A male voice from the doorway startled them both. “Did I hear my name?”
Oh no. This could not be happening. But yes, there he was, standing behind Ivy in the doorway, a politely questioning expression on his face.
“Ciao, Marco.” Lucia tried not to shift uncomfortably under her ex-fiancé’s cold gaze.
He gave her a little nod in return and graced Ivy with an actual smile.
“Oh, hi Marco,” Ivy said. She started to back away from Lucia, despite Lucia’s rather desperate move to clutch her arm.
Deftly avoiding Lucia’s grip, Ivy took her daughter and her uncalled for opinions and waltzed out of the room with a, “Good to see you, Marco. Talk later, Luce!”
Traitor.
Lucia’s smile felt frozen and she had a suspicion it didn’t look terribly genuine. But really, what did he expect? They hadn’t spoken since that last day, that last fight….
“How’ve you been?” she asked, then winced at how chipper she sounded. Yikes.
Marco ignored the question and folded his arms across his chest. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
Uh oh. Here we go.
Lucia’s batted her eyelashes and feigned innocence. “Why thank you, Marco. Is that why you’re here? To wish me the best in my new marriage?”
She was being petty and a little mean, but she couldn’t help it. His overbearing, judgy expression was so irritating she wanted to smack it.
He held up a manila folder. “I came to get your grandfather’s signature.”
“Oh.” That sounded right. Marco was working for his father, who was in business with Grandpa. It seemed he was forever trying to track down her grandfather to wrap up paperwork.
“I was told he was busy talking to your husband, so I figured I’d wait.” His smirk was so familiar it was almost comforting. But it wasn’t. It was annoying. “I mean,” he added, “I don’t expect this to last long.”
Lucia rolled her eyes. “Their meeting or this marriage?”
He shrugged.
“Subtle. Real subtle.”
Marco actually laughed at that. “I’m not being subtle? What about you? Are you seriously trying to fool anyone into thinking this marriage is for real?”
“No,” Lucia bit out. “Of course not.” Still. Having her ex mock her current relationship was irritating in the extreme. There should be a law against exes having an opinion.
Marco ambled toward her. “What’s the deal? Is he the gold digger or are you?”
When she failed to respond, Marco tossed his head back with a laugh and pointed at her accusingly. “I knew it. You’re using this poor sap, aren’t you?”
“No! It’s not like that.” He’s using me too. Somehow that argument didn’t seem like it would help.
Instead, she opted to change the subject and say what she’d been meaning to say for the past few months. “I don’t want to talk about Ryan. I’m glad you’re here, I’ve been meaning to call or write….” Oh Lord, this was harder than she’d thought. What was it she’d told Ryan about apologizing? Oh yeah…“I’m sorry, Marco.”
She watched as some of the coldness melted from his gaze. She had to swallow her pride and temporarily ignore the fact that he was mocking her—and Ryan, for that matter—but it had to be said. “I’m sorry for everything,” she continued with a helpless shrug. “We’ve been close for so long, I don’t want us to be enemies.”
He studied her then in a manner she knew well. He’d never been one to speak without thinking first. Even as a kid he’d been known to pause in the middle of a conversation to carefully think through his next words. He’d never changed. Maybe she hadn’t either.
“It’s okay,” he said, finally, shifting so he was no longer so rigid in the center of the room. His smirk turned into a self-deprecating smile. “I mean, it wasn’t okay. Not at first. But….”
Lucia found herself holding her breath, waiting for him to continue.
“But I eventually realized you were right to call it off. I deserve more. We both do.”
Lucia nodded. That’s what it had all come down to. They could have been married—maybe they would have even been content. But they would have been settling and deep down she thought they both knew it.
“I want the best for you, you know,” Lucia said. And she meant it. Things may have turned sour for them toward the end, but he would always be her high school sweetheart and she hoped one day they could even be friends. Someday. Probably not soon.
He was nodding as he reached a hand back to cup the back of his neck.
Marco never had been any good with genuine emotions. They made him itchy, he used to say.
“Me too,” he said finally. “For you.”
There was a silence then and Lucia mentally begged Marco to let it end with that. It was a nice apology and a make-up of sorts. Good enough for now. But she didn’t want to hear any more of his opinions, particularly not about—
“So…your husband,” Marco started.
Lucia’s shoulders slumped. Of course he couldn’t keep his opinions to himself. When had he ever where she was concerned? “I don’t want to hear it, Marco.”
“I’m sorry, Lucy, but I don’t want to see you make a mistake.” The same mistake your mom made. He didn’t say it but he didn’t have to. He knew her deepest darkest fears better than anyone.
“It’s not like that.” Her voice was close to a growl but she managed to resist the urge to stomp her foot. Perhaps she was growing up after all. “He’s not in it for my money.”
He raised a cynical brow but relented. “Fine, so he’s not in it for the money. Then why is he doing this? What’s he getting?”
Her. She couldn’t bring herself to say it. She was not selling herself as part of this bargain. But it was the truth wasn’t it? Sure he was getting money, but that wasn’t why he was going along with this plan—he’d made that abundantly clear. He was here to support her, help her achieve her goals. He was there for her.
As if reading her mind, he gave her a little headshake of disappointment. “Don’t fool yourself, Lucy. Nobody will give something for nothing. If he’s not in it for money than he must care about you and you’re going to break his heart.”
“I am not.” But Ivy’s words were still echoing in her skull. What did he want from her? What did he expect?
“Does he want a real marriage?” Marco asked.
She answered him quickly. “No. Of course not.”
He didn’t, did he?
“What does this guy expect then?” Marco asked. “That you two will go get an annulment once the money comes through and you’ll run off to pursue your dreams?”
Lucia stared at Marco. She honestly didn’t know how to answer. The funny thing was, Marco didn’t sound like he was trying to be mean, he just seemed curious. She supposed she would be interested too if Marco had suddenly up and married some stranger. She wished she could answer him but the sad truth of the matter was….she didn’t know what Ryan expected.
What did he want? Hell, what did she want to happen once she got her money?
She shook her head, annoyed by her own wishy-washy train of thought. She knew what she wanted—of course she did. She wanted what she’d always wanted—a future, success, a career. Everything her mother had been denied thanks to her father. And cancer. But mainly her father.
Lucia squared her shoulders, feeling more confident than ever in her plan. But then Marco had to ruin it by coming over and planting a brotherly kiss on her forehead. “I truly hope you figure out what you want. For both your sakes.”
* * * *
When Ryan found her a little while later, she was slumped in a chair in the library, stewing over everything Marco had said and the answers she wished she’d given. Why was it always so easy to come up with comebacks in hindsight?
Her ex had no idea what he was talking about. She got this. And she and Ryan were on the same page…finally. There was no reason
to panic or second-guess their decisions. “Hey, you.” He grinned down at her.
That smile. Would she ever tire of that smile? It seemed to wash away every ugly doubt Marco had stirred up and she smiled up at him before jumping up and giving his hand a tug, all but dragging him out to the villa’s terrace. They stopped short once they reached the outside and the crisp fall air brought with it the scents of the valley. What was she doing wasting time worrying when she should be enjoying her time at home with her family?
Inhaling deeply, she let it out with a sigh. “I’ve missed it here.”
Ryan came up behind her and wrapped his arms lightly around her waist in a gesture that was achingly familiar—like they were a real couple who did things like slip off to be alone at night.
And maybe they were.
A shiver ran up her spine at the thought before she pushed it back down. Exactly when had she started to lose her senses around this guy? Day one. But she was in control now. She wouldn’t lose her focus going forward. She had other things she needed to concentrate on that took priority over a new boyfriend—especially a boyfriend who happened to be her husband. Talk about complicated.
But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy what she had while she had it, did it? Of course not. Who knew how long this would last?
Turning in his arms, she laced her arms around his neck and twined her fingers together. “You were amazing in there with my grandfather.”
To her surprise and delight, Ryan actually blushed. Or at least it looked suspiciously like a blush in the moonlight. He gave her a sheepish grin. “You heard that?”
Lucia nodded. “Enough to know you are now officially my knight in shining armor.”
He laughed at that and his arms tightened around her waist drawing her in closer so the lengths of their bodies were pressed up against each other and his face was mere inches from hers. His closeness was intoxicating. The scent of him, the feel of him beneath her hands and against her skin.
He leaned in, his lips teasing hers, making a promise of more to come. Yes, please.
She let her fingers toy with the hair at the edge of his neck as her lips trailed down his jawline. His reaction was instantaneous and, quite frankly, flattering. His erection pressed against her middle as he groaned her name.
“We can’t,” he whispered. “Not here.”
Her hands, which had moved to his chest, stilled. He was right. What was she doing, molesting this man right there where anyone could stumble across them. But then again, he was her husband. She was allowed to do whatever the hell she damn well pleased as long as they found some privacy.
Her grin was wicked as she reached down to take his hand. “Come on, there’s a gazebo down the hill where no one would ever go at this time of night.”
The gazebo was deserted, as she'd known it would be. The kids were in bed and the few adults who hadn't retired to their rooms were gathered around the fireplace drinking wine and catching up. The full moon lit the way and when they reached the confines of the gazebo, Lucia turned and leapt into his arms, startling a laugh out of him as he lifted her up off of her feet so her eyes were even with his.
"I could get used to this," Ryan said.
Lucia rested her forehead against his and grinned. "Used to Italian meals and nights spent making out on the Tuscan countryside? Don't get too used to it, this is no longer my home."
He peppered little kisses along her nose and cheeks. "So you don't cook amazing Italian meals like your aunts?"
Wariness shot through her like a bullet. He was teasing. She knew he was teasing. But the image of the life Marco had planned for her flashed through her mind. Barefoot and pregnant and cooking in the kitchen. She was overreacting. That’s not what he was suggesting. But still.
"Of course I cook, don't be ridiculous."
He pulled her closer, held her tighter. She wanted to savor the feeling. She ached to snuggle up against his warmth and give her hands free reign over his body.
Her pulse quickened as his hands started an exploration of their own. Down her hips, over her bottom, up the sides of her waist. Desire made it impossible to think. She sighed as she let herself sink into his warmth, her arms wrapping around him as her lips found his neck.
Then he started talking again. His low voice was so sexy it made her shiver. But then the words started to filter through the haze of heat and alarm bells started to ring in the back of her brain.
"I bet you didn't know I can cook," he said. "I'll make you dinner when we get home."
Home? Since when do they have a home together? They were strangers a month ago. She tried to tune him out and moved to kiss his lips—a silent plea to stop talking, for the love of God.
But Ryan, though thorough in his kisses, seemed amped up with a different kind of energy. He pulled back from the kiss to look into her eyes.
She squirmed out of his arms, the excitement and desire quickly drowning in a sea of anxiety. Why was he talking like they had a future? Like they were...married.
Oh God.
“What do you think,” he persisted. “Should I cook you a nice, romantic meal when we get home to celebrate our successful mission?”
He was teasing. She knew he was teasing. So why was panic making her heart leap into her throat like it was trying to escape? And why did he have to keep using that word? Home. As if they had a home together.
"Maybe," she hedged before leaning in to kiss him again. She really did want to kiss him. She also wanted him to shut up.
Apparently he sensed her hesitation because he gently pulled back again. "What do you mean?"
Lucia sighed, not even trying to hide her annoyance. "Ryan, we are in a garden in the moonlight and we are one signature away from being millionaires in our own right. Can’t we just enjoy the moment?"
He stared at her unblinking, the blue of his eyes drowned out by the darkness of the night around them. Somehow his dark gaze made it seem like he could see right through her. She didn’t want to be analyzed or figured out, dammit, she wanted to be kissed.
"Luce, what's wrong?"
Lucia resisted the urge to sigh again. "Nothing is wrong. But I didn't bring you out here to talk, Ryan."
"Well maybe I want to talk." Ryan was studying her and she hated it. She hated it even more when his arms dropped to his sides and she was left cold and alone, standing before him. Why was he ruining everything? They were having fun. Finally, for the first time in ages, she felt like she was living. Like she was alive and free. Nothing was standing in her way—not an old-fashioned fiancé, or her grandfather or a lack of money. The world was hers for the taking. She had everything she wanted.
This partnership was never supposed to be about love or emotions. That’s what had gotten her mother into trouble. Following her heart is what ruined her. The plan was to convince her grandfather and if what she'd overheard was anything to go by, it was just a matter of time before he came around. Her grandfather may be a lot of things, but he was not a fool. He would not stand in the way of this once he realized that if he did he risked losing her.
Guilt churned in her stomach at that. She was using her grandfather’s guilt over her mother against him. What kind of horrible person was she? She shook that off. Now was not the time. Not when Ryan was watching her like she’d just sprouted horns.
"Did something happen?" Ryan shoved his hands into his pockets.
Lucia shrugged. "Nothing happened. I just...." She struggled to find words through the jumbled, conflicting mess of thoughts racing through her brain. Even her body was in turmoil as the need to be close to him went to war with the urge to run away. "I'm not sure I’m going back to New York after this."
The words seemed to come out of her mouth of their own volition. And the moment they did she felt the tight band across her chest start to ease but her throat grew choked with emotion.
The hurt surprise that flickered across Ryan's face was a stab in her chest. What was she doing?
Why couldn't she just enjoy herself and let this relationship, or whatever it was, play out? But no, she was standing here rejecting the man who'd just told her grandfather everything she had never been able to say for herself.
It wasn't a lie, necessarily. She hadn't thought beyond this trip and beyond getting the money. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Talking to herself as much as to him, she continued, her voice a little too high-pitched to sound natural. "I was thinking I might meet up with Eleanor and the others at the London show. Once I have the money, I'll be able to network and continue my internship while I'm working on my own designs."
When he remained silent, she added, "I mean, it's not like I have anything waiting for me back in New York."
The words felt like glass in her throat and there was a little part of her—okay, a big part of her— that wanted him to argue. Tell her that she had him...
"I thought there was something more here. I thought—" he cut himself off abruptly with a curse. He took two steps back and the short distance felt insurmountable. There was a gaping hole between them now that had never been there before.
Reach out to him, a little voice pleaded. Tell him you don’t mean it. But she couldn’t. The part of her that wanted to run away was too strong. She couldn’t let him hold her back from her future. She couldn’t. She owed it to herself and to her mother.
So she stayed still, her heart aching, and tears building behind her eyes. What was she doing?
He ran a hand through his hair and looked down at his feet. "I'm an idiot." He muttered under his breath and she might not have heard him if the night hadn't been so still. The only sound aside from his whispered comment was her heart beating in her ears.
Lucia reached for him then, an instinct that had nothing to do with reason, but he had already turned and was heading back to the villa. Back to his room, because even though they were married, her grandfather had insisted they have separate rooms until he decided if their marriage was valid.
Apparently her family didn't even think she was capable of properly eloping without their approval.
The Accidental Elopement Page 16