amalía another warning look.
“No more hitting, remember?”
Amalía batted her eyes at Hayden. “Giovanni hasn’t stopped breathing, so I thought I might offer him some assistance.”
Daníella couldn’t stop the laughter that burst from her. This was one of the several things she’d missed—entertaining breakfast time with the Carabellis. It could honestly be said that breakfast with the Carabellis wouldn’t leave one bored. If only mealtime was this exciting with her family.
Her laughter died off at the thought. Mealtime with her family was coming up—tomorrow to be exact. Her family was close, but not as close as the Carabellis. Not as large either. She had two sisters, both younger than her. They all got together for dinner once a week. It was all the time sanity allowed for. Like the Carabellis, she and her sisters worked together at the tour guide business her family ran.
Daníella enjoyed giving tours of Rome, showing people the beautiful city she’d grown up in. She had begun giving tours part-time during her summers in high school. Upon graduating from college, she’d gone to work full-time. After she married Carlo, he told her she didn’t have to work if she didn’t want to, but she had. It had only been part-time, and she had always been home to greet him when he walked in the door from work. She’d only gone back to work full-time after she and Carlo had divorced. Not because she had to. Even in the divorce Carlo had given her more than most men would have, including a monthly allowance. One she still hadn’t touched to this day. Her main reason for going back to work had been for personal reasons. She needed to keep from going insane. Her thoughts had constantly been on Carlo, and having all day to sit around and think about him would have eventually driven her crazy.
Then there was the fact she wanted to live on her own. Carlo had offered her their home in their divorce settlement, but there were too many memories there. She couldn’t imagine living there without him. On the other hand, after being on her own for so long, there was no way she was going to move back in with her parents. So she moved into her own apartment and started working full-time. Yes, it was small, but it was hers. She could use some of the monetary settlement she received from her divorce, but she didn’t want to. It meant a lot to her to make it on her own. Looking back at the entire situation, she knew she had made the right decision. Now came the tough part. S
he had to break the news to her family. They were probably going to think she had lost her mind, especially her mother. How many times had she cried on her mother’s shoulder the first six months after the divorce?
It was enough times for her mother to probably think she was delusional to even think about getting involved with Carlo again. Just the fact that Carlo had asked for a divorce caused an uproar. The Carabellis were devout Catholics. However, with the Carabelli name behind him, Carlo managed to get it done.
She looked up as he touched her forehead with a gentle hand.
“Stop frowning.”
“I didn’t realize I was.”
“You were. You always have when you are thinking about something troublesome.”
Her eyebrows rose at the statement. Carlo only smiled. “I told you I’m more observant than you think.”
Daníella remained silent because she couldn’t argue the point. He had always been observant, which was probably why he’d always known what she wanted before she asked. She studied him as he pulled his hand back, instantly missing his touch.
“So tell me what’s on your mind.”
She almost bit her tongue as he draped his arms across the back of her chair and leaned toward her. The move was enough to almost make her forget what she had been thinking.
“I was thinking dinner with my parents is tomorrow. I’m wondering if we’re going to get as warm of a reception there as we did here.”
He gave her a quizzical look. “Would it really matter?”
“Yes, because this was hard enough of a decision to make without negative interference.” She replied without hesitation.
Carlo’s brows furrowed together in a frown before he looked at his family. “Can you all excuse us? Daníella and I are going to go for a walk.”
When there were no objections, Carlo stood and held out his hand to her. She took it and stood. He led the way out of the house. Instead of going off the porch, he led her to a far corner where a hanging swing sat. The swing set she’d often seen Mona and Bruno in over the years—one she and Carlo sat in themselves quite often. It was also very similar to the one he installed in their home. It offered them the privacy they needed. They sat down together, and he put the swing into motion, looking at her.
Morris, Stephanie - Unfinished Business [Indulgence 3] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 3
