Page 25 of Secret Match
Without thinking, Kiwi pulled him down and hugged him. “I’m sorry.”
“She’d have liked you.” Gio ended the hug.
If only. A small doubt acted like it was coal on Christmas morning in her mind. Most mothers weren’t looking for someone who put work above family. “Why?”
Other Morgans stepped out of their town cars and limos that now jammed the driveway like she and Gio were hosting an award show. Victoria, Caro and their husbands, Colt and Luke, came out of one. The last car had her best friend, Serenity, and her husband, Damien. Gio said, “She always told me to find someone who’d encourage my passions, not force me to change.”
“She sounds wise.” Her own mother said to count every dollar and make sure she had more than she needed for when the bad times came.
Gio’s expression grew more serious when he said, “In most things, she was. How she ended up with my father, I have no idea.”
Kiwi had watched that funeral for Mitch Morgan, more elaborate than that of a president, without realizing how closely aligned her own life would be to the people on TV.
She carried Mitch Morgan’s grandchild in her belly.
Anthony turned toward them, and his shoulders slumped as he asked his brother, “Did you know they were coming this evening, Gio?”
Her entire body stilled as Gio said, “Not exactly, but I told you already they were invited.”
“You didn’t say tonight.” Anthony pointed with disgust. “Peter Morgan is right there, on your lawn.”
Kiwi glanced at Anthony, who had a vein throbbing on his forehead. She swallowed and turned toward the grass, but the movie star and the billionaire were gone. She stared up at Gio’s handsome profile. “Where did they go?”
He kept her at his side. “They walked over to the fountain, still talking.”
Gio kissed her cheek and went over to his guests while she waited with Anthony. He said, “Jennifer demanded I leave them alone.”
Cold goosebumps went up and down her body. Anthony seemed to genuinely care. Gio rushed up the stairs to join them as the Morgans spoke with staff about their bags. Gio quickly said, “Let’s order dinner and arrange happy hour. I’m sure once things are sorted, everyone will want to sit down together.”
Nobody argued, which was good. Kiwi turned to go but Anthony remained on the porch. If he stayed outside watching Peter and Jennifer, would there be a problem? “Anthony, come with us.”
The moment they walked back into the house and headed toward the kitchen, Anthony told his brother, “I should have taken Jennifer and run the moment you arrived.”
“I told you to leave.” Gio’s tone was defensive.
Anthony stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. “Yes, you did.”
If he had, the rest of the Morgans would have still interrupted thanks to her own texting. Her face heated that she’d put Gio in this position. Perhaps if she helped Anthony, she’d fix this. Gio forgiving her that easy had been a blessing and she’d not make another mistake like that. “Anthony, don’t you want a woman who loves you and only you?”
“Adoration is preferable, yes,” Anthony said while Gio left her alone to talk to his staff.
Another sliver of cold rushed into her brain—she’d caused this drama, and it was up to her to help Gio keep peace in his own family. She bit back her retort on love versus adoration. Maybe if she and Gio worked out, then she’d truly believe in happily-ever-after. She took a deep breath before she offered her opinion. “Jennifer talks about Peter all the time, Anthony. When we arrived, she asked me about him.”
“I see.” Anthony glowered.
She pressed her lips together, unsure what else to say—she didn’t want to be hurtful. “Gio wants to see you happy.”
Gio turned toward her, finished talking with his staff, and warmth filled her at the caring for her in his eyes.
Anthony shrugged. “Jennifer is a beautiful woman to have on my arm.”
“Do you want beauty or love?” she asked as Gio wrapped an arm around her waist.
Anthony’s frown grew more intense as he eyed them. “Why do I have to choose? Gio didn’t.”
Gio kissed her cheek, and she was sure she must have burned right through her face because she was hot as he said, “Dinner is ordered and drinks are being prepared. Let’s go check on our guests.”
All three of them left the kitchen. Outside the evening sun was now almost orange and left a beautiful hue of light across the vineyard. She turned toward his brother as once again Gio took off to greet the Morgans gathered in the foyer. She waved at her best friend, Serenity, but held back. “Anthony?”
