CHAPTER TWO
Amber’s stomach fell abruptly, as if she plunged from the very top of a massive rollercoaster to the bottom. At the same time her heart raced to a quicker beat, her breath stalling in her lungs then starting up again, rapid and shallow.
One look was all it took.
Every time it was like this.
She’d hoped that by now, after he walked out on her, she’d have some immunity. But even anger was no protection against this primal response.
Even if she could ignore the stark attractiveness of Aurelio’s strong features or the powerful masculinity of his tall, rangy frame, there was the memory of his surprising tenderness as he caressed her with those big, callused hands. The unexpected gleam of humour in those liquid dark eyes. The sense, still unbroken, that they shared far more than sex.
Amber blinked. Even his hair, thick and dark, invited her touch. As for the hint of a cleft in each cheek, half hidden by stubble, she knew precisely how intriguing they became when he smiled. And that mouth…Aurelio’s mouth was sensual and well-shaped. The mere sight of it sent memories rushing through her, of those warm lips kissing her into mindless ecstasy.
Shock, desire, longing smacked into her, rocking her back on her heels. She felt her eyes widen, her pelvis soften, and that instantaneous, unstoppable response gave her the strength she needed to meet his stare and lift her chin a notch. She refused to be a pushover for this man. Instead she stiffened her knees, ignoring the fact her legs felt as weak as overcooked tagliatelle.
‘Hello, Aurelio. It’s good to see you again.’ Her voice was rough-edged, but at least it was even.
She fixed a smile on her face, the sort of smile she used when dealing with difficult clients. Her emotions were too powerful and too complex for simple pleasure. All she could do was hope to keep them hidden by playing the calm businesswoman.
He stiffened, his brow twitching, and she widened her smile. Had he expected her to fall in a heap when she saw him? Or maybe run to him and throw herself into his arms?
She had more self-respect than that.
Yet she didn’t walk around the table and offer to shake his hand. There was a limit to her courage. Physical contact would test her strength too much.
‘Amber.’ He inclined his head so infinitesimally she wondered if it actually hurt him to move. Or whether her presence meant so little that was the only greeting he could be bothered to give.
Pain scoured her heart. Pain and a horrible fear she faced defeat before she’d even begun. But she was no quitter. She met his stare with one of her own, lifting her eyebrows.
‘This is…unexpected.’ His deep voice eddied around her, making her insides curl.
Amber frowned. ‘You didn’t know I was coming?’
How could that be? Surely he’d been party to the final decision on who’d implement a new PR and marketing strategy for the winery. He and Paolo were partners but it was clear that Aurelio was the powerhouse behind the enterprise.
Paolo spoke up from beside her. ‘The final decision on the contract was mine, Amber. It just took me a while to make up my mind. After your presentation in Rome, you were Aurelio’s preferred choice, but I initially favoured a larger, longer established firm for the job. They came close to convincing me, but the more I thought on it, the more I realised you understood us and what we’re doing here. Your proposal respects that.’
Amber swung round, staring into the weather-beaten face of the older man. For the first time that day the tension in her jaw and stiff shoulders unlocked a little. It meant so much that her vision was recognised. She’d known she was up against some big guns for this contract and had worked incredibly hard to win it.
‘I’m glad you changed your mind.’
He beamed. ‘So am I. You’re a perfect match for our needs. A background in wine, a great track record, and a really clever campaign plan. Even an old guy like me can see we need to move with the times.’
‘But maintain that connection with the winery’s history and integrity. The fact that tradition and quality are valued as well as modern innovation.’
Paolo nodded. ‘Exactly. A merger of old and new.’ He turned to the man still standing stiff and silent just inside the door. ‘You were right, Aurelio. She’s just the woman we need.’
Which begged the question of why Paolo hadn’t told his partner he’d awarded her the contract. Aurelio had made it clear in Rome that the contract was going to another company.
There were undercurrents here Amber didn’t understand. Not least the fact Aurelio had left the final decision to Paolo.
Slowly, reluctantly, Amber turned towards the man watching them from the door. There it was again, that punch to the midriff that was her body’s response to Aurelio. She just hoped she hid it from him.
He didn’t look welcoming.
Forget welcoming, his stern stare grew close to a scowl.
There could only be one reason. He didn’t want her here. Between the day of her presentation and now, they’d had a scorching affair. Presumably he didn’t want a reminder of that.