Italian Marriage: In Name Only Read Free Page B

special care with all the orders,’ he said gruffly.
    She smiled. ‘Yes, I know—it’s just that this lunch might be the most important of the year.’

CHAPTER TWO
    A NTONIO looked up as Victoria put the jug of water down on his table. He’d finished his phone call and was now browsing through some papers from his architect’s office regarding the plans for the new boutiques that were to replace this restaurant.
    ‘Thanks.’ He acknowledged the water with a nod, and returned his attention to the papers. But after a moment he became aware that she was still standing next to him.
    ‘Was there something else?’ He looked back up at her enquiringly.
    ‘Well, actually, yes. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment?’
    He didn’t make an immediate reply, just sat back in his chair and regarded her with that cool dark gaze of his.
    It took all of her courage to continue. ‘You’re my new neighbour, aren’t you? Antonio Cavelli, the hotel magnate?’
    He inclined his head.
    ‘I can’t tell you how pleased I am to meet you. Do you mind if I sit down for a moment?’ She didn’t wait for him to reply but pulled out the chair opposite and sat down. OK, he terrified her to death—and she didn’t want to do this—but she was desperate.
    ‘Actually, I have been emailing you with some business propositions. I wonder if you got any of them?’
    One dark eyebrow rose. ‘No, I can’t say I have.’
    ‘It’s just that as my restaurant is practically attached to your hotel, I thought we could do some business together.’ She leaned forward and poured them both a glass of water as she spoke.
    Despite everything Antonio found himself intrigued. When she talked about business he noticed there was a complete transformation in her manner. Her green eyes were bright with enthusiasm, her body relaxed. And she was very eloquent. It seemed she had identified the fact that a side entrance to his hotel would be of benefit to him, and had put together some kind of proposal to incorporate her restaurant within his hotel. In fact, she had worked out a whole business strategy, which did sound surprisingly competent. She obviously had a good head for figures and was very bright and very astute, but it wasn’t something that he would want.
    As soon as she paused for breath he held up a hand.
    ‘Ms Heart.’
    She smiled expectantly. ‘Call me Victoria, please.’
    ‘Victoria. I’m sorry, but I’m not interested—’
    ‘But you would gain by having this entrance and—’
    ‘Even so, I’m still not interested,’ he cut across her firmly.
    He could see the disappointment in her eyes.
    ‘Really?’ She paused. ‘It’s just that I thought maybe you’d got one of my emails and it was why you’d come in here today for lunch.’
    ‘I haven’t received any of your emails,’ he told her honestly. ‘I was inspecting work that’s being carried out next door. And the only reason I came in here for lunch was that it was convenient.’
    ‘I see.’ She bit down on her lip for a moment. She had very soft lips, he noticed; in fact, she had a nicely shaped mouth. ‘Well, seeing as you are here, maybe I could leave my business plan with you?’ She looked over at him hopefully. ‘I have it all printed out in the office. I can put it in a folder and leave it at the reception for you to take.’
    He had to hand it to her, she was tenacious. ‘You can leave it if you want and I’ll take it. But it’s a no-go as far as I’m concerned.’
    ‘Well, you never know—you might think differently when you look at it.’ She smiled at him.
    The waitress brought his food and Victoria pushed her chair back from the table and got up. ‘Thanks for taking the time to listen to me,’ she said politely. ‘I hope you enjoy your lunch.’
     
    After her appointment at the bank, Victoria picked Nathan up from kindergarten. And then following their usual routine she pushed him through the park in his stroller.
    The sun was sending