Morris, Stephanie - Unfinished Business [Indulgence 3] (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Stephanie Morris

  “Do you not have anything for pain?”

  “I do, and I take it when the pain is extreme.”

  Daníella gave him a knowing look. “So that means you don’t take them?”

  He gave a slight shrug. “As I have said before, I live with the pain because it gives me a reminder not to be stupid again.”

  She laughed without humor. “I don’t think you could be classified as stupid.”

  Carlo chuckled. “I’m glad you have such a short-term memory.”

  “I say you are too hard on yourself. You just had a slight error in judgment.”

  He sighed. “Well, trust me, I won’t be having anymore.”

  Reaching out, Daníella squeezed his hand. “I plan to hold you to that promise.”

  “Good. Now let’s go down to the pool and relax.”

  * * * *

  Carlo took Daníella’s hand and led her down to the pool area. Together they stretched out on the chaise lounge chairs. He made sure they were in a good amount of shade but they could still feel the heat from the sun. He caught the attention of the waitstaff and ordered drinks for them.

  “So how was your day?”

  She nodded. “It was pretty good actually. The closer Nikkía’s wedding gets, the more preoccupied she is. Then again, maybe not preoccupied enough.”

  Carlo laughed. “Believe me, Nikkía wasn’t all so willing. I had to bribe her because she was afraid of what you would do when you found out she helped.”

  A look of surprise fell over her face. “What did you bribe her with?”

  “I promised her and Edoardo a complimentary weekend here at the hotel whenever they want it.”

  Daníella laughed. “You are so gullible.”

  “No, not really. I was able to get a bribe and a wedding gift in the same deal.”

  “Where was Silvana when all of this happened?”

  “Out on a tour.”

  Daníella shook her head. “You are lucky you got off as cheap as you did.”

  “Trust me, luck had nothing to do with it.”

  “How was your day?”

  “It was short and amusing. Things have become really interesting around the hotel. I’m not sure if you are aware of what is going on or not, but Sophia has made a few changes to her appearance and her self-confidence had improved. Men are starting to notice. It is driving Giovanni to the brink of insanity. Giovanni has taken it upon himself to be Sophia’s champion, which causes Sophia to rebel even more. So basically they are at each other’s throats all day long, locked in what is proving to be an interesting battle of wills. If you ask me, right now Sophia is winning, but don’t tell Gio that.” Carlo chuckled. “Sophia is going out with men Giovanni isn’t fond of. Actually, Giovanni isn’t fond of any male who stares at Sophia for too long.” Carlo paused briefly as something occurred to him. “The most interesting thing is the fact that Giovanni has been so busy trying to keep an eye on Sophia’s new social life, he is neglecting his own love life. Giovanni hasn’t been on a date in some time. On the other hand, Sophia has been on at least half a dozen according to what Giovanni has reported. Macéo has appointed himself as Giovanni’s guardian. Otherwise, Sophia might be able to bring charges against Giovanni for stalking. Sophia’s dates would also probably be able to press charges against Giovanni for assault.”

  Carlo looked over at Daníella when he finished speaking and could tell she was trying to refrain from laughing.

  “So in other words, Giovanni is on the verge of falling for Sophia.”

  “Yes. If he hasn’t already.”

  Carlo knew all about falling for someone. He was falling in love with Daníella again, although he wasn’t really sure he’d ever fallen out of love with her. She was a good woman was full of character and compassion. The woman he knew without a doubt he wasn’t going to let out of his life ever again.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  He looked over at her and smiled. “About how much I want to take you up to the room and make passionate love to you.”

  Daníella seemed to ponder the statement, giving him a teasing glance. “Maybe later, right now I’m starved and need food.”

  “What do you want to eat?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “As long as it comes from the restaurant, I don’t care.”

  “Then let’s get you back up to the room, get you fed, and then I can have my wicked way with you.”

  She shook her head before standing up. “You, Mr. Carabelli, need to get your mind out of the gutter.”

  He gave her a lecherous look. “I know, and I’m hoping you will help me.”

  Daníella laughed as he stood up next to her, before putting an arm around her. Carlo kept his hand at her waist as they headed back upstairs. As soon as they entered the hotel room, he walked over to the nightstand and picked up the room service menu, handing it to her. She only studied it for a minute before handing it back to him.

  “I would like the Cappelletti please.”

  Carlo nodded before opening the menu to look at it. He made his decision before placing the order. When the food arrived, he carried it out to the balcony.

  “Everything smells good.”

  Carlo nodded as he held out the chair for her to sit down. He sat down next to her before uncovering both of their plates.

  “It looks good as well.”

  Carlo dug into his food happily. They shared conversation while they ate, and he realized how much he had missed sharing times like this with Daníella. There were a lot of things he missed sharing with her and so much more that he wanted to.

  “Just so you know, this was a good idea.”

  He chewed his bite of food before swallowing. “What was a good idea?”

  “Giving us a brief getaway for the weekend.”

  “I’m glad you think so. Truth be told, I wanted to take you to Naples for the weekend, but I couldn’t get everything planned in time.”

  “Maybe next time.”

  He leaned closer to her. “Will there be a next time?”

  She nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Don’t you think there will be?”

  “I’m very positive there will be.”

  She smiled softly. “Good. I would like that.”

  Carlo would do everything he could to make sure there was one. Nothing was more satisfying than having her to himself. It had been the one thing he looked forward to at the end of every day. Every day he’d left the hotel on time to make sure he arrived home to the wife that he knew was waiting on him. He looked over at her, catching her enjoying the sights and sounds. She looked so relaxed, and he loved knowing he was responsible for that.

  “What else would you like?”

  She stared at him for a long moment before answering. “To be as happy as I am right now for a long time to come.”

  He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I want that for you as well, and I will do my best to make sure it happens for you.”

  “You are off to a good start.”

  They finished eating, and Carlo reached up to open the oversized umbrella above their heads. It provided relief from the glaring sun, and the glass of ice water helped as well. He reclined back and closed his eyes, only to open one and give her a lazy stare as she took a piece of ice from the glass and ran it across her skin.

  “You realize you are getting yourself into dangerous territory, don’t you?”

  She gave him an amused look. “No, but I do realize I’m hot.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Yes, you are.”

  Daníella rolled her eyes. “You should have been a comedian.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m doing what makes me happy.”

  Her teasing expression disappeared. “Are you?”

  Carlo nodded without hesitation. He was. Working with his family was pure enjoyment. He and his siblings had made their parents retire from working. His parents still snuck into the hotel to work on occasion, and they still had a say in what happened with the
hotel. He and his siblings also had an equal say in the hotel with Talía and Sophia having smaller shares but an equal voice. They all took on duties they weren’t fond of and covered for each other when needed. As interesting as the relationship was between his siblings and himself, they still took care of each other. His siblings had taken extra care to look out for him after his car wreck, even when he hadn’t wanted them to. Giovanni had surprised him the most with his insistence on helping his older brother to heal.

  He would never forget the car wreck as long as he lived. When he’d hit the pole, he had thought for certain he wasn’t going to make it. The only thing he’d been able to think about at the time was Daníella. He’d known she would be at home worrying about him. It had been a battle for him to remain conscious, one he lost several times. When he had come to the last time before surgery, Daníella had been by his side, clasping his hand in hers and talking to him softly. After surviving several hours of surgery, he was thankful to see Daníella again until he saw her expression. The look on her face had said everything, and what it hadn’t, the doctor’s grim diagnosis for him had. Carlo hadn’t been certain where he was going to go from there, but the stress and worry on Daníella’s face was something he hadn’t wanted to be the reason behind.

  Now, he was very aware the decision he’d made hadn’t been the smartest one. It had been the only one he could think to make at the time. Carlo knew better, now.

  He looked over at Daníella to find her still cooling herself off with the ice cube she’d taken from her glass. The sight she made was one he would keep in his mind for a long time. He also knew this was the perfect time to tell her what he needed to reveal to her. She was relaxed and would be receptive to what he had to say. Carlo tried to keep his voice light and was pretty successful.

  “Daníella, I have something I need to tell you.”

  She made a noncommittal sound. He continued, knowing he needed to tell her the truth.

  “I love you.”

  The piece of ice she had in her hand hit the floor of the balcony with a soft thud, and her eyes popped open. When her eyes met his, there was shock there. He knew it was surprise at the words he’d said, not because she didn’t believe him.

  “I love you, Daníella. I always have. I always will.”

  Her stunned expression didn’t go away. As a matter fact she looked pretty cute with her mouth opening and closing with no sound coming out. Tears gathered in her eyes, and her lips began to tremble. A second later, she threw herself at him, almost tipping them over the chair. Daníella grasped his face between her hands.

  “I love you, too, Carlo.”

  She kissed him mouth hungrily with everything she had. He returned her kiss just as eagerly, tightening his arms around her. Right now he had Daníella exactly where he wanted her and had no plans to let her go.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Well, someone looks extremely happy today,” Talía murmured.

  “I would probably look just as happy if I’d spent the entire weekend locked away in a hotel room with a gorgeous man,” Tierra responded.

  “I did have fun,” Daníella said.

  Amalía gave her a saucy wink. “I bet you did.”

  Daníella smiled as she tried to decide whether she was going to dip her ciabatta bread in curry oil or roasted garlic oil. “Besides, I thought we were here to help Sophia formulate a new plan for the week,” Daníella continued.

  Sophia smiled and shook her head. “Don’t try to put the attention on me. Last week’s plan is still working.”

  Talía finished chewing her bite of her prosciutto and cheese focaccia before she spoke. “Yes, but don’t forget we have to come up with something new every week. That way you can keep Giovanni guessing.”

  Daníella nodded as she dragged a piece of tomato focaccia through the citrus oil. She was going to add her comment as to what Sophia should do this week to drive Giovanni up the wall when her cell phone rang. The corners of her mouth tilted upward when she saw Carlo’s name come across the caller ID.

  “Ciao.”

  “Ciao, tesoro mio. Have you started lunch yet?”

  She gave her friends and quick glance before smiling. “Yes, we have.”

  “Well, then I won’t keep you. Just wanted to tell you I love you.”

  Daníella’s smile widened. “I love you, too. I’ll stop by to see you after lunch. Do you want me to bring you anything?”

  “No, I’m getting ready to go to the restaurant to grab something to eat myself. So just bring yourself.”

  “Will do,” she promised before disconnecting the call. Daníella looked up into the curious faces of her friends and tried to keep a straight face. “Now where were we?”

  Amalía smiled as she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. “You were going to tell us what happened between you and Carlo this weekend.”

  Daníella tilted her head to the side. “Hmm, that’s strange. I could have sworn we said our lunch break would be used to help Sophia come up with a new plan.”

  Even Sophia leaned forward, a little curious. “I have already stated I’m more than willing to stick to last week’s plan.”

  Daníella gave Sophia a tight smile. “I realize how much of a sacrifice it must be, but don’t forget variety is the spice of life.”

  “Give it up, Daníella,” Tierra interjected. “You know how these three are when it comes to juicy tidbits of other people’s love lives.”

  Talía nodded as she leaned forward in anticipation. “Especially since I don’t have one myself.”

  “Since it happens to be your fault, I feel no sympathy for you,” Daníella stated.

  “Tell you what, if I fall in love, you can give me all of the hassle you want,” Talía responded.

  Daníella gave Talía a look of disbelief. “Considering you swear you have an allergy to love, I won’t waste any time hoping for that.

  “Since it is obvious you aren’t going to let it go, Carlo and I professed our love to each other this weekend,” Daníella said, with a sigh of exasperation.

  That was as far as Daníella was willing to go with her confession. It was none of their business that she and Carlo had spent the rest of the weekend making love to each other until neither one of them could move. She still shivered when she thought about how passionate Carlo had been. Tierra leaned closer to her bringing her out of her thoughts.

  “I’m happy for you and Carlo. I’m glad things are working out for the two of you.”

  “So am I,” Daníella murmured. Still, she was concerned about not knowing the entire reason as to why she and Carlo had fallen apart the first time. Something deep down told her there was more to the story. It worried her. If she didn’t know what went wrong the first time, how could she keep it from happening again? Their food arrived, which put a brief halt to their conversation. When it resumed, Talía was the start of it.

  “Okay, so what is the plan for Sophia this week?”

  Sophia groaned. “The only thing I request is they aren’t any more cheesy dates. I can only take my acting abilities so far.” She looked at Talía and shook her head. “The guys that you have chosen so far have been awful.”

  Tierra laughed. “You have a point there. How about we do a sleepover this week?”

  All eyes turned to Tierra, and she smiled wickedly. “Let’s make Giovanni wonder just how wicked Sophia is. My plan is to have Sophia spend the night over at one of our places after pretending like she has a hot date. It will give Giovanni the impression she was having a real good time. The plan will only work if Giovanni isn’t irrational enough to show up at Sophia’s apartment before the date like he did last week.”

  “Do we have a backup plan?”

  Tierra shook her head. “No, and for some reason I don’t think we’ll need one.”

  Sophia expression showed her concern. “We have to have a backup plan. All of us know Giovanni is never predictable when it comes to things like this.”

  They all sat there t
hinking for a moment, and Amalía was first to come up with a plan.

  “I would like to add something to Tierra’s suggestion that should make this work and drive Giovanni insane.” Amalía gave Sophia a serious look. “Although the backup plan will call for a little more acting on your part.”

  Sophia shrugged her shoulders. “As long as I don’t have to go out with anymore dull dates, I’m willing to give it a shot.”

  “Hey,” Talía protested. “I worked hard to find you those dates. Besides, they had to be guys Giovanni disliked for them to catch his attention.”

  Sophia patted Talía’s hand. “I really am appreciative, but if it is the same pool of guys you have to choose from, no wonder you are so you are so reluctant to having a relationship.”

  For the first time Talía was shocked into silence. The truth was they all knew Talía believed in love. She just tried to avoid it because she thought it was too messy and complicated. Talía wanted to avoid anything that would lead to a person being emotionally vulnerable. Daníella had tried to point out several times that was a part of life in general, but with no avail.

  Amalía cleared her throat in an effort to get the conversation back on track. “The backup plan would call for you to show up to work just before your shift.” Amalía paused for dramatic anticipation. “The catch is you will come in wearing the hot outfit you have worn the night before”

  Sophia began to laugh until tears came to her eyes. “I’m sorry, Tierra, but I like Amalía’s plan better. It will definitely get more of a reaction from Giovanni.”

  Tierra nodded. “I agree, but you should definitely have a change of clothes waiting for you at the hotel that way you don’t have to leave the hotel and go back home.”

  “You have a good point,” Sophia agreed.

  “Giovanni is going to have a complete fit. It might be wise to have extra security on hand,” Daníella added as she leaned back in her chair.

  A look of concern appeared on Sophia’s face. “You don’t think he will go looking for someone, do you?”

  Amalía laughed. “Of course not. The hotel staff is in more danger than one of your dates, especially since he wouldn’t know who it was if there was one. Whereas hints have been dropped about who your dates were in the past, this one shall remain a secret and shouldn’t be mentioned until the last minute.”