Page 9 of Secret Match
Victoria had said the same thing when she’d been making offers with her lawyers.
Kiwi tapped her knee and ignored how her nerves were electrified by Gio’s presence. “That doesn’t answer the question.”
His eyebrow arched as the driver pulled into a hotel with a restaurant inside it. She could see people sitting outside under umbrellas in the back, near the ocean as he said, “It’s why Victoria thought it was okay to use my trademark.”
He really thought that? Kiwi had seen Victoria’s crestfallen face the day the lawsuit had started. She was usually good at reading people. “Victoria didn’t know.”
“Pfft.” Gio scooted out the door and offered his hand to her. She followed, without accepting his help as he said, “I’ve been having fashion shows for years.”
True. She’d stayed out of the Morgan versus Morgan lawsuit though she probably should have Googled the Italian CEO. Kiwi walked beside him with one arm crossed over her waist. “For men. I’ve never seen men’s designs go through our office, except once.”
“When was that?” He told the maitre’d his name.
They were immediately escorted to a private dining room with an unencumbered view of the blue waters of the Atlantic. Kiwi quickly noted the waves and white beaches outside were a direct contrast to the dark intimate table with dim candles. “Caro’s wedding—she dressed her brother, father and brothers-in-law. She spent more time on those suits than she wanted, and those designs have never been for sale,” Kiwi said.
He held her seat for her at the round table covered in white linen. Plush navy blue carpeting in this room that overlooked the bay made her feel like they were royalty. “Or they were stocking up on direct competition.”
She folded her napkin on her lap and waited for him to sit next to her. “You don’t trust your family.”
He folded his napkin the same way she had and glanced at the menu that was placed on their plates. “Why should I? We don’t know each other.”
She scanned the menu that had no prices. She’d never eat here without knowing how much things cost but this wasn’t her choice of restaurant, so she picked out the rosemary chicken. “But you signed the papers to merge.”
He tugged his right ear and then leaned closer to her with a grin on his face. “To see if we’re compatible—it’s two weeks. Now, if you’re part of the deal I get then I’m more likely to sign.”
Her entire body stilled. She belonged to no one. “I’m not a bargaining chip and I’ve no desire to be.”
He winked and left his hand on the table, close to hers. “Then I’ll have to win you another way.”
Now her heart beat again. Memories of that passionate night collided in her mind with what was happening now. “Win me?”
He lowered his voice, which was already hypnotic, but at the lower pitch somehow became even more compelling. “You’re the sexiest woman I’ve met in years—I only want the best of the best.”
A huge grin grew on her face and she didn’t bother to hide it. “That’s your ticket.”
“My ticket?” he asked as the waiter came in.
As in Paris, his words swept her off her feet. She quickly said, “Yes. Keep saying things like that and make me believe it.”
They ordered lunch though Gio insisted on splitting a bottle of wine and she amended it needed to be non-alcoholic, claiming she was still on the clock.
And while it was true that her boss was his sister and Victoria would exempt today if she even noticed—this was actually about Kiwi’s unborn baby. How to tell Gio?
Once the waiter left, Gio shifted toward her and he smelled like oak trees, reminding her of her favorite spot she’d hike to back in college to escape reality and dream of design. He’d offered her an escape as well. “So,” he said, “it’s possible to win your affections and loyalty. What if I offered a job where you join my team and design men’s shoes?”
“No thanks.” She laughed as the waiter brought the wine and salads. “Heels are prettier. Besides, your sister convinced me to design professionally instead of working as an accountant. She gave me a chance.”
The waiter served the wine while Gio said, “Sexy, talented and good with numbers. Is there something you’re not good at, Ms. Washington?”
Her cheeks felt hot, so she waited until they were alone and checked her hair in the huge mirrors that hung on the other side of the room. She gave him a shy smile. “Yeah, men. The flattery you throw at my feet should be just words, but with you, I want to believe them.”
He took her hand and kissed it, holding it near his face as he said, “Or, your soul knows already what your brain needs to understand.”
She didn’t dare move. Her body warmed just by being near him. “What does that mean?”
He pressed her palm to his slightly rough jaw. “I have to go to a family party tonight. I’d prefer to go with you on my arm.”
Serenity had been right. The Morgans planned a get-together. She put her glass of wine down and lowered her lashes. “You want me to go to Starr Island and join the House of Morgan family dinner?”
