Page 18 of Winter

Inca was surprised. “Really?”

Raffaelo smiled. “I know it is surprising, but my heart lies in Italy. Tommaso persuaded me to come with him, to open some American clubs as a way to expand the business. Not that it needed expanding.”

“I have to be honest,” Inca said, sipping her coffee. “I’m not someone who goes to clubs.”

Raffaelo’s smile widened. “I don’t blame you. Terrible places.”

Inca laughed at his mischievous smile and the tension in her chest eased a little.

“Hello.” They both turned to see Tommaso watching them from the doorway. Something in his demeanor made Inca’s smile falter, but he came to kiss her temple and sit down with them.

Inca swallowed her sudden nervousness. “Raffaelo was telling me it’s his first time in the States.”

Tommaso smiled. “I think maybe he needs a guided tour from the best guide in Willowbrook.”

Inca smiled at Raffaelo. “I’d be happy to when the weather improves.”

Raffaelo nodded, glancing quickly at his brother. “If you don’t mind, I’d like that.”

“Good,” Tommaso said, seemingly approving, then he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Well, notexactlylike the tour you gave me.”

The meaning in his words was clear, and Inca’s whole body flushed with embarrassed heat. Was this the way it was going to be? Tommaso marking his territory?

I don’t think so, Mister.

Inca gritted her teeth, and smiled at Raffaelo, who, she noticed, was studiously ignoring his brother.

“It’s really no problem. Come by the Sakura soon and we’ll go from there.”

“Thank you, Inca.”

After breakfast, Raffaelo disappeared into the big house and Tommaso and Inca sat in the living room, watching the weather close in. Inca bit her lip, frustrated. “I’ll have to try and get back into town today.”

Tommaso shook his head. “It’s too dangerous, Bella. Stay here for as long as you like.”

Inca sighed. “You are very kind, Tommaso, but I have a life to get back to. I have the business, and I have to start looking for somewhere to live.”

“Oh?”

She told him about the apartment. “It was such a shock, you know? For weeks, I was the only bidder on the place and thenboom. Another buyer slamming in a ridiculous offer at the last minute. It kind of broke my heart. I know that’s ridiculous, but it’s my home, you know?”

Tommaso stroked the back of her neck. “Bella, say the word and I will buy it for you. Just say the word.”

Inca was horrified. “No!No way! My God, did you think that’s why I told you? Believe me, Tommaso …”

“Inca, calm down. I know that wasn’t your reason for telling me. I’m making the offer anyway. Say the word.”

Inca was gaping at him. “Tommaso, we barely know each other. We’re not even in a relationship.”

“We’re not?” His green eyes were soft; they dropped to her mouth in a way that made her belly flutter with desire. Inca relaxed.

“Tommaso, even if we’re at the tentative stages of … something, I’m still not ready for that kind of offer from you, however kind. And it’s unbelievably kind, but no, thank you. I can find somewhere on my own.”

He stroked her hair. “You could always move in here. We have plenty of room.”

Inca smiled at him and kissed him gently. “Again … way too soon, but you are a sweet man, Tommaso.”

He grinned wickedly, his eyes crinkling, and he moved quickly, pulling her onto his lap and tickling her. Inca screeched with laughter. “Oh, you lunatic …”