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“But do you have anyone else to talk about your feelings for Matteo with?” When Paige shook her head, Claudia gave her shoulders a little squeeze. “Then let it all out, darling. Just don’t go into too many details.”
Paige dropped her hands away from her cheeks, laughing softly. “There’s not much to tell. Really. I just…I don’t understand why he denies what he feels for me. Because I know he feels something. He struggles with it daily. I see it in his eyes, written all over his face. You know, I tried to leave and take another job just before this trip. But he wouldn’t let me. Sometimes I wonder if I hadn’t been his employee, he might have given me—us—a chance…”
Claudia remained quiet for so long, Paige grew nervous. “What are you thinking?” she asked the older woman.
“I’m thinking maybe you need to be a little pushier when it comes to Matteo and how you feel about him.”
Paige pulled away from her and stood, pacing back and forth. “I have been. Believe me, I’ve been so forthcoming with what I want from him and how I feel, I may as well hang a sign from my neck. Doesn’t do me any good, though, since he rejects me anyway.”
“Then maybe you should approach him in a different manner.” The smile on Claudia’s face was nothing short of victorious. “And I think I have the perfect idea.”
Paige stopped in her pacing, worry creeping down her spine. “What’s your idea?”
“Let me do a little investigating first. Then I’ll tell you everything.”
“I appreciate your efforts, really I do, but maybe I shouldn’t risk it. What if something happens and we don’t work out as a couple?” Paige pressed her lips together to keep from saying anything else. She didn’t want to reveal all of her fears.
“Trust me, Paige. You would be good for my son. I firmly believe that. Now, let me work my magic. I will say this, though. Go to him. Talk to him. Alone, without any other distractions. I think you’ll be surprised at how he reacts.” Claudia smiled and Paige had no choice but to smile in return. She wanted to believe she and Matteo could work out, but she still had so many doubts.
Perhaps his mother knew what was best for him. Perhaps she was what was best for him.
Paige could only hope.
For the first time in months, Matteo felt like he could breathe again. Being back in Amalfi, in his homeland, he felt his head clear as soon as he pulled the rental car through the gate of the Renaldi villa. Nothing had changed, the house and the grounds looked exactly as he remembered, yet the colors, the sounds, the light, all of it was more vibrant, even more beautiful.
It was good to be home.
Matty had been a nightmare during the flight, whining and crying, clinging to Paige, irritating her more than once, which was unusual. Matteo interfered a few times, trying to lend a helping hand, but his son would have none of it. So he buried himself in his work, studying the financial reports in preparation for the big annual meeting they held for the executives of Renaldi Accessories.
The meeting was in two days and it would take the entire day to complete. He was both looking forward to it and dreading it all at once. He took great pride in both the financial and creative planning that went into his business. Usually he enjoyed working on plans for the future. He took great pride in the family business and found it exciting, how far they’d come, even since his father died.
But for once in his life, he wasn’t necessarily excited to be a part of that meeting. He’d rather be here, spending time with his family, his son. Spending time with Paige.
Ridiculous. He pushed her away. Played games with her and toyed with her heart. He also couldn’t resist her, he preferred to be near her at all times and damn if he could do anything about it. He knew that night he begged her to come with them to Italy that something would happen. Here.
Now.
Tonight.
He was tired, jet lagged and should probably go to bed, but he roamed the villa, eventually ending up outside. The air was cool and crisp, the scent of the salty ocean lingered and he sat on the end of a lounge chair, the overstuffed cushion comforting his weary bones. He stared out at the night sky, the silvery half moon shining its gentle light on the glittering sea, and he sighed with happiness, for the first time in however long feeling at complete peace with his thoughts. With his life.
Not since before Lucia’s death had he felt like this and he couldn’t say he’d been this content with her. Their volatile relationship had worn on him. He craved sweetness in his life. He wanted a beautiful, docile yet passionate woman to warm his bed and his heart. A kind, loving woman who would care for his son as if he were her own. This woman would have no problem voicing her feelings, sharing her thoughts with him. Would stand up to him when she believed it necessary, listen to his thoughts, share his dreams.
