Secrets and Seduction Las Vegas (Sexy Italian Imports Book 1) (29 page)

It was Friday. Tonight he’d put on his disguise and lurk in dark alleys all night. “Don’t do anything…” She’d been about to tease him about avoiding danger, but that’s what his weekends were about. Dangerous thrills.

“What?” Antonio sounded distracted.

“Just be careful, dear.”

“I will. See you Sunday?”

“Sure. My place or yours?”

“Yours.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll bring takeout so you don’t have to cook.”

“I don’t mind cooking.” She didn’t look forward to going to the grocery store, though. Not with her face looking the way it did.

“You need to rest. Heal. We have cooking lessons on Monday and the fundraiser on Wednesday.”

“Okay.” She’d let him spoil her. “Takeout sounds great. I’ll see you Sunday.”

“
Ciao
.”

Valerie ended the call and went back to her computer. It would be another weekend alone. She’d cancelled her plans to get together with friends that evening, as well as her date to go clubbing with Monica and Ryan on Saturday. She’d stay in, let her bruises heal and the swelling go down.

She pulled a little mirror out of her desk drawer and applied lipstick. It didn’t help cover the ugliness of the injury, but it was a ritual she performed before each patient came into her office.

All her patients this morning asked her what happened. She said she was klutzy and bumped into something. A few believed her explanation, others, she could tell, did not. She needed to be careful to maintain a professional, well-adjusted facade for her famous clients. They would not tolerate a therapist who wasn’t completely in control of her own personal life.

It proved to be a long, tiring day, and Antonio was right, she needed rest. That night, she slept twelve hours and woke feeling much less pain on Saturday. She lay in bed reading, skipping some of Antonio’s more graphic scenes.

Her phone rang, and Sloan’s name showed on the screen. “Guess who’s engaged?”

Valerie sat up. “Really? Congratulations! When?”

“Last night. We were on the
Star of India
.” Valerie recognized the name of an old ship in the harbor in San Diego. “All of the sudden, we were completely alone on the deck, and a violin began playing our song.”

“‘Darling Nikki’?” she teased.

“No, Prince-aholic. ‘Fly Me to the Moon’.” Sloan let out a squeal. “It was so romantic. He got down on one knee and asked me. I started crying and couldn’t talk, so he told me to just shake my head yes or no.”

“Yes?”

“Yes. And the ring is beautiful.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“We’re getting married December 1st.”

“So soon?”

“It’s the day we met.”

“That’s so romantic. How about that Vegas bachelorette party we’ve always talked about? I’d love to host it for you.”

“I’d love it! These are the weekends I’m free.” Sloan gave a list. “See when you’re available and when all the girls can come. It’s so thoughtful of you.”

“You can all stay here. We’ll take a party bus down to The Strip.”

“Sounds like fun. I’ve got to run, I’ve got a patient today.”

“On Saturday?”

“My new marketing strategy is working too well. I can’t get everyone in Monday through Friday, thanks to you. You are a lifesaver.”

“You’re welcome, but the best advertising is word of mouth, and you’re a phenomenal psychologist, Sloan.”

“I miss you, Valerie. I’ll call you later this week.”

“Tell Andrew, congrats from me. Kisses.”

“Kisses.”

Valerie was excited for Sloan. She was Monica’s age and wanted to settle down and start a family, and Andrew was a great guy. Valerie ran downstairs and sat at her computer, logged in, and started an e-mail to the sorority sisters about the bachelorette.

She checked her own calendar against Sloan’s available weekends and sighed in acceptance. Her weekend life was a blank calendar, nothing going on except Sunday through Wednesday. “Get used to it.”

After sending the e-mail, she stepped into the movie room to watch television. Alone. She chose to watch something work-related, and save the new movies to watch with Antonio.

One channel aired a documentary about single parents. Would Antonio change once they had children? He’d said he was “very interested” in a family. But there was no way she would let him kiss her and the kids goodbye on Thursday morning then reappear on Sunday afternoon. That was a deal breaker. He could write when he could find the time, but he wouldn’t be disappearing for four days every week.

****

Valerie had won a cooking lesson from Wolfgang Puck as the prize for one of the recipe contests she’d entered. She invited Antonio as her guest, and when they arrived for the lesson, they found not only Wolfgang but also a camera crew from the recipe contest.

She had her photo taken with Wolfgang, but Antonio stayed off to the side, no matter how much they encouraged him to be in the photo.

He disappeared into the shadows, proving just how very private he was, even though his pen name was known throughout the world.

When the PR crew left and his staff set up for the cooking lesson, Wolfgang rubbed his palms together. “Valerie Kane. Why does that name sound familiar?”

Antonio stepped forward. “She’s a local celebrity. The Psychologist to the Stars?”

“Of course, you treat all of the famous crazies. I recognize you from your picture in the magazine.” He winked. “Not that I’m actively seeking a therapist. Yet.”

She smiled. “That’s just my day job. At night, I’m a recipe junkie.”

Wolfgang and Antonio laughed, but Wolfgang stepped closer to her. “While we have a few minutes, could I ask you something about one of my employees?”

Antonio moved out of earshot and let them two talk. It was fifteen minutes later that she finished giving him suggestions, and Wolfgang called him back. “I’m sorry to monopolize her time, but I just can’t resist free advice.”

Antonio introduced himself with his real name, and Wolfgang tipped his head. “Italian?”

“Yes. From the Tuscan region.”

“Related to the Daniato wines?”

Antonio’s brows rose. “Yes. My family’s vineyard.”

“Oh.” He rolled his eyes. “The most wonderful wine. I’ve been out of it for months, but whenever I’m in Italy, I buy a couple of cases.”

“I have a few bottles at home that I’d be happy to send you.”

Wolfgang snapped his fingers. “Even better, would you two come to dinner next Monday at my house? My wife would love to meet both of you.”

Valerie found herself in a silly mood. “Especially when she finds out who you really are, Antonio.”

Wolfgang looked between them. “What am I missing?”

Antonio shot her a look then faced the chef. “I’m a writer. Grey Thornton?”

“
Ach du liebe Zeit!
” Wolfgang exclaimed. “We read all your books. Mrs. Puck will be delighted. Let me call her right now.” He signaled for his assistant. “Call my wife, tell her dinner on Monday with two celebrities and mark it on my calendar. Go.” With an imperious wave of his hand, he dismissed his assistant.

Wolfgang handed them both aprons. “When is your next book release?” Not waiting for an answer, he commanded, “You’ll have it at one of my restaurants, right?”

“I’ll talk with my PR people and see if we can make it work.”

Valerie took the opportunity to help her favorite cause. “Antonio is donating a full set of his books to an auction on Wednesday to benefit the runaway shelter. And I was wondering…”

Antonio put his arm around her shoulders. “She’s sneaky, Wolfgang. Watch out.”

She gave Antonio a fierce look then asked the chef, “Would you be willing to donate a cooking lesson for the silent auction?”

“How can I refuse?” He raised his hands. “After all, I just stole about a thousand dollars of free advice from you.”

Valerie grinned. “Thank you. The gala’s Wednesday at seven at The Wynn. I’ll let the committee know to plan on two more, if you’d like to attend.”

Wolfgang summoned his assistant again to call his wife and tell her they were going to a gala Wednesday.

She gave Antonia a look. How did his wife handle his demands?

Antonio returned the look, then picked up a spoon. “Are we going to do any cooking today?”

Wolfgang snapped his fingers. “Yes, and I’ve decided we’re going to make a romantic meal—for lovers.” He looked at Valerie and Antonio and laughed at their surprised looks. “Food can be foreplay, and I’m going to get you two so worked up, you won’t be able to stand it.”

Valerie smiled, and Antonio put his arm around her waist. Now she understood how Wolfgang’s wife was able to put up with him.

****

Wednesday, Antonio surprised Valerie and took her to the gala in a limo. When they arrived at The Wynn Las Vegas, they received celebrity treatment, walked the red carpet, and posed for photos. They were announced as Valerie Kane and Grey Thornton. It seemed odd that Antonio suddenly became someone else, but he seemed to take it in stride.

She noticed how women looked at him, especially tonight in his expertly fitted tux, showing his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and a snowy white shirt with a debonair bowtie. He’d got his hair cut, but it still touched his collar. She liked it long.

He handed her a glass of champagne. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“Only a dozen times. Hardly enough.”

He offered her his arm. “You look ravishable.”

She looked at him sideways. “Don’t you mean ravishing?”

“I used the correct adverb.”

She let out a breath. His eyes filled with promise. She’d be ravished tonight, once they were back at her house. Of that she had no doubt.

They found a quiet corner to talk, but he was preoccupied with her hair. Her stylist had pulled it up in curls on the crown of her head and let tendrils escape at her temples and neck.

It was one of these tendrils that kept Antonio busy as he bent near her as if to whisper something but blew on the curl, sending lightning skittering down her spine.

She smiled and leaned in close. “You’ll need to behave tonight.”

“As you wish.” He caressed her elbow then ran his fingers up between her sensitive arm and the side of her breast. She let out a tiny squeal. “Bad boy.”

“Mm hm.”

“Two can play that game, Antonio.” She slowly drew her tongue across her upper lip, her eyes bedroom soft.

“I give up, you win.” He gestured toward the door. “Let’s go, we’re getting a room.”

She laughed. “I would love to, but I’ve been asked—actually ordered—to stick around for the program. They make all the volunteers stand for applause.” She looked over his shoulder and her stomach flipped. “Family alert.”

Dena, Scott, Monica, Joe, and Ryan and his date, Abby, joined them. Introductions were made. Monica shook Antonio’s hand while staring into his eyes with a warning look. Then in the guise of admiring her dress, she walked around Valerie, looking over every inch of exposed skin.

Valerie, Antonio, and Joe knew what she was doing and ignored her, but Ryan snorted. “Checking for skin cancer?”

Monica elbowed his ribs. “Your turn, baby brother. Let’s see your bright white butt.”

Everyone laughed but Dena. “Please, children, a little decorum.”

Behind their mother’s back, Ryan stuck out his tongue at Monica, who, in her unladylike style, flipped him off.

Dena smiled at her youngest daughter. “Valerie, what a beautiful dress.”

“Thank you. I went shopping.” She’d chosen a dark blue silk, gathered under her breasts, falling gracefully to her gold Ferragamo sandals. Tiny straps held it on her shoulders, and she’d accessorized with simple gold jewelry.

Antonio looked deep into her eyes. “The blue sets your eyes sparkling.”

She smiled up at him as he wrapped his arm across her back.

Monica stared pointedly at Valerie. “Anyone need to powder their nose?”

“I guess I do,” Valerie capitulated and followed her sister out of the room.

In the lobby, Monica walked beside her. “Everything going okay?”

“It is.” They stepped into the ladies’ room. “We’ve talked about the…” She waited until they were alone. “About the injury. We spent the day together and reconnected.”

“Good.” Monica fluffed her hair in the mirror. “I know how much you care for him, and I’d hate to see your heart broken.”

Valerie applied lip gloss and looked at her sister in the mirror. “What’s going on, Monica? You’ve never been this tolerant of anyone before.” Valerie turned to look at her. “Oh my God, you’re in love!”

Monica looked surprised. “So because I’m in love, I’m getting all soft and charitable?”

She giggled. “I’m so happy for you. And Joe’s a wonderful guy.”

“Too wonderful.” Monica spun on her heel and left the bathroom.

Valerie hustled to catch up. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

They stopped outside the ballroom and looked in. Joe and Antonio stood a little apart from the family, deep in conversation. The contrast of dark, muscular Antonio, and blond, lean Joe made the Valerie smile. It disappeared as she recalled her sister’s words. “Talk to me.”

Monica stared at her man. “Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s perfect, but it’s difficult for me to feel this happy without expecting something bad to happen.” She looked at Valerie. “You know what I mean? He loves me too, he said it first. It’s crazy. We haven’t known each other long, but we want exactly the same things from our lives, we share the same ethics.” She frowned at Valerie. “He makes me very happy.”

She nodded, understanding why Monica was so hesitant. “We always seem to be waiting for something bad to happen when we’re this happy.” Valerie felt the same way, and far too often with Antonio. “Just enjoy, Mon, let the good karma keep flowing.”

“Oh, so now you’re a yogi?” Her sister nudged her with her elbow. “But I’ll take the advice, and make the best of it.”

Valerie gave Joe a good long look. “He’s handsome. I assume you’ve been intimate?”

“Of course.” Monica laughed. “You’re the only twenty-five-year-old semi-virgin in Las Vegas.”

“Was.” She gave her sister a sly look. “I couldn’t resist Antonio.”

Monica groaned. “I knew he’d be the one for you. Just…”