by Jan Moran
She reached for his neck, digging her fingers into his thick hair. “I’d forgotten how much fun it is to make love to you.”
With a slow, deliberate move, he wrapped his fingers around her wrists and placed them over her head, straddling her body. “You don’t say.” He moved her left wrist under her right, grabbing both with his left hand, and, moving the robe out of the way, he exposed her body. He circled his finger around her breasts and down her middle until he reached her mound. Her body shivered and rose from the bed. “Damn, woman! You’re ready already?” When she laughed, he looked down at his engorgement. “I can’t help it, I want you so much.”
Keeping his weight off her, he slipped inside.
She moved to the rhythm of his body in sync as one. He slowed a little to make sure they climaxed together. She clawed at his shoulders, panting. He moved in and out, faster. She moaned, panting. “Faster.” Her warm breath infused with his sweat created a cooling effect. “Faster.” Impatience laced her tone.
Explosion!
So satisfying.
Wet and clammy, he rolled onto his back. She moved closer and rested her clammy face on his chest, her hair tickling his chin.
“Are we in love, or are we lusting for each other?” She raised herself onto her elbows to stare at him.
Air caught in his lungs. Alicia, the woman of his dreams still had doubts.
With her sticky, matted hair, blush still coloring her cheeks. He never wanted to stop making love. “Sometimes you confuse me, woman. I told you, I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. I just made some very stupid mistakes.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “This is not lust. This is not sex. This is making love.” He tilted her chin to better see her face. “Never mistake lust with love.”
“Right now, I’m having a hard time distinguishing between them.”
“Baby, if we’ve done this in haste, I’ll back off and give you space and time. I’m not going anywhere, Alicia, and I want you to be sure of what you want.”
“I was sure I loved you before, but now I get such confusing feelings I have a hard time sorting them out.” She laid her head down. “If you never stopped loving me, why would you come work for my grandfather with the objective of helping your father?”
Shit, woman. “How many times do we need to go over this?”
She pushed away. “As many times as I need.”
“Okay.” He sat up, fluffed the pillows against the headboard, and leaned against them. “I’ve never agreed with him, but Dad pushed me into a corner. At the time, I had no job, and if he’d kicked me out, I had no means to support my little girl.” He drew circles with his fingers on the back of her hand. “When you have children, they become the most important thing in your life. I had to do what I believed best for her. As you witnessed, when I told my father I wouldn’t go through with it, he did throw me out of his house, but working for you gave me the means to take good care of my little Oli.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. It had to be pretty painful to be treated this way by your father. I mean, what father would do that to his kid?”
“Apparently, my father didn’t think twice about it. Can you see where I’m coming from?”
“Yes, when the words come from you, but when I’m alone, it all turned into a battle.” She scooted closer. “I’m glad we’re having alone time.”
He wanted so much to erase all doubts from her mind, but understood he could do it only with time.
She snuggled. “Here’s a plus for you. When we’re together I feel so safe.”
Not quite what he wanted to hear, but he settled for the small step in the right direction.
“Come on, I’ll race you to the shower.” Vincenzo bounced off the bed.
Alicia followed. “No fair, you had a head start.” She pouted as he turned the water on to steam the bathroom. She stepped in the shower behind him and, leaning her chest against his back, brought her hands around to his hard abs. “I love how smooth you feel.”
Her touch awakened his sleeping manhood. Damn! It doesn’t take much. He turned, gathering her in his arms. “We’ve never done it in the shower.”
The half smile and twinkle in her eye gave him the go-ahead. Squeezing lavender-scrub on his hands, he lathered her body, lingering on her sensitive spots, extracting little moans. As the need in her eyes grew, she foamed her hands and worked them up and down his manhood. He loved her enthusiasm when she was ready.
Chapter 29
Alicia
Time went by faster than even Alicia envisioned, especially with Vincenzo back in her life. Leaning closer to the mirror, she slipped ruby earrings in her pierced lobes then hooked her hair behind her ears to admire the effect. Pleased, she stood. In the closet, she stared at her shoes, trying to decide if she should wear the four-inch Prada pump or the more comfortable two-inch Steve Madden shoe. Wanting to be taller next to Vincenzo who stood at six feet two inches, she decided on the Prada.
Ready to go in her black-and-white dress, she still wondered where Vincenzo would take her for their last night out before she went off to finish her senior year in college. True, she was only going downtown to VCU to finish her degree, and Vincenzo would come see her when she didn’t have to study, but still, she wouldn’t see him every day. Her heart sank. Once she unlocked the door where she’d stuffed her feelings for him, love had blossomed again. In many ways, he reminded her of both her granddad and her father, a man who always placed the needs of his woman before himself. I guess having a child has changed him for the better. The selfish college boy had become the perfect lover.
Clacking down the hall, Mina met her at the bottom of the circular staircase. “You look great! Where’s he taking you?”
“It’s a surprise.” She twirled. “You approve?”
“When did you get those earrings?” Mina reached out and touched one with her finger.
“Vincenzo gave them to me to wear when he’s not with me.”
“Aaah! How sweet, but you must remember he broke your heart so he should be mine.” With these words she ran upstairs two steps at a time. “Enjoy your evening.” She disappeared down the hall.
When Alicia walked in the great room, she was surprised to find Vincenzo already there, deep in conversation with Nonno and Mom.
“What are you all conspiring?” she accused, sashaying to Vincenzo and kissing his soft lips.
She sat next to him as the conversation continued.
“By next fall, we’ll know if the expansion yields good grapes and we can begin making the new wine in house,” Nonno finished his sentence.
Alicia slipped her hand in Vincenzo’s and tugged.
He leaned over. “Take it easy. This is going to be a very special evening. Something this special has to be savored slowly like a good wine.”
“What are you talking about?” Alicia didn’t quite like the situation. Past her family’s dinnertime, she became suspicious.
Mina burst in dressed in an elegant black-and-beige dress. “Okay, I’m ready,” she announced with the biggest grin Alicia had ever seen on her face. Something strange was going on.
When Vincenzo stood and the entire family followed suit, dings went off inside her head. “Where are you all going?”
“I’m taking your mother and sister out to dinner for a change.”
She smiled. How stupid of me. “Sounds great. Have a good time.”
“Are you also ready to go?” He sat down. “On second thought, should we have a glass of wine before going?”
She sighed. “If you drink, you can’t drive.”
“Oh! Forgot to tell you, Mr. Pinelli is back from his two days off and will be our driver tonight.”
“Are you planning on getting drunk?”
“Who me? No way.” He took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “I want tonight to be extra special.”
“Now I’m real curious.”
Mr. French came in carrying a silver tray with two flutes filled w
ith champagne.
“Thank you, Mr. French.” Vincenzo reached for the glasses and handed one to Alicia. “To our future.”
They toasted and sipped.
What’s he got up his sleeve?
He took her empty flute and placed both on the coffee table. “Are you ready?”
“Whenever you are.”
~*~
When they arrived at Maggiano’s, they were escorted to a private room where the Contrino and the Grassi families waited for them. The grin on her granddad’s face startled her. She stopped and pushed against Vincenzo then pulled him out of the room.
“Can you please tell me what’s going on?” She grabbed him by the wrists. “I don’t like surprises.”
“Chill, woman. I’m not here to hurt you. Breathe, and I promise you’ll enjoy the evening.”
“Who are the other people with your parents?”
“My sister, her husband, and two children.” He kissed her lips. “I promise it’s going to be a wonderful evening.”
“Fine.” She huffed. “Remember, this is in protest. You should know I don’t like surprises.” She followed him inside where he introduced her to his sister Rosie and her husband Charles.
Olivia sat on a booster next to Nonna and two other little ones she assumed were Anna’s children, a cute little boy with bright-brown eyes and a little girl with a head full of curls.
After introductions, all eyes turned to Vincenzo. Before Alicia had a chance to sit, Vincenzo took her hand and went down to one knee. “Alicia, we started out under turmoil and confusion, but sorted things out, and you became the sunshine in my days, the woman who made me understand true love is forever. Finding you, I found my better half, completing me and making me whole again. Olivia and I have fallen deeply in love with you. Olivia wants to know if you’ll be her mommy, and I want to know if you’ll marry me, so I can make every day of your life a new experience of love.”
He went out of focus as her eyes filled with tears. Everyone else in the room had vanished. Only Vincenzo existed on his knee, filling with expectation and a bit of turmoil. Her throat tight, her heart hammering, she nodded while a tear of joy trickled down her cheek. Wrapping her arms around his neck she whispered, “Yes.”
He took out a little box from his pocket and opened it. In it sat a ring with the largest diamond she’d ever seen and a few rubies creating a leafy effect around the precious stone. She still couldn’t talk, but managed to smile. Vincenzo took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger, drawing her into his arms and kissing her lips.
When he released her, Nonno came to her side and kissed her cheek. “I told you everything would work out.”
“I love you.” She hugged him.
Mr. Grassi came to her. “I see the difference you’ve made in my son’s life, a good woman to stand by his side. Can you ever forgive me for what I tried to do?” He glanced at his wife who nodded with approval.
Alicia inhaled, listening to words she never dreamed of hearing. “We are family. As long as we all respect each other, all is forgiven.”
Mrs. Grassi stood, raising her wine glass. “To Alicia and Vincenzo, for bringing our families together, the way it should be.”
They all raised their glasses. “To Alicia and Vincenzo and the beginning of new relations,” Nonno echoed.
With her eyes still swimming in tears, Alicia sipped from the glass Vincenzo handed her. The summer had proven to be much more than she’d ever dreamed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Love is an important part of life, not just something to be experienced but also to be read. After 31 years of marriage, and going strong, Annamaria Bazzi believes in the happy ever after. This strong belief transcends into her romance novels—every person deserves their own happy ever after.
Annamaria writes contemporary romances to bring new love experiences to her readers. She also writes young adult sci-fi/fantasy and dabbles in paranormal short stories.
You can visit Annamaria at:
blog http://www.annamariabazzi.com
facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Author.annamariabazzi
Books by Annamaria
Romance
An Impossible Rescue ~ A widower rescues a woman from the clutches of her abusive husband.
Urban Fantasy
Incantation Paradox ~ A forty something woman struggles when she wakes up in a teen’s body.
Young Adult Fantasy
White Swans, A Regency World ~ Kendíka learns to accept the new Regency world she wakes up in and dedicates her life to the betterment of her new status.
Paranormal Short Stories
A Simple matter of Justice ~ A brutally murdered young woman is given a chance to catch her murderer and bring him to justice.
Revelation of Abaddon ~ A woman falls in love with the angel of death.
Bidding on Love
Joanne Dannon
Copyright © 2016 by:
Joanne Dannon
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Edited by: Giggle Girl Editing Services
Cover Design by: Ash’s Art and Design
Formatting by: Polgarus Studio
This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.
160805.212403
Excerpt
When love complicates a fling
Lily Taylor is launching her career as a jazz singer through a celebrity auction at a gala event. The problem is, no one is bidding except Diego Sanchez, the sexy Argentinian she had a one- night stand with one month ago.
She’s been raising her twin brothers for the past nine years after their parents were tragically killed. Now that they’re adults, Lily’s determined to be independent and carve out a new life for herself. The last thing she wants is to settle down.
Diego Sanchez has successfully launched a brand of hip wine bars across Melbourne. With his career goals met, he’s looking for a woman who shares his values on family, home, and culture. Not only is Lily not interested, but she doesn’t meet his preconceived notions of a “perfect wife”.
A burning attraction between them, Lily and Diego agree on an affair but the clincher is, it has an end-date. But when love complicates their fling, are they willing to make changes or will they each hold steadfast to their entrenched beliefs and goals?
"From a hot, hot one-night stand to always-and-forever, Joanne delivers on her promise of a sigh-worthy ending. An engaging, fun, and sexy read.” Lexi Greene, romance writer.
About The Author
Joanne Dannon has been living in the world of romance for as long as she can remember. From doodling love hearts on her school notebooks to regularly reading romances, Joanne’s world has always been filled with the excitement of love stories. So it was just a natural for Joanne to begin writing the genre she’s always loved.
Formerly a policy writer by day and romance writer by night, Joanne now spends full time writing the books she adores. Creating heroes for readers to fall in love with and heroines to cheer on, her characters are people readers can identify with.
Joanne writes to give her readers the experience she still loves to savor—indulging in a sigh-worthy-happily-ever-after, being swept away from the everyday by diving into a delicious romance novel.
Joanne Dannon is a happily married mother of two heroes-in-training who loves spending time with friends and family. She can be found on Facebook and her website www.joannedannon.com chatting about reading, writing, cooking, vintage-inspired dresses and all things romantic. She loves to hear from readers.
Acknowledgements
Dear Reader
I love romances with an auction and one of my favourites is More than a Mistress by Sandra Marton. That book resonated with me so much that I decided to write my own romance with an auction.
I needed a larger than life hero who was determined, smart with plenty
of business acumen, and I am thankful to my very dear friend Judith Bauerberg who helped bring my Argentinian hero to life.
This book is as much about the hero, Diego, as it is about the heroine, Lily. And I’m thankful to the three men in my life who’ve shown how men can be loving husbands and awesome fathers—my husband, my father, and my brother.
Thanks to Lexi Greene who read my draft and gave me a thumbs up. You are a wonderful friend and writer.
And thanks to my editor, Rahab Mugwanja, whose attention to detail is amazing and makes my writing shine.
As always, I’m so thankful for the blessed support of my beautiful family and friends.
Pop over to my website (www.joannedannon.com) to say hi or keep in touch via my newsletter (http://eepurl.com/bvOoXP), I love to hear from readers.
With love, Joanne
Dedication
To my beautiful sons,
I know you’ll each grow up to be a loving husband and an awesome father.
Love you both to the moon and back xxxx
Chapter 1
Lily Taylor wondered if her life could get any worse. This was supposed to be her defining moment; the moment she publicly announced she was a singer. And what better way to do it than via a celebrity auction, at Crown Palladium, with fifteen hundred people in attendance.
“Come on, someone bid,” she muttered through clenched teeth.