To Catch a Thief - By Sherryl Woods Page 0,41

a deep breath, savoring the aromas of garlic and tomatoes, oregano and basil, flour and eggs. He also took in the aging but spotless appliances, the floor that looked as if it had just been mopped to a shine. If this was where Gina had learned the basics of the restaurant business, she had learned from a man who obviously took pride in his work. The room was both cozy and efficient.

“Sit,” Tony said, gesturing toward a stool. “If you would like coffee, you will have to pour it yourself,” he added, already working with the dough again, stretching it with nimble fingers, then putting it through a pasta machine to form perfect fettuccine noodles.

“No coffee, but thanks.”

Tony glanced at him. “What is wrong with our Gina?”

“She said she had told you about her business difficulties,” Rafe began cautiously, in case she hadn’t been as totally forthright with Tony as he had been led to believe.

Anger brought bright patches of color to Tony’s cheeks. Rafe couldn’t translate the word he uttered, but it was evidently not complimentary toward Bobby.

“If he were here, I would toss him in a pot of boiling water myself,” Tony said with a huff.

“Join the club,” Rafe said.

Tony seemed taken aback by the ferocity of his response. “I was under the impression that you thought our Gina shared the blame.”

“I was suspicious of her, yes,” Rafe admitted.

“And now?”

“I’m all but convinced that she had nothing to do with anything that happened.”

“But not totally convinced?” Tony asked, scowling at him. “Then you can go. I have nothing to say to you, and you have nothing to say that I wish to hear.”

Rafe smiled. “But that’s why you must listen, because you believe in Gina unconditionally, because you will want what is best for her.”

“Of course,” Tony said at once. “But how? What help can I give her? She would never take money from me, even if I had enough to fix the problem Bobby has created.”

Rafe thought of her display of pride and knew Tony was right. “Not money, but I do think she is going to come to you for a job. In fact, I think she is going to tell you that she wants to move back here and work with you.”

“She came here yesterday and said precisely that.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That she would be welcome, but that she should think about it. Obviously, you think the decision is as impetuous as I do. You think she made the offer not because it is what she truly wants, but because she thinks it is her only option.”

Rafe admired the man’s quick thinking, as well as his understanding of Gina. “Yes, that is exactly what I think. She’s giving up, Tony. I think a lot of things have been piling up the last few weeks, including the death of her friend’s husband, and she’s throwing in the towel, taking the easy way out. She’s convinced herself that she has an obligation to stay here for her friend’s sake. I admire that, and in the short term it makes sense. But a permanent move?” He shook his head. “I don’t think so. I just thought you ought to know that, so you don’t take what she says too seriously.”

Tony’s hands stilled. “You want me to turn her down, even if she comes back and says she is certain it is what she wants?”

“No, of course not. Just don’t count on her staying forever. She loves that restaurant in New York. She’ll regret it if she gives up on it. She just needs a breather until her fighting spirit comes back.”

Tony’s gaze narrowed. “Is this some ploy to get her back in New York where you can drag her into court?”

“Absolutely not,” Rafe said, offended, even though on some level he could understand the man’s suspicion. He had not come here with good intentions toward Gina. Only in recent days had that changed.

“Then what makes you think you know what is best for our Gina? Do you care for her?”

Rafe debated lying, but Tony’s knowing eyes would see straight through him. “More than I have any right to, given my role in all of this,” he finally admitted.

The back door opened just then and Gina stepped inside, a look of grim determination on her face. When she caught sight of Rafe, she frowned.

“What are you doing here?” she asked suspiciously.

“He is learning how to make pasta from a master,” Tony said, giving Rafe a wink.

“I had no