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As much as she’d like to, she couldn’t deny she was physically attracted to the man. That didn’t mean she should dwell on bone-melting images of him as she had done while standing beneath the showerhead mere moments ago. She hadn’t been able to pry her thoughts from memories of Mateo strolling among those lifelike statues. Worse, she couldn’t help but speculate on how those strong toned arms might feel surrounding and gathering her in, or how the bow of his full lower lip might taste grazing languidly back and forth over hers….
Now another image faded up in her mind—Mateo Celeca, gloriously naked and poised above her in that beautiful big upstairs bed. Her throat immediately thickened and beneath her bodice, nipples peaked and hardened. Slowing her step, Bailey pushed out a breath. She might have been engaged to Emilio but he’d never affected her this way. No man had. Why should that be so when, not only had she and Mateo locked horns, they’d only known each other a day?
In the garage, he showed her to the passenger side door of an expensive low-slung vehicle. A Maserati, if she wasn’t mistaken. Odd there wasn’t at least one or two other sports cars housed in the overly spacious garage. Or, perhaps, something classier to more aptly suit his station, like a Bentley or Rolls.
The garage door whirred up and soon they were cruising down the tree-lined drive and out on to a quiet street bordered by wide immaculate sidewalks where women in designer tracksuits walked poodles showing off diamanté collars. These people couldn’t have the foggiest idea how the other half lived.
“I phoned someone else today,” Mateo said, changing gears.
“Mama?” She guessed, and he nodded. “I wanted to be half settled before I called or wrote her.”
“She figured that.”
“Did you tell her that you invited me to stay last night?” She asked, feeling a little awkward over it. Not that Mama would mind in the least.
“I told her you rested at my house overnight and you were out looking for a job.” Large sure hands on the steering wheel navigated a corner. “She said you should stay until you were earning and set up some place.”
Closing her eyes, Bailey groaned as her cheeks grew hot. Mama was a lovely lady. She was only showing that she cared. But, “I’m sure you told her I’d be fine.”
“I said I’d offer.”
“You what?“
“I said you could stay for a couple of days until things were sorted out.”
Bailey thought that statement through. “You mean things like our loan agreement?”
He gave an affirmative grunt. “And it’s not as if the house isn’t big enough to accommodate one more.” He skated over a defining look. “For a few days.”
Before she could argue, he turned the conversation toward the couple they’d be dining with that night—Natalie and Alex Ramirez. But Bailey’s thoughts were stuck on Mateo’s offer to stay in his home. She didn’t want to sponge. But a few days grace to set herself up would be heaven-sent. She was willing to work at anything to get her life back on track, and quickly. Surely a job would turn up in the next day or two.
When they pulled up at a well-to-do address, Bailey’s stomach flipped. She shouldn’t be surprised that the Ramirez abode almost rivaled Mateo’s in size and grandeur. Of course his friends would be wealthy. But beyond that, despite her nerves, she was curious to meet people the doctor liked to spend time with and perhaps learn a little more about the enigma that was Mateo Celeca. She only wished she was dressed more appropriately, and that she had a better pair of shoes to wear out. Dinner with this type meant more than pulling up a chair in a pizza joint.
Mateo slid out of the car. When he opened her door, she accepted his hand and a flurry of sparks shot like a line of lit gunpowder up her arm. Easing out into the forecourt, although her heart was thumping, Bailey managed to keep her expression unaffected. She’d felt this buzz before, when he’d caught her yesterday and, holding her chin, had looked into her eyes. Tonight the effect was even more pronounced. If an everyday act like hands touching caused this kind of physical reaction, she couldn’t fathom how something of consequence might affect her … like a no-holds-barred penetrating kiss.
Did Mateo feel it too?
A stunning brunette holding a young child dressed in a blue jumpsuit, and a tall, dark-haired man answered the door. At the same time the man—Alex Ramirez—stepped aside to show his guests through, his wife put out her free hand. Her nails were French tipped. The princess-cut diamond solitaire was enormous. “You must be Bailey. I’m Natalie and this little fellow is Reece.” She bounced the baby and he smiled and squealed again. “Come in, and bring that handsome devil with you.”
Mateo leaned in to brush a light kiss on Natalie’s cheek before shaking his friend’s hand heartily then returning close to her side again, as if he could sense her anxiety. As if they might be a genuine couple.
As they all moved into a sumptuous living room, furnished with contemporary leathers and teak, Bailey took in Natalie’s exquisite dress. Cut just below the knee, the lilac fabric shimmered beneath strategically placed downlights. The effect was dazzling, bringing out her complexion and intensity of her long dark hair. Her shoes matched the dress, lilac, delicate heels. Her toenails were painted red. Had she enjoyed a professional pedicure earlier that day?
Glancing down, Bailey cringed.
Her own toes hadn’t seen a lick of polish in too long to remember.
Everything in Casa Buona had been so relaxed. She hadn’t needed much, although, in order to travel light—to leave quickly when she had—she’d left a number of pretty skirts and tops behind, casual bright wear that suited work at the taverna. Despite the way it had all ended, she’d enjoyed being part of the staff there, serving tables, joining in on the songs and chatter afterward when the kitchen had closed for the night.
How would this evening end? With brandy and cigars in the study for the men, most likely. Perhaps flutes filled with Cristal offered to the ladies. And when Mateo drove her home …
Standing beside the liquor cabinet, Alex rubbed his hands together. “What can I offer you to drink?”
“I’m fine,” Bailey replied, “thank you.” Given her inquisitive thoughts regarding Mateo, better she stayed well clear of beverages that would only weaken inhibitions.
“Ice water for me, Alex,” Mateo said, moving to stand alongside her, close enough to soak in the natural heat emanating from his body. “You and Natalie can indulge a little tonight.”
“It’s true.” Natalie rubbed her nose with her baby’s. “It isn’t often we get a night off.”
The little boy giggled and held his mother’s cheeks. When his fingers caught in her perfectly coiffed hair, Natalie only laughed, but then worried over a strand wrapped around one tiny finger. Alex walked over, unwound the hair from around his boy’s finger then kissed the baby’s palm with a loud raspberry that sent the child into peals of laughter.
Bailey’s chest squeezed. This trio was the picture of the perfect family. The happiness they so obviously shared lit all their faces. What they had couldn’t be bought.
That’s what she wanted one day. The kind of marriage that took a person’s breath away. The kind of love her parents had once shared. They’d been so happy. When she was young, she’d never stopped to think it might not last.
When she refocused, a feathery feeling brushed over her. She looked across. Mateo was looking at her, a curious light shining in those dark eyes, a sexy grin curving one side of his mouth. A pulse in Bailey’s throat began to beat fast. She blinked then, uncertain of where to look, concentrated on Alex who sent her an ambiguous smile before returning to the bar to see to the drinks.
Natalie spoke to her husband as he poured a water then what looked like scotch for himself.
“Honey, I might change his diaper for Tammy before we go.” Natalie explained to Bailey, “Tammy’s the wonderful lady who looks after Reece when I go into the office a couple of times a week. She’s catching up on her knitting in the family room until we leave.”
“Mateo mentioned that you work outside of the home.”
“It’s a great balance. Only four hours each day—” Natalie rubbed noses with her baby again “—and then I’m dying to get back to him.” She met Bailey’s gaze. “Want to help me change him?”
Bailey’s knees locked. She’d done some babysitting but never one so young. “I’m not sure I’d be any help.”
Natalie only smiled. “You look like a quick study.”
They left the men, who were busy discussing football, and moved into a nearby room—a downstairs nursery. Bouncing the baby, Natalie crossed to a white lacquered changing table where she gently lay her bundle down then set about unbuttoning his suit.
“Mateo mentioned you know Mama Celeca?”
“I lived in her town for a few months.”
“I’ve heard so much about her. Alex says she’s the biggest darling ever. He went with Mateo to Italy one summer a long time ago. Apparently Mama tried her best to get both of them married off.”
She seemed so genuine, Bailey couldn’t help but like her. Couldn’t help but feel relaxed and at home, even in a dress that looked more like a rag next to Natalie’s exquisite creation.
Bailey brushed a palm over the baby’s soft crown and carried on the thread of their conversation.
“Lucky for you Mama’s matchmaking didn’t succeed.”
“Lucky isn’t the word.” Natalie peeled back the diaper and let out a pleased sigh. “I love when there’s no messy surprises. Could you hand me a fresh diaper, please?” Natalie cast a glance to her right. “They’re in that lower drawer.”
Bailey dug one out while Natalie cleaned up, shook on powder then slid the fresh diaper under the baby’s bottom.
“Mateo mentioned that you’re in between jobs,” Natalie said, pressing down the diaper tabs.
“I was out looking today.” All day.
“Find anything?”
“Not yet.”
Natalie took both the baby’s feet and clapped the soles together, but the baby’s smile was a little slow to bloom this time. Must be past his bedtime, Bailey thought.
“What are you interested in?” Natalie asked, scooping her baby up. “Do you have office skills?”
“Afraid not. I’ve been waitressing, serving and general cleanup.”
“In Italy?” Bailey nodded and Natalie beamed. “What an adventure.”
Bailey arched a brow. “It certainly was that.”
“I don’t know of any waitressing positions, but we’re always after good cleaners for rentals at the agency.”
Bailey’s heart leapt. “Really?”
With the baby’s head resting against her shoulder, Natalie headed for the door. “You’re probably not interested—”
“No,” Bailey jumped in. “I mean, yes. I am interested. When do you think I could start?”
“I’m going in Monday. I’ll give you the address.”
“I’d appreciate that.” A lot. “Thank you.”
Natalie’s pace had slowed. The baby’s eyelids were drooping now. He was about to drift off. “Would you like a cuddle before we leave?”
Bailey gave a nervous laugh. She would. He was so adorable and full of smiles. But what if she took him and he cried? She’d feel terrible. But, as if to reassure her, little Reece stretched his arms out to her and found a drowsy smile.
“Seems at least one of you wants a cuddle,” Natalie joked. But then she saw Bailey’s hesitation. “He’s a darling, honest. The worst he’ll do is pull your nose.”
Bailey blew out a shaky breath. “Well, I’ve never had my nose pulled before.” She put out her arms.
The baby weighed more than she thought. Close up, his heavy-lidded eyes looked even bluer. And he smelled divine—all fresh and new. No wonder Natalie and Alex were so happy. They had it all.
“He likes your bracelet.” Natalie touched the dangling charms that Reece was fingering too. “So do I. Did you get it overseas?”
“It was a gift.” And then Bailey admitted what she hadn’t in a very long while. “A gift from my mother.”
“Then it’s doubly precious. Do your parents live in Sydney?”
“My father does. My mother passed away.”
Natalie’s beautiful face fell. “Oh … I’m so sorry, Bailey.”
“It was a long time ago.”
The sudden lump in Bailey’s throat made speaking a little difficult. Over a decade had passed since her mother’s death. Not everyone would understand why her grief hadn’t faded. But something about Natalie made Bailey feel as if she would. As if the two of them could be more than acquaintances. That, maybe, they could be friends.
Still, she didn’t want to mire down the conversation, not when Reece was mumbling adorable things she couldn’t quite understand and hiccuping in such a cute way.
But Natalie’s expression had grown alarmed. Slanting her head, she held out her arms.
“I think you’d better give him back.”
Bailey’s heart sank. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no. It’s just I think he’s about to—”
Natalie didn’t move quickly enough. Reece gave another hiccup. Heaved a little. Then a lot. Next his dinner came up.
All over the front of Bailey’s dress.
Five
When Natalie barged into the room, Mateo and Alex had been discussing the state’s current public hospital concerns. Mateo immediately dropped the conversation and peered past Natalie’s shoulder. Bailey wasn’t in tow and Natalie’s hands were clasped tight before her. Seemed unlikely—Natalie was one of the sweetest people he knew. But Bailey was a relatively unknown quantity. Had the women had a disagreement?
Natalie pulled up in front of her husband. “Can you ring and let the restaurant know we’ll be late?”
Standing, Alex caught her arm. “Is the baby all right?” “Too much milk after dinner, I’m afraid.” Alex lowered his hand. “Another accident?” “All over poor Bailey.”
Mateo was no stranger to babies’ assortment of surprises. He not only cared for pregnant women before and during delivery, he looked after their concerns postpartum. Many days, his practice was filled with the sights, sounds and smells of children of all ages. He’d been chucked up on more often than some people brushed their teeth. Part of the job. He wasn’t sure Bailey would be quite so cool with it, particularly given the trying day she’d had.
Setting down his glass, Mateo rose too. “I’ll take her home.”
“No need. Bailey’s fine,” Natalie said. “Other than needing a quick shower and a fresh change of clothes, and I have a stack of outfits in my pre-baby wardrobe she can wear.” She ran her hand down her husband’s sleeve. “Tammy’s settling the baby now. I’ll go see how Bailey’s doing.”
As she sailed away, Alex fell back into his chair. The grin on his face said it all. “She’s an amazing woman, isn’t she?”
“You’re a lucky man.”
Alex leaned closer and lowered his voice. “So, now we know they’ll be occupied for a while yet, tell me about it.”
“Tell you what?”
“About your date.”
“She’s not a date.”
“She’s an attractive female accompanying you to dinner. If she’s not a date, what is she?”
“Difficult to work out,” Mateo admitted. “Like I said on the phone, she appeared on my doorstep yesterday morning.” He went into more about the engagement and her dramatic flight from Italy, the loan and Bailey’s search for a job to pay it back. “When I phoned Mama today, she confirmed that she’d told Bailey to drop in.” Mateo dropped his gaze to the glass he rotated between his fingers. “Mama also asked me to watch out for her until she can make amends with her father.”
“Trouble there too?”
“I’m sure whatever’s gone on before could be sorted out with one or two calm conversations.”
