Читать онлайн книгу «The Man, The Ring, The Wedding» автора Patricia Thayer
The Man, The Ring, The Wedding
Patricia Thayer
WITH THESE RINGSTAMING THE TYCOONJust when Angelina Covelli was about to pitch her hopes of a "forever man" into the whistling wind, along came the dreamiest bachelor. John Rossi was gorgeous, sophisticated, wealthy–and just passing through town. Which put the dark tycoon off-limits!Angelina was so innocent…and utterly irresistible. But kissing was not part of the plan. His true identity secret, John intended to complete his family's vendetta against the Covellis. No matter how alluring he found sweet Angelina, John would never compromise his mission by wedding the enemy. Then again, he did have that ruby ring….…who will wed?
A lone ruby ring in a velvet case... (#ubfe63211-cc3f-5e70-bbdc-c02799d8efc0)Letter to Reader (#ubb30374d-c949-5fba-9bc5-9cef3a4fc868)Title Page (#u2fcba12c-f71d-511b-b742-4289f22912ab)Dedication (#u52761617-c5d9-5c73-a6e7-91d21ca7d16e)About the Author (#u7ae0a858-0c7a-5603-839d-e322ac1f21b0)Chapter One (#u7f5111f3-489c-58b8-9868-834931faa533)Chapter Two (#udddc135f-bcb4-55eb-8866-e27ff496a9a5)Chapter Three (#u28541250-7447-58ef-8bdb-2d75b80c7f81)Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
A lone ruby ring in a velvet case...
It all began when a young Vittoria Perrone fell madly in love with an American pilot during the Second World War. But their love put sweet Vittoria in danger sa the soldier left, promising to one day claim her as his bride.
Time passed and Vittoria’s family pledged her to another, Giovanni Valente Just before the day that promised to be her darkest—her wedding day—her beloved American, Enrico Covelli, returned, asking for her hand in marriage
Vittoria pleaded to be released from her marital obligation. Angry, Giovanni took the Perrone family betrothal rings, snatched the bride’s band and placed it an his little finger, swearing never to give et up. Forevermore, the Covelli family was to be cursed!
Fifty years later the her remained ... only to be lifted if the heirloom ruby rings were rejoined in the name of love and returned to the rightful heir, Vittoria’s lovely firstborn granddaughter, Angelina Covelli.
This is Angelina’s story ...
Dear Reader,
The end of the century is near, and we’re all eagerly anticipating the wonders to come. But no matter what happens, I believe that everyone will continue to need and to seek the unquenchable spirit of love...of romance. And here at Silhouette Romance, we’re delighted to present another month’s worth of terrific, emotional stories.
This month, RITA Award-winning author Marie Ferrarella offers a tender BUNDLES OF JOY tale, in which The Baby Beneath the Mistletoe brings together a man who’s lost his faith and a woman who challenges him to take a chance at love...and family. In Charlotte Maclay’s charming new novel, a millionaire playboy isn’t sure what he was Expecting at Christmas, but what he gets is a very pregnant butler! Elizabeth Harbison launches her wonderful new theme-based miniseries, CINDERELLA BRIDES, with the fairy-tale romance—complete with mistaken identity!—between Emma and the Earl.
In A Diamond for Kate by Moyra Tarling, discover whether a doctor makes his devoted nurse his devoted wife after learning about her past... Patricia Thayer’s cross-line miniseries WITH THESE RINGS retums to Romance and poses the question: Can The Man, the Ring, the Wedding end a fifty-year-old curse? You’ll have to read this dramatic story to find out! And though The Millionaire’s Proposition involves making a baby in Natalie Patrick’s upbeat Romance, can a down-on-her-luck waitress also convince him to make beautiful memories...as man and wife?
Enjoy this month’s offerings, and look forward to a new century of timeless, traditional tales guaranteed to touch your heart!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor, Silhouette Romance
Please address questions and book requests to:
Silhouette Reader Service
U.S.: 3010 Walden Aye., PO. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3
The Man, The Ring, The Wedding
Patricia Thayer
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To all the new brides and grooms in my family this year. Amy and Kelly Klossner, Heather and Chris Beam, and especially to my son and his wife, Brett and Daralynn. Here’s to a lifetime of love and romance.
To Millie Caggiano—thanks for sharing your big Italian family with me.
PATRICIA THAYER
has been writing for fourteen years and has published over ten books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion and a prestigious RITA Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.
Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of twenty-eight years, Steve, and her three sons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251.
Chapter One
She was looking at her future.
Angelina Covelli walked up the concrete steps of the historic hotel, passing by the familiar brass plaque on the cornerstone that read Grand Haven Hotel 1898. The old stone building had been a landmark in Haven Springs for the past thirty years.
Standing at the weathered oak doors, Angelina traced her fingers over beveled window panels with the initials GH cut into the frosted glass. Then taking a deep breath to renew her courage, she stepped across the threshold and went inside. After waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit lobby, she glanced around. Dust and cobwebs covered nearly everything, and a musty odor hung in the stuffy air.
Angelina smiled and slowly pivoted in a circle, trying to take in all the grandeur. “Incredible,” she breathed, her soft voice echoing off the bare walls.
She had toured the hotel once before with her brothers, but there hadn’t been nearly enough time to take everything in. She hoped to be able to see a lot more of this place in the following months when Covelli and Sons secured the bid to renovate. Her excitement—and relief—grew. The family business would be financially stable again. Just like when her dad was alive.
The last two years had been rough ones, but that was about to end along with her job as office manager for the family construction business. She could finally move on with her life—find that niche that would fulfill her and give her independence. But first she had to find the man who was going to help her.
“Hello, is anyone here?” Angelina called out as she approached the dark oak front desk with the intricately carved detail and marble top. Where was he? she wondered. John Rossi’s assistant had told her his boss would be arriving today. Although their appointment wasn’t until tomorrow afternoon, Angelina didn’t want to miss the chance to speak to the CEO before every other contractor descended on the hotel. She was going to make sure she made an impression—and was awarded the renovation job.
Walking along the grimy marble floor, she was careful her heels didn’t catch in the cracked tile. Her attention was drawn to the crystal teardrop chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, making an elegant pathway through the large lobby and ending at a wide staircase that led to the second-floor balcony.
She climbed the steps cushioned by once-scarlet carpeting, now torn and faded by age. What a shame this beautiful place hadn’t been taken care of. Running a hand along the brass railing, she made the long trip to the top, wondering what it had been like to spend an evening as a guest here in the hotel’s heyday.
Her grandmother Vittoria had told her stories about the society balls held upstairs in the grand ballroom. Women dressed in long satin gowns and men in tuxedos had come from all around. Angelina hadn’t been to a formal dance since her prom. She smiled. She nearly hadn’t had a date that night because her brother Rick had threatened to break Jimmy Hitchcock’s arm if he got out of line.
No wonder men won’t come near me, Angelina thought, then sadly remembered why she was alone. It had been her choice, ever since she had lost the wonderful man she had met in college. Within two seconds she’d known that the handsome man with the warm hazel eyes would be her one true love. They were destined to be together...forever. But that had all changed when he died, leaving her alone. Love had betrayed her—now she was concentrating on her career.
She pushed away any sad thoughts as she turned and started back down the steps, imagining herself in an elegant, floor-length dress, a handsome man waiting for her at the front of the sweeping staircase. Someone like... She caught a sudden movement out of the corner of her eye. She jerked her head around to find a man standing in the shadows.
She gasped as her heart nearly jumped into her throat. The tall stranger had dark short hair and piercing eyes. He was dressed in faded jeans, a denim shirt and work boots.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t know anyone was here.” Who was he?
“What are you doing here?” he asked, as he approached the bottom step.
“I have an appointment,” she lied. “With Mr. Rossi. And you are?”
John Rossi watched as the beautiful woman came down the stairs. She was small in stature, but her body didn’t lack curves. His gaze moved over her charcoal-colored business jacket then lingered on her hips covered by a slim skirt.
“You could say that I work here,” he murmured, taking advantage of his angle to study her long, gorgeous legs.
“Oh, so you’re getting things ready for Mr. Rossi’s arrival?”
Slowly, his eyes raised to meet her sky-blue gaze. “Actually, I am—”
She waved a hand. “I’ll be working for Rossi International, too. That’s why I’m here.”
John stood back as she tossed her long midnight hair off her shoulders, his fingers itching to discover the softness of the silky strands. His body swiftly reacted to this sexy woman. She had flawless olive skin. A small, slender nose. But it was her mouth, her full, rosy lips, that had him distracted. He shook his head, trying to remember why he was here. And why this woman shouldn’t be. How did she get past security?
“So you have a job with Rossi?” he said.
That sensual mouth of hers twitched mischievously. “Well, not exactly. But I’m sure by tomorrow that will change.”
He folded his arms over his chest and leaned a hip against the brass staircase railing. He knew he should tell her who he was, but this conversation was too interesting to cut short. He cocked an eyebrow. “What is it you do exactly—and are so good at—that you know for sure you’ll be hired?”
“Well, I’m good at computers. Excellent, in fact.” She shook her head and her eyes widened. “But it’s not me. It’s my family business, Covelli and Sons. My brothers, Rick and Rafe, are bidding on the renovation job on this hotel.”
John froze, fighting to hide his surprise. So this was Angelina Covelli. They weren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow. “What time is your appointment?”
“Actually I’m a bit early.”
Like twenty-four hours, he thought. “A little eager?”
“I just don’t want to miss an opportunity.” Angelina finished her trip down the steps and began walking around the lobby. “I mean, look at this place. It needs a lot of work by expert hands to ensure it doesn’t lose its beautiful grandeur. Nothing should be changed, just restored. Like the front desk. Keep it just as is, except for installing computers. My brothers can handle that without any problems,” she assured him.
John followed her to the desk and watched as she ran her hand over the marble surface. He quickly grabbed her wrist. “Careful, you’ll get dirty.”
His gaze locked again on her incredible eyes. Feeling the heat surge through him, he released her arm. “This place hasn’t been deemed safe yet. It’s being checked out today by the building engineer. There could be unsafe areas.”
“Is that your job?”
He was ready to tell her who he was. “It’s one of my jobs, but I’m here because—” He paused. “I need to get things ready for tomorrow.”
Her smile dropped. “I was hoping to meet Mr. Rossi today.”
“I believe he’s scheduled all appointments for tomorrow,” John said.
“But I want to see him first. Pitch my outline of ideas for the renovation, one on one. It’s so hard to talk with a roomful of other contractors around.” Her blue eyes met his and a slow smile spread across her face. “Maybe you could help me. Put in a good word for me and my company.”
She opened her thin leather briefcase and pulled out a folder. “We have tons of references. And we’ve been in business for over thirty years. Please,” she said, pushing the folder towards him. “Could you at least give this to him?”
John raised his hands, knowing he had to tell her who he was. “Look Ms....”
“Covelli, Angelina.”
“A beautiful name.”
“Thank you.” She smiled again.
His chest tightened and he found himself taking the folder. “Look, Ms. Covelli, I should tell you that I’m—”
“Mr. Rossi,” a voice called from the door behind him. “There’s a call on your phone. Your office in New York.”
“Please tell them I’ll call them back,” John instructed, then turned back to see the fiery look in Angelina Covelli’s eyes.
“As I was about to tell you, I’m John Rossi, Ms. Covelli.” He held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Mark Learner, my assistant, has been singing your praises the past few months.”
She looked down at his hand then finally shook it. “I apologize, Mr. Rossi. I know I should have waited until tomorrow, but I was hoping to be the first to see you.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “So you were trying to get the advantage?”
She raised her gaze and stared at him. “Whatever it takes. But ask around, Covelli and Sons is the best for the job.” She pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “You will be disappointed if you choose anyone else.” She pivoted on her high-heeled shoes and, with an arrogant tilt of her chin, marched across the lobby.
Unable to tear his gaze away, John watched the raven-haired Angelina until she disappeared through the door.
“Damn,” he breathed, angry with himself for not being better prepared for Ms. Covelli. He hadn’t planned on their first meeting happening like this. And the last thing he expected was to turn into a randy teenager the second she batted those big blue eyes at him, making him forget the reason he’d come to Haven Springs, Indiana.
He walked into the small room behind the registration desk. At one time, it had been a large linen closet. Now it would serve as his office for the next thirty days. Time enough to get the Grand Haven project under way, and most importantly, to be back in New York in time to spend the holidays with the only family he had, his grandfather.
And maybe by that time, he’d find out all he needed to know about the Covellis.
Angelina made it back to Covelli and Sons’ office and collapsed into her desk chair. With a groan, she dropped her head into her hands. She had messed up everything, and her brothers were going to kill her.
She thought back to the fiasco at the hotel, and to the man who she had thought was the security guard. John Rossi had no right to be dressed in jeans and boots. He was from New York. A CEO for goodness sakes! Where was the three-piece suit? And he’d flirted with her, too. Wasn’t there some sort of law about that?
She groaned again. She had flirted back. But a woman would have to be comatose not to recognize the man’s good looks. “Tall, dark and handsome” definitely fitted him. How could you not notice his thick black hair and those bottomless dark eyes? At about six feet, he had broad shoulders that had no problem filling out his denim shirt. More than likely he worked out in one of those fancy New York gyms.
An alarm went off in Angelina’s brain, and she pulled herself out of her reverie. Reaching for some papers on the desk, she began to straighten the stack. Why was she thinking about things she had no business thinking about? She didn’t daydream about men. There was no future for her in it, hadn’t been for a long time.
The memories weren’t as painful as they once had been when she thought about Justin Hinshaw, her one and only love. A mere four years seemed like a lifetime ago...and she still had her whole life ahead of her. Still, she would never risk her heart again. “So stop thinking about things you’ll never have,” she murmured. “And remember what needs to be done.” First and foremost, she had to never forget that John Rossi ran the company that controlled the future of Covelli and Sons.
The phone rang and she jumped. She reached for the receiver and picked it up. “Covelli and Sons.”
“Ms. Covelli, this is John Rossi.”
A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed it back. “Mr. Rossi,” she choked out. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to confirm a meeting with you and your brothers tomorrow morning. Ten o’clock is my first scheduled appointment. Would that be a convenient time?”
Oh, God. Angelina placed her hand over her racing heart. They were going to get the first shot. “Yes. Ten o’clock will be fine,” she said. “Thank you, Mr. Rossi.”
“Good, I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” he said in his deep voice. “Can’t wait to hear more of your ideas.”
“I’ve got plenty,” Angelina added, but controlled her enthusiasm, managing not to blurt any of them out on the phone.
“I bet you do,” he replied. “Until tomorrow, goodbye, Ms. Covelli.”
“Goodbye.” There was a click in her ear.
Angelina replaced the phone and realized her hands were shaking. He hadn’t called off the meeting. She smiled. “He wants to hear more of my ideas.”
“Who wants to hear what?”
Angelina looked up to see one of her brothers standing in the doorway.
The second Covelli son, Rick, named after his grandfather Enrico, was the bigger of her two brothers. With his hair a little long, and dressed in black jeans and T-shirt, he looked like the town’s bad boy—even more so when he put on his leather jacket and climbed on his Harley-Davidson.
Smiling, she got up and walked across the room. “John Rossi just called. He wants to see us tomorrow at ten.”
“That’s great, Lina.” He hugged her. “But I thought we were going in the afternoon.”
The last thing Angelina wanted to do was explain her impromptu visit today. She shrugged. “Maybe he’s scheduling appointments with all the contractors.”
He grinned. “I don’t care what time we go, I just want the chance to get in to see him. Have you told Rafe?”
“Have you told me what?”
The oldest Covelli sibling, Rafaele, Jr., walked into Angelina’s office. He had on new jeans and a maroon polo shirt with the company logo over the pocket. He was more clean-cut than his brother, with short hair and a freshly shaven face. They both had dark, nearly black eyes and looked a lot like their father. Angelina could see them growing more like him each day.
“John Rossi wants us to meet him at the hotel tomorrow morning,” she said, barely holding in her excitement.
Rafe blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Would I joke about this?” Angelina asked.
“Damn.” Rafe sat down on the edge of the desk. “So we finally did it.” He grinned. “We’re going to get the bid.”
“Of course we are,” Angelina assured him. “I’ve invested too much phone time with Rossi International for our bid to be passed over. I’ve talked you both to death, even sent them pictures of every renovation you’ve ever done. John Rossi wouldn’t dare give this job to another company.”
“Rossi could bring in his own people,” Rick said with a frown. “We’ve only got a foot in the door.”
Angelina wasn’t going to let her brother bring her down. “Well then, tomorrow we go over there and convince him that Covelli and Sons can handle the job.” Her gaze shot back and forth between her brothers. “Come on, you two are the best. And you deserve to have this project.”
Rafe and Rick exchanged a serious glance, then Rick spoke. “Rossi could refuse us because of ... what happened with Dad.”
Angelina closed her eyes, remembering not only the pain of losing her father, Rafaele, in a construction accident, but the humiliation of the false accusations that the company had used substandard materials. “But Dad was cleared. Peter Hardin confessed to setting him up.”
Rick raised a calming hand. “I know, Lina, but sometimes people are still going to believe the worst about us.”
She thought back to her impromptu encounter an hour ago with John Rossi. She had to believe that he was going to give them a chance and at least consider their ideas for the Grand Haven. He simply had to award them the job. It was the only way Covelli and Sons could get firmly back on its feet.
Then Angelina would finally have her independence—and the freedom to find her own career. Since she’d given up on love, wasn’t that all she had left?
Chapter Two
The next morning, John sat at his desk going through paperwork and trying to keep his mind off Angelina Covelli. He tossed two business cards, one for an electrician and another for a heating company, into the trashcan. He would use his own people. It was the only way to insure the job was done right. The Covellis weren’t “his people,” but something told him they could be trusted.
John grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, and went into the lobby. He had a few minutes before the Covellis arrived and he wanted to make a list of renovations, starting with things that needed immediate attention. He took a quick trip around the hotel lobby, and realized just how many things there were in need of repair.
How could anyone let this beautiful place get in this condition? But John already knew the answer to his question. The economy and bad management.
Somehow, though, he would turn the Grand Haven Hotel into a showcase and even make a profit. It would take a few years, but he’d get a return on his investment. Hell, didn’t he love a challenge?
He started toward the registration desk and thought about the hundreds of people who had walked through this lobby. He’d heard rumors of politicians, presidents, even movie stars who had come to Haven Springs for the magical mineral springs.
Behind the desk were rows of boxes that had once held the keys to the nearly one hundred rooms. His excitement escalated. The place needed work, but the basic quality was already here.
Suddenly the front door opened and two men walked in. He saw the family resemblance right away. They had to be the Covelli brothers.
“Mr. Rossi, good morning, I’m Rafe Covelli,” one brother announced as he held out his hand.
John shook it. “Good morning to you,” he said, then turned to the other brother.
He stepped forward. “And I’m Rick,” he said and they shook hands, too.
“Nice to meet you,” John said, but his attention was riveted on Angelina, who had also stepped inside, followed by two other men. His chest tightened as she came toward him.
“Good morning, Angelina,” he said.
She nodded. “Mr. Rossi.”
Today she was dressed more sensibly in a pair of trim black slacks, a white sweater and a deep red blazer. John found he was somewhat disappointed that her dark hair was pulled back in a long braid. Then her clear blue eyes met his, and his pulse began to pound. It wasn’t until Rafe spoke that he realized that he was staring.
“Excuse me, what did you say?” he asked.
“I was just apologizing for being late,” Rafe said.
“No. You were on time. I arrived early.” He had to get back to business. “I was taking some notes trying to get a picture in my head.” He glanced around. “As you already know, the hotel has been neglected for a long time. Think you can handle a job this large?”
Rafe smiled. “Positive. Five been waiting to get my hands on this place.” He waved the rolled-up plans in his hand. “I’ve been working on this project for the past few months. Ever since we heard the Grand Haven had been sold.”
John nodded. He was impressed. Then his gaze fell on Angelina again and he couldn’t seem to focus. He shook his head. She was definitely a distraction. He forced himself to look away. “I guess we...uh, should get started.”
Rafe stepped up. “First I’d like to introduce our cousin, Tony Covelli. He’s our partner and financial advisor. And this is Charlie, our foreman. He has worked several years for us and is one of the best carpenters around. But I want to assure you that Rick and I will be on the job and do the majority of the renovation. We believe that if it has the Covelli name on it, then Covellis do the work.”
“That’s nice to know,” John said and turned his attention to Angelina. She was like the Tuscany sunrise coming over the hills. Hard to ignore. “What’s your job with the company?” he asked.
“I’ve run the office the past two years. On this job, if we get it, I’ll be the project manager.” Her eyes flashed a challenge. “Do you have a problem working with women?”
So she planned on being around. “Not at all,” he assured her and smiled to himself as he thought about his indispensable secretary, Donna, and other highlevel employees at his workplace. “There are several woman executives at Rossi International. I look at it this way. As long as the job is done and done well, it doesn’t matter if it’s handled by a man or a woman.”
“That’s nice to know,” she said.
Angelina wanted desperately to believe him. She needed John Rossi to recognize her abilities. That had been the reason she fought with her brothers so hard to be named project manager on this job. And just maybe by the time the Grand Haven was ready to reopen, she would have impressed John Rossi enough with her qualifications that he would consider her as management material for the hotel.
“Well, how about we tour the hotel and you can tell me your ideas?” John suggested.
Angelina smiled as his deep voice sent warm shivers along her skin. “We’re ready,” she said. “Just lead the way, Mr. Rossi.”
“Please, can’t we be a little less formal and go by first names?”
She nodded, feeling nervous with his coffee-colored eyes fixed on her.
John then glanced at Rafe and Rick. “I want the lobby restored to exactly as it was in its glory days. It’s perfect without any modernization.”
Rafe nodded. “We only need to make room for the computers behind the registration desk. Rick and I worked out a way to hide them.” They walked to the counter and unrolled Rafe’s plans.
Angelina kept her distance and watched the exchange, remembering that yesterday this man was just a stranger in town who had flirted with her. Now he held the future of Covelli and Sons—and her future in his hands.
“Don’t you think that you should be up there with them?” Tony asked as he came up behind her. “I mean, Rossi seems to have precise ideas on what he wants.”
Angelina wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize winning this bid. “Of course.” She hurried to the desk and listened, then began to write down instructions.
Ten minutes later they walked up the stairs to check out the second floor where there were two ballrooms. The largest one had sustained weather damage, and the window frames needed to be replaced, the floors required refinishing and the woodwork would have to be torn out and redone. Angelina took down the details as the men discussed them.
For the next two hours, Angelina followed the men into several of the rooms. She listened intently as John told his ideas on the modifications. He wanted to convert some of the larger rooms to business suites, complete with fax and computer facilities to attract the area businessmen. But he was adamant that the top floor remain as large suites for guests who would be willing to spend the money for the luxury that the Grand Haven Hotel had once offered—and would again.
Finally they returned to the lobby. Angelina was about to head back to the office when Rick invited everyone to lunch at the family restaurant.
John checked his watch, then looked at Angelina. “I guess we’ve been at this a while. Thanks, I could use a break. Angelina, will you be joining us? I’d love to hear more of the ideas you started telling me about yesterday.”
Angelina felt heat rush through her. “Sure. I’ll bring my notes.” She managed a smile, but refused to acknowledge Rafe’s curious look. No way did she want to explain to her overprotective brother what she was doing in a hotel alone with a man.
John read the sign, Maria’s Ristorante. Authentic Italian Food. The converted downtown storefront was homey with its hardwood-and-brick floor. The murals on the walls added atmosphere and color and each table was adorned with white tablecloths and candles.
Lunch turned out to be a family affair—they all took seats at the large table near the bar reserved for Covellis only. Maria Covelli, a petite woman with warm brown eyes, came out from the kitchen and greeted her children and their guest. Rick’s wife, Jill, a young attractive blonde who worked as a waitress, also joined them until the other customers demanded her attention.
Soon the table was filled with baskets of fresh-baked bread and generous helpings of Maria’s lasagna along with a bottle of chianti. While they ate, John, Rick and Rafe discussed the finer details of the project, but John’s thoughts weren’t totally on business, not while Angelina was seated across from him.
At first Angelina let her brothers do the talking, but it wasn’t long before John asked for her input. She felt shy, but knew this was her chance to show her stuff. She pushed ahead with her ideas. “I like your plan for focusing on the business trade, but don’t forget that the hotel made a name by catering to the rich. And if you’re going to make the top floor all luxury suites you need more to offer, something else to draw them. Since people love to be pampered, I believe the underground area would work well remodeled with a new pool, spa facilities and a gym.”
The silence was deafening as she raised her gaze to meet his, and soon the dark depths began to mesmerize her. She glanced away. “It’s just a suggestion.”
John Rossi finally spoke. “Do you think you could write up a proposal for me?”
She swallowed back her excitement and nodded.
He smiled then, too. “I guess your coming by the hotel early was a good idea.”
Angelina froze at the mention of her earlier visit.
“When was this?” Rafe asked.
“Your sister stopped by yesterday afternoon. I think she must have gotten her days confused, that’s all.”
John watched Rafe tense. Strange, they were all equal partners in the family business, but the men seemed also fiercely protective of their sister. Was a real family like this? Was this what he wanted to find out when he decided to come here? That the Covellis were a warm loving family?
How would John recognize a loving family? After his parents had died in an auto accident when he was ten years old, he had gone to live with his paternal grandparents. His grandfather had been obsessive about building the family business. His grandmother, a cold woman who busied herself with society functions, had ignored the little boy under her care.
John had looked forward to summers with his mother’s parents at their vineyard in Italy. However, even though both Nonno Giovanni and Nonna Lia had showered him with attention and love, he’d never once seen them exchange a kind word, or a loving touch. John’s ideas about love between a man and a woman had been formed at an early age, and he had never believed a permanent loving relationship was possible.
He looked across the table at Angelina. His gaze locked on her shimmering blue eyes, then lowered to her luscious mouth. A mouth that made him ache. His body took notice, too, reminding him that he’d been without the company of a woman for a long time. He glanced away, suddenly needing to go outside for some fresh air to clear his head.
Just then, an older woman came walking toward them. Small in stature, she was wearing a black dress and her snowy-white hair was pulled back from her face. It dawned on him who she was—the grandmother, Vittoria Covelli.
When she reached the table, John immediately stood. The Covelli men did the same.
“Nonna,” Rafe said and kissed both her cheeks. “We were wondering where you were.”
She smiled. “I was in the kitchen as always, preparing the food.” Then she turned her attention to John. “And who is this nice young man?”
John held out his hand and grasped hers. “I’m John Rossi, signora. I’m in Haven Springs on business.”
She eyed him closely. “Nice to meet you, Giovanni,” she said, using the Italian version of his name. “What part of Italy are your people from?”
John swallowed. “My father’s family was from Rome,” he answered. “Then, years ago they came to America, to New York.”
Vittoria smiled brightly. “I came to America over fifty years ago... for love. I hope you are able to get back to Italy often.” She looked sad. “Sometimes I miss the old places and the old ways.”
Angelina spoke up. “You should let us send you to Tuscany for a visit.”
Vittoria waved a hand. “Everyone I know is probably dead and gone. No one remembers me.”
“You might be surprised,” John found himself saying. “More than likely there’s a cousin or two still around.”
“Maybe there is.” She cocked her head to the side. “You seem so familiar ... something about your eyes...”
John masked his discomfort. He turned on his best smile. “Could be I’m one of your long-lost cousins.”
Vittoria laughed and patted his hand. “You are a charming young man, Signore Rossi. We will be your famiglia while you are here.”
John felt a tightening in his chest as he nodded.
“You have fed me like family,” he said. “And I want to thank you all for the lovely lunch. Grazie.”
“You’re welcome,” Rick said, shaking his hand.
“And I should get back to the hotel. I have work to finish,” John said, as everyone seemed to crowd around him.
“Where are you staying?” Rafe asked. “So many places are closed around here during the off-season.”
“Just outside of town at the Lone Pine Motor Lodge.”
Rafe frowned. “It’s more like the Lonely Pine Motor Lodge. There probably isn’t another soul around. Besides, it’s nearly twenty minutes away.” The eldest Covelli sibling smiled. “Hey, why not stay in town? We have a vacant apartment just down the street. Since I was married last month it’s been empty. It doesn’t have room service, but there’s a kitchenette and a big comfortable bed.”
“And it’s close to everything,” Jill said, stopping by the table. “Only a few blocks from the hotel.”
Angelina couldn’t help but notice John’s discomfort. Maybe he wasn’t going to give Covelli and Sons the hotel job, and he didn’t want to be indebted to them. No negative thoughts, she told herself. There wasn’t another company around more qualified or talented enough to handle the project. They needed this job. She needed this job.
Angelina spoke up. “There are also two phone lines so you can hook up your computer and fax, and still have one free for incoming calls.”
John looked thoughtful. “I can only take it if you’ll allow me a six-month lease.”
“You’re staying that long?” Rafe asked.
“No, just a month. I plan to be back in New York for the holidays. But my assistant, Mark, will replace me and he’ll fly down intermittently to check on the hotel’s progress. So unless you need a longer lease...”
Rafe grinned. “Six months is fine, but you’re welcome to stay for as long as you need. And it’s ready now so you can move in anytime. I can have the key for you in an hour.”
Vittoria spoke up. “And to welcome you here, I will make you something special to eat.”
John Rossi blinked at the older woman’s kindness. “Grazie, signora.”
One by one, the members of the family began to drift away, but Angelina hung back. “After a while you’ll get used to it,” she said. “They’re all a little pushy, but they’ll grow on you.”
“You don’t need to go to all this trouble,” he said, his dark eyes sharp and assessing. “Covelli and Sons’ work will stand on its own.”
Angelina took a deep breath, trying to control her sudden anger. How dare this man accuse her family of trying to buy the bid? That hurt, and she wasn’t going to let him go without knowing the truth.
“I guess they do things differently in New York, but our hospitality is just that. We have no ulterior motive. We believe our work will speak for itself, Mr. Rossi. We’re just being neighborly, nothing more.”
Angelina turned and marched off, praying she hadn’t blown Covelli and Sons’ chance of getting the hotel job. But, after seeing the surprised look on John Rossi’s face, she decided it was worth the risk.
Later that day, John returned to his motel on the edge of town. Inside his room, he tossed his briefcase on the chair and went to the desk. He grabbed the file marked Covelli and opened it.
He’d done his homework, but he’d still been blindsided when Angelina turned up early at the hotel. He hadn’t expected her, and he had desperately wanted to be prepared. One raven-haired woman with intriguing eyes and a sensual mouth had already distracted him, making him forget the reasons he’d come here.
John drew a deep breath, as a picture of Angelina Covelli appeared in his mind. As his grandfather would say, “such a bella signorina.”
He shook his head and brought his wayward thoughts back on track, turning his attention to the file. He knew that Angelina ran the office at Covelli and Sons. And according to Mark, she’d been enthusiastically pursuing the renovation job since Rossi International had purchased the property early last year.
John sat down in the chair. He had to say he was impressed after meeting the Covelli brothers. And they were experts in the field of restoration. The only other person who might have been better at this craft had been their father, Rafaele Covelli. And he’d been killed in a construction accident over two years ago.
John tossed the manila folder on the desk. How many times had he read over the same file the last four months? So many he had memorized it. But he wanted to know everything about the Covellis. More than he needed to know to hire them for the job.
It was how John Rossi did business. He’d learned it was the safest way to make sure people didn’t take advantage of him. Not only in business—but more importantly, in his personal life.
He glanced back at the file. And this wasn’t just business to him, it was personal.
The phone rang. He leaned forward and picked it up. “Rossi here.”
“Buona sera, Giovanni.”
“Buona sera, Nonno,” he answered. His spirits brightened hearing his grandfather’s voice. “How are you feeling?”
He heard a groan over the line. “I’m an old man. How should I feel?”
John grinned. This was the grandfather he knew and loved. But he was getting old, too old to run the vineyard alone. “Then let me get you some more help and you can retire. Come live with me in New York.”
“I’ve grown grapes all my life. A man needs a purpose .”
“But a man needs some relaxation, too.”
His grandfather sighed. “You should take some of your own advice. You’re always working—and always alone.”
John and his grandfather were close. Though he was raised by his father’s parents in America, John had always felt a special bond with his mother’s family in Italy. Nonno Giovanni had been the one who taught John to cultivate the soil, to nurture grapes for the best harvest. And though John had taken over his American grandfather’s business empire, Rossi International, memories of his summers at the vineyard would always bring him happiness. No matter what the distance, John and Giovanni had fostered their special relationship.
But when John had gone to Italy this past harvest, his grandfather had looked more tired than usual.
“How do you know I’m alone? Have you been sweet-talking information from my secretary again?” Donna Charles had worked for Rossi International for over twenty years. She was invaluable and knew all the ins and outs of the corporate world. But she also talked too much to his grandfather.
“A bella woman, Signora Donna. She only tells me what I need to know. One is that you aren’t taking care of yourself.”
“I could say the same about you,” John argued. “That’s the reason I’m glad you’re coming for the holidays.”
“Sì, and we can argue about this again.”
“You are stubborn, figlio.”
“Something I inherited from you, no doubt,” John mumbled. “I’m looking forward to your visit. In fact, I’m planning on being finished here so we can have a long uninterrupted vacation together.”
“I would like that.” There was a long sigh. “We both spend too much time alone. And before I die I would like to see New York again.”
“You’re not going to die for a long time.” Even though his grandfather was seventy-six, as far as John knew the man was in good health. “I have to get back to work. I will call you next week. Ciao, Nonno.”
John hung up the phone and wondered what he’d gotten himself into. For years he’d seen his grandfather’s misery and always wished he could do something about it
Were they so alike? In a lot of ways, sì. They both had trouble with women and relationships. His Nonna Lia had left Giovanni a few years ago, saying he had neglected her for years. That her husband had always belonged to another.
John had survived his own pain. It had been a few years, but the memory burned in his gut like an out-of-control fire every time he remembered Selina’s betrayal. When he’d met her he had fallen hard and he’d thought everything he’d always longed for was within his grasp. He’d have the family he’d wanted since his parents’ death. Then he discovered that Selina only wanted the prestige of being married to Rossi International’s CEO.
Since then John had given up on love; it seemed a steel-coated heart was a family trait. He would concentrate on business instead.
However, for his grandfather, and to be honest, for himself, John wanted to find answers to questions which had been hanging over his family like a dark cloud for as long as he could remember. What he was looking for could be right here in Haven Springs.
The next morning, John carried his suitcase and laptop up the stairs to the second-story apartment. He used the key Rafe had given him to unlock the door. Once inside he was pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the place. The gray-blue-carpeted living room had a new sofa and two chairs. The kitchenette had a large table where he would have room for his work and still be able to eat. He examined the new cupboards, impressed by the fine detailing that was the Covellis’ signature. Everything they did seemed to show a little extra care.
He went into the bedroom and found a queen-size bed covered with a navy comforter. The bathroom was large and had been completely redone with all new fixtures, including a double shower.
“Not bad.” John opened his computer case, then found an outlet and plugged in the cord. In no time, he had hooked into the phone line and sat down to bring up his e-mail.
A crash from the outside hall drew his attention. “What the hell?” he said, hurrying across the room and opening the door to find Angelina Covelli on her hands and knees, surrounded by grocery bags.
She gasped. “What are you doing here?”
He leaned against the doorjamb, loving the wide-eyed expression on her face. “I believe I rented this apartment.”
She sat back on her heels. “I meant I didn’t expect you to be moved in yet My grandmother asked me to bring over clean linens.” She pointed to the grocery bag. “And a few staples.”
He eyed her fitted jeans and blue sweatshirt—with Angelina nearby what other “staples” could a man need? Angelina was a sweet diversion from business. But he couldn’t forget she was his business. He knelt down and began to help her gather food back into the sacks.
“You didn’t have to bring me anything. I’m capable of taking care of myself.”
“Try telling that to Nonna,” Angelina said. “She insisted that I was to come here early and make sure the apartment got aired out and bring fresh sheets and towels.”
John picked up the bouquet of dried flowers and caught a whiff of their sweet fragrance. He would forever connect this scent with Angelina Covelli. “Was it Nonna Vittoria’s idea to bring me these?”
She glanced away. “They were from my grandmother’s garden. I just thought a little color would cheer up the place.”
“Thank you. No woman has ever given me flowers before.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Just don’t accuse me of trying to bribe you,” she teased, then turned serious. “I want to apologize for what I said yesterday. I was upset because you thought we were trying to get the job by appealing to your stomach with some home cooking. Rafe and Rick don’t need to do anything like that. I guarantee you won’t find better carpenters to restore your hotel.” She raised a hand. “And that’s the end of my speech.”
John smiled. So Angelina Covelli was not only beautiful, but fiercely loyal.
“I know.” He reached out and took her hand and a shock of awareness shot through him. She looked just as surprised as he did. He helped her to her feet, then reached down and picked up the sacks. Allowing her through the door first, he caught a glimpse of her shapely rear-end encased in jeans. Funny, he’d never thought of denim as sexy before now.
John set the bags down on the table, then they began putting things away. Coffee, milk and orange juice. She pulled out a foil-wrapped package.
“Nonna Vittoria made you some orange sweet bread.”
His mouth watered. “Berlingaccio?”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve had it before?”
“I am Italian aren’t I?” he said, but decided not to elaborate on his taste for Tuscany sweet bread.
“Consider yourself special. Nonna doesn’t make her
berlingaccio for just anyone.”
He found he couldn’t take his eyes off her expressive face. “Be sure to tell Vittoria grazie,” he said, then asked, “Would you share some with me?”
She shook her head. “I really shouldn’t...”
John went to the counter and stood next to Angelina. “Please stay. if only to let me apologize for my rudeness yesterday. I’ve found in my business you have to be careful.”
She nodded. “Okay, but only if I make the coffee. And I can put on the fresh sheets while it perks.”
“I’ll help.”
He finished unloading the bags and she put away a loaf of bread, bacon and eggs. He couldn’t believe all the food. In New York his housekeeper prepared a few meals for the week that he could put in the microwave and heat whenever he got home. “I’m not much of a cook. Being single I usually eat out, or have something sent up to the office. So thanks for all this.”
“Well, you’re thanking the wrong person, because cooking isn’t something I excel at. And it’s got Nonna all worried. She thinks I’ll never find a husband. Of course I’ve told her enough times, I’m not looking for marriage, I’d rather have a career.”
“Can’t you have both?”
He caught a sad look in her eyes before she glanced away.
“I’m just concentrating on my career for now,” she said.
John shrugged. “Sounds good.” How had they gotten on this topic?
His gaze moved over her shapely frame and his body came to life. He had trouble remembering what he was saying. He walked over to the table. “I haven’t found any relationships that last,” he said, wondering if she knew what she was doing to him.
“That’s all I see. My grandparents, my parents, even my brothers, all crazy in love.” She flashed that pained look again, then reached for the stack of towels and sheets, and took off for the bedroom.
He followed her. “So, if it runs in your family, why haven’t you wanted to take the plunge?”
Angelina pulled off the comforter and began spreading the bottom sheet over the mattress pad. “Who said I haven’t?”
Interested, he went to the other side of the bed and grabbed a corner of the fitted sheet He watched as her delicate hands smoothed out the wrinkles. “Can’t believe a guy would let you get away.”
She tossed her long hair off her shoulders and looked at him. “It was a long time ago.”
He stood by the bed, totally enticed by the petite woman across from him. He found himself wondering who this man was that put the sadness in her beautiful eyes. How could any man walk away from her? He ached to run his fingers through her silky hair, touch her flawless skin, to kiss... John shook his head. Damn, he was thinking about something he had no business thinking about. “Sorry, I had no right to pry.”
Angelina couldn’t figure out why John Rossi was so interested in her mundane life. She doubted he had spent many nights alone in New York. Women probably flocked to him. Haven Springs was going to be an awakening.
“I think we should keep focused on business,” she said.
That was all Angelina felt she had left. Unlike her mother and grandmother she’d never gotten to marry the love of her life. Justin had died decades too soon. Now all that remained were memories that she could pull out on those dark, still nights when she ached from the loneliness.
“Then I hope you took me seriously about writing up a proposal on your idea for a pool and a fitness center at the hotel.”
“I’ll have it for you in a few days.” She finished making the bed. “I’ve got to go,” she said, then walked into the other room.
John hurried after her. “Aren’t you going to stay for some coffee and sweet bread?”
Angelina forced herself to stop. Big mistake. John Rossi didn’t, and he ran into her. She gasped as her hands connected with his solid chest. He gripped her arms to steady them both, but it didn’t help. Her breathing suddenly grew labored when she looked up at his dark eyes. She couldn’t move.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She only nodded.
“I guess I should watch where I’m going.”
His deep voice sent a shiver of awareness coursing through her, warming her body. The feeling excited and frightened her at the same time. She was definitely out of her league with this man. “I need to get home.”
“You promised to stay for sweet bread, remember.”
She felt the searing heat of his hands on her arms. His grip was strong, but gentle. She managed to free herself when she stepped back. “I don’t think staying is such a good idea, Mr. Rossi.”
He leaned toward her. “John...” he corrected.
“John...” Angelina’s heart pounded in her chest, so loudly she thought he could hear it. She swallowed, wishing she could act sophisticatedly in this kind of situation, but the truth was she wasn’t anything more than a small-town girl. She had to get out of this apartment, away from his alluring eyes. “Goodbye.”
Turning, she swiftly headed toward the door, praying he wouldn’t call her back, because for the first time in a long time, Angelina wasn’t sure what she would do.
Chapter Three
Two days later, John stood in the hotel lobby with the security guard he’d hired that morning when the front door opened and Angelina Covelli came into the lobby.
He stopped and stared as she walked across the room. She was wearing a black print skirt that revealed the curve of her hips. A black jacket hung open over a red sweater that didn’t hide the fullness of her breasts. Her silky hair was worn free and bounced against her shoulders with each step. She was lovely.
“Well, good morning, Angelina,” the security guard said.
She smiled. “Hello, Harry. Are you working here?”
“Yes, he is,” John said as he joined them. He hadn’t seen Angelina in two days, not since she’d run out of his apartment.
“Hello, John,” she said stiffly.
“Good morning, Angelina.”
He couldn’t believe he’d almost given in to the temptation to kiss her the other day. It would be a disaster for him to get involved with Angelina Covelli. Contrary to popular opinion, he wasn’t that much of a jerk. Maybe he should just pack up and let Mark handle everything. But one look at this woman and he knew he wanted to stay. Damn it.
“I felt it best to have someone keep an eye on things since there will be so many people in and out of here the next few weeks.”
“Probably a good idea.”
Just then a messenger came to the front door. “Excuse me for a moment,” John said and went to handle the interruption.
Angelina drew a deep breath and released it. She had the written bid in her briefcase, the ticket to her future—more importantly, the future of Covelli and Sons. She had wanted Rick and Rafe to come with her, but they suddenly had other things to do. Oh, well, she was a big girl, she could handle this.
Besides, seeing John Rossi at the hotel was safe, unlike seeing him at the apartment. She wasn’t going back there. Ever. If something had happened between them, if he had kissed her, she could probably say goodbye to this job—and a future position for her at the renovated hotel.
Angelina looked across the room at John. He was dressed in black dress slacks and a forest-green sweater. She eyed his muscular chest and shoulders as broad as her brothers’. The man had to do more than just sit behind a desk to keep a body like that. Her gaze traveled to his square-cut jaw, cleft chin and deep-set sable eyes. His coal-black hair was perfectly trimmed around the ears with a slight wave across his forehead. He was so handsome....
Stop it! she commanded herself. She never ogled men. Of course, John Rossi wasn’t any ordinary man. Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the business at hand as John walked back to her.
“Is there a special reason for your visit this morning?” he asked coolly.
A little surprised at his curt manner, Angelina reached inside her briefcase and handed him a folder. “I brought by Covelli and Sons’ written bid.”
He took it “That was a fast response.”
“Rafe was working on this long before you came to town. I think you’ll like the ideas he’s come up with.”
John opened the file and studied the first page.
Angelina stood next to him and caught the subtle fragrance of his musk cologne. She was reminded of the last time they were this close. She felt her heart accelerate and quickly gathered her strength and concentrated on business.
“As you can see, I created a chart to reflect the cost for materials and labor, floor by floor. So it will be easier to make any changes or additions you would like.” She stepped back as he continued to read it.
“This is good. Very thorough, Angelina.” He closed the file. “Have you had a chance to work up a report on your ideas?”
“Why, yes. I just wasn’t sure if you were serious.”
He looked stern. “When you get to know me better, you’ll realize I never kid about business.”
She wondered if John Rossi let anyone get close on a personal level—or was he all business. She opened her briefcase again and took out another file. “Neither do I.” She handed him her four-page report. “I discussed some of my ideas with my brothers—only to see if they were structurally possible.”
He gave her a hint of a smile. “You’ve been busy.”
“I take my career very seriously.”
He glanced over her file. “I’m impressed.”
She should have been pleased, but she’d been hoping they could look over some of the proposals now. “The computer makes things easier. If you have any questions...”
The sound of footsteps coming down the staircase caused Angelina to pause. She looked up to find Gus Norton from Norton Construction Company. Oh no. She fought back a groan as he walked toward her and John.
The moment Gus saw her he grinned. “Well, well, if it isn’t Signorina Angelina.”
“Hello, Mr. Norton.” Angelina forced herself to be civil and not announce that Gus Norton was a terrible builder, not to mention a jerk. He had continued to spread rumors about her father, even after his name had been cleared.
“Now, come on, little Lina, we’ve known each other long enough to be on a first-name basis.”
She turned to John. “I better go, Mr. Rossi. Just let us know your decision.”
“So your brothers are turning in a bid, too.” Gus’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure glad you got that mess with your daddy all cleared up. ’Course, he did look mighty guilty for a long time.”
Angelina glared at Gus. “Don’t you dare say a word about my father....”
John cut her off. He stepped between her and the contractor, his eyes fixed, his voice steady, but Angelina could see his hands clenched into fists. “I want to thank you for stopping by, Mr. Norton, but I won’t be needing your services after all.”
Gus looked confused. “But I haven’t given you my bid.”
“I repeat, there will be no need,” John said, remaining steady and cool.
Gus’s gaze went from John to Angelina. “Oh, I get it.” He grinned nastily. “Well, I guess I can’t compete with what she’s offering you.”
It happened in a split second. John grabbed Gus by the shirt and pushed him up against the wall before Norton realized what had happened.
“Look, you piece of scum,” John hissed in a low voice. “I wouldn’t hire anyone who insults a lady in my presence. And if you think you’re not getting the job because Angelina has something special, well she does—her ideas and her brothers’ talent. They have some very good ideas on how to restore this hotel. So far, from you, I’ve heard nothing. I think it would be wise for you to leave.” John released him. “Harry, show him the door.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Rossi,” the security guard said, taking Gus by the arm and escorting him out the door.
John turned to Angelina. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Seeing her fighting tears, he said, “Ah, cara. Don’t waste your time over someone like him.”
Angelina shook her head. “I’m not. It’s what he said about my father. He wasn’t guilty,” she insisted. “His name was cleared. But it still won’t go away.”
John reached out and caressed her face. “Shh, Angelina. It doesn’t matter what that creep said. I know Rafaele Covelli was innocent of all charges,” he whispered.
She looked up at him, her eyes watery. “You do?”
“Yes, I do,” he murmured.
Then John lowered his head to hers, and Angelina realized he was dangerously close. So close he could kiss her, and she wasn’t going to stop him.
But Harry returned. “Mr. Rossi, Mr. Norton is gone, and I told him not to return or I’d call the police.”
With his gaze never leaving Angelina, John said, “Thank you, Harry.”
“Let’s go somewhere to get some fresh air,” John suggested. He noticed Angelina’s panic and smiled. “You can stop worrying, Ms. Covelli. I just want to talk.”
There was nothing wrong with just talking, Angelina decided. She nodded. “I know a place.”
Angelina directed John four blocks to the city park. In silence, they walked through a grove of large maple trees whose leaves were all but gone from the branches. Although the sun was out, autumn was quickly turning into winter.
They continued their leisurely stroll until they reached the fountain. A cherubic angel looked heavenward from the top and water should have trickled down into a round pool below, but the fountain had been shut off for the winter.
Pulling up the collar on her wool jacket to ward off the chill, Angelina sat on the concrete edge. “My dad used to bring me here when I was a little girl. He said he named me Angelina because when I was born, I looked like an angel.” She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Silly, isn’t it? But it’s something I keep in my heart.” She sighed. “Dad’s been gone two and a half years.”
John nodded and put his hands into his jacket pockets. “I know. As policy, Rossi International checks out all companies submitting a bid on every project. I learned all about the trouble you had getting his name cleared after the construction accident.” He sat down beside her. “It must have been hard on your family.”
She looked at him. “There was never a question about my dad’s innocence. Not with us. We knew he’d never use substandard materials on a job. But to exonerate him we had to find the person who did. And thanks to a private investigator everything got solved.”
“Who did do it?”
“The son of a lumberyard owner. He was a drug addict and needed money to support his habit so he sold low-grade materials at top dollar, passing them off as premium goods. He’s in jail now, serving a ten-year sentence for manslaughter. He’ll probably get out on parole in a few years.”
For some reason, John wished he could ease her pain. Strange, he hadn’t even known Rafaele Covelli. But he was getting to know his daughter... too well. “Can you handle that?”
She shrugged. “Nothing can bring Dad back. And Dad wouldn’t want us to make our lives miserable.”
“That’s a good attitude, but it may not always be easy to stick to,” John said.
“Well, we’ve had years of practice with the curse.”
“Curse?”
She nodded. “For over fifty years there’s been a curse on our family. It started in the Second World War when Nonna was promised to one man, but was in love with another...my grandfather, Enrico Covelli.” Angelina shrugged. “The family of the man who was left at the altar put a curse on my grandparents. Ever since, Nonna has prayed that it would somehow end. Whenever something bad happens she feels she’s to blame for it.”
John tensed. “Do you believe in this curse?”
Angelina stared down into the fountain as the wind lifted her hair. “On bad days, it’s easy to use it as an excuse. But I don’t think that my father died because of a curse. Or Justin...” Her voice trailed off, just as John wanted her to tell him who this Justin was.
Suddenly she was smiling again. “There’s also been so many wonderful things that have happened to our family. Like Rick striking it rich in the Texas oil fields and returning home after so many years. Both Rick and Rafe finding love. The success of Mom’s restaurant. The carpentry business coming back around.”
He loved the way her eyes sparkled. How her mouth lifted at the corners. How she chewed on her bottom lip when she was nervous. “Sounds like the Covelli family is doing well. So you have everything you want?”
“Oh, there’s always more to want.”
He knew all about wanting, he thought as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a coin and handed it to her. “Then wish for it.”
She looked at him, then down at the quarter. “Boy, wishes cost a lot these days.”
“Inflation. Come on, make your wish.”
“I’m not a child, John. I don’t believe things happen that easily. Besides, there isn’t any water in the fountain.”
“Details.” He waved a hand. “Maybe it is that easy, and we only make it hard. What’s the harm in asking?”
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Patricia Thayer
WITH THESE RINGSTAMING THE TYCOONJust when Angelina Covelli was about to pitch her hopes of a "forever man" into the whistling wind, along came the dreamiest bachelor. John Rossi was gorgeous, sophisticated, wealthy–and just passing through town. Which put the dark tycoon off-limits!Angelina was so innocent…and utterly irresistible. But kissing was not part of the plan. His true identity secret, John intended to complete his family's vendetta against the Covellis. No matter how alluring he found sweet Angelina, John would never compromise his mission by wedding the enemy. Then again, he did have that ruby ring….…who will wed?
A lone ruby ring in a velvet case... (#ubfe63211-cc3f-5e70-bbdc-c02799d8efc0)Letter to Reader (#ubb30374d-c949-5fba-9bc5-9cef3a4fc868)Title Page (#u2fcba12c-f71d-511b-b742-4289f22912ab)Dedication (#u52761617-c5d9-5c73-a6e7-91d21ca7d16e)About the Author (#u7ae0a858-0c7a-5603-839d-e322ac1f21b0)Chapter One (#u7f5111f3-489c-58b8-9868-834931faa533)Chapter Two (#udddc135f-bcb4-55eb-8866-e27ff496a9a5)Chapter Three (#u28541250-7447-58ef-8bdb-2d75b80c7f81)Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
A lone ruby ring in a velvet case...
It all began when a young Vittoria Perrone fell madly in love with an American pilot during the Second World War. But their love put sweet Vittoria in danger sa the soldier left, promising to one day claim her as his bride.
Time passed and Vittoria’s family pledged her to another, Giovanni Valente Just before the day that promised to be her darkest—her wedding day—her beloved American, Enrico Covelli, returned, asking for her hand in marriage
Vittoria pleaded to be released from her marital obligation. Angry, Giovanni took the Perrone family betrothal rings, snatched the bride’s band and placed it an his little finger, swearing never to give et up. Forevermore, the Covelli family was to be cursed!
Fifty years later the her remained ... only to be lifted if the heirloom ruby rings were rejoined in the name of love and returned to the rightful heir, Vittoria’s lovely firstborn granddaughter, Angelina Covelli.
This is Angelina’s story ...
Dear Reader,
The end of the century is near, and we’re all eagerly anticipating the wonders to come. But no matter what happens, I believe that everyone will continue to need and to seek the unquenchable spirit of love...of romance. And here at Silhouette Romance, we’re delighted to present another month’s worth of terrific, emotional stories.
This month, RITA Award-winning author Marie Ferrarella offers a tender BUNDLES OF JOY tale, in which The Baby Beneath the Mistletoe brings together a man who’s lost his faith and a woman who challenges him to take a chance at love...and family. In Charlotte Maclay’s charming new novel, a millionaire playboy isn’t sure what he was Expecting at Christmas, but what he gets is a very pregnant butler! Elizabeth Harbison launches her wonderful new theme-based miniseries, CINDERELLA BRIDES, with the fairy-tale romance—complete with mistaken identity!—between Emma and the Earl.
In A Diamond for Kate by Moyra Tarling, discover whether a doctor makes his devoted nurse his devoted wife after learning about her past... Patricia Thayer’s cross-line miniseries WITH THESE RINGS retums to Romance and poses the question: Can The Man, the Ring, the Wedding end a fifty-year-old curse? You’ll have to read this dramatic story to find out! And though The Millionaire’s Proposition involves making a baby in Natalie Patrick’s upbeat Romance, can a down-on-her-luck waitress also convince him to make beautiful memories...as man and wife?
Enjoy this month’s offerings, and look forward to a new century of timeless, traditional tales guaranteed to touch your heart!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor, Silhouette Romance
Please address questions and book requests to:
Silhouette Reader Service
U.S.: 3010 Walden Aye., PO. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3
The Man, The Ring, The Wedding
Patricia Thayer
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To all the new brides and grooms in my family this year. Amy and Kelly Klossner, Heather and Chris Beam, and especially to my son and his wife, Brett and Daralynn. Here’s to a lifetime of love and romance.
To Millie Caggiano—thanks for sharing your big Italian family with me.
PATRICIA THAYER
has been writing for fourteen years and has published over ten books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion and a prestigious RITA Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.
Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of twenty-eight years, Steve, and her three sons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251.
Chapter One
She was looking at her future.
Angelina Covelli walked up the concrete steps of the historic hotel, passing by the familiar brass plaque on the cornerstone that read Grand Haven Hotel 1898. The old stone building had been a landmark in Haven Springs for the past thirty years.
Standing at the weathered oak doors, Angelina traced her fingers over beveled window panels with the initials GH cut into the frosted glass. Then taking a deep breath to renew her courage, she stepped across the threshold and went inside. After waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit lobby, she glanced around. Dust and cobwebs covered nearly everything, and a musty odor hung in the stuffy air.
Angelina smiled and slowly pivoted in a circle, trying to take in all the grandeur. “Incredible,” she breathed, her soft voice echoing off the bare walls.
She had toured the hotel once before with her brothers, but there hadn’t been nearly enough time to take everything in. She hoped to be able to see a lot more of this place in the following months when Covelli and Sons secured the bid to renovate. Her excitement—and relief—grew. The family business would be financially stable again. Just like when her dad was alive.
The last two years had been rough ones, but that was about to end along with her job as office manager for the family construction business. She could finally move on with her life—find that niche that would fulfill her and give her independence. But first she had to find the man who was going to help her.
“Hello, is anyone here?” Angelina called out as she approached the dark oak front desk with the intricately carved detail and marble top. Where was he? she wondered. John Rossi’s assistant had told her his boss would be arriving today. Although their appointment wasn’t until tomorrow afternoon, Angelina didn’t want to miss the chance to speak to the CEO before every other contractor descended on the hotel. She was going to make sure she made an impression—and was awarded the renovation job.
Walking along the grimy marble floor, she was careful her heels didn’t catch in the cracked tile. Her attention was drawn to the crystal teardrop chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, making an elegant pathway through the large lobby and ending at a wide staircase that led to the second-floor balcony.
She climbed the steps cushioned by once-scarlet carpeting, now torn and faded by age. What a shame this beautiful place hadn’t been taken care of. Running a hand along the brass railing, she made the long trip to the top, wondering what it had been like to spend an evening as a guest here in the hotel’s heyday.
Her grandmother Vittoria had told her stories about the society balls held upstairs in the grand ballroom. Women dressed in long satin gowns and men in tuxedos had come from all around. Angelina hadn’t been to a formal dance since her prom. She smiled. She nearly hadn’t had a date that night because her brother Rick had threatened to break Jimmy Hitchcock’s arm if he got out of line.
No wonder men won’t come near me, Angelina thought, then sadly remembered why she was alone. It had been her choice, ever since she had lost the wonderful man she had met in college. Within two seconds she’d known that the handsome man with the warm hazel eyes would be her one true love. They were destined to be together...forever. But that had all changed when he died, leaving her alone. Love had betrayed her—now she was concentrating on her career.
She pushed away any sad thoughts as she turned and started back down the steps, imagining herself in an elegant, floor-length dress, a handsome man waiting for her at the front of the sweeping staircase. Someone like... She caught a sudden movement out of the corner of her eye. She jerked her head around to find a man standing in the shadows.
She gasped as her heart nearly jumped into her throat. The tall stranger had dark short hair and piercing eyes. He was dressed in faded jeans, a denim shirt and work boots.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t know anyone was here.” Who was he?
“What are you doing here?” he asked, as he approached the bottom step.
“I have an appointment,” she lied. “With Mr. Rossi. And you are?”
John Rossi watched as the beautiful woman came down the stairs. She was small in stature, but her body didn’t lack curves. His gaze moved over her charcoal-colored business jacket then lingered on her hips covered by a slim skirt.
“You could say that I work here,” he murmured, taking advantage of his angle to study her long, gorgeous legs.
“Oh, so you’re getting things ready for Mr. Rossi’s arrival?”
Slowly, his eyes raised to meet her sky-blue gaze. “Actually, I am—”
She waved a hand. “I’ll be working for Rossi International, too. That’s why I’m here.”
John stood back as she tossed her long midnight hair off her shoulders, his fingers itching to discover the softness of the silky strands. His body swiftly reacted to this sexy woman. She had flawless olive skin. A small, slender nose. But it was her mouth, her full, rosy lips, that had him distracted. He shook his head, trying to remember why he was here. And why this woman shouldn’t be. How did she get past security?
“So you have a job with Rossi?” he said.
That sensual mouth of hers twitched mischievously. “Well, not exactly. But I’m sure by tomorrow that will change.”
He folded his arms over his chest and leaned a hip against the brass staircase railing. He knew he should tell her who he was, but this conversation was too interesting to cut short. He cocked an eyebrow. “What is it you do exactly—and are so good at—that you know for sure you’ll be hired?”
“Well, I’m good at computers. Excellent, in fact.” She shook her head and her eyes widened. “But it’s not me. It’s my family business, Covelli and Sons. My brothers, Rick and Rafe, are bidding on the renovation job on this hotel.”
John froze, fighting to hide his surprise. So this was Angelina Covelli. They weren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow. “What time is your appointment?”
“Actually I’m a bit early.”
Like twenty-four hours, he thought. “A little eager?”
“I just don’t want to miss an opportunity.” Angelina finished her trip down the steps and began walking around the lobby. “I mean, look at this place. It needs a lot of work by expert hands to ensure it doesn’t lose its beautiful grandeur. Nothing should be changed, just restored. Like the front desk. Keep it just as is, except for installing computers. My brothers can handle that without any problems,” she assured him.
John followed her to the desk and watched as she ran her hand over the marble surface. He quickly grabbed her wrist. “Careful, you’ll get dirty.”
His gaze locked again on her incredible eyes. Feeling the heat surge through him, he released her arm. “This place hasn’t been deemed safe yet. It’s being checked out today by the building engineer. There could be unsafe areas.”
“Is that your job?”
He was ready to tell her who he was. “It’s one of my jobs, but I’m here because—” He paused. “I need to get things ready for tomorrow.”
Her smile dropped. “I was hoping to meet Mr. Rossi today.”
“I believe he’s scheduled all appointments for tomorrow,” John said.
“But I want to see him first. Pitch my outline of ideas for the renovation, one on one. It’s so hard to talk with a roomful of other contractors around.” Her blue eyes met his and a slow smile spread across her face. “Maybe you could help me. Put in a good word for me and my company.”
She opened her thin leather briefcase and pulled out a folder. “We have tons of references. And we’ve been in business for over thirty years. Please,” she said, pushing the folder towards him. “Could you at least give this to him?”
John raised his hands, knowing he had to tell her who he was. “Look Ms....”
“Covelli, Angelina.”
“A beautiful name.”
“Thank you.” She smiled again.
His chest tightened and he found himself taking the folder. “Look, Ms. Covelli, I should tell you that I’m—”
“Mr. Rossi,” a voice called from the door behind him. “There’s a call on your phone. Your office in New York.”
“Please tell them I’ll call them back,” John instructed, then turned back to see the fiery look in Angelina Covelli’s eyes.
“As I was about to tell you, I’m John Rossi, Ms. Covelli.” He held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Mark Learner, my assistant, has been singing your praises the past few months.”
She looked down at his hand then finally shook it. “I apologize, Mr. Rossi. I know I should have waited until tomorrow, but I was hoping to be the first to see you.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “So you were trying to get the advantage?”
She raised her gaze and stared at him. “Whatever it takes. But ask around, Covelli and Sons is the best for the job.” She pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “You will be disappointed if you choose anyone else.” She pivoted on her high-heeled shoes and, with an arrogant tilt of her chin, marched across the lobby.
Unable to tear his gaze away, John watched the raven-haired Angelina until she disappeared through the door.
“Damn,” he breathed, angry with himself for not being better prepared for Ms. Covelli. He hadn’t planned on their first meeting happening like this. And the last thing he expected was to turn into a randy teenager the second she batted those big blue eyes at him, making him forget the reason he’d come to Haven Springs, Indiana.
He walked into the small room behind the registration desk. At one time, it had been a large linen closet. Now it would serve as his office for the next thirty days. Time enough to get the Grand Haven project under way, and most importantly, to be back in New York in time to spend the holidays with the only family he had, his grandfather.
And maybe by that time, he’d find out all he needed to know about the Covellis.
Angelina made it back to Covelli and Sons’ office and collapsed into her desk chair. With a groan, she dropped her head into her hands. She had messed up everything, and her brothers were going to kill her.
She thought back to the fiasco at the hotel, and to the man who she had thought was the security guard. John Rossi had no right to be dressed in jeans and boots. He was from New York. A CEO for goodness sakes! Where was the three-piece suit? And he’d flirted with her, too. Wasn’t there some sort of law about that?
She groaned again. She had flirted back. But a woman would have to be comatose not to recognize the man’s good looks. “Tall, dark and handsome” definitely fitted him. How could you not notice his thick black hair and those bottomless dark eyes? At about six feet, he had broad shoulders that had no problem filling out his denim shirt. More than likely he worked out in one of those fancy New York gyms.
An alarm went off in Angelina’s brain, and she pulled herself out of her reverie. Reaching for some papers on the desk, she began to straighten the stack. Why was she thinking about things she had no business thinking about? She didn’t daydream about men. There was no future for her in it, hadn’t been for a long time.
The memories weren’t as painful as they once had been when she thought about Justin Hinshaw, her one and only love. A mere four years seemed like a lifetime ago...and she still had her whole life ahead of her. Still, she would never risk her heart again. “So stop thinking about things you’ll never have,” she murmured. “And remember what needs to be done.” First and foremost, she had to never forget that John Rossi ran the company that controlled the future of Covelli and Sons.
The phone rang and she jumped. She reached for the receiver and picked it up. “Covelli and Sons.”
“Ms. Covelli, this is John Rossi.”
A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed it back. “Mr. Rossi,” she choked out. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to confirm a meeting with you and your brothers tomorrow morning. Ten o’clock is my first scheduled appointment. Would that be a convenient time?”
Oh, God. Angelina placed her hand over her racing heart. They were going to get the first shot. “Yes. Ten o’clock will be fine,” she said. “Thank you, Mr. Rossi.”
“Good, I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” he said in his deep voice. “Can’t wait to hear more of your ideas.”
“I’ve got plenty,” Angelina added, but controlled her enthusiasm, managing not to blurt any of them out on the phone.
“I bet you do,” he replied. “Until tomorrow, goodbye, Ms. Covelli.”
“Goodbye.” There was a click in her ear.
Angelina replaced the phone and realized her hands were shaking. He hadn’t called off the meeting. She smiled. “He wants to hear more of my ideas.”
“Who wants to hear what?”
Angelina looked up to see one of her brothers standing in the doorway.
The second Covelli son, Rick, named after his grandfather Enrico, was the bigger of her two brothers. With his hair a little long, and dressed in black jeans and T-shirt, he looked like the town’s bad boy—even more so when he put on his leather jacket and climbed on his Harley-Davidson.
Smiling, she got up and walked across the room. “John Rossi just called. He wants to see us tomorrow at ten.”
“That’s great, Lina.” He hugged her. “But I thought we were going in the afternoon.”
The last thing Angelina wanted to do was explain her impromptu visit today. She shrugged. “Maybe he’s scheduling appointments with all the contractors.”
He grinned. “I don’t care what time we go, I just want the chance to get in to see him. Have you told Rafe?”
“Have you told me what?”
The oldest Covelli sibling, Rafaele, Jr., walked into Angelina’s office. He had on new jeans and a maroon polo shirt with the company logo over the pocket. He was more clean-cut than his brother, with short hair and a freshly shaven face. They both had dark, nearly black eyes and looked a lot like their father. Angelina could see them growing more like him each day.
“John Rossi wants us to meet him at the hotel tomorrow morning,” she said, barely holding in her excitement.
Rafe blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Would I joke about this?” Angelina asked.
“Damn.” Rafe sat down on the edge of the desk. “So we finally did it.” He grinned. “We’re going to get the bid.”
“Of course we are,” Angelina assured him. “I’ve invested too much phone time with Rossi International for our bid to be passed over. I’ve talked you both to death, even sent them pictures of every renovation you’ve ever done. John Rossi wouldn’t dare give this job to another company.”
“Rossi could bring in his own people,” Rick said with a frown. “We’ve only got a foot in the door.”
Angelina wasn’t going to let her brother bring her down. “Well then, tomorrow we go over there and convince him that Covelli and Sons can handle the job.” Her gaze shot back and forth between her brothers. “Come on, you two are the best. And you deserve to have this project.”
Rafe and Rick exchanged a serious glance, then Rick spoke. “Rossi could refuse us because of ... what happened with Dad.”
Angelina closed her eyes, remembering not only the pain of losing her father, Rafaele, in a construction accident, but the humiliation of the false accusations that the company had used substandard materials. “But Dad was cleared. Peter Hardin confessed to setting him up.”
Rick raised a calming hand. “I know, Lina, but sometimes people are still going to believe the worst about us.”
She thought back to her impromptu encounter an hour ago with John Rossi. She had to believe that he was going to give them a chance and at least consider their ideas for the Grand Haven. He simply had to award them the job. It was the only way Covelli and Sons could get firmly back on its feet.
Then Angelina would finally have her independence—and the freedom to find her own career. Since she’d given up on love, wasn’t that all she had left?
Chapter Two
The next morning, John sat at his desk going through paperwork and trying to keep his mind off Angelina Covelli. He tossed two business cards, one for an electrician and another for a heating company, into the trashcan. He would use his own people. It was the only way to insure the job was done right. The Covellis weren’t “his people,” but something told him they could be trusted.
John grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, and went into the lobby. He had a few minutes before the Covellis arrived and he wanted to make a list of renovations, starting with things that needed immediate attention. He took a quick trip around the hotel lobby, and realized just how many things there were in need of repair.
How could anyone let this beautiful place get in this condition? But John already knew the answer to his question. The economy and bad management.
Somehow, though, he would turn the Grand Haven Hotel into a showcase and even make a profit. It would take a few years, but he’d get a return on his investment. Hell, didn’t he love a challenge?
He started toward the registration desk and thought about the hundreds of people who had walked through this lobby. He’d heard rumors of politicians, presidents, even movie stars who had come to Haven Springs for the magical mineral springs.
Behind the desk were rows of boxes that had once held the keys to the nearly one hundred rooms. His excitement escalated. The place needed work, but the basic quality was already here.
Suddenly the front door opened and two men walked in. He saw the family resemblance right away. They had to be the Covelli brothers.
“Mr. Rossi, good morning, I’m Rafe Covelli,” one brother announced as he held out his hand.
John shook it. “Good morning to you,” he said, then turned to the other brother.
He stepped forward. “And I’m Rick,” he said and they shook hands, too.
“Nice to meet you,” John said, but his attention was riveted on Angelina, who had also stepped inside, followed by two other men. His chest tightened as she came toward him.
“Good morning, Angelina,” he said.
She nodded. “Mr. Rossi.”
Today she was dressed more sensibly in a pair of trim black slacks, a white sweater and a deep red blazer. John found he was somewhat disappointed that her dark hair was pulled back in a long braid. Then her clear blue eyes met his, and his pulse began to pound. It wasn’t until Rafe spoke that he realized that he was staring.
“Excuse me, what did you say?” he asked.
“I was just apologizing for being late,” Rafe said.
“No. You were on time. I arrived early.” He had to get back to business. “I was taking some notes trying to get a picture in my head.” He glanced around. “As you already know, the hotel has been neglected for a long time. Think you can handle a job this large?”
Rafe smiled. “Positive. Five been waiting to get my hands on this place.” He waved the rolled-up plans in his hand. “I’ve been working on this project for the past few months. Ever since we heard the Grand Haven had been sold.”
John nodded. He was impressed. Then his gaze fell on Angelina again and he couldn’t seem to focus. He shook his head. She was definitely a distraction. He forced himself to look away. “I guess we...uh, should get started.”
Rafe stepped up. “First I’d like to introduce our cousin, Tony Covelli. He’s our partner and financial advisor. And this is Charlie, our foreman. He has worked several years for us and is one of the best carpenters around. But I want to assure you that Rick and I will be on the job and do the majority of the renovation. We believe that if it has the Covelli name on it, then Covellis do the work.”
“That’s nice to know,” John said and turned his attention to Angelina. She was like the Tuscany sunrise coming over the hills. Hard to ignore. “What’s your job with the company?” he asked.
“I’ve run the office the past two years. On this job, if we get it, I’ll be the project manager.” Her eyes flashed a challenge. “Do you have a problem working with women?”
So she planned on being around. “Not at all,” he assured her and smiled to himself as he thought about his indispensable secretary, Donna, and other highlevel employees at his workplace. “There are several woman executives at Rossi International. I look at it this way. As long as the job is done and done well, it doesn’t matter if it’s handled by a man or a woman.”
“That’s nice to know,” she said.
Angelina wanted desperately to believe him. She needed John Rossi to recognize her abilities. That had been the reason she fought with her brothers so hard to be named project manager on this job. And just maybe by the time the Grand Haven was ready to reopen, she would have impressed John Rossi enough with her qualifications that he would consider her as management material for the hotel.
“Well, how about we tour the hotel and you can tell me your ideas?” John suggested.
Angelina smiled as his deep voice sent warm shivers along her skin. “We’re ready,” she said. “Just lead the way, Mr. Rossi.”
“Please, can’t we be a little less formal and go by first names?”
She nodded, feeling nervous with his coffee-colored eyes fixed on her.
John then glanced at Rafe and Rick. “I want the lobby restored to exactly as it was in its glory days. It’s perfect without any modernization.”
Rafe nodded. “We only need to make room for the computers behind the registration desk. Rick and I worked out a way to hide them.” They walked to the counter and unrolled Rafe’s plans.
Angelina kept her distance and watched the exchange, remembering that yesterday this man was just a stranger in town who had flirted with her. Now he held the future of Covelli and Sons—and her future in his hands.
“Don’t you think that you should be up there with them?” Tony asked as he came up behind her. “I mean, Rossi seems to have precise ideas on what he wants.”
Angelina wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize winning this bid. “Of course.” She hurried to the desk and listened, then began to write down instructions.
Ten minutes later they walked up the stairs to check out the second floor where there were two ballrooms. The largest one had sustained weather damage, and the window frames needed to be replaced, the floors required refinishing and the woodwork would have to be torn out and redone. Angelina took down the details as the men discussed them.
For the next two hours, Angelina followed the men into several of the rooms. She listened intently as John told his ideas on the modifications. He wanted to convert some of the larger rooms to business suites, complete with fax and computer facilities to attract the area businessmen. But he was adamant that the top floor remain as large suites for guests who would be willing to spend the money for the luxury that the Grand Haven Hotel had once offered—and would again.
Finally they returned to the lobby. Angelina was about to head back to the office when Rick invited everyone to lunch at the family restaurant.
John checked his watch, then looked at Angelina. “I guess we’ve been at this a while. Thanks, I could use a break. Angelina, will you be joining us? I’d love to hear more of the ideas you started telling me about yesterday.”
Angelina felt heat rush through her. “Sure. I’ll bring my notes.” She managed a smile, but refused to acknowledge Rafe’s curious look. No way did she want to explain to her overprotective brother what she was doing in a hotel alone with a man.
John read the sign, Maria’s Ristorante. Authentic Italian Food. The converted downtown storefront was homey with its hardwood-and-brick floor. The murals on the walls added atmosphere and color and each table was adorned with white tablecloths and candles.
Lunch turned out to be a family affair—they all took seats at the large table near the bar reserved for Covellis only. Maria Covelli, a petite woman with warm brown eyes, came out from the kitchen and greeted her children and their guest. Rick’s wife, Jill, a young attractive blonde who worked as a waitress, also joined them until the other customers demanded her attention.
Soon the table was filled with baskets of fresh-baked bread and generous helpings of Maria’s lasagna along with a bottle of chianti. While they ate, John, Rick and Rafe discussed the finer details of the project, but John’s thoughts weren’t totally on business, not while Angelina was seated across from him.
At first Angelina let her brothers do the talking, but it wasn’t long before John asked for her input. She felt shy, but knew this was her chance to show her stuff. She pushed ahead with her ideas. “I like your plan for focusing on the business trade, but don’t forget that the hotel made a name by catering to the rich. And if you’re going to make the top floor all luxury suites you need more to offer, something else to draw them. Since people love to be pampered, I believe the underground area would work well remodeled with a new pool, spa facilities and a gym.”
The silence was deafening as she raised her gaze to meet his, and soon the dark depths began to mesmerize her. She glanced away. “It’s just a suggestion.”
John Rossi finally spoke. “Do you think you could write up a proposal for me?”
She swallowed back her excitement and nodded.
He smiled then, too. “I guess your coming by the hotel early was a good idea.”
Angelina froze at the mention of her earlier visit.
“When was this?” Rafe asked.
“Your sister stopped by yesterday afternoon. I think she must have gotten her days confused, that’s all.”
John watched Rafe tense. Strange, they were all equal partners in the family business, but the men seemed also fiercely protective of their sister. Was a real family like this? Was this what he wanted to find out when he decided to come here? That the Covellis were a warm loving family?
How would John recognize a loving family? After his parents had died in an auto accident when he was ten years old, he had gone to live with his paternal grandparents. His grandfather had been obsessive about building the family business. His grandmother, a cold woman who busied herself with society functions, had ignored the little boy under her care.
John had looked forward to summers with his mother’s parents at their vineyard in Italy. However, even though both Nonno Giovanni and Nonna Lia had showered him with attention and love, he’d never once seen them exchange a kind word, or a loving touch. John’s ideas about love between a man and a woman had been formed at an early age, and he had never believed a permanent loving relationship was possible.
He looked across the table at Angelina. His gaze locked on her shimmering blue eyes, then lowered to her luscious mouth. A mouth that made him ache. His body took notice, too, reminding him that he’d been without the company of a woman for a long time. He glanced away, suddenly needing to go outside for some fresh air to clear his head.
Just then, an older woman came walking toward them. Small in stature, she was wearing a black dress and her snowy-white hair was pulled back from her face. It dawned on him who she was—the grandmother, Vittoria Covelli.
When she reached the table, John immediately stood. The Covelli men did the same.
“Nonna,” Rafe said and kissed both her cheeks. “We were wondering where you were.”
She smiled. “I was in the kitchen as always, preparing the food.” Then she turned her attention to John. “And who is this nice young man?”
John held out his hand and grasped hers. “I’m John Rossi, signora. I’m in Haven Springs on business.”
She eyed him closely. “Nice to meet you, Giovanni,” she said, using the Italian version of his name. “What part of Italy are your people from?”
John swallowed. “My father’s family was from Rome,” he answered. “Then, years ago they came to America, to New York.”
Vittoria smiled brightly. “I came to America over fifty years ago... for love. I hope you are able to get back to Italy often.” She looked sad. “Sometimes I miss the old places and the old ways.”
Angelina spoke up. “You should let us send you to Tuscany for a visit.”
Vittoria waved a hand. “Everyone I know is probably dead and gone. No one remembers me.”
“You might be surprised,” John found himself saying. “More than likely there’s a cousin or two still around.”
“Maybe there is.” She cocked her head to the side. “You seem so familiar ... something about your eyes...”
John masked his discomfort. He turned on his best smile. “Could be I’m one of your long-lost cousins.”
Vittoria laughed and patted his hand. “You are a charming young man, Signore Rossi. We will be your famiglia while you are here.”
John felt a tightening in his chest as he nodded.
“You have fed me like family,” he said. “And I want to thank you all for the lovely lunch. Grazie.”
“You’re welcome,” Rick said, shaking his hand.
“And I should get back to the hotel. I have work to finish,” John said, as everyone seemed to crowd around him.
“Where are you staying?” Rafe asked. “So many places are closed around here during the off-season.”
“Just outside of town at the Lone Pine Motor Lodge.”
Rafe frowned. “It’s more like the Lonely Pine Motor Lodge. There probably isn’t another soul around. Besides, it’s nearly twenty minutes away.” The eldest Covelli sibling smiled. “Hey, why not stay in town? We have a vacant apartment just down the street. Since I was married last month it’s been empty. It doesn’t have room service, but there’s a kitchenette and a big comfortable bed.”
“And it’s close to everything,” Jill said, stopping by the table. “Only a few blocks from the hotel.”
Angelina couldn’t help but notice John’s discomfort. Maybe he wasn’t going to give Covelli and Sons the hotel job, and he didn’t want to be indebted to them. No negative thoughts, she told herself. There wasn’t another company around more qualified or talented enough to handle the project. They needed this job. She needed this job.
Angelina spoke up. “There are also two phone lines so you can hook up your computer and fax, and still have one free for incoming calls.”
John looked thoughtful. “I can only take it if you’ll allow me a six-month lease.”
“You’re staying that long?” Rafe asked.
“No, just a month. I plan to be back in New York for the holidays. But my assistant, Mark, will replace me and he’ll fly down intermittently to check on the hotel’s progress. So unless you need a longer lease...”
Rafe grinned. “Six months is fine, but you’re welcome to stay for as long as you need. And it’s ready now so you can move in anytime. I can have the key for you in an hour.”
Vittoria spoke up. “And to welcome you here, I will make you something special to eat.”
John Rossi blinked at the older woman’s kindness. “Grazie, signora.”
One by one, the members of the family began to drift away, but Angelina hung back. “After a while you’ll get used to it,” she said. “They’re all a little pushy, but they’ll grow on you.”
“You don’t need to go to all this trouble,” he said, his dark eyes sharp and assessing. “Covelli and Sons’ work will stand on its own.”
Angelina took a deep breath, trying to control her sudden anger. How dare this man accuse her family of trying to buy the bid? That hurt, and she wasn’t going to let him go without knowing the truth.
“I guess they do things differently in New York, but our hospitality is just that. We have no ulterior motive. We believe our work will speak for itself, Mr. Rossi. We’re just being neighborly, nothing more.”
Angelina turned and marched off, praying she hadn’t blown Covelli and Sons’ chance of getting the hotel job. But, after seeing the surprised look on John Rossi’s face, she decided it was worth the risk.
Later that day, John returned to his motel on the edge of town. Inside his room, he tossed his briefcase on the chair and went to the desk. He grabbed the file marked Covelli and opened it.
He’d done his homework, but he’d still been blindsided when Angelina turned up early at the hotel. He hadn’t expected her, and he had desperately wanted to be prepared. One raven-haired woman with intriguing eyes and a sensual mouth had already distracted him, making him forget the reasons he’d come here.
John drew a deep breath, as a picture of Angelina Covelli appeared in his mind. As his grandfather would say, “such a bella signorina.”
He shook his head and brought his wayward thoughts back on track, turning his attention to the file. He knew that Angelina ran the office at Covelli and Sons. And according to Mark, she’d been enthusiastically pursuing the renovation job since Rossi International had purchased the property early last year.
John sat down in the chair. He had to say he was impressed after meeting the Covelli brothers. And they were experts in the field of restoration. The only other person who might have been better at this craft had been their father, Rafaele Covelli. And he’d been killed in a construction accident over two years ago.
John tossed the manila folder on the desk. How many times had he read over the same file the last four months? So many he had memorized it. But he wanted to know everything about the Covellis. More than he needed to know to hire them for the job.
It was how John Rossi did business. He’d learned it was the safest way to make sure people didn’t take advantage of him. Not only in business—but more importantly, in his personal life.
He glanced back at the file. And this wasn’t just business to him, it was personal.
The phone rang. He leaned forward and picked it up. “Rossi here.”
“Buona sera, Giovanni.”
“Buona sera, Nonno,” he answered. His spirits brightened hearing his grandfather’s voice. “How are you feeling?”
He heard a groan over the line. “I’m an old man. How should I feel?”
John grinned. This was the grandfather he knew and loved. But he was getting old, too old to run the vineyard alone. “Then let me get you some more help and you can retire. Come live with me in New York.”
“I’ve grown grapes all my life. A man needs a purpose .”
“But a man needs some relaxation, too.”
His grandfather sighed. “You should take some of your own advice. You’re always working—and always alone.”
John and his grandfather were close. Though he was raised by his father’s parents in America, John had always felt a special bond with his mother’s family in Italy. Nonno Giovanni had been the one who taught John to cultivate the soil, to nurture grapes for the best harvest. And though John had taken over his American grandfather’s business empire, Rossi International, memories of his summers at the vineyard would always bring him happiness. No matter what the distance, John and Giovanni had fostered their special relationship.
But when John had gone to Italy this past harvest, his grandfather had looked more tired than usual.
“How do you know I’m alone? Have you been sweet-talking information from my secretary again?” Donna Charles had worked for Rossi International for over twenty years. She was invaluable and knew all the ins and outs of the corporate world. But she also talked too much to his grandfather.
“A bella woman, Signora Donna. She only tells me what I need to know. One is that you aren’t taking care of yourself.”
“I could say the same about you,” John argued. “That’s the reason I’m glad you’re coming for the holidays.”
“Sì, and we can argue about this again.”
“You are stubborn, figlio.”
“Something I inherited from you, no doubt,” John mumbled. “I’m looking forward to your visit. In fact, I’m planning on being finished here so we can have a long uninterrupted vacation together.”
“I would like that.” There was a long sigh. “We both spend too much time alone. And before I die I would like to see New York again.”
“You’re not going to die for a long time.” Even though his grandfather was seventy-six, as far as John knew the man was in good health. “I have to get back to work. I will call you next week. Ciao, Nonno.”
John hung up the phone and wondered what he’d gotten himself into. For years he’d seen his grandfather’s misery and always wished he could do something about it
Were they so alike? In a lot of ways, sì. They both had trouble with women and relationships. His Nonna Lia had left Giovanni a few years ago, saying he had neglected her for years. That her husband had always belonged to another.
John had survived his own pain. It had been a few years, but the memory burned in his gut like an out-of-control fire every time he remembered Selina’s betrayal. When he’d met her he had fallen hard and he’d thought everything he’d always longed for was within his grasp. He’d have the family he’d wanted since his parents’ death. Then he discovered that Selina only wanted the prestige of being married to Rossi International’s CEO.
Since then John had given up on love; it seemed a steel-coated heart was a family trait. He would concentrate on business instead.
However, for his grandfather, and to be honest, for himself, John wanted to find answers to questions which had been hanging over his family like a dark cloud for as long as he could remember. What he was looking for could be right here in Haven Springs.
The next morning, John carried his suitcase and laptop up the stairs to the second-story apartment. He used the key Rafe had given him to unlock the door. Once inside he was pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the place. The gray-blue-carpeted living room had a new sofa and two chairs. The kitchenette had a large table where he would have room for his work and still be able to eat. He examined the new cupboards, impressed by the fine detailing that was the Covellis’ signature. Everything they did seemed to show a little extra care.
He went into the bedroom and found a queen-size bed covered with a navy comforter. The bathroom was large and had been completely redone with all new fixtures, including a double shower.
“Not bad.” John opened his computer case, then found an outlet and plugged in the cord. In no time, he had hooked into the phone line and sat down to bring up his e-mail.
A crash from the outside hall drew his attention. “What the hell?” he said, hurrying across the room and opening the door to find Angelina Covelli on her hands and knees, surrounded by grocery bags.
She gasped. “What are you doing here?”
He leaned against the doorjamb, loving the wide-eyed expression on her face. “I believe I rented this apartment.”
She sat back on her heels. “I meant I didn’t expect you to be moved in yet My grandmother asked me to bring over clean linens.” She pointed to the grocery bag. “And a few staples.”
He eyed her fitted jeans and blue sweatshirt—with Angelina nearby what other “staples” could a man need? Angelina was a sweet diversion from business. But he couldn’t forget she was his business. He knelt down and began to help her gather food back into the sacks.
“You didn’t have to bring me anything. I’m capable of taking care of myself.”
“Try telling that to Nonna,” Angelina said. “She insisted that I was to come here early and make sure the apartment got aired out and bring fresh sheets and towels.”
John picked up the bouquet of dried flowers and caught a whiff of their sweet fragrance. He would forever connect this scent with Angelina Covelli. “Was it Nonna Vittoria’s idea to bring me these?”
She glanced away. “They were from my grandmother’s garden. I just thought a little color would cheer up the place.”
“Thank you. No woman has ever given me flowers before.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Just don’t accuse me of trying to bribe you,” she teased, then turned serious. “I want to apologize for what I said yesterday. I was upset because you thought we were trying to get the job by appealing to your stomach with some home cooking. Rafe and Rick don’t need to do anything like that. I guarantee you won’t find better carpenters to restore your hotel.” She raised a hand. “And that’s the end of my speech.”
John smiled. So Angelina Covelli was not only beautiful, but fiercely loyal.
“I know.” He reached out and took her hand and a shock of awareness shot through him. She looked just as surprised as he did. He helped her to her feet, then reached down and picked up the sacks. Allowing her through the door first, he caught a glimpse of her shapely rear-end encased in jeans. Funny, he’d never thought of denim as sexy before now.
John set the bags down on the table, then they began putting things away. Coffee, milk and orange juice. She pulled out a foil-wrapped package.
“Nonna Vittoria made you some orange sweet bread.”
His mouth watered. “Berlingaccio?”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve had it before?”
“I am Italian aren’t I?” he said, but decided not to elaborate on his taste for Tuscany sweet bread.
“Consider yourself special. Nonna doesn’t make her
berlingaccio for just anyone.”
He found he couldn’t take his eyes off her expressive face. “Be sure to tell Vittoria grazie,” he said, then asked, “Would you share some with me?”
She shook her head. “I really shouldn’t...”
John went to the counter and stood next to Angelina. “Please stay. if only to let me apologize for my rudeness yesterday. I’ve found in my business you have to be careful.”
She nodded. “Okay, but only if I make the coffee. And I can put on the fresh sheets while it perks.”
“I’ll help.”
He finished unloading the bags and she put away a loaf of bread, bacon and eggs. He couldn’t believe all the food. In New York his housekeeper prepared a few meals for the week that he could put in the microwave and heat whenever he got home. “I’m not much of a cook. Being single I usually eat out, or have something sent up to the office. So thanks for all this.”
“Well, you’re thanking the wrong person, because cooking isn’t something I excel at. And it’s got Nonna all worried. She thinks I’ll never find a husband. Of course I’ve told her enough times, I’m not looking for marriage, I’d rather have a career.”
“Can’t you have both?”
He caught a sad look in her eyes before she glanced away.
“I’m just concentrating on my career for now,” she said.
John shrugged. “Sounds good.” How had they gotten on this topic?
His gaze moved over her shapely frame and his body came to life. He had trouble remembering what he was saying. He walked over to the table. “I haven’t found any relationships that last,” he said, wondering if she knew what she was doing to him.
“That’s all I see. My grandparents, my parents, even my brothers, all crazy in love.” She flashed that pained look again, then reached for the stack of towels and sheets, and took off for the bedroom.
He followed her. “So, if it runs in your family, why haven’t you wanted to take the plunge?”
Angelina pulled off the comforter and began spreading the bottom sheet over the mattress pad. “Who said I haven’t?”
Interested, he went to the other side of the bed and grabbed a corner of the fitted sheet He watched as her delicate hands smoothed out the wrinkles. “Can’t believe a guy would let you get away.”
She tossed her long hair off her shoulders and looked at him. “It was a long time ago.”
He stood by the bed, totally enticed by the petite woman across from him. He found himself wondering who this man was that put the sadness in her beautiful eyes. How could any man walk away from her? He ached to run his fingers through her silky hair, touch her flawless skin, to kiss... John shook his head. Damn, he was thinking about something he had no business thinking about. “Sorry, I had no right to pry.”
Angelina couldn’t figure out why John Rossi was so interested in her mundane life. She doubted he had spent many nights alone in New York. Women probably flocked to him. Haven Springs was going to be an awakening.
“I think we should keep focused on business,” she said.
That was all Angelina felt she had left. Unlike her mother and grandmother she’d never gotten to marry the love of her life. Justin had died decades too soon. Now all that remained were memories that she could pull out on those dark, still nights when she ached from the loneliness.
“Then I hope you took me seriously about writing up a proposal on your idea for a pool and a fitness center at the hotel.”
“I’ll have it for you in a few days.” She finished making the bed. “I’ve got to go,” she said, then walked into the other room.
John hurried after her. “Aren’t you going to stay for some coffee and sweet bread?”
Angelina forced herself to stop. Big mistake. John Rossi didn’t, and he ran into her. She gasped as her hands connected with his solid chest. He gripped her arms to steady them both, but it didn’t help. Her breathing suddenly grew labored when she looked up at his dark eyes. She couldn’t move.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She only nodded.
“I guess I should watch where I’m going.”
His deep voice sent a shiver of awareness coursing through her, warming her body. The feeling excited and frightened her at the same time. She was definitely out of her league with this man. “I need to get home.”
“You promised to stay for sweet bread, remember.”
She felt the searing heat of his hands on her arms. His grip was strong, but gentle. She managed to free herself when she stepped back. “I don’t think staying is such a good idea, Mr. Rossi.”
He leaned toward her. “John...” he corrected.
“John...” Angelina’s heart pounded in her chest, so loudly she thought he could hear it. She swallowed, wishing she could act sophisticatedly in this kind of situation, but the truth was she wasn’t anything more than a small-town girl. She had to get out of this apartment, away from his alluring eyes. “Goodbye.”
Turning, she swiftly headed toward the door, praying he wouldn’t call her back, because for the first time in a long time, Angelina wasn’t sure what she would do.
Chapter Three
Two days later, John stood in the hotel lobby with the security guard he’d hired that morning when the front door opened and Angelina Covelli came into the lobby.
He stopped and stared as she walked across the room. She was wearing a black print skirt that revealed the curve of her hips. A black jacket hung open over a red sweater that didn’t hide the fullness of her breasts. Her silky hair was worn free and bounced against her shoulders with each step. She was lovely.
“Well, good morning, Angelina,” the security guard said.
She smiled. “Hello, Harry. Are you working here?”
“Yes, he is,” John said as he joined them. He hadn’t seen Angelina in two days, not since she’d run out of his apartment.
“Hello, John,” she said stiffly.
“Good morning, Angelina.”
He couldn’t believe he’d almost given in to the temptation to kiss her the other day. It would be a disaster for him to get involved with Angelina Covelli. Contrary to popular opinion, he wasn’t that much of a jerk. Maybe he should just pack up and let Mark handle everything. But one look at this woman and he knew he wanted to stay. Damn it.
“I felt it best to have someone keep an eye on things since there will be so many people in and out of here the next few weeks.”
“Probably a good idea.”
Just then a messenger came to the front door. “Excuse me for a moment,” John said and went to handle the interruption.
Angelina drew a deep breath and released it. She had the written bid in her briefcase, the ticket to her future—more importantly, the future of Covelli and Sons. She had wanted Rick and Rafe to come with her, but they suddenly had other things to do. Oh, well, she was a big girl, she could handle this.
Besides, seeing John Rossi at the hotel was safe, unlike seeing him at the apartment. She wasn’t going back there. Ever. If something had happened between them, if he had kissed her, she could probably say goodbye to this job—and a future position for her at the renovated hotel.
Angelina looked across the room at John. He was dressed in black dress slacks and a forest-green sweater. She eyed his muscular chest and shoulders as broad as her brothers’. The man had to do more than just sit behind a desk to keep a body like that. Her gaze traveled to his square-cut jaw, cleft chin and deep-set sable eyes. His coal-black hair was perfectly trimmed around the ears with a slight wave across his forehead. He was so handsome....
Stop it! she commanded herself. She never ogled men. Of course, John Rossi wasn’t any ordinary man. Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the business at hand as John walked back to her.
“Is there a special reason for your visit this morning?” he asked coolly.
A little surprised at his curt manner, Angelina reached inside her briefcase and handed him a folder. “I brought by Covelli and Sons’ written bid.”
He took it “That was a fast response.”
“Rafe was working on this long before you came to town. I think you’ll like the ideas he’s come up with.”
John opened the file and studied the first page.
Angelina stood next to him and caught the subtle fragrance of his musk cologne. She was reminded of the last time they were this close. She felt her heart accelerate and quickly gathered her strength and concentrated on business.
“As you can see, I created a chart to reflect the cost for materials and labor, floor by floor. So it will be easier to make any changes or additions you would like.” She stepped back as he continued to read it.
“This is good. Very thorough, Angelina.” He closed the file. “Have you had a chance to work up a report on your ideas?”
“Why, yes. I just wasn’t sure if you were serious.”
He looked stern. “When you get to know me better, you’ll realize I never kid about business.”
She wondered if John Rossi let anyone get close on a personal level—or was he all business. She opened her briefcase again and took out another file. “Neither do I.” She handed him her four-page report. “I discussed some of my ideas with my brothers—only to see if they were structurally possible.”
He gave her a hint of a smile. “You’ve been busy.”
“I take my career very seriously.”
He glanced over her file. “I’m impressed.”
She should have been pleased, but she’d been hoping they could look over some of the proposals now. “The computer makes things easier. If you have any questions...”
The sound of footsteps coming down the staircase caused Angelina to pause. She looked up to find Gus Norton from Norton Construction Company. Oh no. She fought back a groan as he walked toward her and John.
The moment Gus saw her he grinned. “Well, well, if it isn’t Signorina Angelina.”
“Hello, Mr. Norton.” Angelina forced herself to be civil and not announce that Gus Norton was a terrible builder, not to mention a jerk. He had continued to spread rumors about her father, even after his name had been cleared.
“Now, come on, little Lina, we’ve known each other long enough to be on a first-name basis.”
She turned to John. “I better go, Mr. Rossi. Just let us know your decision.”
“So your brothers are turning in a bid, too.” Gus’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure glad you got that mess with your daddy all cleared up. ’Course, he did look mighty guilty for a long time.”
Angelina glared at Gus. “Don’t you dare say a word about my father....”
John cut her off. He stepped between her and the contractor, his eyes fixed, his voice steady, but Angelina could see his hands clenched into fists. “I want to thank you for stopping by, Mr. Norton, but I won’t be needing your services after all.”
Gus looked confused. “But I haven’t given you my bid.”
“I repeat, there will be no need,” John said, remaining steady and cool.
Gus’s gaze went from John to Angelina. “Oh, I get it.” He grinned nastily. “Well, I guess I can’t compete with what she’s offering you.”
It happened in a split second. John grabbed Gus by the shirt and pushed him up against the wall before Norton realized what had happened.
“Look, you piece of scum,” John hissed in a low voice. “I wouldn’t hire anyone who insults a lady in my presence. And if you think you’re not getting the job because Angelina has something special, well she does—her ideas and her brothers’ talent. They have some very good ideas on how to restore this hotel. So far, from you, I’ve heard nothing. I think it would be wise for you to leave.” John released him. “Harry, show him the door.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Rossi,” the security guard said, taking Gus by the arm and escorting him out the door.
John turned to Angelina. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Seeing her fighting tears, he said, “Ah, cara. Don’t waste your time over someone like him.”
Angelina shook her head. “I’m not. It’s what he said about my father. He wasn’t guilty,” she insisted. “His name was cleared. But it still won’t go away.”
John reached out and caressed her face. “Shh, Angelina. It doesn’t matter what that creep said. I know Rafaele Covelli was innocent of all charges,” he whispered.
She looked up at him, her eyes watery. “You do?”
“Yes, I do,” he murmured.
Then John lowered his head to hers, and Angelina realized he was dangerously close. So close he could kiss her, and she wasn’t going to stop him.
But Harry returned. “Mr. Rossi, Mr. Norton is gone, and I told him not to return or I’d call the police.”
With his gaze never leaving Angelina, John said, “Thank you, Harry.”
“Let’s go somewhere to get some fresh air,” John suggested. He noticed Angelina’s panic and smiled. “You can stop worrying, Ms. Covelli. I just want to talk.”
There was nothing wrong with just talking, Angelina decided. She nodded. “I know a place.”
Angelina directed John four blocks to the city park. In silence, they walked through a grove of large maple trees whose leaves were all but gone from the branches. Although the sun was out, autumn was quickly turning into winter.
They continued their leisurely stroll until they reached the fountain. A cherubic angel looked heavenward from the top and water should have trickled down into a round pool below, but the fountain had been shut off for the winter.
Pulling up the collar on her wool jacket to ward off the chill, Angelina sat on the concrete edge. “My dad used to bring me here when I was a little girl. He said he named me Angelina because when I was born, I looked like an angel.” She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Silly, isn’t it? But it’s something I keep in my heart.” She sighed. “Dad’s been gone two and a half years.”
John nodded and put his hands into his jacket pockets. “I know. As policy, Rossi International checks out all companies submitting a bid on every project. I learned all about the trouble you had getting his name cleared after the construction accident.” He sat down beside her. “It must have been hard on your family.”
She looked at him. “There was never a question about my dad’s innocence. Not with us. We knew he’d never use substandard materials on a job. But to exonerate him we had to find the person who did. And thanks to a private investigator everything got solved.”
“Who did do it?”
“The son of a lumberyard owner. He was a drug addict and needed money to support his habit so he sold low-grade materials at top dollar, passing them off as premium goods. He’s in jail now, serving a ten-year sentence for manslaughter. He’ll probably get out on parole in a few years.”
For some reason, John wished he could ease her pain. Strange, he hadn’t even known Rafaele Covelli. But he was getting to know his daughter... too well. “Can you handle that?”
She shrugged. “Nothing can bring Dad back. And Dad wouldn’t want us to make our lives miserable.”
“That’s a good attitude, but it may not always be easy to stick to,” John said.
“Well, we’ve had years of practice with the curse.”
“Curse?”
She nodded. “For over fifty years there’s been a curse on our family. It started in the Second World War when Nonna was promised to one man, but was in love with another...my grandfather, Enrico Covelli.” Angelina shrugged. “The family of the man who was left at the altar put a curse on my grandparents. Ever since, Nonna has prayed that it would somehow end. Whenever something bad happens she feels she’s to blame for it.”
John tensed. “Do you believe in this curse?”
Angelina stared down into the fountain as the wind lifted her hair. “On bad days, it’s easy to use it as an excuse. But I don’t think that my father died because of a curse. Or Justin...” Her voice trailed off, just as John wanted her to tell him who this Justin was.
Suddenly she was smiling again. “There’s also been so many wonderful things that have happened to our family. Like Rick striking it rich in the Texas oil fields and returning home after so many years. Both Rick and Rafe finding love. The success of Mom’s restaurant. The carpentry business coming back around.”
He loved the way her eyes sparkled. How her mouth lifted at the corners. How she chewed on her bottom lip when she was nervous. “Sounds like the Covelli family is doing well. So you have everything you want?”
“Oh, there’s always more to want.”
He knew all about wanting, he thought as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a coin and handed it to her. “Then wish for it.”
She looked at him, then down at the quarter. “Boy, wishes cost a lot these days.”
“Inflation. Come on, make your wish.”
“I’m not a child, John. I don’t believe things happen that easily. Besides, there isn’t any water in the fountain.”
“Details.” He waved a hand. “Maybe it is that easy, and we only make it hard. What’s the harm in asking?”
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