Secret Match

by Victoria Pinder

  There. He couldn’t be any clearer, he thought as he ate his grape.

  “And I want that for you,” Anthony said. “Jennifer and I will leave in the morning. But for tonight, can we act like family?”

  One night. His brother would then take his business and the controversial Jennifer out of his life. Kiwi needed to understand family mattered to him, too. He’d met her mother already. He stood though he took one more grape to eat. “I brought a date home with me.”

  He popped it in his mouth as Anthony got to his feet with a slow smile. “You have a new woman in your life?”

  There was no way Gio would ever deny Kiwi. He held his head high as he said, “Kiwi is having my baby and I intend to marry her.”

  Anthony walked with him across the terrace and back into the villa. “So, it’s serious though the name-”

  “Don’t insult her.” Gio interrupted, not caring if his brother left immediately. No one was going to disparage Kiwi, not even family. He’d heard enough of Anthony’s disparaging opinions through the years that he looked his brother in the eye. “If she feels judged in any way, I’m tossing you out tonight.”

  “I understand.” Anthony put his hand on his heart like he swore he’d follow orders. “I’ll treat her like our own sister.”

  Both of them knew Anthony wasn’t always truthful, but neither said a word.

  Gio opened the sitting room door and saw Kiwi and Jennifer sitting across from each other, laughing.

  The night would be easier if the women got along and it seemed they were even though Kiwi had told Victoria her location. Kiwi immediately turned toward him and inside his soul, a light grew. He patted his brother’s shoulder. “Kiwi, this is my brother Anthony. He and Jennifer are staying for the night but will leave tomorrow.”

  Kiwi stood, and adjusted her green dress. His gaze went to the sexy curve of her hips. She smiled like she’d read his thoughts but said in a serious tone, “Can we talk for a minute”

  She pressed her hand on his wrist and his pulse spiked immediately. “Absolutely.”

  He led her out to the hall and then to the library next door. Making sure they were alone, he closed the door. “What’s going on?”

  She swallowed and took a deep breath. “I texted Victoria that Jennifer is here.”

  He’d heard that she’d told Victoria already. “And?”

  “The Morgans are all flying in. Now.”

  Yesterday his half-brother practically grilled him for information regarding Jennifer so perhaps it was to be expected that Peter Morgan would act.

  Where did Kiwi stand in all of this? He’d intended for Anthony and Jennifer to get away in the morning. He folded his arms and asked, “Are you serious?”

  She lifted her chin, but her voice was strained, her body tense. “You know that Peter has been desperate to find Jennifer. Victoria is my boss. Please promise me you won’t warn them to go anywhere.” Her unsmiling face challenged him. It was important to her that he prove his own loyalty.

  He briefly closed his eyes and let her sweet perfume wash over him. “I didn’t want drama in my house. I just wanted to seduce you.”

  A small laugh escaped her rosy mouth as her lips thinned into more of a white line. “In a few hours we’ll have some drama, but then hopefully we can pick up the pieces and move on.”

  Right.

  How would Anthony react?

  Kiwi had already set the battle in motion and soon the war would be in his own villa. He wasn’t ready to have Romeo and Juliet play out in his house.

  Gio studied Kiwi. What would happen between them if he sided with his brother? “Kiwi, Anthony is not one of my favorite people. He’s not the most stand-up guy, but he is my brother.”

  “What are you saying then?” Her shoulders straightened, and she held herself absolutely still like his words might knock her over.

  They both needed to know where they stood if they were to have a future. “I can’t lie to him.”

  Her hand went to her hip as if she’d argue before she nodded. “I told you because I don’t want to lie to you either. It can’t be good for us.”

  Her eyes darkened with passion and made him pause. They were clearly on opposite ends of some drama, but he’d brought her here to discover each other. His heart raced. “I don’t know what to do.”

  After a long hesitation she said, “Me either. Hopefully your family faces off and then all is forgiven? Or is that too movie-ending for all of this?”

  “I don’t know the Americans. But Anthony is Anthony. I cannot predict what he’ll do.” He’d thought spending time together would be enough but now they were each unsure of the future.

  Kiwi broke the silence when she patted her stomach. “I am hungry and I hear Italy has excellent food.”

  His baby. He needed to care for both mother and child. Gio offered his arm to show her to the terrace. “Yes. Let’s get you a meal fitting for your homecoming.”

  As he passed a maid, he told her to have lunch prepared al fresco and to invite his other guests. Kiwi didn’t say anything as he walked her outside.

  Despite their differences, they needed to find common ground. They both wanted peace and hopefully love.

  Chapter 8

  Oh Lord in heaven, I’ve screwed up with this man already and you just sent him to me.

  Kiwi sat through the five-course meal with Jennifer, Anthony and Gio. Three things were obvious. Gio was polite and a generous host. She didn’t know what fork or spoon went with what course which made her a disaster as a potential girlfriend. And three, he might deserve better.

  She patted her stomach and wished if not for her own happiness, that somehow she could fix her mistake. The first thing she’d do is find a video explaining fancy silverware choices.

  Or maybe she just wasn’t sure how to take a hint when Gio had held up his own as a clue. Clearly she’d been on her own for too long.

  As she finished her dessert, she sat back, replete. The food more than lived up to its reputation. The mushrooms had been stuffed with delicious spices she couldn’t identify. The salad greens tasted fresher here. The chicken was tender and moist. The spaghetti had a zestier flavor. And that chocolate? Out of this world.

  Europeans clearly had a different opinion on wine and pregnancy. Jennifer must have realized it too as they both kept telling the server, no, thank you, but the men seemed clueless.

  Full, she put her fork down and squeezed Gio’s arm. “This was delicious.”

  He put his napkin on his plate and then offered his arm as he got to his feet. “Are you ready for a tour of the grounds?”

  Walking? Her stomach was too heavy. She stood, but shook her head as she said, “I’m ready to see my room for a rest.”

  His gaze narrowed at her and she felt the heat of her cheeks when he asked, “Are you sure?”

  Walking would be good for her body, true, but her joints felt tight and her tummy full. “I think I need to digest this deliciousness. Can we go in an hour or two?”

  “Good afternoon, both of you,” Gio said to Anthony and Jennifer, which meant he hadn’t told either of them how she’d invited the rest of the Morgans.

  “Until later,” his brother replied though he stayed sitting with Jennifer.

  Without another word, Gio led her through the terrace and toward the house. “The schedule is yours to make, Kiwi.”

  She thought of ways to make things right as they made their way to the villa doors and once inside she whispered, “Thank you for not telling them.”

  He let out a small sigh and then led her up a staircase that would make Scarlett O’Hara proud. He flung double doors open that must overlook the vineyard. The master suite was larger than any bedroom she’d ever had. The crystal chandelier was probably a few hundred years old, though it shimmered like new from the vaulted ceiling.

  How in the world did he sleep with such opulence around him?

  The wall near the door had been covered with green tapestry, something she’d only s
een in museums before now.

  Gio, oblivious to her amazement, was accustomed to these luxurious surroundings. “I don’t want to think about any drama. I brought you here to figure “us” out.”

  Right. She glanced at her purple suitcase with the orange stripes near another door that must lead to a closet. She blocked out the gorgeous surroundings and looked up at him. His brown eyes had flecks of mahogany in them. She walked toward the huge bay windows as she said, “That’s going to be hard as you’re angry with me.”

  “I’m not angry.” His footsteps echoed right behind her.

  Her heart beat steadily. She turned and wished, somehow, she could change everything—that she hadn’t immediately texted Victoria. Her eyes opened wider as she asked, “You’re not?”

  “Disappointed,” he admitted and then motioned toward a settee like the ones she’d seen in old movies. She followed his direction and slowly sat down. The pillows were surprisingly comfortable. He sat beside her but curled one leg toward her. Her feet were firmly planted on the floor before her. He said, “You acted without consulting me and invited people to my home earlier than expected. My brother is family and I’m in an awkward position.”

  She flinched. Part of her wanted to shout out a denial, but she stilled her tongue. Gio was right. She’d interfered with his family and she hadn’t thought it through.

  Pushing people away was something she was good at. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and did the one thing she normally didn’t do--apologize. “I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think about it from your point of view. I just know that my boss and my best friend are both concerned about Peter and Jennifer and Peter’s wife, Belle. And when I spoke to Jennifer I had the distinct impression that she wanted Peter to find her.”

  The heat from her cheeks rushed toward her forehead and down her neck.

  She’d been awful. No wonder people kept her at arm’s length. Kiwi sighed as Gio just stared at her with nothing to say.

  He broke the stillness between them and placed his palm on the back of her hand. “I don’t want to talk about any of my uninvited guests anymore. We came here for us.”

  She didn’t dare believe there was any hope. She was good at screwing up relationships in her life, especially when she decided for others without asking first, but her heart soared at his touch.

  Kiwi rolled her shoulders to force herself to relax. “I guess I’m nervous that there is an us. It’s been a long time since I was in a relationship.”

  He lifted his hand and asked, “When was it?”

  He couldn’t be comfortable sitting with no back support, but he didn’t seem to care. She scooted over to give him more room. “Three years ago—and I was a horrible girlfriend. I was so focused on my work that I put the relationship second. It’s actually why I’m scared to be here now. In the past, I unintentionally hurt people and that’s not good. I don’t want to do anything like that again and I should have consulted you.”

  His relaxed his shoulders. “I’ve noticed how loyal you are to Victoria and Caro. Is that why you texted them immediately when you saw Jennifer?”

  “And Serenity, who has been my best friend for a few years now—she’s married to Damien.” And she’d almost ruined that relationship too when she’d interfered and told Damien her best friend was pregnant without consulting her. Pushing people away was practically a life skill of hers. She took a deep breath and admitted what she usually only told her diary, “I started back on that track of making decisions for other people’s lives and that scares me too. My child needs to come first.”

  “Our child,” he corrected her.

  True. Her baby needed a father and Gio Morgan was it. She swallowed and wished somehow she could fix this. She met his gaze as she said, “Our.”

  He scooted closer and her body came alive. “Kiwi, I wanted you to see how much we have in common—we both love design and style—and what we could have together, sharing a life here. And we don’t need to interfere with anyone else’s lives.”

  Gio’s plan was romantic and sweet and perfect, which she didn’t deserve. She whispered like somehow her words were a secret, “I think I’m slightly terrified of falling for you, for real.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  Good question and she didn’t have a comprehensive answer. She’d been good at being self-serving and looking out for herself. It was when others became part of the package that she ruined her own happiness in the past. She lowered her head and said, “I’ve sworn off being in a relationship as earning my own way was my number one priority. I’ve never met a man who understood that.”

  Gio didn’t say anything. Her heart wondered why so she slowly looked up. He said, “I have money. I own my own business that also coincides with your interest. You must see together we can help each other.”

  If only it was that easy. She swallowed and again whispered, “I’m scared to trust.”

  His low, cultured voice belonged in this room that could be a showcase of Italian luxury with the tiled floors and modern fireplace in the corner. “Why?”

  His why questions were getting harder and harder. She’d soon have no answers if he continued digging. “I’m often let down when I do.”

  This time he brushed her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps. “I won’t let you down, but we need to talk about our actions before we hurt each other. I understand you didn’t mean to put me in an awkward position, but next time can we talk first? It’s all I want.”

  “Fair.” Talk. Okay. She shouldn’t have texted Victoria without checking and she knew her actions would cause problems today or tomorrow.

  Sabotaging romance wasn’t something she’d intended to do. She nodded and ignored the thump in her heart. “I can do that. I should have told you I was texting my friends. It was automatic and I was wrong.”

  He leaned closer, staring deeper into her eyes as he asked, “You’ll start opening up more?”

  Every cell in her body ached for him. “I’ll try. I can’t promise to be perfect. I never have been that.”

  He pressed against her arm and butterflies grew as her lips tingled for another kiss. It was stupid to hope for so much but she offered a small smile as he said, “Again, we’re alike more than you think. I’ve never been perfect and don’t want that expectation in my life.”

  The man was modest. She licked her lips without moving, holding his gaze as she said, “I’m ready for that tour now.”

  “Later.”

  The tingles grew more potent in her body as her lashes fluttered. He was so close. Her lips parted as she teased, “Later? Whatever do you have in mind?”

  His kiss tasted better than any sweet she’d ever had. She never wanted the kiss to end.

  The fire inside her grew hotter and hotter with every second.

  Her body softened and she curled into him. As they ended the kiss for air only he said, “You know exactly what I want right now.”

  She lowered herself on the settee and pulled him on top of her. A laugh escaped her throat. Anything was possible. “Let’s both be more open from now on.”

  But then his lips met hers and nothing else mattered. She needed his touch. She needed his hands pressed against her. Oh, she was just making excuses. The truth was, she just needed him.

  Chapter 9

  At one time in her life, Kiwi Washington must have done something really good for someone else to earn such fantastic karmic points. How else had she wound up with such a strong, sexy, vibrant man, as Gio? He was everything she’d ever dreamed about and more.

  As he held her hand, sparks flew all over her body like she internally had fire flies that ignited fireworks.

  They walked down the stairs in sync, like they were destined to be together. As they made it to the bottom step, Gio’s gaze snapped to the windows that faced the driveway. “Your friends are arriving.”

  She gently tapped his strong arm muscles and said, “I wouldn’t call your siblings my friends.”

  His wink sent a ti
ny thrill that raced through her and sped up her heart as he lightly patted her lower back. “Well, you invited them early. We should head downstairs so I can protect my brother, Anthony.”

  “Protect him?” Her stomach flipped. All he’d said about his brother earlier made her think they were at odds. “Will you take his side?”

  “I understand Peter’s position.” Gio strode toward the front door as he said, “But Anthony’s still my blood.”

  “I understand.” He swung open the double doors and on the front porch Anthony stood watching while Jennifer spoke to Peter on the lawn nearest the driveway. Kiwi whispered, “You don’t think they’ll fight, do you?”

  Gio hugged her waist as he whispered back, “I don’t know what to expect. My mother always worried about Anthony and I need to honor her memory.”

  Anthony’s entire gaze was focused on Jennifer and Peter.

  Kiwi pushed her hair off her forehead as the wind gently pushed her curls. She asked quietly, “How did your mother die?”

  “Heart attack,” Gio said. “It was unexpected—she died in her sleep.”

  Without thinking, Kiwi pulled him down and hugged him. “I’m sorry.”

  “She’d have liked you.” Gio ended the hug.

  If only. A small doubt acted like it was coal on Christmas morning in her mind. Most mothers weren’t looking for someone who put work above family. “Why?”

  Other Morgans stepped out of their town cars and limos that now jammed the driveway like she and Gio were hosting an award show. Victoria, Caro and their husbands, Colt and Luke, came out of one. The last car had her best friend, Serenity, and her husband, Damien. Gio said, “She always told me to find someone who’d encourage my passions, not force me to change.”

  “She sounds wise.” Her own mother said to count every dollar and make sure she had more than she needed for when the bad times came.

  Gio’s expression grew more serious when he said, “In most things, she was. How she ended up with my father, I have no idea.”