CHAPTER SIX
‘When were you going to tell me about the gala premiere?’
Amber had tracked him down in the oldest part of the winery. Here, instead of new stainless steel vats, he was surrounded by old barrels. The dark, echoing chamber was rich with the scent of wine and oak. And now sweet honeysuckle and warm sunshine.
He couldn’t explain the sunshine scent. As far as he knew mankind hadn’t found a way to bottle such a fragrance, but he inhaled it every time Amber came close.
Aurelio drew in a furtive breath, telling himself he was impatient at the interruption. Not pleased at the sight of Amber in her skinny jeans and white shirt. With her hair up and her hips swaying, she strode the length of the barrel hall like a catwalk model with more than the usual share of attitude.
His gaze dropped to the curve of those lithe hips, till he caught himself and dragged it back up, past a waist so narrow he could span it in his hands. Over firm, plump breasts that made him—
‘Aurelio? Did you hear me?’ Impatience sharpened her voice. But not nearly as much as it would if she realised he’d been ogling her. Just as well he stood in the shadows.
She shook her head. ‘You really are in another world when you get involved in work.’ This time when she spoke, something like affection softened her words and Aurelio felt a throb of inexplicable emotion rise.
No, not affection. Understanding. This week they’d achieved the truce he’d offered. More than a truce, really, for they’d worked well together, fine tuning the comprehensive strategy she’d developed. They’d also achieved again a level of easy companionship. That surprised him since awareness bubbled beneath every interaction he had with Amber.
‘Were you even going totellme about the premiere?’ She jammed her hands on her hips in an attitude he found ridiculously attractive. So much for familiarity breeding contempt! He must have been out of his mind.
‘Sorry? What premiere?’
She drew a deep breath as if fighting for patience. This time Aurelio kept his gaze on her face, but that didn’t stop him being aware of the rise of those luscious breasts. Heat eddied down in his groin, a reminder that with Amber on the premises, he’d been battling arousal for days.
‘The first showing of your brother Matteo’s new film. His directorial debut. The one all of Italy and half the world is talking about, especially with that story about him being reunited on set with his wife after a long separation. It’s tipped to be the biggest box office success in a decade.’
‘Oh, that premiere.’
Amber tilted her head, trying to read him better. ‘You don’t care about your brother’s film?’
‘Of course I care.’ Aurelio folded his arms over his chest. ‘It was a massive gamble for him. We all hope it will be the beginning of a successful career in directing as well as acting.’ And there’d been jubilation in the family that Matteo, who’d spent twelve months scowling, was now reunited with Angela. The pair were so patently in love it was painful to watch.
Aurelio felt a stab of shame. He didn’t begrudge Matteo and Angela their love. He just wished the sight of them so wrapped up in each other didn’t remind him of something precious he could never have again.
The past was the past. He’d fought hard and long to free himself from it and make a fist of living day to day.
‘So you’re going to the premiere?’
A frown settled on his features. The last thing he wanted was to spend more time in Rome. He had so much to keep him busy here. But his was a close family, even if they didn’t live in each other’s pockets, and he was proud of all his siblings. He’d just have to find time to spare a night in the city.
‘I’ll be there.’
‘Good. Let me work on the publicity angle and you can focus on networking.’
‘Publicity?’ Aurelio scraped a hand over his unshaven jaw, dragging himself back from memories of last time he stayed in Rome, sharing Amber’s bed.
‘Of course.’ She moved closer, all vibrant energy. ‘Paolo tells me the after party will be in a stunning hotel owned by your brother, Luca, and that your wine will be featured.’ She paused, apparently waiting for him to say something. ‘So it’s a golden opportunity to stir a little publicity for the winery.’
‘This will be Matteo’s night.’
‘Absolutely. And what could be better than having your wines showcased at such a glamorous event to celebrate the work of one of Italy’s sexiest men?’
Aurelio stared at her eager face. Did Amber have a soft spot for his movie-star brother? The thought shouldn’t bother him. He was used to women swooning over Matteo. He used to rib his brother about it mercilessly till Matteo separated from Angela and jokes about being a sex magnet didn’t seem appropriate.
Yet Aurelio felt a tightening within, as if his tendons shrank back against hard bone. He felt something might just snap at the excitement in her bright eyes.
‘You’re interested in Matteo?’ The words ground from between clenched teeth.
Amber’s stare grew fixed. ‘As a means to give your business a higher profile, definitely.’ Her jaw lifted. ‘You have a problem with that?’