HE WAS AS ready as he would ever be.
Angelo kept telling himself that, hoping it would sink in.
As the royal limo ushered them through the streets of Halencia toward the palace, Angelo stared out the window. Mounting tension over this meeting had his body stiff. This sort of reaction was unfamiliar to him. Usually he was calm, cool and collected. He was the expert when it came to marketing. But ever since he’d let his guard down around Kayla, he’d lost that cool aloofness that he counted on when doing business.
She’d gotten past his defenses and had him connecting with his emotions. He just hoped he hadn’t lost his edge—the confidence needed to execute a pitch and sell the buyer on his—er—their ideas.
The flight had been a short one as Halencia was just a small island nation not far off the coast of Italy. Angelo had noticed how Kayla kept to herself, working on her computer. He had no idea what she’d been working on because at that point the pitch had been locked in. They had the talking points nailed down and the graphics were in order. He’d made sure to include what he considered the key element—a sample menu from Raffaelle’s restaurant. All combined, he hoped this pitch would clinch the royal couple’s interest.
Kayla had even insisted on bringing along some of the baked goods for the royal couple to sample. They were fresh baked that morning and delivered to their hotel suite. He’d tried to taste them, but Kayla had smacked his hand away with a warning glance. Everyone in Monte Calanetti was excited and more than willing to do their part to help.
But Kayla had him worried. She’d been so quiet on the flight here. And now as she leaned against the door of the limo with her face to the window, the bubbly woman who toured Monte Calanetti was gone. He didn’t recognize this new person.
He cleared his throat. “Are you feeling all right?”
Kayla turned to him, the dark circles under her eyes were pronounced. His gut tightened.
She smiled, but her lips barely lifted at the corners. “Sure. I’m fine.”
He wasn’t going to argue the point when it was obvious that she was anything but fine. “You did an excellent job preparing the pitch.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess it all depends on what the royal couple says.”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter whether they chose Monte Calanetti or not for the wedding, I know for a fact that you went above and beyond for this project.” He hated how his praise seemed to barely faze her. She’d worn herself out and he’d been so busy trying to tie up all of the loose ends for this pitch that he’d failed to notice.
On the flight to Halencia, he’d been mulling over how to recognize Kayla’s tremendous effort. He decided to share part of it with her now. “And when we get back to New York, you’ll be rewarded for your accomplishments not only with the royal pitch but also with the success of the Van Holsen account.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? I...I mean thank you.”
Before she could say more, her phone buzzed. She swiped her finger over the screen and frowned. Her fingers moved rapidly over the touch screen as her frown deepened.
Even Angelo had his limits. Work could wait. They were almost at the palace and having her upset was not going to be a good way to start their meeting with the royal couple. He reached out and snagged her phone from her. She glanced up and her mouth gaped open. Then her lips pressed together into a firm line and her gaze narrowed.
She held out her hand. “It’s important.”
“It can wait.”
“No, it can’t.”
The car slowed as they eased through the gates leading up the drive to the palace. “We’re here. Forget the rest of the world and enjoy this adventure. It isn’t every day you get a royal invitation to a palace.”
Kayla turned to the window as they wound their way up the paved drive lined with statues and greenery. It was very prestigious and yet it wasn’t overly pretentious. In fact, he found it quite a fitting reflection of their nobility. He just hoped that they’d find the prince and his bride to have the same unassuming demeanor.
When the palace came into view, Angelo was taken by surprise at the enormity of it. The palace stood three stories high and appeared to be a large square with towers at each corner. The outside was painted a sunny yellow while the numerous windows were outlined in white. Grand, sweeping stairs led the way to a large patio area with two enormous doors in the background that granted access to the palace.
There weren’t that many things in life that still took Angelo’s breath away, but he had to admit that this palace was an amazing piece of architecture. And with the abundance of greenery and bright flowers, it was definitely like stepping into paradise. He couldn’t even imagine what it must be like calling this place home.
The car swung up the drive and stopped right in front of the palace. To one side was a garden with a fountain in the center. It was quite inviting. He could easily imagine taking Kayla for a stroll through it after dinner as the setting sun cast a watermelon hue over the sky. They’d stop to admire a flower and she’d turn to him. The breeze would rush through her hair as her gaze would meet his. Then his attention would move to her lips. No words would be necessary as they’d lean into each other’s arms.
“Angelo, this is amazing.”
Kayla’s voice jerked him from his daydream, which was in fact amazing. “Um...yes. This is quite beautiful.”
“Is this your first visit?”
“It is. I’ve never done business in this part of the world before.” Though he had done business in a great many other countries.
As beautiful as the grounds were, Angelo’s attention was drawn back to Kayla. He had plans for her. A surprise after their big presentation. At first, he’d been hesitant, but now, seeing how weary she was, he was certain that he’d made the right decision. He just hoped she would relax long enough to enjoy it.
He still had the feeling that she was keeping something from him—something that was eating at her. But what was it? Was she worried that he’d make another move on her?
The thought left him feeling unsettled. Granted, he wasn’t that good at reading women. They were forever a mystery to him, but he’d swear that she was into him and his kisses. She’d come alive in his arms. He was certain that he hadn’t imagined that. So then, what had her putting an unusually big gap between them in the limo?
* * *
He was impressive.
Kayla sat in one of the plush chairs in the palace’s state room. Instead of taking a closer view of the ornate ceiling with large crystal chandeliers, the red walls with white trim, the huge paintings of historical figures or the priceless statues on pedestals, her entire attention was focused on Angelo as he stood in the front of the room in his freshly pressed navy suit and maroon tie. Every inch of him looked as if he’d just stepped off the cover of a men’s magazine. He was definitely the most handsome man she’d ever laid her eyes on.
And his presentation was truly impressive. If this didn’t sell the royal couple on the benefits of holding the royal wedding in Monte Calanetti, then nothing would. Angelo’s talk was informative while containing bits of entertainment. Sure, he’d gone over it with her back in Italy, but somehow here in front of the royal prince and his bride, it seemed so much more special—more dynamic.
“Monte Calanetti offers a variety of services from a world-renowned chef to the most delicious bakery.” Angelo moved off to the side while Kayla started the slideshow presentation on a large high-definition screen. “You can see here an overview of the village—”
With the slideshow up and running, Kayla’s thoughts spiraled away from the presentation she knew verbatim. Instead, she was amazed by the man making the presentation. Though he didn’t have the best one-on-one people skills, he was truly amazing when he was selling an idea. His voice was strong, sure and unwavering. His tone was cajoling. And his posture was confident but not cocky. No wonder he was the best in the business.
So then how in the world was he so inept when it came to dealing with people—people like his family? People like her? Why did he have to make it so tough to get close to him?
Why couldn’t he let his guard down and take a chance on love like the crown prince and his Cinderella bride? Kayla’s gaze moved to the soon-to-be couple, envious that they seemed to have it all—success, stability and most of all love.
But as they sat there surrounded by their staff, Kayla didn’t see any telltale signs of love. There were no clasped hands. No loving gazes when they thought no one was looking. No nothing.
Kayla gave herself a mental jerk. She was overthinking things. Of course they were being all businesslike. This was their wedding—a wedding that would have all of the world watching. That had to be their focus right now.
Still, there was something that nagged at her about the couple, but she brushed it off. Whatever it was—bridal nerves or such—it was absolutely none of her business. She had enough of her own problems.
* * *
He’d nailed it.
Angelo wore an easy smile. The presentation had gone without a hitch. Everything had fallen into place just as he’d practiced it over and over again with Kayla in their hotel suite. He had a good feeling that Monte Calanetti would be in serious contention for the site of the royal wedding.
After the slideshow presentation was over, Angelo asked, “Are there any questions?”
“Yes.” The bride, Christina Rose, sat up straight. “I didn’t see anything in your presentation about the chapel. I’m particularly interested in it.”
Angelo’s gut knotted. He’d been wrong. His gaze sought out Kayla. He was certain that she’d be wearing an I-told-you-so look. But her chair was empty? Where had she gone? The next thing he knew Kayla was standing next to him. What in the world?
“Hi. I’m Kayla.” She sent him an I’ve-got-this smile. “The chapel is my part of the presentation.”
He moved away and went to take a seat. What in the world did Kayla have up her sleeve? He thought they’d settled this back in Monte Calanetti—no chapel presentation. His back teeth ground together as he remembered that call had been his.
Angelo leaned back in his chair while Kayla put photos of the chapel up on the screen with a pitch that he’d never heard before, but it sounded like music to his ears. So the little minx had gone behind his back and done exactly what he’d told her not to do.
And he couldn’t be happier.
After Kayla finished her short presentation, the bride spoke up again. “The chapel—you mentioned that it had just switched ownership—the new owner—have they approved the use of it for the wedding?”
Seriously? That had to be the first question. Kayla’s gaze momentarily strayed to him. He had no help to offer her, but he was anxious to see how she handled the question.
Kayla laced her fingers together. “At this moment, we have not obtained a release for the use of the chapel.” The bride’s face creased with frown lines. That was definitely not a good sign. “Knowing the chapel is of particular interest to you, we will make it a priority to secure its use for the wedding.”
The young woman’s eyes lit up, but she didn’t say anything as she glanced over at the crown prince. He didn’t speak to Kayla, either, but rather conversed softly with his advisors, who had a list of questions.
Kayla handled the inquiries with calm and grace. Angelo couldn’t have done any better. She certainly was full of surprises, and he couldn’t be happier having her by his side.
* * *
It wasn’t until much later that Angelo walked with her toward their rooms. This was their first chance to talk privately since the presentation. As they strolled along the elegant hallways, Kayla waited anxiously to hear Angelo’s thoughts on how she’d handled her part of the meeting. She hoped he wasn’t too upset about her ignoring his dictate about the chapel.
Angelo stopped and turned to face her. “Stop looking so worried. You did an excellent job today.”
“I did?”
He nodded. “I owe you an apology for not listening to you and a thank-you for being so prepared.”
“Really? Even though I didn’t do what you said?”
He gazed deep into her eyes. “I think you have excellent instincts and the courage to follow them. You’ve got what it takes to have a very bright future.”
In her excitement, she threw her arms around him. He had no idea how much she needed this one perfect moment.
Coming back to earth, she grudgingly let go of him and stepped back. “Thank you for the opportunity.”
“You earned it. And you did well by knowing all of the answers to their questions. And you took notes of things that particularly interested them. I couldn’t have done any better.”
“You really mean that? You’re not just saying these things to make me feel better.”
He chuckled. “Did anyone ever tell you that you don’t take compliments well?”
She shrugged. “I guess I’m still wound up.”
“We make a great team.”
It was the first time he’d ever referred to them in that manner and she liked it. She really liked it. More than that, she liked him a lot—more than was wise. But that didn’t stop her heart from pounding in her chest when he gazed deeply into her eyes.
He was going to kiss her—again. She should turn away. She should pretend she didn’t know that he was interested in her. But her body had a will of its own, holding her in place. She knew that nothing good would come of it, but she wanted him to kiss her more than she wanted anything in that moment.
Angelo turned and continued down the hallway. The air that had been caught in her lungs rushed out. What had happened? It took her a second to gather her wits about her, and then she rushed to catch up to him.
They continued on in silence until they stopped outside her bedroom door. He turned to her again. “Thank you for everything. If I had done this alone, I wouldn’t have stood a chance of winning their favor. You were my ace in the hole.”
His gaze caught and held hers.
“I...I was?”
He nodded and stepped closer. “How could anyone turn you down?”
Her heart pitter-pattered harder and faster. She didn’t want this moment to end—not yet. It was her very own fairy tale. “Do you want to come inside?”
He tucked a loose curl behind her ear. Then the back of his fingers grazed down her cheek. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. We’re expected at dinner with the royal couple. It wouldn’t look right if we were late.”
The hammering of her heart drowned out her common sense. Because when he was looking at her that way and touching her so sweetly, all she could think about was kissing him—
She lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He didn’t move at first and she wondered if there was some way that she had misread the situation. But then his arms wrapped around her and pulled her hard against him. She’d been here before, but it never failed to excite her. He was thoughtful, sweet and kind. Nothing like her boss at the office. This was a different side of him, and she found him utterly irresistible.
Angelo braced his hands on her hips, moving an arm’s length away. “We need to stop now or we are never going to make it to that dinner.”
“Who needs dinner?” There was only one thing she was hungry for at that moment and she was staring at him.
“Don’t tempt me.” He smiled at her. “I don’t think that would help our pitch.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and proceeded down the hallway to his room.
In that moment, Kayla felt lighter than she had in days. Suddenly anything seemed possible. Maybe she’d given up on the fund-raiser too soon. She pressed a hand to her lips. Perhaps everything would work out in the end, after all.
She sure hoped so.