Page 18 of Secret Match
“Because all that exists between us is physical. We know nothing about each other’s everyday habits and ticks or if we can even get along.”
Without a word he slipped out of the car. Because she told herself that she would make an effort, she waited until he opened her door for her, letting the soupy air brush against her. She stood on her own and he leaned in. “That is simply a delay tactic that we can fix by you moving in with me.”
“You’re staying at a hotel.” She walked with him onto the pier, toward the yachts. Most of them were white or blue, all were impressive. What was he up to?
Toward the back, she saw a sleek black yacht with the House of Morgan emblem that represented his family crest. The label at work was slightly different but definitely similar. “I’m looking forward to our trip to my home in Italy so you can see for yourself just how alike we are.”
Alike? He didn’t see they were from different worlds? She was at best middle class because her mother had forced her to take education seriously, but she absolutely didn’t qualify for his world of privilege. “Why are you into fashion when the rest of your family members are kings in the financial world?”
He helped her onto the yacht and inside to where it was air conditioned. She could breathe easier when she noticed the lunch set up on the table. He led her toward the spread of breads and cheeses. “I was the most unmanly of the Morgans—I find painting and art more interesting than bank ledgers.”
Gio oozed masculinity so she must have misunderstood. He offered her a plate and they both took a few appetizers as she asked, “What does that mean?”
A chilled bottle of wine waited for them as the engine turned on. Kiwi checked the label, a white from France, but didn’t ask where they were going as his voice captivated her. “It means I seek out beauty and want only the most aesthetically pleasing people and things. I strive to ensure my clothing fits to perfection and that my customers all have the ability to outshine anyone else in style.”
And he included her in that? Seriously? She accepted a glass of alcohol-free wine and sipped it while she studied his very masculine profile. If anyone deserved to be preserved for a museum where women might flock it was him. Gio truly made his Italian ancestors proud. She ignored the thought and put her glass down as she asked, “So you consider yourself the black sheep of the House of Morgan?”
He held his glass tighter. “I’m still more than capable when it comes to business ledgers.”
Kiwi realized she’d hit a nerve. Perhaps his father hadn’t been kind to Gio’s pursuits though the world clearly thought he was talented. His suits were the go-to clothes for world powers these days.
She sipped her wine and noticed they were now cruising along the Florida coastline. She relaxed and said, “Victoria has a sharp eye for fashion. It’s why she started her company.”
“But my sister doesn’t design for herself. Instead she relies on you and Caro.” His body was tight. Neither said anything as his staff brought out dishes. She glanced at the Mahi-Mahi with almonds and indicated she wanted that meal. “From what I can see, Victoria is good at seeking out talent.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” [give her an action]
Gio also chose the fish and the waiter delivered their food. Once they were alone, Gio said, “Victoria is out to prove herself a capable business woman. She has an eye for nurturing excellent talent and that is why I am open to working with her. She won’t interfere with my own style.”
True, Kiwi thought, so why was he pursing his lips as if he disapproved? Hopefully her second show would be as fabulous as her first though her spine ticked with nerves when she thought about it. “There is nothing wrong with that.”
He relaxed into his leather seat. “No, but it shows she doesn’t have the same intensity I do, which makes going into business with Victoria questionable.”
She cut into the flaky almond crust. “Why? If she is good with the books and you start to trust her, then you get to focus on your lines and share the load of running a business with your sister.”
He speared a section of white fish while he said, “First, I need to trust her—and she was raised by my father. I am giving this merger a chance. Why are you loyal to her?”
Good question. Kiwi placed her hands on the table and ignored how her pulse raced. She really hadn’t explained this to anyone before because she thought it was obvious. “Victoria talked me into leaving my job as CFO to pursue my fashion career. I was going for a paycheck instead of following my dreams until she offered me a chance.”
They ate their lunch in silence and watched the palm trees and beaches off in the distance. Once he finished he sipped his wine and stared at her. Her skin buzzed just from his interest as he said, “So, you weren’t formally trained then.”
That wasn’t a question and her pulse spiked. Did he not think she was good enough after all? The question washed down her spine like icicles seeking a new home for the winter. She put her fork down, done, and sipped her wine as if it might give gave her courage though she’d only had small sips and still had most of her glass. “No.”
He leaned closer. Her lips tingled. Was he going to kiss her at last? Her pulse zipped with excitement as he simply said, “Interesting. That is probably what made your designs stand out.”
Her mind was in the gutter. This wasn’t fair. She wished for ice to cool her down, but instead she looked up at him and ignored the beat of her heart. “I just put together what I think looks beautiful.”
He was inches from her. She needed a reality check—or his kiss— he pulled back and handed her a glass of water. “Then perhaps we do have things in common. We’ll fly to Milan together tonight so you can see where I’d like to raise our family, though if you prefer Miami then we can live here too.”
If she didn’t catch her breath, she’d lose her thoughts and possibly her mind. She stood and walked to the window, looking out at the white sands visible from the window below deck.
Gio came closer and her body heated. She turned toward him and asked, “What about Victoria and the merger? Or the car we left in West Palm?”
“The contract has been signed, and the car company will pick it up at the marina.” His hand traced her arm and she relaxed into him.
Part of her wanted to give in and just be with him. She continued to look out the window as the high-rises of Fort Lauderdale grew closer. Soon they’d be back in Miami.
He had no idea how she ached for him because he just held her, gently, and said, “We talked about design and running the company numbers in a horizontal and vertical integration sense—we have resources that benefit both.”
