The Marriage Mistake

Chapter Seven

Max punched the button on the intercom. “Can you get Carina in here for me, please?” He shrugged off his jacket and hung it on the back of the chair. His skin itched. Probably from his rising temper.

She’d done it again.

The last week twisted into an unruly chain of events that pounded his temples in pain. Ever since that night he’d lost control and kissed her, his karma turned bad. Very bad. Maybe he deserved it.

He took a sip of lukewarm coffee and tried to wrap his brain around his options.

Her training started off so well. She worked tirelessly, was great at accounting, but the bottom line worried him. She sucked at management. Overall, she kind of sucked in the business world for one lousy reason.

Her heart.

The woman didn’t have a ruthless bone in her body. No matter how hard she tried to buckle down and tackle the odds and ends of running a chain of bakeries, she couldn’t seem to connect with the coldness her sister Julietta was able to connect with. When employees called out sick, she sent get-well cards and checked on them. The sales team took less than a week to discover she was an easy target. Max bet instead of chicken soup, they needed aspirin for hangovers.

Top-level management needed to be respected, and feared. Her groupie fans adored her upbeat personality, generosity, and ability to be a team player. Unfortunately, she covered too many asses and became the whole team.

The door opened.

She hurried in with one of her trademark short skirts, and the sexy prim blouse that gave him bad dreams. Ever since his insane breakdown, he’d been extra careful to keep alone time to a minimum. Not that she seemed to give their encounter a second thought. Seems their first kiss wasn’t earth-shattering after all. His bruised ego mocked him daily. Did she kiss all men like that? Was he one of many now and not worth even an embarrassed blush?

“You needed me?”

She huffed a bit and leaned one hip against the edge of the desk. The three-inch stiletto heels beckoned him to go for round two, and this time make her come. Max turned quickly as his own cheeks flushed and grabbed onto the tendril of temper.

“I thought we agreed to keep our signature dessert secret until opening.” He kept his voice hard and cold, reminding himself this was just business. “We need to build excitement and curiosity with the locals for a successful initiation. Correct?”

He glanced at her. Brows drawn in a confused frown, her toe tapped on the floor to an unknown rhythm. “Of course I remember.”

“Then why did I receive a call that Pete’s Bread Shop is now selling one of our pastries?”

She gasped. “Which one?”

“Polenta e Osci.” The moist yellow cake resembled the texture of polenta, but held a hazelnut cream filling, balanced with a dollop of apricot and elaborately chiseled chocolate birds perched on top. A staple in Bergamo, many American bakeries stayed away from the true Italian classics and stuck with the basics, which made this addition unique.

“No way.” Carina shook her head. “I spoke with Pete myself a few days ago when we went to the site. He doesn’t have the talent to make that dessert, or the proper pastry chef.”

Bingo.

Max drilled her with his gaze. “You spoke with our competitor?”

She shifted her feet. “Well, yes, he approached me to introduce himself. He was quite polite and nice and wanted to welcome us to the neighborhood.”

“I bet. Think back to your conversation. Did you tell him we were featuring that dessert?”

“Absolutely not. He was chattering about an uncle who visited Italy and loved a certain pastry and wanted to know . . .” She trailed off. A spark of pity cut through him at the sudden realization and horror on her face. “Oh, no.”

“He wanted to know the name and if we were going to serve it. Right?”

She bit her lip. “I can’t believe I fell for his ruse. He seemed so genuine. He told me his uncle was sick and would love to taste the dessert again, and I said we’d be serving it at the opening.” He waited for her to duck her head, but she met his gaze head-on. “I’m sorry. I really screwed up.”

With another employee, he would’ve ripped them apart and let them stew for a few days. He opened his mouth but causing Carina any more stress was impossible. Her raw honesty when she made a mistake only made him ache to cross the room and hug her like in the old days.

He kept his distance and his head clear. “I know.” He paused and studied her face. “Carina, do you like working here?”

She tightened her lips. “Yes. I’m sorry I messed up, but Michael’s counting on me. I’ll do better.”

Her beautiful chocolate eyes filled with determination. The need to comfort strangled him but he kept his feet rooted to the floor. “I know Michael wants you to eventually run La Dolce Maggie. You’re dedicated and smart—I never questioned those qualities about you, cara. But is this what you want?”

The flash of doubt was quickly buried. “Of course. This is what I trained for. I don’t intend to let my family down.”

Pride cut through him. The woman before him held more loyalty and work ethic than anyone he’d known. Still, he remembered her creativity and longing to paint. Remembered her mother hanging her work in the kitchen and being surprised at her talent. “You never answered my question. Is this what you want?”

She sank white teeth into the tender flesh of her lip. He remembered plunging his tongue between those ruby lips and devouring her. Max held back a groan of sheer misery. “This is all I have,” she said softly.

He tipped her chin up and studied her face. Why would she say something so odd? Endless choices stretched ahead of her. Michael may have hopes she’d sit at the helm, but his friend would back her if she insisted on a different path. Venezia pursued a career in fashion, and Michael always boasted of her talent and individuality.

He sensed her heart had never belonged to the business industry like Julietta’s. In his gut, she belonged somewhere else. He just wasn’t sure where.

A quick tap on the door pulled his attention. Jim peeked his head in, earbud firmly in place. “Boss, we got a problem. Michael needs you to get over to the waterfront location. There’s some type of mix-up with the supplier, and the chef is freaking out.”

“Won’t a conference call handle it?”

“Nah, this one needs a hands-on approach.”

“Fine. Tell Michael I’m on my way and I’ll report back to him later.”

“Got it.” Jim disappeared. Max shrugged on his suit jacket and grabbed his briefcase. “Let me fix this and we’ll talk more later. Cover me while I’m gone.”

“Of course.”

He flew out the door and made a note to dig deeper later.

Two hours later, Carina worked her way through her paperwork pile as she manned Max’s desk. The events of the morning still bothered her, but she decided to push through and make up for it. One screwup shouldn’t make her beat herself bloody. Everyone made mistakes in the beginning—isn’t that what Max and Michael consistently told her?

She flexed her neck back and forth and tried to concentrate on the endless array of numbers filling up the computer screen. The phone buzzed.

“Yes?”

The secretary’s voice came over the phone. “Robin is here to see Max.”

“From Robin’s Organics?” she questioned.

“Yes, he says it’s urgent.”

“Send him in, please.”

The man who entered had shaggy chestnut hair, muddy brown eyes, and ruddy cheeks. He wore a red shirt with ROBIN RULES scrawled across the front, and jeans with a hole in them. Not the typical business-suited executive from one of their most important suppliers. Definitely a man who got his hands in the muck. She rose and shook his hand. “I’m Carina Conte. Max isn’t here at the moment. May I help you?”

A muscle in his eye twitched. “I have to discuss a problem with you, Ms. Conte. I hope you can help me.”

“Carina. And I’ll certainly try. Let me pull up your account with us.” She tapped a few keys and read over the history and current notes. “You’ve worked with us a while now, since La Dolce Maggie opened. Am I correct?”

“Yes. We’ve always held a solid reputation for the best organic fruit in the Hudson Valley. But we’ve been having problems with the Newburgh location. The figs and raspberries were delivered late. The chef told me this morning he’s dumping our account.”

Carina frowned. “The chef doesn’t have the final say in that—we do. Is this a first occurrence?”

He winced. “No. It’s happened a few times over the last month.”

She leaned back in her chair and studied him. Tapped her pencil against the edge of the desk. “When suppliers run late, we can’t make our pastries. That’s a serious problem.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I wanted to come in person and tell you what’s going on.” He cleared his throat. “My son has been driving the truck and I started him in the business. He did well for a while, he just graduated college, but lately he got involved in the wrong crowd and—” Robin broke off, then pushed on. “He’s been on drugs. Stealing money. Not doing the deliveries. I assumed everything was fine and never checked.”

Her eyes softened with sympathy. She longed to reach out and take the poor man’s hand, who was obviously hurting over his son. “I’m very sorry. What are you going to do?”

“He checked into rehab. He won’t work for me again, I promise you. I’m asking to give me a pass on this and let me continue with the Newburgh location. My company has a solid reputation and I don’t want to lose La Dolce Maggie as an account.”

Carina skimmed the reports and noted the history with Robin’s Organics. No real problems until a few weeks ago. As the man waited for her decision, she dimly noted what Max and Julietta would do in this situation. They’d be empathetic but professional. Probably ask for a discount for the mistakes. Most definitely make their displeasure known. But she wasn’t either of them, and her gut told her Robin had been put through enough without her busting his balls.

“I’m going to need to guarantee my chef there that he will encounter no more late deliveries. Can you promise me this?”

“Yes. I’ve already hired someone new that I can completely trust. There will be no further mistakes.”

“Understood. I will take care of this, and we’ll start with a clean slate.”

Relief flickered over his face. His eye gave a final twitch as he rose to shake her hand. “Thank you, Carina. I really appreciate this.”

“You’re welcome. Good luck with your son. I know your heart is probably broken, but I’m sure you’ll do everything possible to make sure he comes out okay. Having family to count on is half the battle.”

He nodded jerkily and left the office.

She sighed, her heart aching for the man. Bringing children into the world was such a risk of love. She gave him credit for his courage and honesty.

Another hour passed as she updated spreadsheets and waited for Max.

He strode into the office, obviously in a temper. Not that his smooth looks betrayed a hair out of place or a wrinkle in his pressed iron-gray suit. His purple tie was perfectly knotted and never askew. But his features were tight with displeasure, and his eyes snapped blue fire as he dumped his briefcase on the desk.

“We have big problems. I need a meeting with Robin’s Organics.”

Uh-oh.

Carina rose from his chair, walked in front of the desk, and leaned against it. She kept her voice smooth and controlled. “Robin already came to see me.”

Max jerked his head up. “What are you talking about? When?”

“He came while you were at the waterfront. He’s been late with his deliveries over the past weeks and he was afraid he’d lose our account. I had a long talk with him and we fixed it. There should be no further issues.”

A muscle worked in his jaw. The musky scent of his aftershave hit her. “I just listened to an endless tirade from our pastry chef who insisted I dump this account. What was his excuse?”

“His son has been giving him problems and they’re short-staffed.”

Max lifted one brow in scorn. “How is that my problem? Did you threaten him? Get us a discounted price for his screwups?”

Temper bit her nerves. “I didn’t feel that was necessary, Max. He’s been working for us for years and we’ve never had previous problems. We all go through personal problems, and relationships in business are the foundation. Giving him a lecture or insisting we get a deal wasn’t the right move this time.”

His fuse was getting shorter. He cursed and raked his fingers through his hair. Carina hated the way the waves just fell back in perfect form. Was he even human? How can such a living, breathing Sex God be created in such form? The memory of his hands lifting her up and slamming her against the wall caused tummy flutters and a throbbing wetness demanding satisfaction. She concentrated on his hard-assed behavior instead.

“Relationships are important, but suppliers respect strength. If you let him get away with this once, he’ll know it can be repeated. Once again, you’re being too soft. You need to man up and take the heat.”

Her fists clenched at his condescending tone. “Man up?” she asked softly. “This has nothing to do with being soft—it has to do with building trust. He trusts us to give him this free pass, and that inspires loyalty and a desire to never let us down again. Business 101, Max. Maybe you need to take a refresher course.”

He took a few steps until they were face-to-face. Her breath came in shallow pants and she tamped down on the swirling array of emotions ready to explode. The hell if she’d lose her temper in front of him in the office. It was time he realized who he was dealing with.

“Maybe you need to tell our chef to forget about the fig tarts for his party tonight. How about that?”

She rose on tiptoes and flung her head up. “Maybe you can man up and tell him we make the final decisions at La Dolce Maggie. He’s a temperamental asshole and always has been.”

His lips twisted in a snarl. “He makes outstanding food.”

“He makes up for his height issues by being mean and making ridiculous demands. You’re just coddling him.”

He reached out and grabbed her upper arms. His face was so close to hers she saw the wicked curve to his lower lip, the sexy stubble clinging to his jaw, and the burn in his blue eyes. “I’m the boss, and I make the final decisions.”

“Too bad you’re not making the right ones.”

His breath rushed hot over her mouth. Her lips parted. Those fingers bit deep into her arms as he struggled with his temper. “You’re getting a little mouthy for someone who’s supposed to be in training.”

Desire slammed into her hard and fast. Her nipples pushed against the sheer silk of her blouse and begged for the naughty bite of his teeth. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “So make me shut up.”

He hesitated for a moment. Spit out a curse.

And slammed his mouth over hers.

The kiss was hot and fast and demanding. His tongue surged between her lips and thrust deep while he lifted her up and set her on top of the desk. She opened wider for him and clung to his shoulders. Her skirt rode up high on her thighs and she scooted toward the edge to part her legs wider. He caught her frantic motions, pushed the material up to her waist, grabbed her ankles, and wrapped them around him.

Carina fell into the kiss as an array of sensations dampened her panties and made her crazy for more. He devoured her mouth like a starving predator intent on destroying his prey whole. His hand squeezed the sensitive flesh behind her knee, then slid up toward her white lace panties. He caught her moan and nipped at her lower lip, bathing the swollen flesh with his tongue. “I need to touch you,” he rasped out. “I need—”

“Do it. Do it now.”

His fingers slipped under the elastic and slid home. She moaned and arched under the fierce plunge, digging her stiletto heels deep into his back. His thumb flicked her swollen clit and rubbed against the silky edge in a wild tease. She pulled on his hair, opened her legs farther, and slipped toward orgasm.

The intercom buzzed. “Max, your two o’clock is here.”

His mouth ripped from hers. She fought to keep from dragging him back to finish the job, but the staggered look on his face made her release him. His fingers left her aching and empty, and the scent of her arousal clung to the air. Her breath came ragged and uneven as she slid off the desk, pulled down her skirt and smoothed back her blouse. Then faced him.

“Christ, what the hell am I doing? I didn’t mean that.”

The front of his pants bulged in obvious contradiction. Sick of him denying the hot-blooded attraction, she cocked her head and pointedly dropped her gaze. “Seems like you meant it to me.”

“Carina—”

“Forget it, Max. Go to your meeting. I’ll see you later.”

Not able to stomach more of his apologies and guilt, she walked out of the office. Oh, yeah, it was definitely on. He’d kissed her twice now, and obviously wanted more. She just needed to convince him to take the shot. Somehow, she needed to get him alone on neutral territory to finish what they started.

A few nights later, Carina set down the bold blue china on the table. Thank God it was the end of the week. Ever since her second encounter with Max, he seemed intent on proving he’d made a mistake that would never be repeated. A real boost for the feminine ego, she mocked inwardly.

She turned and caught the massive shadow of black currently perched on the head chair. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and made a tsking sound.

“Dante, you know the rules. Off the chair.” The monster cat gave her a bored look and licked his paw. She used the tone animals always responded to. “I mean it. Off. Now.”

Dante flicked his tail, lifted his head, and gave a warning hiss.

Maggie’s voice cut through the room. “Dante, lose the attitude.” The cat lifted his head and jumped down. With a disgusted glance, he headed toward Maggie for a quick rub against her leg and a purr.

Carina blew out a breath. “How do you do that? He is the most disagreeable, stubborn, pain-in-the-ass cat in the world. He’s the only animal who doesn’t listen to me.”

Maggie grinned. “Yeah, I know. Isn’t he great?”

Friday night dinners were a new staple in Carina’s life, and she looked forward to them. Hosted one week at Alexa and Nick’s, the next week at Michael and Maggie’s, she’d gotten used to relaxing in a homey environment away from the office.

Carina slid onto the breakfast stool and worked on the salad. Her sister-in-law tried not to bump into the counter with her belly, and Carina gave her credit. The trendy red skirt and casual scoop-necked tee made her look chic and maternity fashionable. Maggie checked on the garlic bread and sipped a glass of sparkling seltzer. “Tell me what’s going on in your dating life. How was your last date? Edward, right?”

Carina hid a wince and added a handful of olives. “Umm, that didn’t go very well. Nothing bad, just flat between us.”

Maggie wrinkled her nose. “No chemistry sucks. I can’t tell you how many dates I went on where I felt nothing. Zippo. Any other prospects?”

“Besides the work pool, I’m not sure where else to meet men. What did you do when you were single?”

Maggie laughed. “Too many bad things, which is exactly what you need to do. I’ll give you a list of some clubs that you can hit on the weekends. I’d go with you for moral support, but you’ll never get picked up with a prego next to you.”

She snorted. “You’d probably get picked up before me, woman. You still look hot.”

Her sister-in-law flushed with gratitude. “You’re such a good sister.”

“I mean it, Maggie, you have this sex appeal I always wanted. How do you do it?”

“Do what, darling?”

“Get your man.”

Maggie hooted with laughter and threw the pan of toasty bread on the counter. “Carina, you already have everything you need in that killer body of yours. Just remember this—men like women who go after what they want. If a man attracts you, connect with your inner vixen and let loose. He won’t have a chance.”

“You think?”

“Umm, no. I know.”

The thought of being the seductress for a change turned her on. Why not step up the initiative and go after what she wanted?

“Seriously, you need to go out dancing and have some fun. Plenty of men will be there to practice on. All those ridiculous suggestions to meet men in bookstores and church piss me off.”

Max’s church comment echoed through her mind, and she bit her lip to keep from giggling. “Or the grocery store. Honestly, when has a man ever come up to you and asked you to feel his bread to see if it was fresh?”

“Or the gym! Yeah, nothing hotter than a smelly woman with makeup sliding off her face and shaking muscles. Can you see us responding to the comment, ‘How much did you lift today baby?’ ”

“Yeah, but I’m still not ready for the Internet. Not unless I get desperate.”

“Save that for the big guns. Alexa will have too much fun posting your profile.”

“I heard that.” Alexa’s voice sang out from the hallway.

The doorbell rang and the mutter of low voices echoed through the corridor. “Oh, that’s finally Max. Can you get it, Michael?” she screamed out.

Still laughing from her talk with Maggie, it was a while before she noticed the feminine drawl. Curious, she peeked her head around the wall.

Crap. He’d brought a date.

She watched as her future one-night stand entered the mansion with a woman on his arm. Not just any woman. Max only dated the crème de la crème, and this one stunk of royalty and privilege. Red hair curled like an art form around her shoulders, and her emaciated figure screamed size four. Slanted green eyes held a sleepy look that oozed sex. French manicured nails and stiletto heels warned women to stay away from her man. And her man tonight was Max.

Carina tried not to glower as she hid in the entryway to the kitchen and spied. “What’s up, sweetie?” Maggie asked. “You look pissed.”

She cleared away her cranky expression and forced a smile. “No, just checking out Max’s flavor of the week. This one looks serious.”

“Hmm, I didn’t think he was bringing a date tonight.” Maggie stuck her head out of the kitchen and watched as the men chatted and Max made the introductions. “Oh, that’s Victoria Windsor. Her daddy is duke of something, so she’s some type of royalty. Max had a few dates with her before. She must be back in town.”

Carina blinked. Her hatred swarmed to monstrous proportions. “Oh.”

Her sister-in-law sharpened her gaze and her claws. “Want me to get rid of her? Just say the word and I’ll blame the madness on pregnancy hormones.”

A laugh escaped her lips. “No, of course not. I told you I’m completely over Max.”

A snort hung in the air. “Yeah, and next I’ll sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.”

“Why would I buy a bridge?”

Maggie waved her hand. “Never mind. I keep forgetting about our ridiculous American expressions.” She lifted the salad off the counter and carried it to the dining room. The huge open space held an oversized cherrywood table, with fashionable leather seats, and a matching china cabinet. The crystal gleamed underneath a dripping chandelier, and Maggie grabbed a few bottles of wine from the full bar in the corner. The formality was softened by the array of candles, dim lighting, and gorgeous watercolors of Tuscan landscapes adorning the walls. Fresh flowers made up the centerpiece. Feminine touches were scattered throughout her brother’s once bachelor mansion, and Carina loved the contrast of soft and hard, simplicity and lushness, that now shimmered through the house.

Alexa waddled in and groaned. “I want wine so bad I can taste it. You guys better bring me a bottle when you visit at the hospital. Who’s that with Max?”

“Seems to be the question of the evening,” Maggie drawled. “Name is Victoria, Max’s current date.”

Alexa shuddered. “She’s too skinny. I don’t like her.”

Satisfaction pulsed through her system at the declaration. Anyone who didn’t eat was suspect in the family. Maggie shrugged. “I met her once before though and she’s actually nice. Maybe it’s a sign.”

Carina gritted her teeth. Damn, if she’d known she’d be competing with a frikkin princess she would have at least worn a dress. She’d donned a pair of casual jeans, white tank, and Keds. Knowing she looked about twelve, she cursed her stupidity. Women who wanted to seduce men like Max needed to bring up their game. Round one to the bitch.

The clatter of heels echoed and Max appeared in the dining room. He made the introductions again, and nodded at her as if they never had their tongues down each other’s mouths. “Carina, this is Victoria. Carina is a close family friend.”

She cocked her head. “Yep. Real close. Nice to meet you, Vicky.”

The woman winced at the nickname, but Carina gave her credit when she nodded. “Lovely to meet Max’s family. The last time I was in town it was too brief, and we only did formal parties, right, darling?” Bloody red nails stroked his arm. “Hopefully this trip will be longer.”

Max smiled, but she saw the humor didn’t reach his eyes. He almost seemed . . . resentful. As if trying to prove a point that there’d never be anything between them. Interesting. He refused to look her straight in the eye and reminded her of the stray dogs she used to pick up who would tilt their heads to avoid full contact. To avoid the truth of their circumstances. Denial was awesome in all species.

Nick strolled in with a platter of penne alla vodka. “Hope everyone is hungry.” Carina bit her lip as the women pointedly looked at Victoria’s twig figure, but she led the charge and rubbed her hands together.

“Bring on the carbs, boys.” Maggie and Alexa grinned and they sat at the table. Carina’s gut told her there was a damn good reason Max brought her to dinner, and she was about to find out. “So, Victoria, what do you do?”

“Mostly charity work at this point. I graduated from Oxford with a law degree, but found practicing wasn’t as satisfying as helping. I cofounded a children’s orphanage in London.”

Max straightened up in his chair as if about to make a presentation. “Victoria is both educated and street savvy. Her foundation helps hundreds of teens with nowhere left to go. Once they hit a level in the system, foster care can no longer help.”

Alexa nodded. “Yeah, like that Batman movie. The Dark Knight Rises, remember, Nick? The Bruce Wayne Foundation explained that problem. Quite impressive.”

Nick laughed at his wife’s ability to relate everything to books, movies, or poetry.

Victoria ducked her head and said to Max, “Darling, you flatter me. I had a safety cushion behind me. You worked your way up to the top, so you deserve all the kudos.”

Carina wondered if she’d get a cavity from all the sweetness between them. Yet, he never touched her. Max was always affectionate, especially toward someone he had feelings for. How many times had she watched him pet and fondle his escorts? But he kept his distance as if he dined with royalty rather than family. Hands flat on the table. Respect and admiration in his eyes but no sign of lust to tumble her. Hmm, interesting.

Victoria chatted a bit about her charity and made no move to touch him, either. They seemed more like companions than lovers. The spark of sexual attraction lay flat without even a twitch of interest between them. Any woman who didn’t want to dive into bed with Max had something else going on. Frigidity? Carina put on her Nancy Drew hat and swore to figure it out.

Maggie turned the conversation toward Alexa. “So, have you guys figured out a name yet for the babe?”

Nick nodded. “If it’s a girl, we’re going with Maria for Alexa’s mom.”

Carina sighed. “That’s so lovely. What about a boy?”

Nick shot his wife a warning look. “We’re still working on that.”

Alexa straightened up and plowed on. “If it’s a boy, we’re naming him Johan.”

Nick rubbed his forehead. A short silence fell. Maggie finally broke the polite pause. “For God’s sake, why? Where the heck did you get that name from?”

“Guess,” Nick said. “You know her better than anyone.”

Carina watched her sister-in-law sift through possibilities until she gasped. “Are you nuts? Oh, my God, you’re trying to name him after Johan Santana!”

Alexa pressed her lips together. “It’s a lovely name and has nothing to do with the Mets.”

Maggie let out a hysterical laugh and wiped at her eyes. “Bullshit. Santana pitched the first no-hitter in Mets history and you’re trying to re-create glory. I remember that frikkin night. You cried so hard I thought you’d go into labor.”

Carina remembered hearing about Alexa’s obsession with the New York Mets baseball team, and also the resentment toward Nick’s team, the New York Yankees. Thank God she wasn’t a sports fan. Seemed more stress than she needed, especially from the glare on Alexa’s face toward her best friend.

“Leave me alone, Maggie. It was a beautiful moment to appreciate. Our son should be proud to have that name.”

Nick snorted and refilled his wineglass. “Over my dead body,” he muttered. “Santana’s gone downhill since and hasn’t pitched a decent game in his last five starts. How about Derek for a name?”

Alexa slammed down her fork. “Absolutely not! No son of mine will be named after Derek Jeter, you—you—Yankee-lover!”

Nick sighed. “Let’s talk about it later, sweetheart. Did you try the calamari? I outdid myself this time.”

Alexa grumbled but went back to her meal, and Carina tried hard not to laugh at the absurd conversations the couple engaged in.

“Do you have a project going on in New York, or did you come to visit Max?” Michael asked Victoria.

“Daddy’s here for business and I thought I’d accompany him. I’d love to see a play or the opera if I can get Maxie to take some time off.” The nickname caused a few twitters around the table. “Poor thing has been working so hard on the new opening. Maybe I can con him into taking some time off this week if I get his boss’s permission.”

“Sure, as long as everything’s going smoothly he can take a few off. Carina can cover.”

“How sweet. Isn’t it wonderful to work with a close family friend?” Her smile was genuine beneath gleaming white teeth, and guilt nipped at Carina. How dare she judge people on surfaces? Victoria seemed like a nice, savvy woman who just happened to have the appearance of a supermodel. Was that her fault? No. She decided to back off. If Max wanted to pursue her, maybe it was for the best. His constant need to date women who were wrong for him fascinated her, and he seemed intent on proving he’d changed.

Victoria chattered on about a friend of hers she was worried about. “Richard’s been my rock for years now. Our fathers are best friends, and we grew up together. Poor man is going through a tragic divorce right now. Married the wrong woman. I’m doing everything possible to try and get him through it.”

Maggie and Alexa made sympathetic noises.

Carina caught the raw longing on the woman’s face as she uttered the name. Richard.

“What a shame,” she said, forking up a piece of pasta. “He’s very lucky to have you.”

A twinge of regret gleamed from Victoria’s eyes. “Yes. I keep telling him that.”

Bingo.

Victoria was in love with Richard and the idiot male probably didn’t even know it. No wonder she was trying desperately to make it work with Max. Max never demanded much from his dates. Maybe there was pressure for her to settle down? Or did she want to try to make this Richard jealous? Empathy pulsed in her gut. Victoria struggled with the same damn situation Carina had. Mooning over a man who looked at her like a younger sister. Pathetic. Well, the least she could do was cut her loose from Max and save her from making a tragic mistake.

“Where’s Lily?” Max asked as he spooned a few bits of salad onto his date’s plate, then was told to stop. A black olive rolled off the side and onto the table. Victoria made no move to spear it with the fork. The woman’s lack of food appreciation saddened Carina.

“Sleeping at Nonni’s house. They spoil her rotten and Nick thought we’d try to have a grown-up night.”

Nick pulled on a corkscrew curl and winked at his wife. “Yeah, maybe we’ll both make it past ten tonight. Dare to dream.”

Carina chuckled. “Parenthood changes you.”

“Damn right,” Michael piped up. “That’s why you need to enjoy yourself when you’re single. Max and Carina are in the twilight of their lives.” He winced when Maggie treated him to her powerful right hook on his arm. “Kidding, cara. You tortured me enough before we got married. I wouldn’t change a thing, but must admit that life seems just about perfect.”

She nodded and he lifted a hand to press a kiss against her palm.

Raw need rose up and choked Carina. She stuffed her mouth full of pasta instead and hoped it would feed at least her physical hunger. Victoria tapped her fork thoughtfully against her Botoxed lips. “I can’t wait to have children,” she announced. “I’m exhausted from the endless dating and partying. Don’t you agree, Max?”

A flush crept to his cheeks as everyone stared. Carina held her breath. “Sure.” She seemed as if waiting for him to expand. “I’m looking forward to settling down in the future.”

Victoria cocked her head. “Future? What does that mean? How far into the future? You know Daddy needs me to marry soon, right?”

Alexa and Maggie put down their utensils. Even Nick and Michael leaned forward to catch his answer.

Max cleared his throat and reached for his wine. He took a sip but the silence still pulsed around the table. Like a trapped wolf, his gaze scurried in panic around the table, then locked with hers.

Pure heat blazed from blue eyes and stung. The truth hit her full force. He wanted Victoria to be The One. But she wasn’t. He also had no clue she was in love with another man. Perhaps he sensed her obvious distance and decided she’d be another safe bet.

Slowly, Carina relaxed and began to enjoy the show. “Max adores children,” she said. “His mother has been wanting him to settle down for a while now. But where would you guys live?”

A strange sound emitted from his throat then died.

Victoria jumped in. “Oh, we could work that out. I need to be in England for a few months of the year, but the rest of the time we can be in New York. Of course, we’d visit Italy so I could meet Max’s mother. Doesn’t that sound wonderful, darling?”

“Yes, of course. One day.”

“When?”

Carina tamped down on a giggle. She’d finally seen a full fledged-male panic attack. “Soon.” Max grabbed a napkin, wiped his mouth, and rose from the table. “Umm, excuse me for a minute. Be right back.”

He launched himself down the hall and disappeared. Victoria drew back in surprise.

Carina rose from the table. “If you’d excuse me for a second, I’ll be right back.”

She followed.

Max closed the door to the house’s library. What was wrong with him?

He fisted his hands and pressed them against his eyes. Victoria was the perfect woman. She was beautiful, smart, and wanted to settle down and raise a family. He always enjoyed her company when she came to town. Proving Carina wrong was important. Her words mocked and danced in his head like an evil joker gone wild.

You always pick the wrong women.

Impossible. Sure, she had great examples, but Victoria finally proved her wrong. So why was there no real connection or any desire to take the relationship to next level?

The image of his fingers diving into wet fire shimmered before him. The sharp pain of her heels in his back. The sweet, sassy taste of her mouth and the smell of her arousal. Pushing that postage stamp skirt up her thighs had been the sweetest fantasy come true. If they hadn’t been interrupted, he would’ve laid her back on the desk and dived in.

Jesus, one time could be forgiven. Barely. Twice?

He needed his own carved slot in hell.

A light tap at the door was his only warning.

His nose twitched as the clean scent of cucumber and melon rose in the air. Awareness prickled down his spine. The relaxed, scholarly air of the library suddenly crackled with electricity. The soft soles of her Keds masked her progress, but her body heat burned right behind him. Damn her for screwing up his head.

Damn her for making him want.

He turned around to face her. “I’m coming,” he said. “Just needed a minute.”

She moved closer. He stepped back. A touch of a smile curved her lips. “Was it the marriage or the kids that freaked you out?”

He bucked up and took her jab like a man. “I don’t know.”

Max expected a sarcastic comment but she nodded as if she understood. “I understand.”

He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Go ahead. Aren’t you going to tear her apart?”

She had the nerve to look surprised. “Why? If you like her, I’m happy for you. She actually seems kind of nice, once I got over her food limitations.”

Her ease with him dating other women after that kiss mocked him. Why did he want to drag her against him and prove it meant something? “You won’t be able to find anything wrong with her. I already checked—she loves animals.”

“Great.”

“She believes in charity. Can run a business. Has a solid family foundation. I’m telling you, she’s perfect.”

Her lips actually twitched. “I’m thrilled for you. Here’s hoping you commit and settle down. Better you than me. I’m looking forward to some fun. Hot sex now. Babies later.”

He stretched to full attention. Her pouty lips poured the words out like honey. Hot. Sex. Anger balled in his gut and curdled. “Stop saying crap like that.”

“Why? Can’t make you any more uncomfortable than what happened a few days ago.”

He flinched. Because he wanted to do it again so bad he told her the opposite. “That was a mistake.” His voice came out strangled. “Both times.”

“So you’ve said.”

Her thoughtful words twisted his gut. How did a woman in Keds suddenly control the situation? Her mind and body pummeled his will full force. He grabbed for the ultimate excuse. “Anything physical between us would be a complete betrayal of trust. Wouldn’t it?”

The old Carina would have blushed and stammered. Looked at him like he was God and skittered away. The new Carina closed the distance and tipped her chin up. All five feet shimmered with feminine power. “Would it?” she murmured.

His dick strained the fabric of his pants in disagreement. With all the blood leaving his head, it took him a second or two to respond. “Yes. It would.”

“Pity.”

“Don’t play games, Carina. We can’t sleep together. The night I kissed you was a horrible mistake. So was the episode in the office. I still feel guilty about it.”

Those dark eyes simmered with mystery and secrets he’d kill to reveal. Her tongue snuck out and licked her lower lip. Amusement played over her face. “Sorry to kill your illusions, Maxie. But I’m just looking for a bad man to play with.”

Her innocent white shirt and ridiculous sneakers only made him want to rip off the fabric to reveal her siren curves. The taste of her haunted him. And as if she knew, she leaned in, and her breath whispered across his lips in a teasing caress. “Wanna play?”

A beat passed. The blood rushed to his dick and filled his head with a roaring sound. He was an experienced man well versed in the art of seduction. But this powerhouse knocked him out and left his head swimming. His head screamed Hell, yes.

“Can’t.” The word stuck in his throat. “I’m dating Victoria.”

Slowly, she pulled back. Her shoulders lifted. “Understood. I’ll respect your new relationship and won’t bother you again.” She walked to the door, and her hips swung in a graceful dance. The luscious curve of her buttocks winked good-bye. “Just one more thing. Something you should probably know.”

“What’s that?”

“Make sure you stay close to Richard.”

He frowned. “Richard is one of her friends. There’s nothing going on between them. He’s dealing with a divorce.”

“She’s in love with him. Always has been. Always will be. Ask her.” She winked. “See you out there.”

Max stood rooted to the floor and wondered when his life had gone completely to Hades.