Upset? He had no idea how to set her at ease and open up to him. This time he stood like a sentinel and watched her carefully. “I didn’t mention your job at all when I met with my sister.”
“You didn’t?” Her brow lifted in confusion.
A tingle slowly built and worked its way up his spine as he started, “Again, Kiwi-”
“Fair. I’m sorry,” she interrupted. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I’m trying to be open but I’m making tons of assumptions today.”
If he knew how to help her, he would. He turned toward the door and pressed his hand on her side to get her to walk beside him toward the house. “Let’s announce that lunch is served.”
“Okay.” Her steps were stiff.
Maybe he needed to be careful. He had no way to pry open her trust instinct, so she’d let him inside her heart. He shook off the thought. She was right that they needed time, and that was his best chance. He only had a few months until their daughter was in their lives so he chose to ignore his doubts and win her trust. This was a mission worth fighting for.
Chapter 13
Kiwi’s heart and soul were a hot mess. If she fell in love with Gio, was she making a mistake? Her mother would have said yes and not to depend on anyone. She tapped her royal blue clogs against the tiled terrace as dinner winded down.
The Morgans treated her like one of their own and Gio was sweet. She half expected fireworks between Peter and Gio’s brother, but nothing happened there. The disaster of her own thoughts and fears took most of her time, but the quiet gave her a chance to recoup her brain cells to at least think functionally after the spaghetti dish.
The wait staff cleared the table so they could serve the meat dish. If she stayed in Italy with Gio, then this could be her spot to have every meal.
The gentle breeze that swayed the grapevines caught her attention. She sat next to a sexy, handsome man who could be hers, forever.
Somehow, she needed to believe this was not just a dream. Love meant two people were together and depended on each other. At least in theory. She hadn’t seen that as a child, but it was in the books. Gio made her believe the impossible was possible.
Gio’s leg brushed hers under the table. He held out his wine glass and said to the gathered Morgans, “I hope everyone is having a great time.”
Kiwi lifted her wine glass of grape juice to toast with everyone as she said, “Your home is beautiful, Gio.”
“Thank you for all coming.” Gio glanced at Anthony and then at all their guests. “It’s been a pleasure to get to know a few of my half-siblings and I hope we continue to mend our broken family alliances. Our father wanted to keep us all separated though I now understand he wasn’t kind to any of us.”
“Now that’s the truth.” “May he rot in hell.” “Cheers.” And more quick answers were said too fast for her to catch them all.
Agreement was good. Now her own choice should be really easy. All she had to do was get that voice out of her head that always doubted any man. Gio was clearly a Prince Charming type and she needed to say yes.
Jennifer clinked her glass with Peter and coughed lightly so everyone turned toward her. Kiwi took a sip of her juice and quieted as she heard Jennifer tell Gio’s brother, “Anthony, I’m going to return with Peter to his house. We’re getting married.”
Kiwi almost choked on her juice and put it down.
Caro was the first to ask, “Are you serious? Does everything have to revolve around you, Jennifer? We’re having dinner.”
Peter Morgan’s face went unreadable and dark, though Kiwi had no idea why. She had the idea something else was going on with him but he didn’t say a word.
She let the impression pass. Kiwi glanced at Gio, whose dark brown eyes narrowed as he patted his brother on the back with empathy, though his muscled legs beneath the table were tight as fists.
Jennifer had no idea the reaction she’d just created—or maybe she didn’t care. Kiwi massaged his thigh to help Gio relax as Jennifer continued to publicly embarrass Anthony. “You’ve been wonderful, but I’ve loved Peter all my life.”
“What about Belle?” Victoria nudged Peter’s shoulder as she spoke to her older brother.
Peter placed his hand on his sister’s but shook his head. “She’s gone. And my son deserves his father.”
Kiwi’s stomach knotted. She didn’t know any of them really, but something in Peter’s voice made her pause. If she knew them better, she’d guess there was a lot going unsaid.
Victoria’s eyes widened like she too wondered if there was some secret. “Peter…” but then she said nothing else.
Peter nodded.
Kiwi held her breath and hoped whatever secret there was didn’t hurt Gio or his family too much. Peter said, “We’ll talk later, Victoria.”
