Catering to the Italian Playboy

by Tamelia Tumlin

  “I do not have a time fetish,” Sophie retorted hotly. “There is nothing wrong with being organized and keeping schedules.”

  Max chuckled. “If you say so.” He handed her a wine glass. “Try this.”

  Sophie arched a brow. “Are you trying to lower my inhibitions?”

  “If I thought it would do any good, then yes,” Max whispered huskily brushing her cheek with his thumb. “Would it?”

  Sophie stilled then shot a pointed glance toward Alex who had left her side to investigate Max’s book collection in the corner of the room. “No. I’m afraid not. I haven’t changed my mind if that’s what you’re getting at.” Then to Alex, “Don’t touch anything, sweetheart. Max has some very expensive trinkets.”

  Alex stopped in mid-reach and let his hand drop to his side. “But I want to look at a book.”

  Max shifted his attention to Alex. “There’s a pretty cool one on the bottom shelf with cars. You can look at it for a few minutes.”

  “Okay.” Alex grinned and leaned over to find it. “Got it.”

  Max turned back to Sophie and chuckled. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “I guess not, but it won’t do you any good. I have to think about what’s best for Alex and a messy involvement between us could do him more harm than good. It’s best if we just remain friends and work on being parents to Alex.”

  Max’s eyes sought hers. “Are we friends?”

  “I’d like to think so.” Sophie seemed to mull over it before answering. “Don’t you?”

  Friends wasn’t exactly the direction he wanted to go with her, but it was at least a start, so he said softly, “Yes. Now, friend, try the wine and tell me what you think.”

  Sophie took an unsteady sip then her eyes widened in surprise. “This is fabulous. I love the marriage of these flavors.”

  Pleased with the effect he seemed to be having on her and with her enthusiasm for his wine, Max said, “I’ve tried a few combinations, but this one is my favorite.”

  “I can see why. It’s fantastic!” Sophie took another sip. “You really should go commercial with it. You’d make a fortune.” Color stained her cheeks as she glanced around the grandeur of his home. “Uh ... I guess you don’t really need to make a fortune, but you shouldn’t keep it a secret. You’re denying the wine enthusiasts of the world a fabulous liquor. I’d love to be able to offer it to my clients.” Her eyes twinkled. “I’d probably make a fortune then.”

  “It can be arranged, if you’d like.”

  Shock registered on her face. “I … uh … was just kidding. There is no way I could afford it right now.”

  “Who said anything about money?”

  Sophie stiffened and stepped back. “I thought I made it clear. I’m not for sale and I’m not offering you anything more than friendship and a chance to be a part of Alex’s life.”

  Max flinched as if she’d slapped him. “Good Lord, woman! That is not what I meant!” He pulled an impatient hand through his hair. Damn! Yes, he wanted to make love to her many times over, but he wasn’t an animal, waiting to pounce the second she let her guard down. He wanted her to come to him willingly without reservations. Dio! Did she have to be so infuriating? He’d simply thought it might boost her business to be able to offer something no one else had. “I wasn’t suggesting anything lurid. I only meant…” Max heaved a heavy sigh. “Never mind. Forget it. I believe dinner is ready. Shall we?”

  He offered his arm to Sophie. She hesitated for a moment then gently placed her hand in the crook of his arm. The warmth of her fingers resting on his arm – even through the layers of his suit – spread through him like melted chocolate. Something about the way they fit together felt so right. Even if she made everything so complicated.

  * * *

  Sophie enjoyed dinner in spite of their misunderstanding. Luisa’s linguini with clam sauce was out of this world. Maybe, if she were lucky, the elderly Italian would share a few of her old family recipes. Like Vincenzo, Louisa seemed more than happy to be of assistance and beamed from ear to ear when Sophie complimented her on the meal. Besides it sure wouldn’t hurt her business to have a few more fabulous dishes to offer her clients.

  The fantastic wine would have been nice too.

  Guilt settled in her stomach like a cold weight. She shouldn’t have automatically assumed Max was suggesting something inappropriate in exchange for the wine. Was she so jaded from her father’s business practices that she just naturally expected the worst from people? Granted, on the surface Max seemed exactly like her father. Rich. Powerful. Used to getting his way. But beyond the tough exterior, there was a softness about him. A kind, yet well-protected heart. Maybe it was time to stop looking at the glass as half empty and start seeing it as half full. Would it really hurt to give Max a real chance to prove he wasn’t made from the same mold as her old man? Of course, that didn’t mean she was ready to jump into bed with him again – no matter how appealing it sounded – but she could at least stop waiting for the axe to fall and give him a chance. Surely he deserved that much.

  However, while the offer of the wine had been a generous gesture, she wouldn’t take him up on it. She didn’t want to feel indebted to him in any way and she didn’t want him to be involved in her business. Making A Touch of Spice a success was something she had to do on her own. It was her gift to her mother’s memory.

  ** ELEVEN **

  Three days later Sophie leaned back against the black leather upholstery in the front seat of Max’s Mercedes as they drove through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. She let out a soft contented sigh. Her plan to be a bit more optimistic seemed to be paying off. She had stopped expecting the worst and Max hadn’t let her down. He’d spent the last few days bonding with Alex. Guy stuff, she supposed, since she’d been shooed away by her son on more than one occasion when Max offered to take him to the vineyard to check on the grapes or to play proper European soccer. A twinge of guilt snagged her heart. She hadn’t realized Alex had needed a male role model quite so much. It had been just the two of them for so long that she’d never really given much thought to the fact Alex might need more than her in his life.

  At least she hadn’t been banned from their day trips, she thought ruefully as she looked out the window toward the gently rolling hills and olive groves growing along the slopes. Italy, she’d discovered, was an incredible mixture of hilltop villages, medieval castles and ruins, and lush vegetation. She could see why Max wanted his son to experience it.

  She turned her attention to Max. Her pulse surged into overdrive as she studied his profile while he maneuvered the car through the curves. He really was McSexy as Felicity called him. A proud Italian chin; a shock of dark hair, now tousled and windblown from their day out; and smooth olive skin with just a hint of laugh lines around his eyes. He’d traded his usual suit and tie for faded jeans and a light blue tee-shirt which made him seem a bit less powerful and ruthless and more approachable. But it was his casual, laid-back demeanor that fascinated her the most.

  Max’s enthusiasm in taking them from one attraction to another was a side of him she hadn’t seen before and quite frankly, she found it endearing. He didn’t even seem to mind that their son wasn’t particularly interested in the Renaissance art in Florence or the homes of Lord Byron and Shelly in Pisa. Of course, he should have realized that museums, unless they were filled with dinosaurs or hands-on activities, didn’t usually appeal to small children either. Thankfully, he hit the jackpot with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Alex had loved the odd-shaped building. Sophie’s lips twitched. She didn’t know who was more excited. Alex for visiting a building that leaned or Max because he’d found something his son actually enjoyed seeing. A tingle of pleasure rippled through her. Either way, she was truly glad she’d brought Alex to Max’s native country. It had given father and son a chance to really get to know one another and it had given her a chance to get to know the real Max. Not just the playboy hotelier she’d met six years ago. There was just one slight p
roblem. The more time she spent with him, the more she realized there was more to the proud Italian than just his wealth, power and prestige. There was a whole other side of him that could put her heart in jeopardy if she wasn’t careful.

  Sophie twisted around in her seat to check on Alex who was fast asleep in the booster seat. Apparently, touring Italy was exhausting for even an energetic kindergartner.

  “I do believe you managed to use up all of his energy. Which, by the way, I would have never thought possible.” Sophie turned back around with a smile. “At home it’s a struggle to get him to take an afternoon nap. All this time, he just needed to tour a few ruins and he’d have been out like a light. Who knew?”

  Max shot her a sheepish grin then turned his attention back to the road. “I guess I did go a bit overboard. Italy has so much to offer. I didn’t want either of you to miss anything.”

  “I’m not complaining. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and I’m sure Alex has too.”

  “I hope so. He’s a great little kid.”

  “I think so too.” The corners of her mouth turned up. “Maybe he was lucky and managed to get the best of both our genes.”

  “More of a seventy/thirty ratio, I’m sure.” Max slowed the car to take a curve then resumed speed.

  “Are you saying my genes aren’t that great?” Sophie jutted her chin indignantly. Her donation to the gene pool wasn’t perfect by any means, but it wasn’t half-bad either. Sure, she had some skeletons in her family tree, but who didn’t?

  “Quite the opposite.” Max said wryly. “I think Alex has a lot of you in him.”

  “Oh, thanks. I think.” He was paying her a compliment, wasn’t he? “I see a lot of you in him too. A little stubbornness here and there, but also a good heart.” She touched his arm gently. “Thank you for inviting us.”

  Sophie felt a muscle twitch in his arm. “No,” Max said hoarsely. “Thank you for giving me a chance to get to know my son.” He shot her another look, his eyes darkening with a storm of emotion. “I know I told you I didn’t want children, and to be quite honest I really didn’t, but these last few days…” He shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know how to explain it … I want to be a good father to him. Make up for lost time and be there for him. I’m just not…” He shook his head. “I don’t know if I can. What–”

  Sophie squeezed his arm. “Max, being a parent doesn’t mean you have all the answers.”

  Max drew a ragged breath. A myriad of emotions flashed across his face as if he were warring with some inner demon. Then, “There’s one more place I’d like to show you.”

  “I don’t think Alex can handle any more culture today.” Sophie smiled to soften her words.

  “It’s not a tourist attraction. I want to show you where I grew up.”

  “Oh. Well, sure.” Surprise filled her voice. He never talked about his past. “Is it far?”

  “About an hour.” Max said quietly.

  Sophie nodded. “I’d like to see your childhood home. Does anyone live there now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Relatives? Your family, perhaps?”

  “No.”

  Well, for someone who suddenly decided to give her a glimpse into his past, he certainly wasn’t very forthcoming. Maybe his home was sold many years ago, Sophie thought. Maybe that was why he seemed so upset. She could understand that. Even if she didn’t care to see her own home ever again, it would be a bit unnerving to know it was gone forever. Almost like losing a part of your past.

  Max didn’t say anything for the rest of the drive. He appeared lost in his own thoughts and she didn’t press him. She leaned back against the seat to enjoy the view of rolling hills, vineyards and castle-like ruins. It had been an exhausting day, but she’d enjoyed every minute of it.

  “We’re here.”

  Sophie jolted at the sound of his voice. Great Pete. She must have dozed off. Fine company she was. She opened her eyes to find they’d arrived in a small Italian village. Most of it appeared old and a bit rundown, but this side of town had several construction projects going on.

  “Where’s here?” Sophie blinked to get a better view of the bulldozers, cranes and one of the partially erected buildings. Some sort of strip mall by the looks of it. Apparently, even the most remote areas of the world couldn’t escape progress.

  “A small town south of Florence.”

  “Looks like they’re trying to expand.”

  “You could say that.” Max’s features tightened. He turned down another country road where olive groves lined each side of the street.

  Within seconds Sophie saw the sign: St. Mary’s Orphanage.

  Then the large two-story building with its stone fence came into view. Only a few colorful flowers in the front brightened the light gray building. Even though dusk had begun to settle over the area, Sophie didn’t think the gloom-and-doom atmosphere would be any better in the sunlight.

  “I don’t understand.” Sophie puzzled risking a look at Max. He sat stone-faced staring toward the building.

  Max pulled onto the edge of the driveway, but didn’t drive up the long path. “This is where I grew up.”

  “You were an … orphan?” Sophie’s heart constricted for the lonely child Max must have been. Something horrible must have happened to his parents for him to end up in an orphanage.

  “Yes.” A muscle twitched in his jaw.

  “Oh...Max. I didn’t know. I’m–”

  “I don’t want your pity!” Irritation flashed across his tanned face. “I got over it a long time ago. I just thought you needed to know where I came from. For Alex.”

  Sophie arched a brow. For someone who’d gotten over it, he sure was testy. She immediately stamped out the thought. Of course he was upset; who wouldn’t be?

  “What happened? Did you ever know your parents?” she asked gently.

  “No. According to the nuns, my mother dropped me off when I was two. They never knew who my dad was and I never saw my mother again.” A muscle in his jaw twitched. “I don’t even remember her.”

  “I’m sure she had a good reason for leaving you.”

  “Yes. She didn’t love me,” Max said flatly. “And she didn’t want me.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true!” Sophie cried. Surely that wasn’t the case. Her heart twisted at the thought of his mother deliberately abandoning him. “Maybe she was in trouble. Maybe she thought you’d have a chance at a better life without her. There could be any number of reasons why she felt she couldn’t take care of you, Max. I’m sure she loved you very much.”

  “If she loved me, she’d have come back for me.”

  Tears pricked the back of Sophie’s eyes at the pain in his voice. No. He most certainly hadn’t gotten over it. The rejection must have left a permanent scar in his heart. How could anyone do that to their child? She couldn’t imagine leaving Alex and never coming back. The thought was too painful to even contemplate. There must have been a good reason. Something that couldn’t be helped.

  “Did you ever try to look for her? After you grew up, I mean?”

  “Why? So she could reject me all over again.” He laughed harshly. “Not hardly. Besides, I couldn’t have if I wanted to. The nuns didn’t know who she was. She told them my first name, said she couldn’t take care of me and left. Not much to go on from that. The nuns just gave me a last name. I don’t have any idea who I really am.”

  “What about adoption or foster homes?” There was an emotional lump in her throat that made her voice thick. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around someone abandoning their child. Not without a damn good reason anyway.

  “No. Apparently I was unadoptable.” Max clenched his jaw. “I was sent to a couple of foster homes, but they didn’t work out. I ended up living here until I was eighteen. So this is it. The story of my life – and this is home sweet home.” Max gripped the steering wheel.

  The pain in his eyes was almost too much for Sophie to bear. She wanted to comfort him, but had no idea what to sa
y. He must have been miserable as a child. Not knowing where he belonged or who his real family was. As much as she hated her father, she at least knew her roots.

  “I thought orphanages were obsolete now with everyone switching over to children’s homes.”

  “Most of them are. There are only a handful left that haven‘t been shut down. St. Mary’s is one of the few that are still operational.”

  Sophie looked at the dreary building and wondered how many children were now living in the home wishing for a family of their own. She blinked back the tears. How many more children were going to be emotionally scarred like Max from being rejected at such a tender age? It was inconceivable.

  “Do you want to go in?”

  Max shook his head. “I didn’t come here for that. I just wanted you to understand why I’m not sure I can be the father Alex needs. I never had one.” He backed out of the driveway and turned down the road. “What if I make a mistake with him?”

  “Max, being a parent doesn’t mean you won’t make a mistake.” She bit the inside of her lip. “I certainly have. The first one was when I didn’t tell you I was pregnant.” Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I was ashamed of the way I’d behaved. Having a one-night stand with a stranger is completely out of character for me. After my mother’s–” Sophie squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to say the words but knowing she needed to. “After my mother’s suicide, I guess I just lost it for a while. Then after I found out I was pregnant I didn’t know what to do, so I made the decision to have Alex and raise him alone. I know now that was a mistake. I should have told you. Given you the chance to be a part of his life if you wanted to. It wasn’t fair to you or to Alex. I see that now.”

  Max reached over and took her hand. “I didn’t realize your mother’s death was a suicide. I can’t even imagine what you were going through, but I do understand why you didn’t tell me about Alex. The important thing is that I know now.” He slowed the car down, pulled over to the side of the road out of the view of the traffic and killed the engine. For a moment he didn’t move. Sophie could almost hear the beat of his heart against his chest as the silence in the car stretched on. Then, Max drew an unsteady breath and shifted in his seat to look at her. He squeezed her hand. “I won’t pretend to have all this figured out, but I’d like us to start over. I don’t just want to be a part of Alex’s life. I want to be a part of yours too if you’ll have me.”