Million Dollar Christmas Proposal

Regardless, Enzu found he liked the teen’s attitude, so similar to his sister’s. Toby treated the CEO of Tomasi Enterprises like any other person. It was refreshing.

“We do not all live in the media spotlight,” Enzu said dryly.

“I guess, but, wow…that’s just sick.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

Toby’s face took on a serious cast. “We can go to your house, Mr. Tomasi, but my sister gets her own bedroom.”

“Toby!” Audrey’s cheeks washed a dark rose.

The boy looked at his sister. “Somebody has to watch out for you.”

“You are absolutely right, Toby. I give you my word, your sister’s room is all hers and not within two corridors of my own.” He had his own suite in the mansion, near his niece’s and nephew’s rooms, but suitably distanced from those used for guests. It was Enzu’s sacrosanct place to withdraw in privacy when family came to visit.

“That’s okay, then.”

“Oh, is it?” Audrey asked, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Toby set a direct stare on his sister. “Is he lying?”

“No, I’m sure he’s not.”

“You don’t want to go to a house with a built-in pool?” Toby pushed.

Enzu had thought that would get to the teenager.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Audrey’s not great when plans change unexpectedly,” Toby said in an aside to Enzu.

Audrey snapped, “I like it even less when those changes are made on my behalf without my input.”

“But I am getting that input now,” Enzu argued.

Thinking about the unexpected visitor who had arrived that morning, Enzu was certain that Audrey would have more than his tendency to direct the lives of others to complain about before the end of the weekend.

“You could not have called me earlier?”

“No.” She would only have said no.

“Preemptive strike, right?” Toby grinned. “We’re studying game theory in relation to politics in my advanced government class.”

Audrey sighed. “I give up. You…” She pointed at Toby. “Be at the mansion by one and not a minute later.”

“Woot!” the boy yelled. “Thanks, Audrey. Thank you, Mr. Tomasi.”

He hugged his sister and shook Enzu’s hand enthusiastically again before running back toward the gym.

Audrey called out, “Toby!”

He stopped and turned around.

She jangled a set of keys. “The car is parked in the front lot.”

He jogged back, grabbed the keys and then planted a kiss on his sister’s cheek before thanking her again and leaving.

“He’s got as much energy as Franca.”

“More. He’s still awake and will be for hours to come.”

Enzu reached out and took Audrey’s hand to lead her to the car. “You are not very angry, I hope?”

“More forewarned.”

“Sì?”

“Oh, yes. I’m onto your tricks now, Enzu. You better watch out.”

“I am shaking in my boots.”

“You don’t know how to shake, but I like the boots.”

Inexplicably pleased, he smiled. “Thank you. My grandfather always said a man’s shoes say a lot about him.”

“Yours say you’re willing to dress down for a football game, but your clothes are still worth more than my ten-year-old car.”

“You need a new car, Audrey.”

“No, I do not.”

A ten-year-old car could not be reliable. “I am certain you do.”

“Well, you aren’t buying me one like you bought my brother’s team an after-game party. Thanks for that by the way.”

“It was my pleasure.” And, strangely enough, it had been.

Audrey shook her head, quiet until they reached the limousine. “No luxury sedan this time?” she asked. “Trying to impress me?”

“We needed room for Franca’s carseat.” His niece’s seat was buckled securely in the safest spot in the limo, in case of an accident. The middle of the seat that backed up to the privacy window, which left the one facing it empty for Enzu and Audrey.

Audrey tilted her head, her delicate brows drawn in thought. “There would have been room in the sedan.”

“I did not want to spend the ride home in front with the driver while you were in the back with her,” Enzu explained.

Even if they’d taken one of the security SUVs it would have been the same. Unless Enzu drove, and for long distances his security team and insurance underwriters preferred he not do so.

Being CEO of such a successful company had limitations most would never even consider.

“That would be romantic if this wasn’t part of an extended interview.” Audrey gave him a cheeky grin as she settled into her seat.

He laughed. “But you know the truth.”

“I do.”

And the truth was he enjoyed every moment of the forty-five-minute drive, talking with Audrey in hushed tones, even though Franca had proved capable of sleeping through much louder noises.

*

Audrey might have been surprised a week ago when Enzu insisted on carrying Franca inside instead of leaving it to one of the bodyguards. But she’d spent a week witnessing this business genius’s very real efforts to fulfill the role of parent.

Yes, he took some things for granted a man with less power, influence and money might not, but Enzu cared.

And Audrey found that genuine desire to be a good father an incredible turn-on. After spending six years in sexual limbo, it was disconcerting to find herself affected so strongly by pretty much everything this man did.

They were on the first riser of the grand staircase when a masculine voice spoke from behind them. “Who is this, Enzu?”

Enzu stopped and Audrey followed suit, before turning back to see who had spoken.

The dark-haired man with an insouciant air was unmistakably Vincenzo’s father. He made it into the tabloids often enough to be readily recognizable even if Audrey hadn’t done her research on the Tomasi family.

Enzu had been slower to turn around, but now he faced his father, who stood in the large foyer as if he belonged there. “Giovannu, this is Aud

rey Miller. Audrey—Giovannu Tomasi, my father.”

“You can call me Papa, Enzu. Using my first name is your mother’s affectation, not mine.” The older man winked at Audrey. “My wife does not want anyone to know she is old enough to be Enzu’s mother. And after all her plastic surgery not even I believe it.”

“Don’t be snide, Giovannu.” Enzu looked down at Audrey. “You may join my father for a drink while I put Franca to bed, if you like.”

“I’d prefer to help you with her.” No way was he leaving her alone with this social shark downstairs.

The tightness around Enzu’s mouth relaxed slightly. “As you wish.”

“Surely it does not take two adults to put one child to bed?” Giovannu opined.

“I know you did not think it took either parent when you were raising your children,” Enzu said, in a tone that could have cut glass. “We will agree to disagree.”

The older man winced and stepped backward, as if needing to create physical distance between them. “Whatever you say, son.”

Enzu didn’t reply.

He didn’t speak again at all until after they had changed Franca into her pajamas and tucked her into bed. Mrs. Percy nodded her approval of their endeavors before disappearing silently into her room.

“Do you know she frightens me more than my old nanny used to do?” Enzu asked with a small smile as they traversed the long hall toward the curved stairway.

“She takes her job and the wellbeing of her charges very seriously.”

“Sì, but even so she cannot replace a mama who loves them.”

The absolute lack of doubt in Enzu’s voice came from experience Audrey wasn’t about to question. Besides, she agreed. “Oh, so now you admit that to be loving, a woman might actually need to love Franca and Angilu?”

“You may have a point in that regard.”

“So, your parents are here to visit?” she asked, stopping before they began their descent of the stairs.

Enzu, appearing no more eager to rejoin his father, halted and leaned against the railing. “Giovannu only. My mother is ensconced in their Manhattan townhouse.”

“Your parents live in New York City?”

“When they are in the country, yes. Or at least on this coast. They prefer five-star hotels when staying in LA.”