“Wonderful. It will make a big difference to the problems in this area of the city. I’m running another couple of fund-raisers in the next two weeks. Hopefully, we’ll go over the top with donations and I can phone you with the good news.”
To her surprise he suddenly got to his feet, staring beyond her. “Your Highness!”
Who on earth was Matteo addressing? She turned in the chair and almost fainted to see Stefano standing behind her. With his dark hair and eyes, he was so incredibly striking, and looked so handsome in a navy business suit, she could hardly believe that it was her husband standing there.
Stefano had only been gone ten days and wasn’t expected back from Argentina for at least three more weeks! She got to her feet. “Stefano—”
Her husband’s dark, penetrating gaze took in Matteo before focusing on her. “I got through early with my project and hurried home. Marcello told me I could find you here.”
She was in shock. Not only had he come home ahead of time, he’d also gone out of his way to find her. If she wasn’t clutching the edge of the table, her legs wouldn’t support her.
“L-let me introduce you to Matteo Fontana,” she stammered. “He’s the dynamic businessman in charge of the fabulous housing project I told you about. We’ve been talking about the date for the opening.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.” She could tell Matteo was flat-out intimidated because Stefano wasn’t only the crown prince, he also had a sophisticated aura that made him stand out from other men.
“My wife has talked a lot about this project. I’m pleased to meet the man responsible.”
“The privilege has been mine to work with her. She’s one of the most enlightened people I’ve ever met.”
He was very kind. “Thanks, Matteo.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Stefano murmured before he flicked his gaze to hers. “Have you finished your business dinner, or shall I come back for you later?”
“We’re through, Your Highness,” Matteo rushed to assure him. Then he smiled at Lanza. “Let me know about those fund-raisers and I’ll give Marco the okay to start drawing up the blueprints.”
“You’re talking about the soup kitchens?” her husband wanted to know.
Matteo nodded.
Stefano eyed her intently. “You’ve accomplished a great deal in the time I’ve been gone.”
“Your wife is a dynamo and so easy to work with.” Matteo looked at her one more time. “Thank you for meeting me for dinner.”
“It was my pleasure. Buona notte, Matteo.”
He nodded to Stefano. “Your Highness. If you’ll excuse me.”
As he left the restaurant, Stefano put a hand on the back of her chair. “Are you through eating?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s go back to the palace. I have the limo waiting.”
She walked through the restaurant with him. When he helped her into the back, she could smell the scent of the soap he used in the shower. Her desire for him was off the charts. He sat next to her. With a sideward glance she could see he’d either shaved on the jet, or he’d gone to the palace first to freshen up before coming to get her.
The sun had set as they drove through the city, a magical time with the lights turned on. They hadn’t had snow for at least a week, which made it easier to walk around the building site with Matteo.
“How did the process go in Argentina?”
“Good. I felt confident to leave earlier than planned. Tell me how long you’ve known Signor Fontana.”
She blinked. “We met about a year ago at a state dinner at the palace when the plans for the project were only in the embryo stage.”
“Do you meet with him often?”
“I’ve seen him dozens of times in the past year and almost every day for the past week.”
“Are you aware he’s crazy about you? I didn’t see a wedding ring.”