Two days ago, she’d gone shopping in Louisville and splurged on the shimmering satin gown. The fitted bodice hugged her waist and draped softly along her body, emphasizing her curves. She glanced down at the exposed cleavage and wondered if she’d gone too far. But the salesclerk had insisted the dress was perfect for her.
Angelina wasn’t so sure.
Tuck came up beside her, looking handsome in his Western-cut two His sandy hair was combed off his forehead, but she doubted the usually wayward strands would stay there for long.
He grinned as he took her arm and tucked it in his. “Darlin’, if you’re planning on doin’ some huntin’, I’d say that dress is the right equipment for it. And no doubt you’re gonna find your share of wild beasts tonight.”
Angelina laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry, Tuck. Men don’t go crazy around me.”
“That’s because your brothers have always been able to ward off unwanted advances.” He eyed her closely. “But I have a feeling, with the way you look in that dress, things could get interesting tonight.”
Before Angelina could respond, he walked her up the steps to the cut-glass-paneled door.
A man in a dark suit opened the door. “Welcome to Stewart Manor.” He gestured for them to come in.
Angelina stepped across the threshold and into the large entry. She glanced around the beautiful room, from the glossy hardwood floors to the tall ceiling where a teardrop chandelier sparkled like stars.
In awe of the changes, she couldn’t help remembering what bad shape the abandoned house had been in when Shelby had bought it at auction. She and Rafe had put a lot of work into the place. Tonight was the grand unveiling for one of Haven Springs’ historical landmarks.
“We came early to help, but it looks like everything is under control.”
“Yes, ma’am. May I take your wrap?”
“Thanks.” She removed the black lace shawl.
“I’ll put it in the study,” he said, then disappeared down the hall.
A soft whistle escaped Tuck’s lips. “This is what I call high class. They’re pulling out all the stops for this Rossi fella.”
“It’s hard to believe that Shelby has done so much so fast.” Angelina eyed the new floral wallpaper, the oak wainscoting. “The last time I was here, they hadn’t finished painting. They must have worked around the clock to get ready for tonight.”
She wandered into the front parlor to find a beautiful antique secretary desk, a Victorian love seat redone in burgundy brocade and two chairs that carried the same color. An Oriental rug covered the floor and new drapes hung in the windows, barely exposing the sheer curtains beneath.
A waiter appeared. “Would you care for something to drink?”
“No, thank you. We’ll wait until the party starts. Are Shelby and Rafe around?”
“I believe Mr. and Mrs. Covelli are coming down now,” the waiter said.
Angelina returned to the entry and looked toward the top of the wide staircase to see the handsome couple. Rafe was dressed in a black tux and his wife in a lavender sheath. A glowing Shelby looped her arm through her husband’s, and they smiled at each other as they came down the steps. An intimate smile, as if they were sharing a secret that was meant only for them, and letting everyone know how much in love they were.
A twinge of longing struck Angelina. She would never have what Shelby and Jill had. A man to share her life with. Someone to make her laugh, to hold her when she cried...to make love to her as if she were the only woman in the world.
“They make a handsome couple,” a male voice murmured.
Angelina swung around to find John standing behind her. “Oh, I didn’t see you come in.”
“I’d say you were distracted,” he said as his own gaze swept over her. “Such a bella signorina.”
She felt a warm rush go through her. “Grazie” she managed. “You look very nice yourself.” The black tux was custom-made, no doubt, she thought. His snowy-white pleated dress shirt accentuated his olive skin and black wavy hair. He was handsome and relaxed in the formal attire, making her realize how different they really were. John Rossi probably had attended hundreds of these gatherings in New York. The party tonight would be the talk of Haven Springs for years. Their lives were different, indeed.
Angelina glanced away to break the hold his mesmerizing gaze had on her. Could it be that difference was what made him so intriguing? Whatever the reason, she had to stop looking at him as a man. He was a business associate and, she hoped, some day her employer.
She smiled and turned back to him. “Shelby and Jill have worked very hard to make this evening a success. I hope everything turns out.”
He frowned. “I realize Rafe and Shelby went to a lot of trouble. But they didn’t have to on my account. I would have enjoyed myself as much if they had barbecued hamburgers in the backyard.”
Angelina doubted that, but she kept her mouth shut. Tuck came up to her, bringing along Rafe and Shelby. To Angelina’s relief, the conversation shifted to hotel business. The rest of her family arrived, Rick and Jill and her mother. Her nonna had stayed at home to watch little Lucas.
Jill wore a shimmering black sheath that almost concealed her early pregnancy. Rick was handsome in his tux, his long hair giving him a roguish look.
But Maria Covelli was the one who drew the attention. Angelina’s mother was wearing a rose-colored evening dress that emphasized her hourglass figure. Several men seemed to notice also.
“You look wonderful, Mom,” Angelina said.
“I think we all look pretty nice, including my sons.” Maria smiled and glanced around the entry as more and more guests came in. “It’s fun getting all dressed up.”
Angelina glanced at John. “Yes, it is,” she answered.
The other guests seemed to be having a great time. When they came up to meet John, he quickly put them at ease with conversation about the town or questions about their families.
“Isn’t John wonderful?” Jill said as she pulled Angelina away. “And so handsome. I mean Rick is handsome, but this guy is so cool. He never looks ruffled.”
Angelina had noticed. “And he definitely knows how to work a crowd,” she said.
“But he’s so genuine.”
Angelina watched as John paid close attention to each and every guest, especially the women. “He’s in the hotel business. He has to be able to turn on the charm.”
Jill studied Angelina. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you were jealous.”
Angelina gasped. “I’m not jealous.” She lowered her eyes. “I’m not interested in him in any way but for—”
“—business,” Jill finished. “If that’s so, why did you spend a fortune on a sexy dress?”
A blushing Angelina opened her mouth, then closed it. She had no answer.
Her sister-in-law gazed down at the dress in question. “As your brother would say, ‘you sure got your money’s worth.’ Several men have been staring at you. And there’s more than one good catch out there, so stop frowning.”
“I don’t want to catch anything, especially a man.”
Jill studied her for a moment. “Look, Lina. I know what Justin meant to you. How much you cared for him. But don’t give up on living.”
“But—”
No,” Jill stopped Angelina’s words. “I was where you are just about eight months ago. No way was I going to let your brother get close. I was afraid I’d be hurt or Lucas would be hurt again, and I almost lost my chance at love. Don’t let fear hold back your feelings, Angelina. Especially when I see the way John’s been looking in your direction about every thirty seconds. I’d say that he’s more than noticed you.”
Angelina’s heart began to drum in her chest. She looked across the room as John shook hands with the mayor and some of the city councillors. Then suddenly his dark-eyed gaze caught hers, causing her both excitement and aggravation. She didn’t want to want this man. Yet she couldn’t seem to help herself. Taking a shaky breath, s
he started toward him.
Immediately John smiled and reached for her hand. A warmth shot through Angelina as he drew her to his side.
“This is the person I’m grateful to,” he announced to the group. “Angelina has taken control of this project and gotten things moving on time. She’s unbelievable. Haven Springs owes her its gratitude.”
“You’re exaggerating, Mr. Rossi.” She smiled, a little embarrassed at his praise.
The mayor began to ask more about the hotel. Angelina stood alongside John, feeling special that he wanted her there with him, that he was pleased with her work. Was he impressed enough to make her a Rossi International employee? If it were possible for her to land a management position when the Grand Haven opened, life could be nearly perfect. Her pulse began to pound with optimism.
“Sorry I’m late,” a breathless Valerie Peters said as she walked up to the group.
John smiled, taking her arm. “Valerie, I’m so glad you could make it.” He turned toward the crowd. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Valerie Peters. She’s the interior designer for the hotel.”
Angelina watched as the attractive woman shook hands with everyone. The men seemed grateful she’d joined the party. She was dressed in a slinky black dress that made Angelina feel like Mary Poppins. Worse, Valerie had latched on to John, letting everyone know that they were more than working acquaintances. Maybe they were a couple back in New York.
By the time the buffet was served, Angelina had found her way to the kitchen and seated herself in the corner as the caterers worked around her. Everyone had pretty much paired off into couples. Tuck was nowhere in sight, but she didn’t expect him to be. They were just friends. He was doing her a favor by bringing her. But it was awful being alone all the time. Especially in a crowd.
Shelby came into the kitchen. “What are you doing in here?”
“I got tired of the crowd,” Angelina lied. How could she explain that she didn’t fit in?
Her sister-in-law raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe just of a certain blonde?”
Angelina wished everyone would just stop messing in her life. “Look, John Rossi can be with anyone he wants”
“Fine. But you can’t hide out here all night.” Shelby put her hands on her hips. “Jeez, Lina. You’re a Covelli, get back in there and pitch yourself. Act like the professional businesswoman you want to be.” She turned and marched out.
A little shocked at her sister-in-law’s words, Angelina realized she was hiding out. And she didn’t want to do anything to spoil the party. Shelby had put too much into this night. During a quick trip to the bathroom, Angelina freshened her makeup, then headed back toward the front of the house.
She began mingling again. It wasn’t hard at all. She knew most of the people, either from business, church or just from living in Haven Springs all her life.
The next hour passed quickly. But all the time Angelina could feel John’s presence, hear his laughter. When she finally got the nerve to look at him, she discovered that he was watching her, too. Heat spread to her stomach as his gaze refused to let her go. Then Valerie showed up at his side.
A dull pain gripped Angelina’s chest as she turned away. She wanted to go home.
An arm came across her shoulders. “Where have you been all night?”
Angelina looked up at Tuck. “I’m sorry. Did you miss me?” She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned into him.
“Yes, but you seemed busy with business,” Tuck said with laughter in his voice.
“That’s about it. A lot of business.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted? To make more connections?” he asked.
“Sure. In fact, I got a job prospect similar to what I’m doing now.”
“Isn’t that good?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I had something a little different in mind.”
Tuck leaned closer. “Like maybe working for Rossi?”
“It’s a big company,” she said. “There’s a lot of chance for advancement.”
“Among other things.” His grin was wicked. “I may be a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but I saw your eyes light up the minute you saw him.”
When she tried to turn away, Tuck cupped her chin with his palm and made her look at him. “You’re going to deny it?”
“Yes, anything other than a business relationship with John Rossi would be disastrous.”
“Why not take a chance at discovering something special happening between the two of you?”
Angelina shook her head. “No. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Tuck moved closer. “I bet if I kissed you, he would come over here and rip my head off. Or we could just leave and let him think we’re having a hot rendezvous.”
Angelina smiled at the crazy notion, then looked up to catch sight of a pretty brunette by the door. “I think you might be the one who wants to ditch me. Who’s the attractive woman looking daggers at me?”
He grinned. “Sally Parsons. She’s a new teacher at the high school. I’m hopin’ she’ll teach me a thing or two.” Tuck winked at Angelina.
“So what are you doing here with me? Go. I’m going to stay and help Shelby anyway.” Before she could push Tuck away, he planted a quick, sweet kiss on her lips. When he pulled back, he smiled.
Shocked, Angelina couldn’t speak. Tuck leaned down to whisper in her ear, “That was strictly for me. Thanks for the nice evening. I’m just going to run Sally home and I’ll be back to help with the cleanup. Try to stay out of trouble till then.”
She watched as Tuck left and found her party mood slowly fading. She needed some fresh air. Wandering through the crowded rooms she ended up in the kitchen again, then grabbed a tablecloth off the counter and went out the back door.
Dim lights circled the bare patio, now devoid of the lawn furniture which had been put away for the winter. A cold breeze lifted Angelina’s hair as she shivered and quickly wrapped the cloth around her. She rubbed her arms, trying to bring some warmth to her skin. Darned if she was going back inside. Heading down the path through Miss Hannah’s rose garden, she stopped in the middle of the bare bushes. No more roses this year, she thought, just a long, frigid winter to look forward to.
Angelina had disappeared. John looked around the room, but couldn’t see her anywhere. He knew that she hadn’t left with Tucker. After witnessing the kiss the cowboy had planted on her, John wondered how in the hell the man could leave with another woman.
Needing to see that she was okay, John excused himself from the group of guests and began his search. He explored each room until he ended up in the kitchen talking with one of the waiters who told him she’d gone outside.
Relieved, he headed for the seemingly deserted patio. The cold air hit him, but he ignored it, continuing his journey along the flagstone path to the garden where he found Angelina. She made an exquisite picture standing in the moonlight. Her hair was like ebony satin where the soft curls lay on her delicate shoulders. His palms itched to run his fingers through the long strands. His gaze roamed over her oval face with its wide-set eyes and the full luscious mouth that made him hungry for a taste. He moved down to the tempting dress that fitted her shapely body to perfection. She had taken his breath away and stirred his desire. All evening he’d kept telling himself to stay away, but he couldn’t. She drew him like a magnet.
“Aren’t you cold?” he asked. He hadn’t been anywhere near cold since he’d walked in the door tonight and seen her.
Angelina swung around. “John! What are you doing out here?”
He walked closer. “I needed some fresh air.” He took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. “You’re shivering.”
“I’m okay.” She shrugged off the coat and tried to hand it back to him.
“Stubborn,” he murmured. He took it from her and again put it across her shoulders, catching the soft fragrance that was purely Angelina. “You can’t stay out here dressed in that.” He looked down at the white tablecloth she was using as a
shawl. He knew that underneath, her shoulders were bare. “You’ll freeze.”
“What about you?”
“Don’t worry about me. I was getting too warm inside.” Hell, he’d been burning up watching her walk around in her sexy dress.
“Fine. Thanks.” She accepted the jacket, then continued down the path, disappearing into the shadows of the trees.
He went after her. “Hey, where are you headed in the dark?”
“Just walking.”
He looked around the yard, at the big maple trees and trimmed shrubs along the property. “It’s pretty out here. I bet the rose garden is something when it’s in bloom.” He suddenly felt as awkward as a teenager. Angelina had that effect on him. “My grandmother Lia had a rose garden in Italy. When I was little I would go out with her and she would show me how to care for them.” That was long before she left his grandfather, he thought.
Angelina sighed. “I think all grandmothers must have rose gardens. Nonna Vittoria spends hours in hers. I’m glad she has a lot of interests to keep her busy.” She stopped when they came to a white building that resembled a cottage.
“What’s this place?”
She stepped up on the small porch, went to the mailbox and took something out. A key. She unlocked the door. “At one time it was a gardener’s cottage. Rafe fixed it up and now it’s Shelby’s retreat. She’s a writer, you know.”
They stepped inside and Angelina turned on a small lamp by the door. He looked at her and had to slip his hands into his trouser pockets to keep from touching her. “No, I didn’t know.” He shrugged. “But there’s a lot I don’t know.”
Angelina finally smiled, setting her face aglow in the dim light. “That’s a first, a man admitting he doesn’t know everything.”
He stepped closer, watching her eyes grow wide. He raised a hand and caressed her cheek. “I know you take my breath away just by looking at me.” He lifted her chin with his fingertip and stared into her eyes.
“You shouldn’t say that,” she whispered.
“I’m only speaking the truth.”
She stiffened. “What about Ms. Peters?”
The Man, The Ring, The Wedding Page 9