The CEO, the Puppy and Me

by Jennifer Faye

  Being helpless was not a position he was familiar with. Usually there was something he could do—a plan to follow, a person to hire. But in this case, he had no choice but to sit by while Gia dealt with yet another big blow. First, her parents lied to her about her conception, and then that horrible man rejected her without even taking time to know anything about her. Life was not fair.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  THEIR VISIT TO Rome hadn’t worked out for her.

  But that didn’t mean it couldn’t work out for Ric.

  Because as disappointed as she was, Gia wanted Ric to find a good home for his program. She wanted his dreams to come to fruition for him, for herself—to reassure herself that sometimes dreams really did come true—and for all of the people it would help.

  As they waited at the restaurant table for her friend, who’d texted to let her know he was running a few minutes late, Ric leaned toward her. “We don’t have to do this. Not tonight.”

  “I’m okay.” When Ric sent her a disbelieving look, she added, “I don’t regret tracking that man down. And I don’t regret meeting him.”

  “Even though he was an insufferable jerk?”

  She nodded. “I now understand why my parents felt it was best to keep me from knowing about him. He’s not a nice man—not someone I want in my life. And so my parents did what they felt best because...” Her voice cracked with emotion. “Because they both loved me.”

  “I didn’t know them, but from everything you’ve said and after knowing their amazing daughter, I believe they loved you with all their hearts.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. She blinked them away, not wanting to make a show in public. “For the first time since they unexpectedly died, I’m no longer angry with them. I didn’t realize until now just how angry I was with them for leaving me. I know the accident wasn’t their fault and they in no way wanted to leave, but I was just so angry of being robbed of their presence in my life that I think I projected all that grief and anger into the secret of my conception. It was easier to be angry with them for keeping a secret than to be angry because they died.”

  Ric reached out, taking his hand in hers. No words were needed. His presence and show of support meant the world to her. If they were seated closer, she’d have leaned her head on his shoulder—

  “Sorry, I’m late.” The familiar gravelly male voice interrupted the quiet moment.

  Gia and Ric withdrew their hands. She noticed the distinct coldness where just moments ago he’d been touching her.

  She pasted on her brightest smile, as it was so good to see Vincent D’Angelo again. In a way, it was like having a piece of her parents back because they’d been such good friends with Vincent. In fact, they’d been so close that he was Enzo’s godfather.

  Vincent rounded the table. “Gia, I’m so sorry.” The tall man with a broad chest enveloped her in a warm hug. When he pulled back, he said, “I was out of the country when I heard the news, and it was too late to make it back for the funeral.”

  “I understand. The flowers you sent were beautiful.” She couldn’t remember exactly which bouquet was his, but she recalled seeing his name on one of the many arrangements, and they were all stunning. She turned to Ric. “And I’d like to introduce you to m-my...” She stuttered, not sure what title to give Ric as their relationship was so complicated. And so she settled on “Ric Moretti.”

  Vincent leaned over and shook Ric’s extended hand. “It’s good to meet you.”

  Once they were all seated, they ordered pasta and made small talk, allowing the men to get to know each other a little.

  And then Vincent turned to her. “It’s been far too long. You remind me so much of your parents. You have your mother’s beautiful looks and your father’s easiness. I could always talk to him about anything.”

  His words were like a balm on her wounded heart. “You really think so?”

  “I do. They were so proud of you. Any time I visited with them, they’d fill me in on all your accomplishments. You and your brother and sister were the highlights of their lives.”

  Gia genuinely smiled as memories of her parents crowded in her mind. They were caring and loving. She’d spent all this time searching for something she’d already had—parents who loved her. No one could replace them or their love.

  And they weren’t truly gone. They lived on in her heart and her memories. Instead of fighting the memories, she had to welcome them—accepting the pain of loss as well as the happiness found in those memories.

  Gia turned to Ric. “Vincent owns a vast shipping company. It always has him on the road.” Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Vincent nodding in agreement. “I thought you two could help each other. He could certainly use your program, and he has a stellar reputation in the transportation community. And I might have mentioned your ultimate goal is to use your program to help get supplies to those in need.”

  “Yes, she did,” Vincent said. “I am very interested in hearing more.”

  Ric glanced at her. His eyes were dark and unreadable. It was as if suddenly a wall had gone up between them. But she told herself it was just the surprise she’d sprung on him. Everything would be all right in the end.

  Ric was hesitant to reveal much at first, but Vincent just kept talking. No wonder he was so successful at what he did. He could talk most everyone into seeing things his way. And though Ric was hesitant at first, the more Vincent talked, the more Ric talked.

  Gia smiled. This was all going to work out.

  * * *

  What had happened?

  Gia had planned this without mentioning it to him.

  Throughout the dinner, he’d avoided eye contact with her. He felt as though she’d somehow betrayed him, but he’d done his best to hold it all in during the meal—a meal he’d barely tasted.

  Ric had promised to meet with Vincent again to go over details of his program and show him what it had done on a small scale for Gia’s boutique hotel business. But he wasn’t happy about it. Still, he was a businessman first, and this was an opportunity that he just couldn’t ignore—even if he wanted to.

  Because this was a pity offering.

  Gia didn’t believe in him enough to think he could pull off this project on his own. It reminded him of his mother.

  But in spite of everything, he’d made a success of himself—a self-made man.

  Gia didn’t get to take that away from him. Sure, he might have had a setback with Mr. Grosso, but he hadn’t given up. He had other options. He just hadn’t had time to explore them.

  On the ride home, Gia tried to make conversation, but he wasn’t in the mood to speak, only giving her a nod or one-word answer.

  It wasn’t until they were in their suite that he turned to her and asked, “What have you done?”

  Her eyes widened with surprise. “I... I was helping you.”

  “I don’t need help! I can manage my business fine on my own.”

  Anger flared in her eyes. “So you can help me, even though I didn’t ask you to, but when I return the favor, it’s wrong?”

  He raked his fingers through his hair. “It’s not the same thing.”

  “What’s the matter? Your ego can’t accept the help of a woman? Or is it just this particular woman that you won’t take help from?”

  A tangle of emotions churned within him. “I don’t need your help.”

  “Good. Because I don’t need you either. I don’t need anyone.” She turned and strode away.

  He watched her walk away, leaving him alone once more. Loneliness engulfed him. Refusing to go after her, he retreated to his room. His door shut with a loud thud. It was time to go home.

  This trip had been an utter disaster. The one person who he thought believed in him had just turned her back on him, like so many others in his life. He was better off on his own.

  * * *

 
Gia regretted her words.

  As she threw her things in her suitcase, she realized she was acting just like her biological father—whom she wished she’d never met. The man was selfish and self-centered. She wouldn’t turn into him.

  Her thoughts turned to her brother and sister. She’d left them to pick up the pieces of her life back in Tuscany when she’d dropped everything to go on this journey of self-discovery. Not wanting to be anything like the man she’d met that morning, she knew the time had come to return home as soon as possible.

  And though it broke her heart, she realized that Ric wasn’t going to make room in his life for her. He’d been putting off telling her since they’d made love. She knew it then, but she’d been hoping she was wrong. Just like she’d been hoping her biological father was someone she’d want to know. She was wrong in both cases. No man could love her.

  With a hole in her chest where her heart had once been, she rolled her suitcase into the common room. Ric was there, checking his phone. He glanced up when she entered. “Good. The plane is ready to go.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not going back with you.”

  He opened his mouth to say something, but then changed his mind, closing it without saying a word. And that right there said it all. She was doing the right thing—for both of them.

  Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. She would get through this without breaking down. It was for the best. That’s what she kept telling herself. But there was nothing about this departure that felt like it was for the best.

  Returning to Lapri would be just too hard. She needed—they needed—to make a clean break. “I’m returning to Tuscany. Tonight.”

  “And the puppies?”

  She loved them nearly as much as she’d thought she loved Ric. But if she were to take them, Ric would have no one. He’d be alone except for his work. They might not belong together, but that didn’t mean she wanted him to be alone.

  Whereas when she returned to Tuscany, she had her family. Their importance in her life had gotten overlooked with the revelations of the journal, but it was like the blinders had been lifted from her eyes. She remembered how much Enzo and Bianca meant to her. She wouldn’t forget again.

  “You...you keep them. They are devoted to you.”

  She didn’t know what she expected him to say, but he said nothing.

  She clutched the suitcase. This was it. This was the last time she would ever see him. And yet she didn’t have the strength, the courage to lift her gaze to his. She knew once she did that the wall she’d built up, damming up her emotions, would come crumbling down. She would be a wet, blubbering mess. And that was not how she wanted to end things.

  “Thank you,” she said, trying to maintain a level voice. “I appreciate everything you did for me. As for the villa, it’s nearly done. I’ll be in contact with the contractor about the final details.”

  Still, Ric said nothing. He was not going to make this easy for her.

  After asking him to forward her other pieces of luggage, she turned and headed for the door. She didn’t know what she expected—perhaps for Ric to come after her and ask her to stay. Not that it would be good for either of them. But he didn’t speak. He didn’t move. So she just kept going. Walking right out of his life. And she had never known such misery.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  HOME AT LAST.

  Gia didn’t know how she’d feel when she returned, but it felt good to walk through the doors of the villa. Because no matter where she went in this world, returning to the Bartolini estate for her was still coming home.

  And right now, her broken heart needed the comfort of this place. She didn’t know what she’d expected when she left here almost two months ago. She felt like a totally different person but not in a good way.

  She felt as though she’d aged ten or twenty years. She was disillusioned, disheartened and wanted to disappear. She’d wanted to avoid the main house, but she needed to grab her keys from the office. She’d left them there for safekeeping.

  It was late enough in the evening that she hoped to avoid everyone, including her big brother. She just needed time to think—to settle back into her life...without Ric or the puppies. Another wave of sadness struck her.

  She heard some laughter. And then a woman said, “I think your wine is a winner. The best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “You don’t have to say that.” Enzo’s voice trailed down the hallway.

  “No. I mean it. You were definitely born with a gift to run the vineyard.”

  When the couple stepped into the kitchen, they came to a halt. The other voice belonged to Sylvie, the wedding planner. And these two looked really comfortable together. Obviously, Gia had missed more than she’d thought while she was away.

  “Hello, Enzo. Sylvie.”

  Was her brother blushing? Impossible. He didn’t blush about anything, but then again, she’d never caught him with someone he was attracted to. Interesting. Very interesting.

  “Gia, what are you doing here?” Enzo’s voice held a note of irritation.

  Was he upset that she was back? Or was he upset because she’d interrupted something? Gia was willing to go with the latter. And as much fun as it’d be to tease her brother about this thing with Sylvie—if there was a thing—she just wasn’t up for sibling banter.

  She was beat from traveling. She was torn up on the inside from not just the rejection of one man but two. Just the thought of Ric caused the backs of her eyes to sting with unshed tears. She blinked them away.

  She swallowed hard, hoping her voice wouldn’t give away her turbulent emotions. “I just got back. Sorry to interrupt you two—”

  “You didn’t interrupt,” Sylvie said. “In fact, it’s getting late. I should go. It’s good to see you back, Gia.” And with that Sylvie made a quick departure.

  “So, you’ve decided to return. At last.”

  Gia halted at the sound of Enzo’s voice. Her shoulders lowered with guilt for abandoning the only family she’d ever known to go off on a search for a biological parent who wanted absolutely nothing to do with her—who’d have been just as happy to never know she existed.

  She turned to her brother, prepared for his anger. She deserved it. She’d handled things wrong. She’d freaked out knowing she wasn’t a Bartolini.

  She drew her gaze up to meet his. “I’m sorry, Enzo. I really messed up this time.”

  To her surprise, there was no anger—no resentment—in his eyes. Only a brotherly love. “I’m just glad you’re home. You were missed.”

  His kindness, understanding and caring crumbled the wall she’d put up to keep her emotions in check, and she rushed forward and he wrapped her in a big bear hug. She couldn’t believe she’d run away when she had everything she’d ever need right here. This was her family. She may not have Bartolini blood in her, but that hadn’t stopped her father from loving her. She had been his daughter by choice, and that meant the world to her because he didn’t have to love her but he did anyway.

  Gia pulled back and swiped at her damp cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”

  Enzo searched her eyes. “You don’t have to apologize. It wasn’t fair what you’ve had to go through. I just wanted to be there for you.”

  Fresh tears spilled onto her cheeks. “Have I told you lately that you’re the best big brother?”

  “No. But it’s about time you realized it.” He sent her a teasing smile. “I thought you weren’t coming back for a few more weeks.”

  “Things changed.” Her thoughts turned to Ric, and the pain in her chest still felt raw. She wasn’t ready to talk about him. “I’m going to bed. Good night.”

  “Night.”

  * * *

  “Gia?”

  Who was calling her name?

  She wasn’t ready to wake up. Gia snuggled farther under the downy soft duve
t. She struggled to return to her dream—her nice dream—her sexy dream.

  Ric was there in her dreams. He’d been smiling at her, laughing with her, flirting with her and kissing her. She moaned. Where was he now? She searched through the foggy recesses of her dreams—

  “Gia?”

  Gia grunted. She didn’t want to wake up, she wanted Ric back.

  “Gia, I have coffee.”

  A whiff of coffee reached her nose. It was a jolt to her sluggish body. That did it. The dream was over. Like Pavlov’s dog, her mouth watered at the thought of coffee. What could she say? She loved the stuff.

  And when she opened her eyes, she found the coffee and voice weren’t part of another dream. Bianca stood there holding two steaming mugs of coffee.

  “Hey, sleepyhead. I thought you were going to snooze the day away.”

  And then everything came rushing back to her—the reason she’d returned to Tuscany early. Now she wished more than anything that she was still sleeping.

  “Here.” Bianca held the mug out to her. “Maybe this will help.”

  Gia shimmied into a propped-up position and gladly accepted the coffee. She pressed the warm mug to her lips and practically inhaled the creamy brew.

  Once she’d swallowed, her gaze returned to her sister—her sister who would soon be a bona fide princess. She was all done up, from her white-and-turquoise-striped skirt and white blouse to her hair, which was twisted at the back of her head and pinned up with loose corkscrew curls to soften the look.

  “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in Patazonia?” Not giving Bianca a chance to respond, Gia asked, “And why do you look so fancy this early in the morning?”

  “It’s not early. In fact, it’s almost lunchtime. And I had planned to return later this week to help Sylvie, but then Enzo called last night. And, well, I hopped on the jet and here I am.”

  “On your private jet. Must be nice.”