Did he think she was going to beg him to take her back?
But then she’d never been his, had she? She’d merely been a partner for convenient sex. And if Aurelio could look at her like they’d never shared anything more tender, then she could reciprocate. Pride came to her aid, despite the piercing ache inside.
‘I’m looking forward to exploring the vineyard.’ She smiled at Paulo. ‘It looks impossibly scenic but it’s the soil and the grapes that really interest me. And the end product, of course.’
‘Of course.’ His smile was warm, a stark contrast to his partner’s silence. Yet that didn’t seem to bother Paolo. ‘We’ll bring in your luggage then start the tour.’
‘Luggage?’ Aurelio’s tone was sharp.
‘Of course. Amber is staying for a few days, getting an in depth knowledge of the place. That was what you wanted, someone who understands not just the business but the place and the ethos behind it.’
Amber watched Aurelio’s mouth compress and realised he was biting back an objection.Notthe start she’d hoped for. But she’d known this wasn’t going to be easy.
A woman came to the door, calling Paolo away for a phone call. He excused himself, saying he’d return soon.
Leaving her alone with Aurelio.
After long, silent minutes that notched her tension even higher, he finally closed the door and stepped further into the room. Instantly it seemed to shrink, as if the walls crowded close, or some invisible presence sucked the oxygen from the air, leaving Amber’s lungs cramped and overworked.
Aurelio raked his fingers back through midnight hair that fell back in place looking just a little rumpled. The sight made her recall how he’d looked naked in bed, his heavy-lidded eyes full of invitation and his tousled hair a reminder of the passion neither could get enough of.
Her traitorous heart lurched hard against her ribs, as if trying to get closer to him.
Amber curled her fingers tight and stood exactly where she was.
‘It’s no good.’ He shook his head. ‘This isn’t going to work.’
‘Sorry?’ She blinked up at him as he stalked around the table towards her. Fortunately he stopped more than an arm’s length away.
Did he too feel this snapping spark of energy? Like electricity arcing between them?
Amber found herself arching back, resisting a force field that threatened to draw her off her feet and into his arms.
Self-disgust welled. She couldn’t be that needy. The man was giving off keep-out vibes so strong it was a wonder they didn’t light up the room.
‘I’m sorry, Amber.’ For the first time since he’d arrived she saw a flicker of something in his adamantine expression. She could almost imagine it was regret, till his jaw hardened, making him look more unyielding than ever. ‘You can’t stay here.’
For a long moment she digested his words. ‘It’s not convenient for me to stay at the vineyard? No problem. I’m sure I’ll find accommodation in town. It’s—’
‘That’s not what I mean.’ He shrugged his wide shoulders as if releasing a muscle ache. ‘I mean you can’t work here. You can’t take the job.’
Amber hadn’t expected him to welcome her with open arms but nor had she expected such absolute rejection. A tiny part of her, the part that had hoped he’d longed for her just as she’d yearned for him, shrivelled up and died. In its place, indignation ignited.
‘I’m afraid I already have.’ She took a step forward so she could brace one hand on the conference table. Suddenly she needed the support, especially when she saw how he stiffened at her approach. If proof were needed that he was now immune to her, that was it. This man was obviously uncomfortable just being close to her.
He didn’t want an ex-lover cramping his style.
Aurelio shook his head. ‘It will be easier if you simply tell Paolo you’ve changed your mind. That you can’t take the job.’
Slowly she tilted her head, surveying him from the obstinate jut of his jaw to the pulse thrumming at his temple. Taking in his absolute, unnatural stillness.
How had she ever imagined he might have missed her?
‘Easier for whom? Not for Paolo. He’s already put a lot of work into getting me here. Definitely not for me. I’ve rearranged my schedule to be here. I’ve committed to the job.’
‘You know what I mean, Amber.’ Aurelio’s low voice grew harsh, a definite growl. ‘We can’t work together.’
Suddenly Amber found she didn’t need the support of the sturdy table any longer. She straightened, firm on her feet, her hands anchoring on her hips.