Look where caution got you. Years of diligent work, planning and impressive results, but do you get any thanks?
The whole family benefited from her work. Yet instead of accolades she’d become accustomed to grudging acceptance and, most often, someone else getting the praise when results exceeded expectations.
Stella was sick of the woman she’d become, always shadow boxing, anticipating every argument and move her father and half-brothers might make. Always ready to counter it with reasoned, researched arguments. Yet still accepting second-best, until she’d confronted her father and he’d shared his Machiavellian marriage scheme.
They were almost at the hotel and her footsteps slowed. Sensation brushed her cheek and she turned to see Gio watching her steadily, curiosity in his eyes. And something that made her skin tighten as if he’d touched her. Her breasts felt full and there was a dull ache low in her pelvis.
He said nothing, didn’t prod or cajole. Just waited for her decision.
He couldn’t know how rare that was. In her daily work she had authority, responsible for key projects and often managing staff. But always her father made the major decisions, after putting her through the wringer, making her provide answers to every possible objection then waiting while he took his time before grudgingly accepting her recommendations.
Gio respected her enough to make her own decision.
If her father had his way, that wouldn’t happen again. She’d be tied to a stranger, to new responsibilities as well as her old ones. Hemmed in.
Stella halted. ‘The south coast?’
He nodded. Was that excitement in his bright gaze? ‘The Amalfi Coast. Even so, it’s very private. The villa has its own beach, cut off by cliffs on either side.’
The Amalfi Coast.
She’d seen photos of course. She’d almost visited last year, planning to use precious vacation time to explore the area’s renowned beauty. Colourful towns climbing steep hills from the sea. Vine-covered terraces high above spectacular vistas, perfect for an intimate meal or sunset drinks. Picturesque little boats on a sea that was aquamarine and turquoise and cerulean.
But her vacation had been cancelled, because her father had needed her elsewhere. Again.
Sometimes you just have to jump.
‘Thank you, Gio. I’d love to come with you.’
CHAPTER SEVEN
Stella had neverseen anything so beautiful.
Sunset bathed the sea and sky in dusky pinks, mellow apricots and deep lilac. The steep headland between the villa and the town was daubed in shades of copper and violet.
From the cushioned bench that ran around the edge of the terrace, she had a perfect view right down to the pale sickle of private beach below.
She sighed, curling her arms around her knees and leaning back against piled cushions. ‘Paradise.’
‘I’m glad you think so. My friend is very proud of this place.’
Gio’s mellow tones made her swing around, pulse tripping. He moved silently across the terrace. He wore pale trousers and a charcoal shirt open at the neck, and no man had ever been more attractive, more magnetic. Her gaze dropped from his face to his strong, sinewy arms, carrying a tray, then to his feet.
She’d never thought of bare feet as intimate before, much less sexy, but…
Stella flushed, heat swarming over her breasts, throat and cheeks. Because he’d found her talking to herself, not because…
Don’t lie. You’ve spent all day wishing for his company and now he’s here you’re excited.
Sometimes she hated the analytical part of her brain that insisted she face facts rather than hide from them.
She smiled, projecting a calm at odds with the pulse in her throat that throbbed too fast.
‘I thought you were still working.’
They’d arrived last night and to her surprise she’d felt exhausted, retreating immediately to her beautiful suite. But she’d spent the night dreaming of Gio. His lips on hers, his heat, his hardness, and pleasure so intense she’d woken with a fast-beating pulse and a hollow ache in her pelvis.
Yet Gio had kept his distance. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
