Her First-Date Honeymoon by Katrina Cudmore

Author:Katrina Cudmore
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarlequinUKLtd
Published: 2017-08-31T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

STANDING BESIDE MATTEO on Ca’ Divina’s landing stage, Emma waved goodbye to the last of the guests before curling her arms tight against her waist. Warming herself. Fending off the pinpricks of awareness that she was alone once again with Matteo. Not quite certain how she felt about that.

It was gone one in the morning. Most of the other guests had left two hours ago. But the remaining group—associates of Matteo—had stayed and chatted around the outside terrace table, wrapped up in coats and blankets, warmed by outside heaters and grappa, snug against the cold February air, while the staff had tidied up inside.

Matteo had insisted that everyone speak in English, so that Emma was included in the conversation. He had kept her by his side all evening, his hand resting on her back, guiding her as they moved amongst the guests. It was a hand that was way too comforting. A hand that had at times fooled her into feeling that she had found someone who would care for her; protect her—before her brain kicked in and told her that she was a fool.

It was all nothing more than a rebound fantasy. She was projecting onto Matteo her need for security. Her fears for the future. All the uncertainties facing her. Where would she live? How long before she got a job? Before her meagre savings ran out?

And that wasn’t fair on him. Or herself.

He was her boss—a colleague.

Nothing else.

He didn’t want a relationship.

The lights and the noise of the engine on the launch taking the guests away faded across the water. The only sound that remained was the lap of water against the walls of the palazzo and the landing stage.

‘I’m sorry about Sadie; I should have realised that meeting someone on honeymoon would be upsetting for you.’

He spoke slowly, as though needing her to understand the sincerity of his words.

She bunched her hands in the pockets of her wool coat, felt the soft material grating against the tension in her fists. She needed to keep this conversation professional. Keep her guard up against his employer’s concern. Against how physically aware she was of him.

‘I didn’t need you to cancel the meeting with Mr Xue.’

He pointed towards the palazzo, gesturing for them to head back inside. ‘You were upset. I couldn’t leave you...especially when I could have prevented it.’

The red carpet, hastily organised via a business contact of the caterers, still remained on the wooden landing stage, soaking up the sound of their footsteps.

‘But why delay signing the contract?’

Matteo held open one of the heavy wood-panelled double front doors for her, and then busied himself shutting and securing it once they were both inside. When finished he turned and regarded her with a look she couldn’t quite decipher.

The hired staff had left prior to the departure of the last of the guests. Matteo now locking the two of them into the palazzo, all alone, suddenly felt very intimate. Very personal.

He took off his coat, dipping his head down.

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