The Italian's Doorstep Surprise

“How is that possible?”

He gave a shrug. “If any woman starts acting like she’s in love with me, I’m extremely rude until she changes her mind.”

She gave a low laugh, then grew thoughtful. “What about Lana Lee? She must have loved you to want to marry you.”

Staring at the road, he said quietly, “I doubt it. She liked the press attention and lifestyle I could provide.”

“Wasn’t she already rich, as a movie star?”

“There’s rich, and then there’s rich,” he pointed out. “But you’re right. She didn’t need me. She was just surprised when I broke up with her. She isn’t used to it.”

“Why did you propose to her in the first place if you didn’t love her? I mean, she wasn’t pregnant, was she?”

Nico shot her a sharp glance, and she felt her cheeks go hot. “Of course not. I told you. You’re the first and only.” His hands tightened on his steering wheel. “The reason I proposed to Lana is no longer relevant.”

Honora waited, but he didn’t explain his clear nonanswer. She tried to think of a way to ask probing questions without it being obvious. She couldn’t.

“Was it because she was so famous and beautiful?” she said finally.

“You could say it was a mark of success. At least to a certain type of person.”

As marrying Honora wouldn’t be. The thought made her feel small.

“But still—” she tried to keep her voice casual “—you’ve dated lots of other women since we were together.”

His forehead creased as he glanced at her in surprise. “Why do you think that?”

“Because you’re so handsome and...” She caught herself, biting her lip hard. She couldn’t seem to stop making a fool of herself. “Are you saying you haven’t?”

Nico gave a low laugh. “I told you how I spent my time in Rome. Dating was the furthest thing from my mind. All I did was work.” Changing gears, he looked at her. “Until you told me you were pregnant, and changed my life.”

As they came out of the Midtown Tunnel into Queens, she gave him her grandfather’s address. Heads turned as the Lamborghini passed by. Millionaires didn’t live here in their sterile high-rises, like in Manhattan. Instead, this neighborhood was filled with small businesses and interesting neighbors, with streets rich with color and life. Before her parents had died, she’d lived in a small apartment around the block.

When he found a place to park along the street, four children, playing nearby on their scooters, came closer with big eyes.

“Keep an eye on my car, will you?” As Nico got out of the vehicle, he gave the little girl in front a friendly smile. “I’ll pay you twenty dollars.”

“Each?” demanded the lead kid, folding her arms. Nico gave a single nod, one CEO to another.

“You got it.”

“Oh, hey, Honora,” the girl said as Nico helped her out of the passenger seat.

“Hey, Luna.”

“This guy your friend?”

Honora glanced at Nico. Friend seemed much nicer than baby daddy. “Yes, my friend.”

“Hang on.” The little girl huddled up with her friends, and then announced to Nico grandly, “We’ll watch your car for free.”

“Thanks,” he said, amused. As the two of them walked down the sidewalk, he looked at Honora. “They think highly of you.”

She gave a shrug. “I help them with homework. Buy them Popsicles when it’s hot. Last month, I helped Luna find her lost cat.” She smiled at the memory. “We looked for hours, then found her hiding in a tree across the street.”

Nico looked at her gravely. “Your friendship is a good thing to have.”

She felt her cheeks go hot. “It’s no big deal. Anyone would have done it.” She cleared her throat. “The apartment’s just up here.”