Michael Conte.
He grabbed her with firm hands before she even swayed. The heat of the contact sizzled like oil on a hot skillet, but she kept her face expressionless, determined that he never know how he affected her. He’d practically stolen her BFF, insinuating himself into Alexa’s family with an easy charm that pissed her off. Since her brother designed the project at the waterfront, Michael was now invited to functions where business and pleasure combined into family events. She bumped into him everywhere, bringing back memories of that disastrous blind date and a prickle of humiliation.
“Are you okay, cara?”
The caressing tone of his voice stroked her belly like a velvet fist. Lily broke into a gummy smile and practically sighed. And who wouldn’t? Michael was simply gorgeous.
She took apart his appearance with a ruthlessness that made her one of the most sought-after photographers in the fashion industry. Long, jet-black hair pulled back from his face and tied at his nape. His face was an odd combination of grace and strength, with a high arched brow, slashed cheekbones, and a strong chin. His nose sloped with a slight crookedness that enhanced his charm. His skin was a warm olive that bespoke of his Italian heritage.
But what killed her were his eyes.
Dark and soulful, almond-shaped, and set off by a set of lush eyelashes. Always filled with a wicked sense of humor and a raw passion that glimmered right beneath his polished surface.
Crankiness stirred. Why did he bother her? Her work required her to handle half-naked men who were even better looking. Like chiseled marble statues, she rarely got zinged by an electrical current when moving naked limbs into a pose. She had dated a few models, and always retained an air of distance, enjoying their company, then moving on without a glance back. But Michael affected her by igniting a basic feminine need she’d never encountered before.
She pushed away the disturbing thought and bumped Lily higher on her hip. She made sure to keep her tone cool. “Hello, Count. What brings you?”
His lower lip twitched. “I’d never miss Alexa’s birthday party.”
“No, of course not. You don’t seem to miss many events that revolve around Alexa, do you?”
His eyebrow lifted. “Are you questioning my motives, cara?”
Maggie hated his husky accent that curled like smoke and wrapped heated wisps around her senses. But she hated his body more. Solid muscles filled out his supple leather Armani jacket. He wore a royal-blue button-down shirt, jeans, and Paciotti crocodile black boots. Besides killer style, he exuded a masculine power that pressed down upon her, combined with a deadly charm. He pretended not to have a care in the world, but Maggie glimpsed the sharp intelligence hidden behind that facade, glinting in the depth of inky black eyes.
After all, she hid the same things.
Maggie threw him the same charming smile she’d perfected in her own way. “Of course not. Just making a comment on the close personal relationship you seem to have with my brother’s wife.”
Michael chuckled and tickled Lily under the chin. The baby actually laughed. Even her niece was a traitor when it came to him. “Ah, but Alexa and I are friends, no? And without your brother, my bakery would never have gotten off the ground. He’s done an amazing job with the architectural design.”
She grunted. “Convenient, isn’t it?”
As if knowing he irritated her, he leaned forward. She caught the scent of rich coffee, clean soap, and a hint of Christian Dior cologne. Her gaze helplessly focused on those full, sculpted lips that promised sex and sin. “Do you have something to say to me, Maggie?” he asked in a low drawl. “I remember from our dinner date you are usually more . . . blunt.”
Damn him. She fought the heat that rose to her cheeks and narrowed her eyes in warning. “And I remember you’re usually more . . . honest.”
He drew back and gave her the space. “Yes, perhaps we both made a mistake that night.”
She refused to answer. Instead, she lifted Lily and placed her in his arms. He held her with such tenderness and ease that she regretted her decision immediately. “I have to go find Alexa. Lily has a dirty diaper. Would you do us a favor and change her, please?” She smiled sweetly. “After all, you’re practically family. You know where the nursery is.”
And with a turn on her stiletto heel, she walked away.
• • •
Maggie made her way through the richly decorated Tuscan kitchen, focused on getting a glass of wine. Why couldn’t anyone else see that the man was after her best friend? Her brother used to hate him, but now Nick invited him to family events and gave him every opportunity to be with his wife. The few times she mentioned it to Alexa, she laughed it off, citing no sexual chemistry.
Bullshit.
She knew Alexa never imagined the possibility because she was so in love with Nick and believed the best in people. Maggie trusted Alexa.
She just didn’t trust the charming Italian who’d wormed his way into their family.
She’d researched him for the past year, positive she’d discover a damning weakness in case she needed to blackmail him to stay away from Alexa and her brother.
She’d come up empty each time, except for one blaring item.
The women.
Michael was a well-known womanizer. She’d bet in Italy that females had lusted after him, and that hadn’t changed in New York. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in the Hudson Valley. Never a harsh comment regarding his behavior could be unearthed, even from the gossip columns. Yet, one fact remained.
He never got serious.
His longest relationship in the past year was two weeks. Maggie smothered a humorless laugh. In a way, she felt as if she’d met herself, only in male form. She could only come up with one solid reason for why he wouldn’t commit.
Alexa.
He was so in love with Alexa that he refused to give himself completely to another. Thank God he hadn’t taken her up on her proposition for another date. The memory still embarrassed her. She’d never been rejected by a man before, especially one she initially wanted.
Maggie poured herself a glass of cabernet, then wandered through the elegant dining room. She noticed the removal of certain antiques and sharp edges, the beginning of baby proofing in her brother’s mansion.
Alexa swooped down on her with a plate filled with food. “Why aren’t you eating? I need support. I’m trying to lose the baby weight but these appetizers are too good.”
Maggie grinned at her best friend. “You look fantastic. God, your boobs are huge. I’m so frickin’ jealous.” The black dress emphasized her curvy figure with the scooped neckline and knee-high length.
Alexa stuck out her tongue. “The benefits of breast-feeding. Let’s hope I don’t leak and ruin my sexy effect. Where’s Lily?”
Maggie fought a satisfied smirk. “With Michael. He’s changing her diaper.”
Alexa groaned. “Why did you do that to him? You’re always giving him a hard time. I have to go help.” She put down her plate of food, but Maggie grabbed her arm.
“Oh, all right, I’ll go check on him. I’m sure he gave Lily to your mom. He’s not stupid, Al, and he’s a man. Men don’t change diapers.”
“Nick does.”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “Rarely. He gave Lily to me because he knew she pooped.”
Alexa glared at her husband from across the room. “Why am I surprised? The other night he asked me to hold her for just a minute and when I went to look for him, he’d gone out. Out of the actual house. In his car. I mean, are you kidding me?”
Maggie nodded. “I’ll schedule a shopping trip with you soon and we’ll make him pay. Literally.”
Alexa laughed. “Go save Michael. And be nice to him, for God’s sake. I don’t know what’s up with you two. It’s been almost a year since you went out on that blind date. Did something else happen you didn’t tell me about?”
Maggie shrugged. “Nope. I told you, I think he’s secretly in love with you. But no one believes me.”
“This again?” Alexa shook her head. “Maggs, we’re just friends. He’s like family. Trust me, even Nick came around—there’s nothing between Michael and me. Never was.”
“Right.” Maggie looked at her friend, whom she loved like her sister. Alexa never knew how beautiful she really was, on the inside and outside. Nick finally won her heart, and Maggie never wanted them to forget how important they were to each other. They’d fought a hard journey but she’d never seen a happier couple. Her brother finally discovered his happily ever after. He hadn’t let their screwed-up family life affect his future, and she was proud of him for taking the leap.
At least one person in the family found peace.
Maggie hugged her. “Enjoy your food, birthday girl, and don’t worry. I’ll go rescue him.” She took her time, expecting to find Michael nursing a Scotch, child-free. She climbed the winding staircase and padded quietly down the hall. A low laugh, then humming drifted in the air. She peeked her head around and took in the sight before her.
Michael held Lily in his arms as he rocked her. He crooned a lullaby in Italian, and Maggie realized it was “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Lily gazed up at him with sheer adoration, gurgling in time to the melody. The nursery added to the almost mystical quality of the scene, with large moons and stars painted on the ceiling, and bright yellow paint splashing the walls like the sun.
Her heart stopped. A fierce longing shook through her core, and Maggie half closed her eyes in a battle to push away the emotional storm. He’d shed his jacket, which hung neatly on the back of a chair. Lily wore a different dress of yellow roses, her dainty tights and matching yellow shoes pristine and cleaned of drool. The scent of vanilla hung in the air.
She swallowed hard and clenched her fists.
He looked up.
Their gazes met and locked. For a moment, a raw, lustful chemistry shot between them. Then it was gone, and Maggie wondered if she’d just imagined the look of want on his face. “What are you doing?” she asked sharply.
He cocked his head at her accusation. “Singing.”
She sighed with impatience and motioned toward the changing table. “I mean, the diaper. You changed her? And why is she wearing that?”
He looked amused. “Of course I changed her, just as you asked, cara. Her dress was dirty, so I picked out a new one. Why do you look so surprised?”
“Figured you were raised with that old-fashioned attitude. You know, men are leaders and don’t cook, clean, or do diapers.”
Michael threw back his head and roared with laughter. Lily blinked, then babbled in response. “You haven’t met my mother. I grew up with three younger sisters. When a diaper needed changing it was my responsibility, and there was no game of pass-the-baby. I tried that once and paid dearly.”
“Oh.” She leaned against the white bureau. “Is your family back in Italy?”
“Yes. The original La Dolce Famiglia started in Bergamo, where we live. Then we expanded into Milan and have been quite successful. I decided to continue the tradition in America, and my sister runs the home base.”