Kayla’s mouth gaped before she caught it and forced her lips together. “Is that really what you think?”
He nodded. “Pretty much.”
“But why?”
“Well, I can’t see what a royal couple would find so endearing about Monte Calanetti. I think everyone, including my brother and sister, are getting worked up over something that will never happen.”
“I don’t understand. If that’s truly what you think then why go to all of the bother to delay your return to New York and work on a campaign that you’re certain will fail?”
He shrugged. “It’s an obligation that I owe them.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I owe it to Nico and Marianna—you know, for skipping out on them. For letting them fend for themselves with parents who were more wrapped up in their marital drama than worrying about their children.”
“I’m sorry—”
“Don’t be. I didn’t tell you any of that so you’d feel sorry for me. In fact, I don’t know why I mentioned it at all.”
“I’m glad you did. I’d like to think that we’ve become more than coworkers.” When she met his drawn brows, she realized that she’d said more than she should have. “I...I don’t mean about the kiss. I just thought we might be friends, too.”
A wave of relief washed over his face easing the stress lines. “I would like that.”
“You would?”
Slowly he nodded, and then a smile tugged at his lips. “Yes, I would.”
She couldn’t help but smile back. She noticed how the worry lines bracketing his eyes and mouth smoothed. She’d never seen him look so worried before. Why would that be? He was amazing at creating winning pitches. He was amazing in a lot of ways.
Realizing that she was staring, she turned away, but by then, her heart was beating faster than normal. Images of the kiss they’d shared clouded her mind. She’d tried to put it out of her head, but the memory kept her awake late into the night. What had it meant? Had it meant anything? Because there was no way that a wealthy, successful businessman who could have his choice of women would fall for his assistant.
Kayla reached for a tall, cool glass of iced tea. “Would you like something to drink? I could go and get you something.”
“Thanks. But I’m all right.” He looked at her as though studying her. “Can I ask what direction you think the wedding pitch should take?”
“Really?” She sat up straighter. “You want my input?”
He nodded. “I thought you might have some ideas that I hadn’t thought of.”
“I do...have ideas, that is.” She struggled to gather her thoughts.
“I’m listening.”
She’d done a lot of thinking about this—probably too much, considering she hadn’t even been invited to help with the royal pitch until now. “I’m thinking that regardless of whether they go big or small, they’re going to want elements that play into an elegant yet traditional event.”
“That’s true. If they wanted a contemporary feel, they certainly wouldn’t come to Monte Calanetti.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“What’s bothering you?”
“I’m just trying to figure out why this village made the short list for the royal wedding. I mean, there’s nothing special here. I’ve gone round and round with this, but I still have no answer. It’s not like it has amazing history like Rome or the heartbeat of the nation like Milan or the stunning architecture of Venice. This is a little, old village.”
“And it’s tripping you up when you’re trying to come up with a unique pitch.”
Angelo hesitated as though he wasn’t sure whether or not to confide in her. Then he sighed. “Yes, it’s giving me a bit of a problem. No matter which way I go at it, I just can’t find that special quality that will put Monte Calanetti head and shoulders above the other locations.”
Kayla smiled and shook her head. “You just don’t see it because you take this place for granted. It’s your home, but to outsiders, it’s something special.”
His gaze met hers. “You think it’s special?”
She decided a neutral stance was best. “I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“Then how can you tell me that I’m blind to what’s in front of me when you haven’t even made up your mind?” His voice held a disgruntled tone.
She smiled, liking the fact that she could get past his polished persona and make him feel real genuine emotions. “I mean that I need to see the village.” When he opened his mouth to protest, she held up her hand, stopping him. “And driving straight through it to get to the hotel does not count. It was more of a blur than anything.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that tomorrow you and I will start exploring Monte Calanetti. You can tell me all about it. You know, the little things that a tourist wouldn’t know—the parts that make the village special.”
“Don’t be too disappointed when it doesn’t live up to your expectations.”
“I think you’ll actually end up surprising yourself.”
His gaze narrowed in on her. “You really want to walk all through the village?”
She nodded. “If you want to come up with a winning pitch to make all of the citizens, not to mention your brother and sister very happy, you’re going to have to see it differently.”
“I’m not sure that’s possible. But if you insist on it, I will give you the grand tour.”
“I would like that.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised to swing by my brother’s villa. He wants to show me the latest improvements at the winery.” He got to his feet. “Of course, if you’d like to accompany me, you’re welcome.”
Kayla glanced down at her rather sparse list of notes. “I think my time would be better spent here doing some research.”
“You’re sure?”
She nodded. “I am. But thank you for the invite.”
The truth was, she and Angelo were getting along a lot better than they had in the office. She’d been working for him for weeks now and they’d only ever addressed each other with mister and miss, but now they were on a first-name basis. And then there was that kiss...er...no she wasn’t going to think about it. No matter how good it was or how much she wished that he’d kiss her again—
Her thoughts screeched to a halt. Did she want him to kiss her again? She turned to watch his retreating form. His broad shoulders were evident in the linen suit jacket. His long, powerful legs moved at a swift pace, covering the patio area quickly.
