The Man, The Ring, The Wedding

by Patricia Thayer

He tried to hide his smile. “I prefer eyes blue as the ocean and hair as black as midnight.”

  Dio, he couldn’t help himself. He bent his head and when she didn’t stop him, his mouth caressed hers gently. She sucked in a breath as he pulled away, then he went back for another taste. The jacket and cloth she wore silently dropped to the floor, unnoticed. “Since that first kiss, I’ve wanted more. I can’t seem to stop myself with you.”

  “Oh, John,” she whispered as her eyes drifted shut.

  This time one of his hands went to her hair, pulling her close, making the mating of their mouths more intimate. His other hand circled her waist and drew her against him, pressing every inch of her body against his.

  Angelina’s hands left a heated trail up his chest, then her long fingers tangled in his hair. She made a soft whimpering sound and leaned into him. He groaned and pushed his tongue into her mouth, tasting her, unable to get enough of her. But he wouldn’t mind in the least spending forever trying.

  Angelina’s knees were weak when John tore his mouth from hers, but he continued to rain kisses along her neck, then across her chest. “You are so beautiful, cara.” Each word was emphasized by another kiss, raising goosebumps along her skin, and an awareness that she’d never known before.

  His hands moved to the straps on her gown as his dark eyes locked with hers. She trembled in anticipation, and finally his hands lowered the straps and cool air touched her bare skin, followed by his warm mouth. She gasped from the pleasure of the new sensations. She knew she should stop him. But she didn’t have the strength. And in her heart she didn’t want to.

  Outside there were voices and laughter that tore her from her fantasy.

  “John...” She tried to pull away, but he held her.

  “Shh, cara.” He soothed her with his voice, then released her as she fixed her dress. Embarrassed, Angelina could only think about getting away. How could she face this man again?

  John knew he’d gone too far. He never should have looked for her. “I’m sorry, Angelina. I can’t seem to resist you.”

  She jerked around. “We have to resist, John. We work together.”

  “What is wrong with us sharing time together while I’m in town?”

  She marched around the small area of the combination living room and kitchenette. “Because it isn’t right”

  “What have we done that’s so wrong?”

  “Nothing, and we should keep it that way.”

  He nodded. “I guess so.”

  “I mean...I’ll never see you again. Except when the hotel opens. I read that you go to all your openings.”

  He was surprised she knew. “Where did you find that out?”

  She shrugged. “I did research. It’s something I do when I’m looking for a job.”

  “Job? But you have a job.”

  “But not my independence. Working at Covelli and Sons has been the only job I’ve ever had. Since high school, I’ve worked in the office. I planned to strike out on my own after college, but then there was my dad’s accident. Everyone needed to hang together. Then other things stopped me. Don’t get me wrong. I wanted to help out. But it’s been over three years now, and its past time I was out on my own.” She raised her head and their eyes met. “That’s one of the reasons I felt we shouldn’t get involved. I want to work for you—for Rossi International.”

  John was stunned. The familiar hurt struck him like a piercing blow. This was a replay of his failed relationship with Selina. No one wanted him just for what he could give them. Angelina Covelli was no different. He should have never forgotten his reason for coming here. Never forgotten how much damage the Covellis had done to his grandfather. Well, Angelina had just reminded him. “What can you offer me?” he asked coldly.

  She swallowed. “I know I would be an excellent person to work at the Grand Haven. When the hotel opens, of course. I know the area and the people.”

  “It takes a hell of a lot more than that to run a hotel”

  She stiffened. “I’m willing to learn. I’m great with computers. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science. I feel with some training I could be a valued employee, Mr. Rossi.”

  How in the hell had this turned into a job interview? “Mr. Rossi,” he said as he cupped her stubborn chin. “Minutes ago, cara, you were crying out my name in pleasure.”

  She pulled away. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. It was wrong. But I don’t want it to stop you from considering me as a potential employee.”

  Hell, that was the last way he’d been thinking about her. Resentment overwhelmed him, but he wasn’t ready to walk away from the beautiful Angelina Covelli. If she wanted to use him, he could return the favor. Just how far would she go for a job?

  “Monday morning I’m flying up to our Stratton Mountain resort in Vermont for a few days.” It was supposed to be his downtime, a mini vacation. Why not take along a beautiful diversion? “The snow season hasn’t officially started yet, so I go to kick back. You’re welcome to come along.”

  “Really? You’re giving me a chance? Will this be considered training for a position?”

  John shook his head. “I didn’t say anything about training. I’m inviting you to go—with me.”

  The air seemed to be trapped in her lungs as Angelina stared at him. How dare he! “I won’t sleep with you to get a job.”

  He gave her a hint of a smile. “No one asked you to. I thought you’d like to come with me and see our hotel. But this is my recuperation time. I don’t want to think about work. I don’t have a problem with you looking around to see how a hotel is run. It’s your choice.” He turned and walked out of the cottage.

  And Angelina was left to make the biggest decision of her life.

  Chapter Eight

  “I’m going to Vermont and you can’t stop me,” Angelina called to Rafe from her bedroom door. Then she turned back to her packing, hoping that was the last of her brother’s meddling.

  It wasn’t. Too soon she heard the returning footsteps.

  Rafe marched into her room, an angry scowl on his face. “I forbid you.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, I’m not.” His expression softened. “Look, Lina. This isn’t a good idea. Something could happen....”

  No one needed to tell Angelina that. She’d spent the past twenty-four hours asking herself if she were crazy for taking this chance. That was it. She’d never taken any chances, and although going to Vermont terrified her, it might be her one chance—her only chance to break away.

  “I hope something does happen,” she said. “I hope I can prove to John Rossi I’m good enough to work for his company.”

  Rafe crossed his arms over his chest, trying to look large and intimidating. More and more he looked like their father.

  “You really think that Rossi has anything else on his mind besides getting you into the sack?”

  His blunt words made her blink, and, surprisingly, thrilled her. “I’m a big girl, Rafe. I can handle myself.” She refused to back down. “I’m not going to let anything happen that I don’t want to happen.”

  “See! That’s just what I’m talking about.” He ran his hands over his face as he began to pace. “No. No. I can’t let you go.”

  Surprisingly, Angelina remained calm. “You have no say in whether I go or not. I didn’t tell you how to behave when you began your relationship with Shelby.”

  “So, you’re admitting that something is going on between you and John.”

  She zipped up her bag and looked around for her tote and purse, hoping she didn’t have the guilty look that Rafe knew so well “I’m not admitting anything. I’m an adult and what I do is my business.”

  He took hold of her arm. “Look, Lina, I’m only trying to protect you. I know when you lost Justin how badly you...” He released her. “No, I have no idea what it was like.” His dark eyes held such love. “But I saw the pain you went through, and
I couldn’t do a thing to help you.”

  She swallowed back the tightness in her throat and touched his cheek. “You were there for me.”

  “Then let me be there now. Rossi is way out of your league. Besides, he’ll be gone soon and you’ll be nothing but a memory of a pleasant weekend.”

  That hurt. “I’m not going to be anyone’s memory, pleasant or otherwise. I’m going to check out another Rossi hotel. I want to see how it’s run, so I know what is expected of me when I become manager of the Grand Haven.”

  “Damn it, Lina, just don’t fall in love with the guy.”

  She glanced away. Could she love someone like John Rossi? He was nothing like Justin. Her sweet, loving Justin. “I only loved one guy.” That was all she needed to say.

  He nodded.

  “I love you, Rafe, for wanting to take care of me. But I’m not a child. I’m twenty-four, nearly twenty-five.”

  His expression softened. “But I promised Dad I would...”

  “Then be there for me.” She took a breath. “Don’t try and stop me from wanting to be independent.”

  He put his arms around her. “But you’re my sister. How can I stop watching out for you, wanting to take care of you?”

  Angelina smiled, then kissed him. “Have a baby of your own.”

  Suddenly Rafe’s face flushed and he glanced away.

  “Oh, my gosh, Shelby’s pregnant.”

  He started to speak, then finally nodded with a big grin. “Yeah, she is. But you’ve got to keep it quiet for a while. She’s not even six weeks yet.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said, then realized again that her brothers had moved on with their lives. It was time for her to take a stab at hers. “You should be with Shelby.”

  “I’m taking care of her just fine.”

  Angelina crossed her arms. “I bet she doesn’t know you’re here.”

  “Yes, she does. I told her I was coming by to see you off.”

  “Then kiss me goodbye and go home.”

  Rafe hugged her. “I love you, sis. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

  Angelina was touched. “It’s part of growing up, Rafe. Just give me your blessing and tell me you trust me to make my own decisions.”

  “Of course I do. Just know that you can call if you need anything. Even if it’s just to talk.”

  She nodded. “Now, if I don’t get a move on John’s going to leave without me. Carry my suitcases downstairs.”

  Rafe lifted her two bags and started down the hall. Angelina brushed at her navy wool slacks and white sweater, then slipped on her wine-colored blazer.

  Her heart racing with excitement, she made her way downstairs and saw John waiting for her. He was dressed in dark brown trousers and a sand-colored polo shirt with a tan suede jacket. He smiled and she couldn’t seem to manage to breathe.

  “Ready?”

  No, she wanted to scream, but instead she nodded. Her mother and Nonna walked into the room. Maria and her daughter had had a long discussion last night, and her mother had finally relented to the trip admitting that her daughter had a right to make her own decisions. They hugged each other. “You be careful, Lina.”

  “I will, Mom.”

  Nonna hugged Angelina, but didn’t say anything. She had come into her granddaughter’s room last night and they had talked. Strangely they’d ended up discussing Nonna falling in love with their grandfather, Enrico.

  “I’ll phone when I arrive,” Angelina promised, then caught her brother talking with John. Oh, no. She had to save him.

  “We should go,” she said.

  A little over an hour later, they boarded Rossi International’s private jet.

  It all was happening so fast, Angelina thought as she took the seat across from John in the plane. She belted herself in while John gave instructions to the pilot. Excitement raced through her as the plane began to taxi.

  She hadn’t traveled much in her life. Now she was jetting to Vermont for a few days, then, on the return trip, stopping in New York.

  John watched Angelina’s eyes grow large as the jet lifted off the ground. If she were frightened, she hadn’t let on, but he doubted Angelina Covelli would willingly show any weakness. He also doubted she had ever passed on a dare, either. That was one of the things he liked about her. She didn’t give in easily. No doubt a trait she’d inherited from her grandmother. His thoughts went to his grandfather in Italy. He knew nothing about his grandson meeting the Covellis, much less awarding them a contract to work for him.

  Once again, John was reminded of how foolish he was to invite Angelina to go with him. Not only had he broken his cardinal rule by getting involved with a co-worker, but he was taking Angelina to his private getaway. The one place where he’d always gone—alone.

  Now, Angelina was going to be at his side for a few days without her family or job to hide behind. Even knowing that she’d planned on using him, he still wanted her. He could easily turn the tables on her—make her want him. If he spent time with her, shared her bed, then he might be able to get her out of his system.

  The jet leveled off and he saw the concern in Angelina’s blue eyes. He leaned forward and took hold of her hands. They were cold and clammy to the touch. She didn’t resist as he quickly wrapped them between his.

  They were slender, her palms soft, her fingers long and tapered. He couldn’t help but wonder how they would feel on his skin. Warmth surged through him, settling deep in his gut as he looked up to see her eyes turn dark with desire.

  He released her hands and moved back in his seat. “The pilot says it’s clear skies all the way to Vermont. So it should be a pretty smooth ride.”

  “I’m a novice at this.”

  He bet she was a novice at other things, too.

  When she leaned toward the window, his gaze caught her slender waist, the outline of her full breasts in her fitted sweater. “It’s so beautiful up here.” She looked back at him, her eyes aglow. “You’re so lucky to get to travel everywhere.”

  He pursed his lips. “I have been to a few interesting places.” It had gotten old fast. After being in Haven Springs this past month, he found he envied the simplicity the Covellis had in their day-to-day living.

  His attention fell again on Angelina. Too bad he would never fit in there.

  The plane landed in Hartford, Connecticut, and they were met in front of the terminal by an employee standing by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with Rossi Mountain Inn displayed on the side.

  “Angelina, I want you to meet Todd McCall. He works at the inn as one of the managers.”

  The golden-haired man smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Angelina.”

  Todd was about her age. He stood nearly six feet tall with a long lanky frame. His eyes were a gentle gray and his smile ready. “I’m actually a ski bum, with a degree in hotel management. Working up here has great benefits. I’m also the local ski instructor. Do you ski?”

  “Some,” she said. “Mostly cross-country.”

  “Well, if you need any help just give me a holler,” Todd offered, then looked at John. “On second thought, I bet John could show you everything you need to know.”

  Angelina saw John’s intense look. “I’m hoping while I’m here I’m able to see how the operation is run,” she said.

  Todd and John exchanged a look, then finally Todd spoke, “If I can help in any way, just let me know.”

  “I’ve already talked with Shannon,” John said. “She’s going to clear some time for Angelina tomorrow.”

  Angelina looked curiously at John. Had he really done that for her? She wanted to thank him, but couldn’t help but wonder what it was going to cost her.

  Todd loaded the bags in the back of the car, opened the car door and Angelina climbed in. John took the front seat and spent half of the two-hour trip to the lodge discussing hotel business with Todd, then the other half talking on his cell phone. Angelina sat in the backseat not minding the quiet time to view the scenery.

  Al
though the countryside was beautiful and intriguing to look at, with the evergreen trees lightly dusted with snow, she was thinking about how she and John would be spending the next four days together. With no family around, she was on her own. The thought excited her, but also terrified her. Deep down she knew she was playing with fire, and she could definitely get burned.

  She sucked in a breath at the thought of John’s kiss. The feelings he’d managed to unearth in her. She’d forgotten her common sense in the cottage Friday night. And she couldn’t let that happen again. Even if John was out to seduce her, she had to focus on business. Drawing a long breath, she tried to think how she planned to protect her heart.

  Todd turned off the main highway and drove along a two-lane road for another ten minutes. They traveled through thick rows of pine trees until they reached the base of the mountains where a three-story lodge came into view. The rich sunny-gold-hued building with emerald-green trim stood out from the mountainside with a black roof that arched high toward the sky. The majestic mountain range created a breathtaking backdrop with its light blanket of fresh snow.

  Their car pulled into the circular drive and stopped under the canvas awning at the double doors. A bellman came out to greet them.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Rossi,” the young man said. “It’s nice to have you back.”

  “It’s good to be back, Sam,” John said as he helped Angelina out of the car. “Please take my luggage to my suite. And take Ms. Covelli’s to the adjoining Milano Suite.”

  “Yes, sir.” The bellman started off.

  A private adjoining suite. A warning bell went off in Angelina’s head. She didn’t have to be hit over the head to know what John had in mind.

  “No!” she called. When the man stopped and looked at her, she turned to John. “I mean, do I really need a suite?”

  John remained silent for a while, then pulled her aside. “There are no ordinary rooms at the inn. They’re all suites.”

  Angelina looked into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “Oh. But I just don’t want people here to think that there ... there is something going on between us.”