Читать книгу Modern Romance July 2016 Books 5-8 - Кейт Хьюит - Страница 22

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

HANNAH GAZED AT herself in the mirror, frowning at her pale cheeks and sparkling eyes. She felt both terrified and elated at the thought of the evening ahead, posing once again as Luca’s loving fiancée, and it showed in her face. She had no idea what to expect of this evening, of Luca. Her hopes careened wildly, and it was impossible to keep a leash on them.

Her mother’s eyebrows rose as Hannah appeared in the sitting room. ‘This is a business dinner?’ she asked sceptically, because the emerald-green satin dress hugged her slender curves lovingly and was a far cry from her usual pencil skirt and silk blouse ensemble. She’d bought it on her lunch break, spending far more on a single garment than she ever had before, and she couldn’t make herself regret it.

‘It’s more of a social occasion,’ Hannah hedged.

Her mother’s eyebrows rose higher. ‘A date?’

‘Maybe,’ Hannah admitted, and then added hastily, before her mother got completely carried away, ‘But probably not.’

Almost certainly not, she reminded herself sternly. No matter how much her stubborn heart couldn’t help hoping since she’d seen a softer side of Luca yesterday, Hannah knew tonight was about donning the pretence once more. If Luca acted lovingly towards her, it was because he needed to convince Andrew Tyson, not because he actually felt something for her. And if he did feel something for her...was she even willing to try? To risk her heart again, to lose someone she loved again?

Because Luca Moretti was a dangerous proposition.

The burden of pretending felt heavier that night than it had over the weekend in Santa Nicola. How was she supposed to pretend to love a man she was afraid she already had those feelings for? She didn’t know what part of herself to hide, and what part to reveal. And she didn’t like the thought of deceiving Andrew Tyson again, no matter what kind of history existed between him and Luca. The man was kind, with a genuine desire to see a family man take over his resorts. No matter that Luca had a good plan for the resort, lying was still lying.

Despite these concerns, Hannah’s insides lit up with excitement when Luca’s limo pulled up in front of her house. Jamie was still awake, his face pressed to the glass as he inspected the limo.

‘That is a cool car.’

‘Yes, well.’ Hannah kissed her son’s cheek. ‘Be good for Nana.’

‘I will.’ His gaze was glued on the limo, and Luca’s powerful form as he exited the vehicle and started towards their front door. Hannah’s heart flipped over at the sight of him in a grey business suit with a crimson tie. Why did she react this way to him, when she’d seen him in such a suit dozens, hundreds of times? Her body didn’t care. Everything had changed.

Luca knocked on the door and Jamie raced to open it.

‘Jamie—’ Hannah began half-heartedly, because she hated to dampen her son’s excitement.

‘Did you bring me any cakes?’ Jamie demanded of Luca, and Hannah put a restraining hand on her son’s shoulder.

‘Jamie, don’t be rude.’

‘But of course I did,’ Luca answered with an easy smile, and took a perfectly wrapped mini chocolate cake from behind his back. Jamie crowed in delight. ‘Share with your grandmother,’ Luca advised while Hannah simply stared, dumbfounded.

‘What?’ he asked as he caught her stunned look. ‘Why are you so surprised?’

‘I’m just...’ Hannah shrugged helplessly. ‘I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful.’ Towards her son. He was turning all her preconceived notions on their head, and that was dangerous. Her head was counselling her heart to hold back, stop hoping. Meanwhile her heart was doing cartwheels.

‘That’s quite a backhanded compliment,’ Luca remarked. ‘But I’ll take it.’ His heated gaze scorched her for one breathtaking second. ‘You look amazing.’

‘Thank you.’ Hannah’s breath dried in her throat. He looked amazing too, his eyes burning almost gold in his bronzed face, his lithe, muscular body encased in a superbly cut suit, every atom of him radiating both beauty and power.

‘Enjoy yourself,’ Diane said, a knowing twinkle in her eye, and Hannah decided it was time to get themselves out of there, before her mother said—or she did—something revealing.

‘Thank you,’ she said belatedly, once they were settled in the car. ‘For giving Jamie the cake. You’re practically spoiling him.’

‘I don’t mind.’ He sat back against the sumptuous leather seat, and Hannah eased away from him a little bit, because the temptation was to snuggle closer.

‘So why does Andrew Tyson want to meet us again?’ she asked, determined to keep focused on why they were there together.

‘I don’t know. He simply said he wanted to have dinner with us, to discuss the plans and get to know us better.’

‘Get to know us better?’ Hannah repeated as alarm bells started clanging. ‘But what if he suspects something? We could get tripped up easily enough.’

‘Could we?’ Luca asked softly. His eyes glittered in the darkness of the car. ‘I think we know each other rather well by now.’

Hannah was glad the darkness hid her blush. ‘That may be so, but there are still questions he could ask us, about how you proposed—’

‘On top of the Eiffel Tower.’

‘Luca.’ Hannah’s breath came out in a rush. ‘You know what I mean.’

‘Yes, I know you’re tired of the pretence, just as I am. But tonight will be the last, Hannah. I’m hoping Tyson will announce his intentions for the resorts tonight.’ He glanced out of the window. ‘I need him to,’ he said in a low voice.

Hannah gazed at his tense profile for a few seconds before asking quietly, ‘What is the source of the bad blood between you and Tyson, Luca? What happened, that he doesn’t even know about it?’

‘It was a long time ago.’

‘That’s not an answer.’

‘It’s all the answer I’m going to give.’ Luca hesitated. ‘I’m sorry, Hannah. That part of my life is not up for discussion.’

* * *

Luca saw Hannah’s expression close up and knew she was hurt that he’d put her off. But how could he admit the truth? He’d already revealed enough about his childhood. He didn’t want to invite more pity—or condemnation, for his plans for Tyson. That part of his life wasn’t up for discussion, and neither was it negotiable.

And while his plans for revenge remained crystalline clear, his feelings for Hannah were more confused than ever. He’d surprised himself by going to Jamie’s school yesterday, and then buying the boy a cake tonight. Even more unsettling was the excitement he’d felt at seeing Hannah; she looked amazing in the emerald-green dress that clung to her like a second skin and brought out the golden glints in her hair and eyes. His palms itched to smooth over her curves, to tug down the zip and watch the bright, satiny material fall away.

Nothing had dampened his desire for her, not the discovery that she had a son, not the flat refusal of his offer. In fact, both things made him want her more, which was contrary and frustrating. He’d enjoyed seeing her cuddle her son, and witnessing her obvious love for her child made a powerful ache reside inside him, for what he’d missed as a child himself, but also for what he hadn’t attempted to have as a man. The fact that she’d refused his sex-only offer made him respect her—more than he respected himself. She wanted more from a relationship. She wasn’t afraid to try for it.

But he was.

It was fear, pure and simple, that was keeping him from asking Hannah to have a real relationship. The knowledge was shaming. When had fear ever held him back? He’d brokered huge deals, taking massive business risks. He’d started virtually empty-handed, a twenty-two-year-old fresh out of university with nothing to recommend him but a degree. How could he be afraid now? And not just now, but all along?

He’d thought staying solitary was being strong, but since coming to know Hannah, since witnessing her own particular brand of courage, he wondered if it was actually weakness.

And that thought was the most terrifying of all. Because if he did try just as Hannah had asked him to, if he risked himself, heart and soul, what then? What happened if—when—Hannah walked away from him?

The limo pulled up in front of the upscale restaurant Tyson had suggested for their meeting. Luca glanced at Hannah, the lights from the streets washing over her pale, strained features. She wasn’t looking forward to pretending again, and, God knew, he wasn’t either.

‘Hannah.’ He rested a hand over hers, savouring the warmth of her skin, the comfort of the contact. ‘I promise this is the last time. We won’t have to pretend again, ever, no matter what.’

She turned to face him, her eyes huge in her face. ‘Do you really mean that?’

‘Yes.’

‘What if Tyson asks for another meeting? What if he wants us to come to the opening of the resorts?’

‘He won’t,’ Luca stated flatly and Hannah shook her head, her expression turning wild.

‘But don’t you see, Luca? The pretence never ends. He might be expecting an invitation to our wedding—’

‘He won’t. And in a few weeks or months, we can quietly announce our broken engagement.’

‘Oh.’ She sat back against the seat as if she’d been winded. ‘I see. So I’m thrown over for the next supermodel?’

‘I never suggested such a thing,’ Luca returned sharply. ‘We can make it a mutual decision, or you can be the one to throw me over. I deserve it, after all I’ve put you through.’ And yet the thought made everything inside him clench in denial. They were talking about a fake engagement and yet he still felt rejected. Because he didn’t want to end things with Hannah. Not yet. Not until...when?

He knew he was being ridiculous. It was better to be safe than sorry. Better to be alone and strong than broken-hearted and weak. He’d lived by that. He’d built his life on that knowledge. He couldn’t change now.

Could he?

‘We should go in,’ Hannah said tiredly as she reached for the door handle. She turned her face from him, and Luca felt the loss.

* * *

The excitement Hannah had felt at spending the evening with Luca had fizzled out. She felt tired and sad and strangely empty, and the prospect of pretending for several hours filled her with despair. She didn’t want this. She wanted Luca to love her for real. She wanted to be honest about her feelings, not play this wretched game—and for what? A business deal that was practically pocket change to a man like Luca?

He hadn’t wanted to tell her about his history with Tyson, and his flat, final tone had made her afraid to push. Luca had made it clear she had no rights in his life, even if she wanted them.

The restaurant was quiet and elegant, with each table afforded maximum privacy. Waiters moved discreetly around the room with its frescoed walls and plush carpeting, and the only sound was the tinkle of expensive crystal and silver, the low murmur of conversation.

The understated ambiance reminded Hannah poignantly of that first dinner she’d had with Luca, when he’d bought her clothes and she’d felt gauche and unsure and yet also excited. Before everything had begun. It hadn’t even been two weeks ago, and yet it felt like a lifetime. She felt like a different person, one who had lived and loved and lost.

Hannah told herself she was being melodramatic. Two weeks. You couldn’t fall in love with someone in two weeks, especially when you hadn’t even been looking for love in the first place.

But you’ve known him for three years.

‘Luca, Hannah.’ Andrew Tyson’s melodious voice floated out to them as he stood up at the private table he’d reserved for them in a corner of the restaurant. ‘So nice to see you again.’

Luca’s arm snaked around her waist and he drew her close enough so their hips nudged. Heat stroked along Hannah’s veins at the contact. The attraction she felt for Luca was as potent as ever.

Tyson stuck out his hand for Luca to shake and after the tiniest pause Luca shook it. ‘Andrew.’ His voice was even, businesslike without being friendly.

Tyson kissed Hannah’s cheek and then they all sat down while he had the waiter bring them a bottle of the restaurant’s best champagne.

‘To celebrate your engagement,’ he said with a smile. ‘Among other things. Have you set a date?’

Hannah snuck a glance at Luca, waiting for his cue, and watched as he smiled easily. ‘In the summer. You always hear talk of June weddings.’

June? That was only two months away. Hannah schooled her face into a smile as Tyson turned to her. ‘Will that give you enough time to plan, Hannah?’

‘Oh, I think so.’ Her smile felt as if it were stretching like a rubber band across her face, ready to snap. ‘With Luca’s contacts, things can happen quite quickly.’

‘Oh, I’m sure.’ Andrew gazed at them both speculatively, and Hannah tensed, wondering if he suspected. What if Daniela had whispered something into his ear? Then his face relaxed and the waiter popped the cork on the champagne, and then Andrew raised his glass of bubbly in a toast.

‘To marriage,’ he said. ‘And family. And true love, of course.’

‘To all three,’ Hannah said as gamely as she could, and they clinked glasses.

‘Are you planning on having a family?’ Andrew asked. ‘I know that’s a personal question, but—’

‘We both want children,’ Luca cut in swiftly. ‘Two or three, at least. I prefer an even number.’

‘Why not four, then?’ Hannah suggested a bit tartly. This from the man who had told her less than an hour ago that he didn’t want children at all.

Luca slid her a burning glance. ‘Four it is, then.’

And just like that she imagined a dark-haired baby in her arms, a toddler on Luca’s shoulders, which was idiotic. This was pretend.

‘Good thing they come one at a time,’ Andrew said with a laugh. ‘Generally speaking.’

They ordered their food then, and Hannah tried to relax. Tried not to take every smiling glance or casual caress that Luca gave her like a dagger to the heart, but they hurt all the same. Because he was only acting for Andrew Tyson’s sake, and yet no amount of reminders could keep her body from responding, her heart from yearning.

When he held her hand throughout the first course, and gave her a bite of his dessert as he smiled into her eyes, and referenced an in-joke she hadn’t even known they’d had...all of it made her feel a potent, impossible mixture of hope and despair. This wasn’t real, she knew that, and yet it felt real. She wanted it to be real.

By the end of the evening her nerves were well and truly frayed. Andrew had remained jovial, Luca loving. Hannah had been the only one who had seemed to feel the strain.

As they were settling the bill she excused herself to go to the ladies’. She needed a break from the play-acting. In the bathroom mirror her face looked pale, her eyes too dark. She touched up her make-up and tried to find a smile. Not much longer now, a thought that brought both relief and disappointment. As soon as they left the restaurant, would Luca revert to his normal, businesslike self?

Luca and Tyson were shaking hands as she came out of the bathroom. ‘I’ll be in touch soon,’ Tyson promised.

‘Has he not told you for certain yet?’ Hannah asked as they left the restaurant for the waiting limo. Luca opened the door for her before sliding in beside her.

‘Not yet, but I think it’s almost certain.’

‘Why did he want to see us?’

‘To make sure he’s making the right decision, I suppose.’

The limo pulled away from the kerb and in the wash of streetlights Hannah saw the lines of tension bracketing Luca’s mouth and eyes.

‘At least it’s over,’ she said quietly.

He glanced at her, a frown pulling his eyebrows together. ‘You didn’t enjoy it.’

It was a statement, and one Hannah couldn’t contradict, at least not completely. ‘I’m tired of pretending,’ she said. ‘You know that.’ But that wasn’t the whole truth, and the events of the evening, as well as the past couple of weeks, compelled her to continue. ‘But it’s not just that. I don’t like pretending, Luca. With you.’ She took a deep breath and turned away so he couldn’t see the tears sparkling on her lashes. ‘It hurts.’

Luca was silent for so long Hannah was afraid she’d appalled him with her honesty, and yet she felt too sad to be embarrassed. This hurt past mere humiliation.

‘Hannah.’ He cupped her cheek in his palm, turning her face so she was looking at him. He caught the tear trembling on her lash with his thumb. ‘Don’t cry. I can’t stand it if you cry.’ His other hand came up to cup her face, and his voice came out on a groan. ‘I can’t stand the thought of hurting you,’ he said, and then he kissed her.