Page 22 of Secret Match

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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 forus.”

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?”