“Mr. Mancelli, can I help you? It is quite unorthodox for a client to come to our hotel room.” My voice is like ice, and I don’t even care.
Harper just rolls her eyes, “He is here because he wants to discuss something with you.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Slade if it is bothersome or inappropriate for me to be here. Americans do things so differently. I just wanted to give you this news in person. I’ve offered Harper the position of CFO of my company, and she has accepted. I hope there are no hard feelings.”
Chapter 9
Harper
The color drains out of Owen’s face, and I have to lace my fingers together in front of me to stop from reaching out to him. He looks shocked as his eyes turn to mine. I read exactly what I expected to read in them, betrayal.
I lock eyes with him, refusing to give any ground. He caused this. Did he really think we could just sweep what happened under the rug and go on as we were? Just some drunken indiscretion that we would laugh about in years to come?
“Thank you, Mr. Mancelli, for coming to tell me. If you don’t mind, I need to have a few words with Miss Jefferson.”
“Of course.” He nods and then turns to me the professionalism melting as his smile warms.
“I will be in touch. I expect you in Italy in a month, will that be sufficient time?”
All I can do is nod as I feel Owen’s gaze boring into me.
“Yes, that will be fine.” He nods and gets back on the elevator.
Owen stalks over to the window and looks out. My heart is hammering in my chest as I wait for him to say something, anything.
“You’re moving to Italy. I thought you said you didn’t want to be some rich man’s bored housewife.” His tone is flat, but the words cut through me like a knife.
“Did you not hear what he said Owen? I’m not coming to Italy to be his wife but as the CFO of his company. A major fashion company. Do you think that is all men see in me? A pretty face and an empty head? As if someone like Antonio could not appreciate my wit, beauty and brains?”
I know I sound like a narcissist right now, but I can’t make myself care. I know I’m attractive and there is no reason to deny that. But to insult me this way, as if my talents and my years of work in finance are not enough to attract an employer without it having to be about him wanting to get in my pants…
Owen turns around, a sneer on his face, “Of course he can want you for your brains and wit. You are one of the smartest people I know. But for someone so smart you are making a huge mistake.”
I put my hands on my hips and try to glare him out of existence. He doesn’t go up in a puff of smoke, soI take a deep breath, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
He chuckles and the coldness of the sound makes me shiver.
“He wants you Harper. It is obvious in the way he looks at you. He is going to lure you to Italy with this job and then shower you with gifts and attention. You are going to find yourself that bored housewife before you know it because a man like Antonio is not going to let his wife have a career, I can assure you of that.”
I give him a furious look before stalking into the bedroom of the suite and throwing my things into my suitcase. I’ve learned to pack light after all of the out-of-town trips, and it only takes me a few moments before my bag is packed.
“Where are you going?” Owen asks, looking from my bag to me.
“Consider this my resignation Owen. I will find my own way back home.” I stalk to the elevator and push the button, tears burning my eyes as it chugs back up to the top after letting Antonio out.
Owen says nothing as I step into the elevator and smash the button for the lobby.
The last thing I see before the doors close is his back. He turned away from me to look out at the city.
???
“Thank you, Antonio, for recommending this beautiful hotel. Owen did not take the news well.” I take a long drink of my wine and play with my food. I should be ecstatic. As a die-hard foodie, being able to eat at one of the best restaurants in Rome should be thrilling, but I have no appetite.
“It is hard for a man when he has lost his prize to another.” Antonio smirks a bit before sipping his wine.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. Antonio has been nothing but gracious and pleasant, treating me like an equal the entire time I’ve been in Rome.
“Just a thing between men Cara. He is obviously in love with you and sensed my interest was not just professional.” His voice changes and he leans across the table, putting his hand over mine.