Chapter 13
I'm holding a glass of limoncello when I look toward the restaurant entrance and see her. I knew Emma would look beautiful in that dress, but no—she's magnificent. I made the right choice.
One-shoulder style with a corset bodice and a skirt with a slit that rides dangerously high when she walks—all in red, a color that complements her pale, smooth skin perfectly, along with her stunning auburn hair and those green eyes that could bewitch any man.
But she's mine. The black shoes make the red pop.
She walks toward me, drawing every gaze as she passes, greeting acquaintances along the way.
James Colin, the restaurant manager, snaps me out of my trance with an unwelcome comment.
“Do you know that redhead, Carter? Could you introduce me? She's gorgeous.”
“If you don't want to lose your job, James, stay as far away as possible,” I say, meeting his eyes.
“Got it, boss. You're a lucky man.” He pats my shoulder.
Emma walks through the room, and when she notices me, our eyes meet.
A waiter offers her a glass of champagne, which she accepts immediately, downing it in one go before grabbing another.
I smirk. My ragazza is nervous. I start toward her but stop when I see Samantha heading her way.
They exchange a few words, then she continues toward me.
“Good evening, gentlemen.”
“Emma, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, boss.”
“You look magnificent, mia ragazza,” I whisper in her ear, kissing her cheek. Her scent floods my senses.
“Isn't anyone going to introduce me to the beautiful lady?”
“James, future manager of my restaurant,” I say dismissively.
“Pleasure to meet you, James.”
“The pleasure is mine. I heard you were responsible for this wonderful project.”
“With help from Carter and Mattia. I didn't work alone—we made a great team.”
“I've told you, the credit is all yours, Emma. Mattia and I just got in your way.”
“She knows she did a perfect job,” I say, looking at her.
“Good evening, gentlemen. Carter, what a pleasure to see you again. Mattia, your restaurant is stunning—from the buffet to the design.” Henry, a friend of Carter's I met a few days ago, joins us. “Did your company handle the project, Carter?”
“Our lead designer is Miss Emma,” he says, gesturing toward her, and Henry introduces himself.
“Miss Emma, if Carter permits, I'm opening a new company and I'd like you to head up the design.”
“Let's schedule a meeting, Henry. We'd be delighted to work with you.”
“Of course. We can talk, and if you already have a vision in mind, that makes things easier.”
“I'll definitely be in touch.”
“Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm going to say hello to some friends who just arrived,” Emma says, heading toward the door. I recognize the furniture team. She lingers there for a while, then makes her way toward the stairs to the private area. I follow her.
“What's my ragazza doing up here alone?” She's facing the window, gazing at the view, and startles when I come up behind her.
“Mattia, you scared me! I didn't hear you come in.”
“I saw you heading this way, so I followed you. I can leave if you want.”
“No, I just wanted a little peace and quiet.”
“It’s packed down there, isn’t it? I didn’t expect so many people to show up.”
“Everyone who was invited.”
“Yes, but there’s always someone who doesn’t show up.”
“But look on the bright side—everyone’s loving it. I heard nothing but compliments everywhere I went.” I sit on the couch and motion for her to join me.
“Sit here with me.” She comes over, and I take her hand and kiss the back of it. “I’ve always enjoyed pleasing clients. Everything here was carefully planned to make them feel welcome. And I’m thrilled it’s going over so well.”
“Yes, everything is perfect. So, what’s the next step?” she says, moving closer. She knows how to be a little devil when she wants to. I pull her onto my lap and she straddles me.
“Accidenti, quanto sei attraente con quel vestito[22].”
Our eyes lock. My hand takes on a life of its own, sliding slowly up her leg—starting at her foot, tracing along the slit of her dress until I’m dangerously close to her center. I stop there. She leans in close to my lips and says,
“Let’s get out of here.”
“I was just waiting for you to ask.”
She stands up and offers me her hand. I take it, and we leave. I ask the valet to bring my car, which arrives moments later. I open the passenger door for her and take my place behind the wheel. We reach my building in no time.
We enter my penthouse. She looks around, admiring the place. I pour her a glass of wine and whiskey for myself. She stands facing the window, and I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her.
“Make yourself at home.”
“Your apartment is beautiful. I expected something more formal, honestly. And this view you have is incredible.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen the one from my bedroom yet,” I murmur in her ear, and I see her shiver.
“You can show me. I love a beautiful view.”
She turns to face me, and I finally kiss her.
God, how I’d been craving those lips. I spent the whole night worshipping her, dying to grab her, throw her over my shoulder, and get out of there—to get her away from all those men.
Wait—me, jealous? Over a woman who means nothing to me?
This isn’t right. We’re only supposed to be each other’s for one night. That’s what I expected.