"Does it matter? Now?" Annette asked him, forcing herself to wait for him to sit down and serve himself before taking a bite of the salmon.
"No. It is water under the bridge as you Americans are so fond of saying."
Was that an American saying? Annette thought she'd look up its etymology later, but she doubted he would care the origination of the saying when he'd gotten it from his American business associates and friends.
"How was the train ride up?" he asked her.
As a subject change it was not inspired, but it was obvious. Once again, he had no interest in discussing their past in any meaningful way.
Annette tucked into her lunch. "These garlic bread knots taste as delicious as they smell."
Again, an uninspired topic for conversation, but a safe one.
Carlo waited until they'd eaten most of their lunch before broaching the topic he meant to.
Annette had shown a willingness to keep their conversation on totally inane topics, which revealed how nervous she was about their conversation to come, even if she didn't realize it. She'd expressed her near manic need to care for their niece the day before. Her emotions had been all but out of control, shocking him.
Funny how five years ago he would have told anyone who cared to listen that Annette was both sensible and practical, in everything but her choice of attire. She loved her whimsical clothing pieces, usually purchased at market stalls, not in high end department stores.
Now, he wondered if the way she always made sure everything was running smoothly, and never reacted with anger to her family's foibles, was more a result of family dynamic than personality and her way of dressing was Annette showing her true nature.
Dismissing the speculation, he observed, "You seem calmer today."
"Yesterday was a shock. I thought I was attending a meeting with the lawyer to go over things like finances for Jo-Jo's care and long-term plans for our siblings, and honestly, I resented having to take time away from the baby for something I thought you could handle.That'swhy I thought the rest of you were there. It never occurred to me that anyonebut mewould be named the baby's guardian."
"Nevertheless, I was named her legal guardian while her parents are unable to see to her care."
"I know." She frowned at him like she did not appreciate the reminder.
"I have a proposition for you."
Annette swallowed and nodded. "I understand."
"I doubt it, but you will."
CHAPTER 10
"What do you mean? You can't expect to take Jo-Jo back to Sicily," Annette asked with clear disapproval.
"None of us will be leaving New York until…" He let his voice trail off, unwilling to voice the options.
Until one, or both of, their siblings woke up and began to recover…or died.
"That's what I thought, but then you said you had a proposition..." her voice trailed off, her expression quizzical.
"I want you in my bed." There, he'd said it.
Though a voice inside him, which sounded suspiciously like his brother, called him a fool and demanded he retract the demand that she pay for the chance to care for their niece with her body. He didn't mean it. He knew he didn’t mean it, but did she?
"What?" Shock held Annette's lovely face immobile.
"I think the strings of shared guardianship should satisfy your need for something more than casual sex."
"You want me to pay for the privilege of taking care of Jo-Jo with my body?" She laughed in disbelief, when he expected an air clearing explosion.
Why was she laughing instead of angry? Did she think he was joking?
"Those are my terms." But were they? Even as he said the words, his conscience squirmed.