in a very comfortable chair that was right in front of the gas fireplace built into the wall. “Because the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one I’d been searching for. I’ve been all over the world, met all kinds of women, and I know you’re right for me.”
She watched him strip the bed and remake it with clean sheets. He did it with sure hands, as if he’d been doing such a thing for years when she knew he had people who must have made his beds for him from the time he was born.
“I don’t know you.”
“You have great instincts, Grace. What do your instincts tell you?”
“That you’re very sexy and I’m very vulnerable right now.”
He glanced up from changing the pillowcases. “At least you think I’m sexy. That’s a start. Just give us a little time before you make up your mind.”
She remained silent, afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid to allow her brain to make any decisions, right or wrong, when she was doped up and in such a mess.
CHAPTER SIX
Come in, Vittorio,” Grace invited, swinging around to face the door at the knock. The window seat was tempting, but she refused to give in to the need to sit down. Her shoulder felt very heavy. After showering and struggling to get dressed, even with Emmanuelle’s help, she was already exhausted, but determined that Vittorio wouldn’t see that. Still, she was grateful for the cuff that held her wrist up to help immobilize her injured shoulder.
The moment the door opened, her stomach did a slow somersault, the way it often did when Vittorio first walked into a room. Every time, she found herself staring at his wide shoulders and defined chest. He walked like she imagined a panther might stalk prey, fluid and powerful, giving the illusion of danger, though she knew him to be gentle and kind.
He flashed his heart-stopping smile, those indigo eyes drifting over her, taking in every detail. She knew he saw everything about her, because he always knew what she wanted or needed. It didn’t matter that she tried to keep from him how much just dressing wore her out; he would see it. That was both disconcerting and exhilarating.
“Good morning, gattina. You look better this morning. Your color is good.”
“Good morning, Vittorio.” She knew he preferred her to acknowledge his greeting. It was a small enough courtesy to give when he was doing so much for her. “I think cutting back even more on the pain medication helped. I feel much more alert and able to handle things.” She wanted to make that clear. She didn’t want to be a burden on him. She’d already taken up three weeks of his time.
“That’s good. I thought you might prefer to have breakfast in the kitchen. You haven’t really had time to explore, and I want you to feel at home here.” He held out his hand.
Grace did her best to try to be that woman who helped run a multimillion-dollar-a-year business, but when she was around him, she liked that feeling he gave her of taking care of her. She’d never had anyone take real care of her. He focused completely on her and saw to her every need. She told herself every day that she shouldn’t want that, that she was independent and could do for herself—but so far, she hadn’t convinced herself.
At her job, she saw to every detail behind the scenes of every event and had absolute confidence in herself. She did the ordering and was insistent about getting exactly what their clients asked for—and on time. She’d earned a reputation as a strong, exacting businesswoman who let nothing and nobody stand in her way when it came to ensuring that KB’s venues were the absolute best and worth every penny they charged.
But she wasn’t that woman around Vittorio. She was wholly a woman, totally attracted, and more, glowing in his care. The fact that she liked having a man care for her shocked her. She didn’t want to get used to that much attention. It was too addictive. Already, he’d ruined her for any other man. She would always compare every man she met to him—and no other would fare very well.
Vittorio stood in the doorway, his hand out to her, and watched her cross the room to him. He didn’t take his gaze from her face, and his expression sent heat curling through her body to pool low. His fingers wrapped around