Italian Billionaire’s Marriage of Convenience
Prologue
1 year ago.
“Theo, soon you will be leading Morelli Shipping into the future. You know what this means.”
Theo sat in a matching chocolate leather club chair across from his father, looking older than ever, as the chair dwarfed him. Theo nodded because he did know what it all meant. Soon Theo would be taking over as CEO of his family’s billion dollar shipping empire. But before that could happen he would spend time overseeing the American hub of Morelli Shipping in Boston. It was standard for every Morelli that stood at the head of the sturdy oak conference table. His father, grandfather and even his great-grandfather had spent years in Boston learning the business while getting a crash course in executive leadership.
He was happy…in theory. This move was the culmination of years of hard work, of putting nothing before Morelli Shipping, of being his absolute best one hundred percent of the time. In reality this move just made one thing crystal clear: his life would always be this way. The stress, the hours, the travel associated with being the head honcho of Morelli Shipping meant longer hours, more travel and the continuation of insignificant relationships that served only one purpose.
His father, Teodoro, had been married to his mother for three decades, and their relationship appeared to be stronger than ever. But this job didn’t give a man enough time to meet a woman who wanted him for more than his money. It didn’t allow time to foster a loving relationship that could withstand the pressures of his job. In fact, Theo had assumed he’d be happily married by this point. Maybe even with a few kids on the way.
Instead he’d let the money and the power go to his head, sleeping with the wrong women. Spending his time with the wrong women. Hell, spending his money on the wrong women. As he wrapped up his life in Italy he couldn’t help but think that maybe he had already found the woman he was supposed to spend his life with. And like young men are wont to do, he’d foolishly let her go.
Maybe the gods would reward him in America. Perhaps all the stars would align and reward him for years of hard work and meeting his familial obligations and he would run into her again.
Chapter 1
Amber Douglas sat behind her father’s old rickety wooden desk that had more scratches and dents in it than her old wooden chest that had traveled the world. Papers burst out of every drawer, while pens and coins rattled around every time she pulled a handle. Big cardboard boxes took up every free inch of space in her tiny basement studio. It was the only apartment she could afford, and not for long if she didn’t find a job soon.
In addition to the cumbersome desk and overflowing boxes was the stack of colored envelopes with bright red words like “Urgent” and “Overdue” and “Final Notice” printed on them. These envelopes were responsible for her sleepless nights and the acid eating away at her stomach. These envelopes didn’t care that her father, whose name was on every single one of them, was no longer around to pay those debts. They still expected to be paid, and they expected her to be the one to pay them. And she would…as soon as she got a job.
The problem was she lived in Boston, home to about a million different colleges and universities. Here her English degree was useless, even if it did bear the prestigious Harvard name. The problem wasn’t so much the degree or the area of study. The problem was her work experience, or lack of. Her plan when she’d finished her degree had been to start a graduate program in Journalism, but her father’s sickness had gotten worse and worse. Instead of becoming a first-class journalist, she’d become an expert in homemaking and nursing the sick.
She hadn’t even had time to find a guest writing gig on a blog or a local newspaper, because she’d dedicated the last three years of her life to her father. To making sure his last few years on Earth were the best possible, as the cancer slowly ate away at his body. She’d hosted parties for his retired army buddies and other retired military members. She’d kept the house neat and tidy and invited the friends he’d made during chemo over to visit him regularly. She’d become a regular Suzy fucking Sunshine, and now she was orphaned, unemployed and alone.
Amber never would have imagined—in her wildest dreams or worst nightmares—when she was a young girl with stars in her eyes that she’d be sitting in front of an outdated laptop searching for jobs as a maid. An expensive Harvard education, and all she was qualified to do was keep a house. Since she wouldn’t be anyone’s wife or mother anytime soon, she would put her skills to use in someone else’s home.
It was bad enough her father was gone and she was alone. But knowing that all of her father’s sacrifices had been for nothing, that she’d made absolutely nothing of herself, made her sick to her stomach. She had achieved nothing, accomplished not one thing she’d set out to do other than finish college. And now she sought work as a maid. There was nothing wrong with being a maid; it was an honorable way to earn a living. It just wasn’t what she wanted for her life.
With no other options, Amber sent her resume to several domestic job agencies and hit the online job boards.
So this is what rock bottom feels like, she thought as she clicked the button asking if she would accept a live-in position.
***
“I don’t believe this.” Theo sat back in the plush black booth of Candor, the hottest new restaurant in Boston. He’d just finished a call with his publicist, and the news she’d given him was neither welcome nor appreciated.
“What’s wrong, Theo?” Gianluca looked at his friend, olive skin now pale, and brown eyes blazing with fury. He’d never seen him look so shaken. “Tell me!”
Gianluca’s loud words brought Theo out of his daze. “What? Oh, that was my publicist.”
He sneered. That woman had a stick permanently wedged up her ass, and she was determined to turn his friend into a drone. “And what fresh hell has she designed for you?”
Theo shook his head and sighed; disbelief warred with anger. Nope, anger was definitely his primary emotion. “Apparently, I, Antonio Morelli III, have been chosen as Back Bay magazine’s ‘Biggest Tool.’” Saying the words left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he was so angry he wanted to purchase the magazine company just to have the satisfaction of shutting it down. But now with the magazine hitting stands tomorrow, the public might view that as bitter and vindictive.
“You? But I’ve worked so hard for that title!” Gianluca sat back with a derisive chuckle. “I guess I’m old news now that a brand new Italian billionaire has moved to the city.” His mock hurt expression made his friend life just as he’d intended. “I’ll bet this is the work of that succubus Johanna.”
Theo let his friend’s words sink in and realized that must be it. He was guilty of loving and leaving a significant number of women – that much was true. But these women lined up for a chance to bed or wed a billionaire, so he didn’t feel any sympathy for them. He never made any promises to the women he took out for a night and enjoyed a few hours between the sheets with. If they read more into the situation, that was on them. “I just don’t get it.” He shook his head thinking about Johanna, Features’ Editor for Back Bay. She was a beautiful woman, but her desire for a rich husband outweighed her desire to even be a decent bedmate, and he’d bored of her before he’d reached his climax.
Gianluca laughed. “This is a ridiculous title, Theo. I hope you know that. This is just a way for the society women to get digs into the wealthy men who refuse to settle down.”
He knew there was truth in Gianluca’s words, but it also ate at him. He never hurt women, at least not on purpose. He felt that being up front about their expectations he could avoid hurting women looking for more than he could give. Judging by what his publicist had to say, he’d been wrong. Apparently he was a tough nut to crack, according to one of the anonymous women quoted in the article. To Theo that was a compliment. Being difficult to read was a highly sought after skill in the business world, one which had served him well over the years. But to women, he came across as distant and uncaring. “But I’ve never made any promises to these women.”
Gianluca shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. Even if the succubus does a retraction, it’ll be printed somewhere near the classifieds section.”
His phone pinged, and he picked it up. “I have the article.” His publicist had come through, and he scanned the article. “Apparently, I am quite a skilled lover, with a great body, and I give priority to a woman’s pleasure. So far, so good,” he said and exhaled.
Gianluca scoffed. “That’s where you’ve got it wrong, Theo. Worrying about their orgasms is what makes them think you really do care.” He put on a falsetto voice. “You just haven’t found the right woman to settle down with.” He punctuated his words by batting his eyelashes. “It’s all crap, man. These women are relentless and vengeful.”
Theo now had a real appreciation for Gianluca’s disdain for women. He’d been painted as a bad guy for no reason other than he hadn’t chosen any of the gold diggers to be his wife. “Well, I’m not going to give into this trash. I’m ignoring all press requests, and I’ll refuse to talk about it.”
“Good luck with that. Your publicist will come up with some scheme to make you appear like Mr. Perfect for the public. Besides, since when is it bad business for a wealthy man to sow his oats?”
Those words made him cringe. Sure, Theo had sewn his oats for quite a while, but compared to Gianluca, he was practically a saint, and he told his friend as much.
Gianluca chuckled and finished his scotch, lifting his hand for another. “True, but compared to the average man, your list may as well be as long as mine, friend.”
“Shit.” He grumbled and waved their waitress over. She set the scotch in front of Gianluca, blushing when he threw her a wink. “I’ll have a shot of your best tequila. Make it a double, please.” She scurried away with a tight smile on her face.
“She’s a cute little thing, isn’t she?” Gianluca licked his lips and ran a few fingers through his light brown hair; hazel eyes lit with the fire of newfound lust.
“She’s a child, Luca.” He shook his head at his friend, equally amused and disgusted.
“She’s at least twenty-one if she’s working at this establishment. You know James wouldn’t risk it.” He meant their friend James who owned Candor along with several other top-rated restaurants.
“True. Just be careful.”
“I always am, Theo.” He purposely misunderstood his friend. “I have no desire to curb my appetite for the sake of American puritanism. If I feel the need to settle down, it’ll be because I want to. Not because husband hunters have shamed me into it.”
He made a good point, but Theo did want to settle down. Just not with the wrong woman.
Chapter 2
Finally, Amber thought, things were starting to look up. Her luck had begun to change. After a week of scouring job boards and interviewing with potential employers, she’d felt worse than when her job search had begun. Her first interview had been with a wealthy, childless couple looking for a maid to clean their enormous mansion every day except Sunday. She’d thought things had gone well, but the representative at the agency told her they were looking for someone older and less good-looking. One older woman had been terrified Amber would steal from her, but at least she’d told her to her face.
Pretty much all six of the interviews had been some variation on those two themes. She was too young and pretty for homes with a husband or boyfriend and too black for the others. But a late night job searching session had yielded something; she just didn’t know what yet.
The ad was short and sweet. Full-time maid needed for the residence of A. Morelli. Of course it wasn’t her Theo, but it still had to be a sign, didn’t it? She hadn’t thought about that name since her father had died and her life had fallen apart. But she could never permanently forget Theo Morelli and the most magical nine months of her life.
Life was perfect, even if it would be her third school is as many years. This time though, she was in Italy! She would spend the year indulging in fresh pasta, rich sauces, refreshing gelato and flirting with hot Italian guys. She would get a chance to study a beautiful language and explore the beautiful architecture and art that Florence had to offer.
She was used to moving. Switching locations without much notice and making friends with a new group of strangers wherever she went. This time Amber’s father had been worried because the school on the military base was over capacity and unwilling to add more students. Luckily, there was an English-speaking school nearby, and it was within walking distance of the Army base. She would get to walk to school on her own and meet a bunch of students from around the world who spoke her language. As excited as she was, Amber knew the ritzy private school was expensive, but the U.S. government had decided to foot the bill for their mistake. She didn’t stop smiling for three days when her father told her the news.
She felt the magic happening, and Amber knew that this year would be different than all the others. She couldn’t say why, but she knew being at this school for her senior year would change her life.
And it had been a magical year full of happiness, friendship, success and even love. She had fallen in love with the most beautiful boy she had ever met, inside and out. He was handsome in a boyish way. He had a sharp mind and a witty sense of humor. He was the first boy she had ever loved, and she feared he just might be the only boy she would ever love. With his love and support she graduated near the top of her class, which gave her the credentials she needed to get into Harvard. He was perfect, and he was perfect for her.
When graduation night rolled around she felt bittersweet. Her life would be changing very soon. She would leave and head back to the United States to start her freshman year at Harvard. The problem was Theo’s future wasn’t as clear cut. It was expected that he would join Morelli Shipping, but he wasn’t sure if that was what he wanted. So the night of their graduation party was truly bittersweet.
Theo held her hand the entire night, planting kisses on her lips, cheeks and neck whenever they had a moment to themselves. They’d both had a few glasses of wine and were ready to be alone. “Let’s get out of here cara, I have a surprise for you.”
Her smile was big and bright; her heart beat a tattoo in her chest. “Oh, what is it Theo? You have to tell me!” She grasped his hand and held it to her heart, completely love struck.
He dropped a kiss on her mouth as they walked down the dimly lit streets. “I don’t want to tell you, Amber. I want to show you.” He pulled her along until they were in front of an apartment overlooking Fiume Arno and then led her up the stairs. Candles were lit on every surface, soft music played and wine chilled in a bucket of ice.
“Oh, Theo this is amazing!” She flung her body at him, almost knocking him down in the process.
He smiled at her, clumsily caressing her cheek. “I wanted tonight to be special. Memorable.” He pulled her in for a soft kiss that quickly turned intense before he pulled back. “Our future is uncertain, and I wanted us to have this, tonight.”
Her breath caught at the sweetness of his words, and she leaned in slowly until her lips pressed against his. “That sounds perfect.” She pressed her body against his, the heat between them starting a slow fire that would burn well into the night. She couldn’t wait, didn’t want to wait. What she wanted was Theo, was to feel him on top of her, inside of her. This wouldn’t be their first time together, but tonight would be different. “Theo, please,” she begged, while her lips and tongue worked his neck.
Theo groaned at the sensation of her tongue as it ran up and down his neck. He trembled when her eager fingers unfastened his buttons and brushed against his skin. Her tongue swiped the brown discs, back and forth, until his nipple beaded in her mouth. “Amber.” All of his good intentions went out the window when her hand slid into his pants. “Amber,” he growled and laid her down on the plush rug in front of a large floor-to-ceiling window. “I can’t wait any longer. I want you.”
She shivered at his words. Theo had a way of making her feel like the sexiest, most special girl in the world. Tonight was no different, yet somehow it was completely different. “I want you, too,” she whispered and licked at his earlobe. All too soon he was filling her, slowly at first, but he finished on a thrust. “Oh!” This was different than their other times together. It wasn’t as rushed or clumsy. On this night they knew each other’s bodies, how to make each other moan with pleasure and how to take each other to climax.
It was a heady experience for Theo, losing himself inside of Amber the way he was. She was a special girl, and soon he would lose her, and there was very little he could do about it. So rather than worry, he lost himself to the moment, to the night. He pumped hard and soft, slow and fast, shallow and deep. He did it all, looking to give her as much pleasure as possible before he lost it completely. “Amber,” he whispered roughly in her ear.
“Yes, Theo, yes,” she answered the unspoken question, and soon she was falling apart beneath him, crying out his name as though it were her last word. “Yes!” she shouted one last time, as her body convulsed in pleasure that wouldn’t end as long as Theo drove into her hard and fast.
“Amber, you are so beautiful when you come.” He groaned, and moments later his own pleasure overtook him, and his words were mostly incoherent words of seduction.
“I love you, Theo.”
His body was still above hers, his breath coming in shallow pants. Theo rolled over and brought her with him. “Amber, I love you too. I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Me too.”
But she had gone. She’d left a few weeks later to settle in before the fall semester began at Harvard. She’d spent the first few months completely devastated. Her classes were simple enough intellectually, yet everything seemed more difficult with a broken heart. She hadn’t made friends the way she should have, hadn’t fully participated in her first year of college because she’d been so torn up over losing her first love. Sadly to date, her only love.
None of that mattered anymore, not really. Theo was a memory. A really, really great memory of a time when she was happy and her real life was out there waiting for her. Thinking about him now only served to remind her just how unimpressive her real life was. But thinking about him had made the long ride on the T from Somerville to Beacon Hill bearable.
She stopped in front of a brownstone with the proper numbers on it and took a few breaths for courage. She needed this interview to go well so she could start earning money and paying off the debts that were now hers. With that in mind, she walked up the steps and rang the bell.
Inside, the first thing Amber noticed was just how bare the place was. The home definitely had history, at least a century she thought, but it was new home for A. Morelli. No clues presented themselves as to the identity of Mr. or Ms. Morelli because there were no photos on the walls or mantels, no wayward mail sitting in the foyer and not even a throw pillow to hint at the gender. Nothing she’d seen so far would help her in the interview, so Amber focused on answering the questions professionally and with a smile. She had dressed down today, in a loose-fitting skirt and blouse, and her makeup was subtle and flawless. She thought she looked the part of a professional maid, two words that had the power to gut her. Luckily emotions were a luxury she could no longer afford.
“Ms. Douglas, sorry to keep you waiting.” The man breezed in without looking up from the stack of papers in his hand until her gasp brought his eyes to her. “Amber?”
Words caught in her throat at the sight of the only man she had ever loved. Theo looked even more gorgeous than he had as a boy. He had grown into his body and his looks, cutting a stunning figure that she was sure allowed him no lonely nights. “Theo,” she finally whispered in shock. “Is it really you?”
He nodded, and a smile split his face. “It is me, Amber. How have you been?”
She shrugged and looked everywhere but at him. “Okay. How about you?”
He leaned back, relaxed. “I’m doing great. I’ve just moved to the city to take over Morelli Shipping’s US division.”
She couldn’t help but smile at the proud tone of his words. “That’s really great, Theo. I’m so happy for you.” She wiped moist hands on her skirt. “How are your parents? They must be incredibly proud.”
He nodded. “They’re doing well. Dad is getting up there in age and looking to retire soon, and Mama wants to travel.” He smiled. “How is the Sergeant doing these days?”
Her heart constricted at her father’s nickname, and she felt her shoulders fall. Tears stung the back of her eyes, and she blinked rapidly to keep them from falling. “He…he’s, ah not doing too well.” She left it at that. There was no way she could talk about her father to Theo, whom she was interviewing with to clean his house.
“Oh, Amber, I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “No, afraid not. But thank you. You always were the kindest boy I ever met.”
He didn’t respond, just gave her a small smile. “Thanks. So you’re here for the job?”
She closed her eyes and nodded. A job is a job, she repeated to herself over and over. “I am.” She hoped he wouldn’t ask questions.
“Great. When can you start?”
Her eyes widened. “Really? I’ll be here tomorrow. Just tell me what time.” She gifted him with the first genuine smile she’d had in months. Maybe years if she was honest with herself.
***
Theo couldn’t believe that the Amber Douglas he had fallen in love with years ago was the same Amber Douglas looking for work as a maid. He didn’t know why she was a maid, and at the moment he didn’t really care all that much. He’d been too happy to see her again, to set eyes on her smooth cocoa skin and exotic green eyes to think of anything else. Her youthful bangs were gone in favor of a longer, wavier, sexier look. Time had been kind to her, even if those jade eyes were tinged with sadness.
He would get to the bottom of what was going on with her, because he knew it was something. They may not have seen each other for a long time, but he was certain she held secrets. Deep secrets that made her sad eyes dim and her mouth turn downward. He didn’t like it and would find a way to make those gorgeous green eyes smile again.
Sliding out of bed and ready to face the day, Theo quickly showered and dressed and headed down to the kitchen for breakfast. The sight in his kitchen shocked him. “How did you get in here?” The words came out harsher than he’d intended, based on the horrified look on her face.
“There was a key taped to an envelope on the inside door with my name on it. I opened it to find a key, and it worked on the interior door, so I came in, and I thought you might want breakfast before you left for work.”
He had to smile at the defiant tilt of her chin. Same old Amber. “I apologize, Amber. Thank you for breakfast.”
Her smile dimmed considerably. “You don’t have to thank me.” She knew she was the help and didn’t need him to remind her.
“I don’t have to, but I’ll do it anyway. It smells delicious.”
She gave him a courteous nod and set the plates in front of him, describing each dish. “I wasn’t sure if you ate a full breakfast or not, so there’s fruit, bacon, eggs and hash browns. If you have preferences for your meals, tell me, and I’ll be sure to make them for you.”
Theo was overwhelmed. He’d barely gotten used to the idea that Amber would be working for him, in his home. Now he had to get used to someone taking care of him, actually giving a damn about his well-being. “Oh, okay. I’ll think it over and get back to you.” He watched as she moved efficiently around the kitchen, peeking into cupboards and writing down items on a notepad. She disappeared down the hall off the kitchen for several minutes, and instantly he felt different. Her presence had changed something, and he wasn’t sure if it was for the better.
She pulled a notepad from her back pocket and wrote something else down. “When you’re done eating, I’d like to go over a few things with you if that’s alright.”
He nodded at her and wondered when she’d become so deferential. The girl he remembered was kind and considerate, yes, but she was also outspoken and unafraid to stand up for herself. The woman in front of him was none of those things. She seemed frightened, beaten down. Exhausted. The dark crescents under her eyes attested to the last one, but it was the first two that intrigued him. “We can talk now, Amber. I have a feeling I won’t be done until these plates are empty.”
She gave a small polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Okay. First, I’d like to know how I should address you?”
He frowned at her. “What do you mean? Call me Theo, or Antonio if you wish, but you’ve always called me Theo.”
She nodded. “I just needed to know, Theo. Next, do you have a special detergent you like or special items I should purchase for you?”
He shook his head as he chewed the last slice of bacon. “This is the best breakfast I’ve had since I’ve moved to this city. I don’t need you buying my personal items, Amber. You’re not—”
“Your maid,” she finished for him; a small smile quirked up one side of her face.
Nervous laughter filled the kitchen. “Okay, you’re right. Sorry. Whatever is in my bathroom is what you can continue to buy for me. I’ll have an account set up for you by the end of the week.” He shoveled the last of the fruit into his mouth. “Just make sure the house looks presentable at all times, make sure I have shirts to wear to work each day and that there’s breakfast and dinner for me. Monday through Friday only, you have the weekends off.”
“Okay great. Thanks, Theo.” She turned to walk away but stopped. “And Theo, I know it may not mean much coming from me, but I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know you weren’t sure you wanted to run Morelli Shipping, but I’m sure you’re doing a wonderful job.” She smiled sweetly, and this time it almost reached her eyes.
“You mean you don’t know?”
She shook her head. “How would I? If I had known there was a Morelli here in Boston I probably would have…never mind.”
He smiled, wishing like hell she would have finished that statement. “Pleading the fifth?”
“Definitely,” she said on a long breath. “Have a good day at work.”
He called after her once she was out of sight. Just one more glimpse, all he needed was another glimpse of her untouched beauty. When she reappeared his heart beat normally again. “Make enough dinner for two tonight. I think we should go over a few things and catch up.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he pulled a few bills from his wallet. “Use this to get anything you need to get you through the week. And Amber, you have a great day.”
Theo enjoyed a full-bodied laugh at her dumbfounded expression and went out to where his driver waited for him. With Amber back in his life, he had a feeling things were about to get interesting.
***
After dinner last night Amber was a bit wary of coming to work this morning, but she had no choice. So she hopped on the T before the sun rose so she would make it to Beacon Hill before Theo was up. She needed to make the cinnamon rolls he’d requested for breakfast, and today was the day she would wash the bedding in all six bedrooms. She had a busy day ahead of her, yet despite her circumstances, she found taking care of Theo quite satisfying.
She was still extremely embarrassed that these were first times she was seeing him in years, and she was wearing dowdy clothes and taking care of his household. As a paid servant and not his wife. That thought was enough to make her cry, but tears were for her personal time. She wasn’t paid to cry, and it wouldn’t solve any of her problems anyway.
Last night, after two amazing hours chatting with Theo over salad and shrimp scampi, she’d come home to find an eviction notice taped to her door. She’d been given fourteen days to come up with the back rent she owed, or she would be out on the street. Her salary wouldn’t cover that, so she would be out on the street, a thought that made it impossible to hold back her tears. If life could get any worse for her, she couldn’t see how. She wiped her tears when she heard Theo’s footsteps behind her.
“Good morning Amber.”
Her heart broke at the happiness she heard in his voice. She was happy that he was happy, but it stung that she could have even a sliver of that for herself. “Morning,” she managed to get out, while she worked hard to keep tears at bay. She smoothed the glaze over the large cinnamon rolls and set the plate on the counter, along with fruit and the egg white omelet he’d asked her to make. “There you go.” Turning quickly, Amber ducked into the cabinet to pull herself together.
“Are you okay?”
Her smile was watery, but it was genuine. “Never better.”
“You were always the worst liar I’d ever met. Still are, apparently.” His smile was gentle and caring, and that nearly was her undoing. “Is it the Sergeant? Is he alright?”
Amber took several deep breaths, slowly in and then out, before she spoke. “No, Theo. My dad died about six months ago after finally succumbing to the cancer.”
“No!” Theo was on his feet in less than a second and by her side. “Amber,” he whispered and wrapped her in his arms. “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Holding her tight, Theo closed his eyes when tears shook her small frame. All too soon she pulled away and strove for composure.
“Thank you, Theo. That means a lot. But he’s been gone a while. I don’t know why it hit me so hard today.” It was a lie, and she could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew it too. “Anyway, thanks for your kindness, Theo. Now…” She smiled, but her eyes were still sad and tortured. “…I need to get started on the laundry, so I’ll see you later.” She made her escape before he could utter any more words of sympathy or touch her with kindness. Any kind gesture from him, she feared, would send her fragile emotional state over the edge. Unfortunately, right now she couldn’t afford a meltdown; she needed this job more than ever. Even if she did end up without a place to stay, she would still have a job, so her situation would only be temporary. It was a depressing thought, but it was also reality, and she couldn’t afford to live anywhere else.
She began her chores on the top floor, starting with the master bedroom. The sheets still smelled of Theo’s unique scent of ocean, musk and something that was just him. They were still warm from his body, a thought that caused all kinds of naughty images to play on a loop inside Amber’s head all day long. Amber worked her way through all of the bedrooms, and she wondered about his life, about what he hadn’t told her.
Their dinner on her first day had covered a wide variety of topics that included his time in college and graduate school, starting to work at Morelli Shipping and his travels. They had stayed away from more personal topics, such as whether or not he had a girlfriend or fiancé, or even overnight visitors. She didn’t want to think of the possible morning she arrived to find some leggy blonde sashaying down the stairs, wearing nothing but his Oxford. She cringed at the thought, but it was inevitable. Men like Theo didn’t stay single for long, so she needed to prepare herself for that morning. Whether it was tomorrow or six months from now.
Oh, god. Six months from now? Did she really plan on being here in six months? Unfortunately plans had seemed to play a small role in her life the past few years. She’d made plans, and the universe had punched big, irreversible holes in them. It would take a few years to pay off her father’s debts and save up for a new apartment or a car, maybe both. Whether it was here with Theo or someplace else, she needed to keep working. Maybe she needed a second job to hurry things along so she could get on with the rest of her life.
The last load of laundry was dry and folded in the closet, and the rest of the house was spotless, something for which she could feel satisfied. Now it was time to figure out dinner, since Theo would be home in about an hour. So far he seemed to like what she made, so Amber went with her instincts and decided on upscale diner food.
The kitchen phone rang, and she picked up right away. “Morelli residence.”
“Amber, it’s me. I’m bringing a friend home with me for dinner. Can you make enough for two?”
“Sure,” she answered in a strangled voice.
“Thanks. See you soon.”
At the sound of the dial tone, Amber found it hard to catch her breath. She was grateful for the reminder she’d given herself earlier that Theo was probably a hot commodity in a town as small as Boston. Bean Town had its fair share of wealthy citizens, but it was a small place, which meant options were limited for women seeking a rich husband. Sooner or later one would sink her claws into Theo, and Amber would have no choice but to sit back and watch. At least until the woman had her fired.
She shook off the depressing thoughts and took out the lamb to ground up with garlic, ginger and mint. She would make burgers and fries. Let’s see the stick thin model eat this! It was a nasty thought, but it was all she had, and she was allowed to have mean thoughts if she wanted. They didn’t hurt anyone. While the lamb meat marinated she sliced up sweet potatoes, made her red onion chutney and a small Greek salad to serve on the side.
She had just finished putting everything on the table in the formal dining room when she heard Theo’s voice: “Amber!”
It wouldn’t do to look like a crazed spinster when she set eyes on his…whatever she was, so she quickly fixed her ponytail and straightened her worn work clothes. “In here!” she called out and then held her breath as she waited. Theo walked in first, looking just as refreshed and gorgeous as he had this morning. Damn him. Behind him was an equally stunning man, with light brown hair and eyes the color of honey. Like Theo, he had luscious lips, but the man had high cheekbones that spoke of African or Asian ancestry and a strong jaw.
“Amber, this is my best friend Gianluca.” He smiled at her wide eyes. “Yes, this is that Gianluca. He was at school in Switzerland the year you were in Florence.”
She turned a polite smile toward the tall, handsome man. “It’s nice to finally meet you Gianluca. I’ve heard many stories of your escapades.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “In that case, the pleasure is all mine.” He took her hand and brushed a kiss to her knuckles.
She giggled. “Wow. I’ll bet you’re one hell of a lady killer.”
Both men laughed. “You’ve got that right,” Theo confirmed. He scanned the kitchen. “Where is dinner?”
Her skin heated and flushed. “I set the table in the formal dining room because I didn’t know what kind of company you were having.” It hurt physically to say it, but it was out there now.
Gianluca laughed. “I guess she read about your reputation, after all.” He clapped Theo on the back and opened the fridge. “Do we have any beer around here?”
“What did I read?” She was confused. It felt as though they were telling a joke, only she wasn’t in on it. That was a feeling she didn’t like, so she shook it off and spoke without looking at either man. “There’s beer in the dining room, along with everything else you need. I’ll see you tomorrow, Theo. It was nice to meet you Gianluca.”
“You’re not staying?”
“No. I should get out of here. I have a long train ride home. Bye.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, quickly leaving before the first tear fell. She had no idea why she was crying, only that she felt hurt. Had Theo and Gianluca been making fun of her? She didn’t know. She just wanted to go home, while she still had one, and enjoy sleeping in a real bed.
***
“She is one hell of a looker!” Gianluca shook his head and smiled, recalling the dark-skinned beauty who had just fled his best friend’s house. “Why did you ever let her go?”
Theo frowned and took a long swig of beer. “I didn’t let her do anything. She got accepted at Harvard and left me.” He didn’t blame her, but he couldn’t deny that her leaving had left a mark on him. One that still lasted to this day.
He whistled loudly. “Harvard? Then why is she keeping your home? Do you think she’s scamming you?”
“No, definitely not. She was mortified when she realized it was my ad she’d applied to. Something happened to her, threw her off course, and I don’t know what. She hasn’t been forthcoming about it, which she would be if she were after something.” The more he thought about it, the more he realized Amber went out of her way to avoid sharing things with him.
“What are you going to do about it?”
“What can I do? She knows I would help her, if only she would ask.” He couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t asked.
“Does she know that, Theo? She hasn’t known you since you were eighteen years old.”
“Of course she does. I loved her, and she’s the only woman I can say that about, other than Mama.”
Gianluca’s brows rose comically. “Really? Well damn, I thought she was just a fling. If you ever loved her you have to help her.”
Theo was taken aback. “Seriously, that’s your advice? I thought you would tell me to run the other way.”
He shook his head. “No way. She’s hot as hell, and if you felt that way about her once, you probably still do.” At his friend’s stunned face, Gianluca held his hands up. “Just because I have no plans to go down that road doesn’t mean I’m against it.” He meant it too. There was something between his friend and the sexy maid. Theo would be stupid to let it go.
“Damn, Luca, you’ve just left me speechless.”
He lifted his beer. “Then my job here is done.” He sank his teeth into the burger. “Damn, and she cooks too? If you don’t marry her I will. This is a hamburger. Made from lamb.” He took another bite. “Heavenly. She is an angel dropped down from heaven right into your lap. Is this onion chutney?” He moaned as he chewed. “Any word from that terrible woman you call a publicist?”
Theo sighed, wanting to talk about anything but that. Unfortunately Luca was the only person he could talk to about it. “She says the article hasn’t hurt as badly as we’d thought, but cleaning up my act couldn’t hurt.” She’d said more than that, but he didn’t want think about any of it. Wouldn’t consider it, not at all.
“What the hell does that mean? Damn! These are sweet potato fries with bacon honey mustard!”
Theo smiled at his friend’s enthusiasm over dinner. “It means I need to combat their words with my actions. She wants me to date some older stage actress, but that isn’t going to happen.”
“Amber?”
Theo nodded, glad his friend understood. “Even if I hadn’t found her again, I wouldn’t date some woman just to clean up an image that wasn’t tarnished in the first place. But now that I have found her, I can’t risk screwing it up.”
Gianluca finished up his burger and patted his belly. “For this sweet beauty, I’ll do anything, as long as I can eat here until the end of time. So I’m willing to take on the cougar for you.” He leaned back and smiled. “The press will eat it up, and I’ll make sure we’re caught getting frisky some place we shouldn’t.”
“You don’t have to do that, Luca.” He laughed. “I don’t have to do any of the shit I do, Theo, but I do it anyway.”
