‘You mean it would be easier foryounot to work with me. Why is that, Aurelio? You don’t want to be reminded of past mistakes?’
Surely he viewed their brief liaison as a mistake. Otherwise why be so adamant that she couldn’t stay?
‘But you’re wrong,’ she continued before he could answer. ‘Ican work here. I don’t have to like or admire clients to work with them.’ She paused, letting him digest that.
‘Even when you’re not wanted?’
His words were a blade to her breast, cutting away her breath. For a moment she only blinked, registering an uprush of pain. Had she really thought he might share her feelings? How naïve she’d been.
‘Amber.’ He took a step forward, his expression softening as his hand lifted towards her.
She burst into speech, needing to stop him before he touched her.
‘You may notwantme here, but you need me. That’s clear from what I saw of your current marketing efforts. The quality of your wines is selling them for you but you need much more than that to succeed at the next level, especially now you’ve committed to such a large expansion.’ She paused, hefting oxygen into too-tight lungs. ‘But it won’t be for long, Aurelio. I’ll just be here a short time and then I’ll work from Rome. I’m sure you can put up with me for a few days.’
He frowned and opened his mouth to shut her down, but Amber was ready for him. ‘I’ve signed a contract with your company and I intend to honour that. I hope you do too. If not, I’ll seek legal advice.’
‘You wouldn’t do that.’ His voice was low and even but she caught the flare of surprise in his eyes.
Amber angled her jaw so high she stared straight into the dark gaze that was once more impenetrable. Had she imagined that flash of shock? He looked immovable and totally unshakeable.
‘Wouldn’t I? I’d love to hear you argue your case in court. What would the grounds be? Inability to work with me because I’ve seen you naked? Fear that I’ll make a pass at you?’ She shook her head. ‘I’m simply here to do a job. Believe me, you have nothing to fear from me on that score.’