“And please call me Kayla.” She smiled again, and this time it reached her eyes, making them sparkle like fine jewels.
“We’re going to my home in Italy. It’s a small village in the Tuscany countryside—Monte Calanetti.”
“I’m afraid I’ve never heard of it, but then again, I’ve never had the opportunity to travel abroad. Is it big? The village that is?”
He shook his head. “The last time I saw it— granted it has been quite a while—but it was as if time had passed it by. It is rather small and quaint. It is entirely a different world from New York City. Now, are you still interested in going?”
She hesitated and he worried that he’d have to come up with an alternate plan. As of right now, he didn’t have one. He needed someone who was familiar with his accounts and wouldn’t need a bunch of hand-holding. Kayla was his only viable option. He wasn’t one to beg, but at this particular moment he was giving it serious consideration.
Her dimpled chin tilted up. “Yes, I am. It sounds like it’ll be a great adventure.”
“I don’t know about that. The reason I’m going there isn’t exactly pleasant, but then again, that isn’t for you to worry about. You need to go home and pack.”
“Okay. But what should I plan on wearing for the trip? Business attire?”
“Definitely something more casual. There won’t be any business meetings, so use your best judgment.” He had no doubt her casual attire was as dull and drab as her suits. Not that it mattered to him what she wore so long as she was ready to work.
Kayla gathered her things, and then paused. “Before I leave, should I make plane reservations?”
He shook his head. “No need. We’ll take my private jet.”
Her pink lips formed an O but nothing came out. And for a moment, he let himself wonder what it’d be like to kiss those full, tempting lips. Not that he would, but he could imagine that one kiss just wouldn’t be enough. Something told him that lurking beneath that proper and congenial surface was a passionate woman—
Again, he drew his thoughts up short. The last thing he needed was to notice her feminine qualities. He wasn’t about to mix business with pleasure. No way.
CHAPTER THREE
FLUFFY CLOUDS FLOATED past the jet’s windows.
They’d soon be touching down in Italy.
A giddy excitement bubbled up in Kayla’s chest as she glanced across the aisle at Mr. Amatucci—er—Angelo. She still had a problem remembering to call him by his given name after referring to him as Mr. Amatucci for so long. Being on a first-name basis left her feeling unsettled—not exactly sure how to act around him. If anything, Angelo was even more quiet and reserved than before. Had he sensed her attraction to him?
Impossible. She hadn’t said or done anything to betray herself. She smoothed a hand over her gray skirt. She was worrying for nothing.
Just act normal.
She glanced at her boss. “Do you know how long until we arrive?”
Angelo turned in his leather seat to look at her. “What did you say?”
“I was wondering how long we have until we land in Italy.”
“Not much longer.” His dark gaze dipped to the pen and paper in her lap. “Are you working?”
“I am.” Her body tensed as she read over her scribbled notes for the Van Holsen account. She didn’t have anything innovative enough to measure up to the Amatucci standard. “I thought this would be a good time to flesh out some ideas.”
“And you like doing it longhand?”
“I think better that way.” She’d never really taken the time to consider her creative process, but yes, now that she thought about it, she did always start with pen and paper. She didn’t move to the computer until she had a fully functioning idea.
“Is that for the Van Holsen account?”
“Yes, I’ve been doing what you suggested and going with a nostalgic appeal.”
“Good. Can I see what you’ve come up with so far?”
She glanced down at all of her scribbles and half thoughts. And then her eyes caught sight of his name scrolled out in cursive. Her heart clenched. What in the world?