Hired:The Italian's Bride

“Luca.”

Both their steps halted as they turned together toward the voice. Mari stared at the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. She was the picture of class, elegance, style. She was dressed in a trouser suit of dove-gray silk with matching heels, her nearly black hair flawlessly styled around a heart-shaped face, dominated by brown eyes and the thickest set of natural lashes Mari had ever seen.

“Gina.”

Mari could only gape as Luca dropped the picnic basket and crossed the floor with long strides, gathered the woman up in his arms, and swung her around.

When he put her down, she laughed out loud. “I missed you.” She cupped his face and kissed one side, then the other.

“And I you. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you. Aren’t I allowed?” The smile on her face was filled with teasing.

The Italian accent was clear. Mari didn’t understand the spurt of jealousy she felt nor did she like standing in the middle of the lobby looking daft. She bent to pick up the abandoned basket. The picnic had been two co-workers, not lovers, so there was no reason for her to be jealous now. She had work to do. She’d return this to the kitchen and go back to her office.

As she bent down, the woman spied her. “Luca, introduce me to your friend.”

Mari straightened slowly.

“Of course.” Tugging the woman’s hand, he led her to where Mari was standing. She felt more stupid by the second, embarrassed. Here she was, the manager of the hotel, in jeans, a sweater, with her hair in a windblown tangle, talking to a woman who looked as though she wouldn’t be caught dead in such a state. Not only that, but the scenario was so predictable it even made her wince. Of course Luca would have a girlfriend. She should have foreseen. Instead she was caught looking provincial and awkward. A caricature.

“Gina, this is Mariella Ross, the manager of the hotel.”

Gina held out a hand. Mari shook it and then looked down. She’d expected soft, perfectly manicured hands with sculpted talons for nails. Instead the hands were gentle but plain, with neatly trimmed nails painted only with clear polish.

“Mari, this is my sister, Gina.”

Mari’s flush deepened. Oh, would she ever stop feeling stupid?

Gina’s light laugh echoed. “Luca, I’m offended. You didn’t tell her you had a sister?

Mari looked up but to her relief Gina’s eyes held nothing but humor. She should have seen the resemblance straight off. The same color eyes, the same shaped lips. “He hasn’t said a word about his family.”

Gina swatted Luca’s arm with her matching clutch purse. “Of course he didn’t. Men. All about work.”

“What are you doing here, Gina?”

Luca stood by Mari as he asked the question again. This time Mari noticed the brunette’s eyes dim as she said something in rapid-fire Italian and Luca answered back, his cheeks suddenly drawn. Mari wrinkled her nose. Happy, carefree Luca? He looked positively thunderous.

“Is something wrong?”

Luca spared her a glance. “A family issue.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll leave you two alone.” Mari picked up the basket again, prepared to leave.

“Mariella?”

Mari didn’t have the heart to correct Gina. It didn’t matter right now. There was clearly something going on between Luca and Gina that any explanations of her name could wait.

When she paused, Gina continued. “I do hope you’ll join Luca and me for dinner tonight. I’d love to hear about your plans for the hotel. Luca thinks he has the only eye for decoration, but he underestimates his sister.”

“Perhaps you need time to catch up. You needn’t feel obligated.”

“It’s no obligation at all. Tell her, Luca.” Gina smiled up at her brother, who was scowling back at her.

Luca turned his head and stared down into her eyes, his expression softening. Despite her fears and misgivings, she wanted to hear him say the words. It made no sense. What they’d shared, first in the attic, and now on the picnic, scared her. She would be foolish to want more. She should refuse and go the other way. Instead she wanted him to ask her. Wanted to hear him say he wanted to spend time with her. How on earth had this happened?

“We would both like it,” he said, and her gaze dropped to his lips for a brief second. “I would like it. Please, come.”

“I will.”

“Wonderful.” Gina smiled. “It will give me a chance to wear the new dress I bought in Milan.”

Mari felt her insides blanch. She couldn’t go like this. This wasn’t her business supper of a week ago where a skirt and blazer were the order of the day. There was suddenly a standard to uphold and she wasn’t sure she was up to it.