Page 35 of The Italian's Pregnant Enemy (A Diamond in the Rough)

He did not like things to feel wrong, and he did not like marinating in feelings. He didn’t like feelings at all.

He opened up his computer and saw he had an email. He clicked on it, and saw that it was a newsletter from Anderson Group, and announcing a partnership with Lyssia’s brand.

“Well, it’s about time,” he said.

He knew that she had resisted that. But it was good business, and it was going to save her interiors company.

He thought, for a moment, that it might be because of the time they had spent together. He wanted to believe it was.

Why is that? It doesn’t matter if you affected her in some way.

His phone rang then, and he answered it.

“Mr. Rivelli, Lyssia Anderson’s office called. She has requested an appointment with you in the morning.”

“I’m busy,” he said, the words as a reflex when they tumbled from his mouth.

“She thought you might say that, but she said she has an offer to make you, and also some information.”

“Information?” He was trying to imagine what Lyssia could possibly have to tell him.

“I have meetings.”

“She knew that you would say that. She wondered if there was any possible way that you could take a drop-in now.”

“Now?”

“She’s at the front desk.”

He had a meeting at ten minutes. He was going to cancel it. Because Lyssia was here, and he wanted to know what she was going to tell him.

He looked back at the email with the announcement. He had a feeling it was to do with her business. Perhaps she was going to try to get him to use her interiors in his properties. It would be the smart thing for her to do.

So yes. He would see her. It would be good. For both of them, perhaps. A unifying theme throughout the resorts, since Anderson was on the cusp of becoming his.

“Yes,” he said. “Move my three thirty and send her in.”

He sat down behind his desk and looked at the room.

It was large, with windows that overlooked the city below. He had always loved that view. Especially of Central Park in the fall. When the colors shifted.

Coming to New York for the first time had felt like stepping into another life. It had been.

He had been overawed by the place. And he had felt small in it. Gazing up at the buildings.

Now he gazed down at them from a building of his own.

What would Lyssia say when she came in?

It was the last thought he had before the door to the office opened.

He felt like his heart was going to burst through his chest when he saw her. She looked amazing. Her blond hair was pulled back into a low bun, her curves highlighted beautifully by the white sheath dress she wore.

There was a delicate golden locket hanging around her neck. And her shoes were bright pink.

She looked like a more polished version of herself. And just as glorious.

“Thank you for seeing me the last minute,” she said. She had a folder held to her chest, and he nearly laughed at the way she was addressing him. Cold and professional. When only weeks ago he’d had her naked and undone in his bed.

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