The Italian Affair by Loren Teague Page A

voice. She slammed the gate closed behind her.
    ‘You promised to be ten minutes,’ he retorted.
    ‘I didn’t promise anything. Being late is not a crime, Caruso.’
    They stood glaring at each other until Rick finally said tightly, ‘Arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere. Come on, let’s go.’ He moved forward to open the car door for her. Curiosity got the better of him. ‘What exactly did you do in there?’
    ‘What do you think? I gave them the stuff I bought, and I had a chat to some of the women. Normally I stay for a cup of tea, but I knew you were waiting so I didn’t.’ She sighed wistfully. ‘I saw this little boy. He was gorgeous. All dark curls and big eyes. I’d love a kid like that.’
    Rick slipped into his seat and sat there, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. He couldn’t make up his mind about her. One minute he was convinced she was a spoilt brat, then she did something which completely dispelled that.
    ‘I didn’t think you liked kids,’ he stated, as he pulled out onto the main road.
    ‘What made you think that? I love children. Why shouldn’t I?’
    Rick hesitated. ‘It’s just an impression I got. You seem like a party girl. No responsibilities.’
    ‘And you can’t enjoy life with children?’
    He shrugged. ‘I didn’t say that.’
    ‘Well, what are you saying?’
    Rick shrugged again. ‘I’m not sure really. Maybe I’m a little surprised at your enthusiasm, that’s all.’ Silence fell. ‘Why the women’s refuge?’ That didn’t make sense either, especially when she could have easily have donated money to a charity rather than actually buying the goods. She’d even gone a step further by delivering them.
    Her voice had an unexpected edge to it. ‘I like to buy stuff for them when I can. They’re always needing things. I’m on the committee for fundraising. Last year I arranged an art auction. The money we raised refurbished the kitchen.’
    Rick raised a questioning eyebrow. ‘There are plenty of charities you could support; why that one?’
    She took a slow, deep breath before answering. ‘I spent some timethere for a while when things got tough with my ex-husband.’
    ‘In the refuge?’ His forehead creased in puzzlement. ‘Why didn’t you go back to your family?’
    ‘Because I couldn’t. At least, not straight away.’ She hesitated. ‘Things were a bit complicated at the time.’ Before he could say any more, she added, ‘I really don’t want to talk about it right now.’
    There was more here than she had let on, he realized. While he was tempted to ask her more questions, she had made it obvious she didn’t want to go there. He had to respect that. The last thing he wanted was to ruin the business-client relationship between them. It was already strained. He didn’t want an all out war.
    ‘OK,’ he replied slowly. ‘Let’s talk about something else.’
    She smiled unexpectedly and that gave him a jolt. Dimples appeared in her cheeks making her seem younger. Rick gave her another quick glance. Oh man … that babe’s smile was a killer. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. Had she any idea what she did to a man? He knew he wasn’t totally immune to her charms, he merely chose to ignore the familiar feelings of attraction. Besides, she’s off limits, he reminded himself sharply. So forget it, Caruso.
    Firstly, she was his client, and secondly, she was the granddaughter of Luigi Rosselini, a wealthy fishing industrialist. The Rosselinis owned the largest fish processing plant at the port and fishing was big business in New Zealand. Everyone knew that. Even the Italians had some sort of hierarchy in this town. The Rosselinis had money. Plenty of it. The Caruso family with their horticultural background didn’t. That was simple. And not very hard to understand, he told himself firmly.
    He wiped the sweat which had sprung onto his temples, leaned forward and switched on the air conditioning and the CD player. Cool air