Page 33 of Secret Match
Kiwi next to him made the world sweeter. They headed back through the small hall and toward the staircase. “I hope you don’t mind but I told her your idea, giving you full credit, to the limited edition concept.”
“Yeah?”
“She loved your idea as it builds word of mouth and exclusivity while giving our manufacturers two ways to use similar designs and but different fabrics. One for the limited editions and one for general casual wear where we’ll use cheaper material.”
Once they were on the bottom floor, Gio led her outside to the terrace as he needed to ensure the table was set. His usual maid needed the morning off and the chef wasn’t able to cookandput the food on the table. With usually just him around, he kept the inside staff numbers low, but he’d hire an army to return to work for the house staff if his home became more social as it had been the past few days. He stopped at the library door as she said, “Sounds great, though I need to know what type of materials we’re looking at so I can alter the designs based on the material strength for the limited editions and mass market versions.”
He pointed toward the door where his sister had remained after their meeting and directed Kiwi inside. “Agreed. Victoria wants to talk to you.”
Kiwi opened the door and saw Victoria and Caro were together. She turned toward him, nodded and said, “And Caro was faster than me today, it seems.”
She bounced on her feet again, clearly excited for her meeting. He stepped back, intending to go outside to help his staff. “I’ll leave you three alone.”
She waved for him to join her. “You aren’t coming in?”
Gio leaned forward and claimed her lips in a fast kiss that rocked him to the core. Everything evensmelledsweeter. “She wants to talk to you about including me.”
Her eyes widened like she hadn’t thought about any extra work she’d have and that Gio was likely to be an extra boss. She wrapped one arm around her waist and asked, “Where will you be?”
He motioned toward the back of the house. “On the veranda. I’ll have a nice lunch served for everyone.”
“I’ll find you.” She stood on her tiptoes and then kissed his cheek.
Before he could say anything, she headed into the conference room.
His pulse still buzzed as he went outside. One of the staff had stacked the tablecloth and dishes on one end so he shook out the first dark red tablecloth and started on the first long table.
Setting everything up reminded him of helping his mother for one of her many dinners she’d host and how she required her children to help.
Anthony walked up the veranda steps from the vineyard carrying a basket full of wine from the warehouse. He set a variety of bottles on the table and then helped placing the dishes like their mother had taught them. “You and Kiwi seem happy.”
The afternoon sun was warm and Gio unbuttoned his top button on his shirt as he circled the table, setting the glasses for wine at every seat. “She makes me happy, Anthony.”
Anthony continued with the dishes, working with him. “I wish Jennifer realized she does that for me.”
Gio stopped short. He hadn’t realized his brother might be for real, and actually hurt. “I didn’t know you were in love.”
Anthony balanced the pile of plates in his hand. “Interesting. So you’re in love with Kiwi?”
Love? Gio went back to positioning the glasses properly. “I…” He had no answer so he changed the subject. “I haven’t thought about it.”
“But?” Anthony continued to place plates at all the seats.
Gio liked that they were working together but that didn’t mean Gio wanted to answer his brother’s question. “But what?”
Anthony pressed for an answer. “But do you trust her and want to spend the rest of your life with her?”
Soon his entire family would know the truth anyhow, so Gio straightened and met his brother’s gaze. “I asked her to marry me already.”
“Oh.” Anthony set the last plate and asked, “Is tonight an engagement announcement?”
The knot in Gio’s stomach grew. Perhaps he shouldn’t have said anything. He returned to setting the glasses as he said, “No. She hasn’t said yes.”
“And you let that fly?” Anthony took the forks and knives and began to circle the table, setting them correctly.
“She has a choice in her life,” Gio answered, centering the last glass.
His brother was four settings in front of him. Gio picked up the spoons and began to circle again.
