Six Hot Summer Nights

Once she hung up with Anthony, she felt a bit more confident now that he’d assured her he was going to confront Olivia. She prayed the outcome wouldn’t cause an explosion. She prayed even harder that Bronson would try to see a new side to Anthony and not hate her for keeping the secret.

Mia set her sunglasses and cell on the chaise and dove into the refreshing water. She loved relaxing by the pool and didn’t feel the least bit guilty for spending her day doing absolutely nothing. A girl deserved a little “me time” every now and then. And with all she had on her plate right now, she most certainly deserved it.

The cool water calmed her as she swam a few laps. The doctor had told her she should continue any forms of exercise she normally did and not worry about too many activities.

“Too bad I don’t have my trunks.”

Mia jerked to a stop in the pool, sending the water rippling around her. “Bronson. I thought you were at brunch.”

The tension practically radiated off his stiff shoulders, the muscle ticking in his jaw and the clenched fists in the pockets of his designer jeans.

“I was,” he told her. “But this looks like much more fun.”

Okay, so he didn’t want to discuss what was wrong. She could take the hint, but that didn’t mean she’d let it go for good or that his lack of openness didn’t hurt her feelings. She longed for the day when he could talk to her without feeling as if she was going to double-cross him.

“You don’t need a suit to get into my pool,” she told him, reaching behind her neck to undo the strings. “I’m game if you are, Mr. Dane.”

A wicked smile spread across his lips. “I never was one to give in to peer pressure.”

She flung her top, hitting him square in the chest with a sloppy, wet smack. “But you will now.”

“I always said I’m willing to try anything.”

And within seconds he joined her in the pool wearing only a tan and a smile.

Bronson drove home, top down on his sporty Mercedes, and reflected on the bits and pieces he’d overheard of Mia’s conversation with Anthony. Obviously, this was Anthony’s first inkling about the pregnancy.

A sharp pain had stuck in his chest when he’d come upon Mia’s patio and overheard her telling Anthony something about keeping her word and clearing a schedule—Bronson assumed that meant his mother’s schedule.

Did this have something to do with the film he and his mother were working on? Surely Mia and Anthony didn’t know about that.

So what else would Mia need to clear Olivia’s schedule for? And what the hell did Anthony have to discuss with his mother? Had she already told him about the film?

Something was going on, and Bronson had a sickening feeling that whatever it was, he wasn’t going to like it.

Now more than ever, he intended to keep Mia close. Every part of him wanted to believe her. In fact, he had started to, but how could he be so certain after overhearing that conversation?

He had to get her away from here. They needed some one-on-one time where he could tap into those honest feelings of hers and see just where they stood on the loyalty platform. He wanted to build from there, but he could go no further until he knew why she was having private conversations with his enemy.

But first he’d have to lay himself on the line and hope he didn’t get burned again.

Twelve

Monday morning Mia knew something was up. Olivia, Bronson and Victoria all said they’d be unreachable for the next few hours. Well, Bronson told Mia she could call in an emergency, but other than that, the three were out of commission for the day.

What was going on? Had Anthony decided to talk to Olivia early and now they were all in a family meeting?

Mia didn’t know, and honestly, she didn’t want to know. She just wanted to do her work and try to remain stress-free so she could have the healthiest, happiest baby ever.

And just like every other time she thought of the baby, she began to daydream. As always she chose the best features of Bronson and her. Not just physical, but character traits, too.

She hoped the baby had her Italian skin tone and dark hair with Bronson’s blue eyes. She hoped their child had strength and determination from both of them. The classy, regal style of Olivia and the romantic and creative side of Victoria.

Mia’s desk phone rang, and she pulled herself from the fantasy and remembered she was at work. Alone, but still at work.

“Hello.”

“How fast can you pack?”

Mia smiled at Bronson’s low, sexy tone. “Pack for what?”

“A trip. Five days and the destination is a secret. I have clothes at your service. All you need is essentials.”

Was he for real? Who did this ever happen to?

“Well, I’m working today and for the next several days. And I thought you were not available to take calls right now.”

Bronson laughed. “Our plans finished sooner and better than we’d hoped. I’ll fill you in on the plane. I’ve already gotten you a hall pass from your demanding employer, so when can you leave?”

If he was that anxious to get her somewhere, hopefully alone, then she could be ready five minutes ago.

“I’ll be ready in thirty minutes,” she told him.

“I’ll send my driver and meet you at the airport.”

And with that he hung up.

Mia stared at the handset for a second before she burst out laughing. Sometimes that man just amazed her. A surprise trip complete with wardrobe? Did he even know what size her swelling body wore?

If her waistline continued to grow the way it was, she’d be going to Omar the tent maker to get her fall and winter wardrobe.

Mia saved the spreadsheet she was working on and shut off her computer. She couldn’t get to her cottage fast enough to pack.

By the time she’d pulled her suitcase out and thrown in necessities—and sexy lingerie was the first necessity—she still had ten minutes to spare. She double-checked everything, including her passport, just in case, as the driver pulled up and took her bags.

Giddiness swept through her on the ride to the airport. Were they going on a cruise? Maybe a trip to Aruba? Oh, she hated waiting. Did the man not know how rude dangling the proverbial carrot was? Patience had never been her strong suit.

Okay, so that was a trait she didn’t want to pass down to the baby.

At nearly five months along, Mia couldn’t wait for the next few weeks to fly by so she could find out the sex of the baby. Back to that waiting game again.

The driver pulled into the private section of the airport and there was Bronson standing next to his jet, talking with a man she assumed was the pilot. A thrill of anticipation shot through her. Spending time alone with Bronson anywhere on earth would be fine with her, but the thought that he’d gone to the trouble to keep a surprise really threw her for a loop. Did she dare hope he was falling for her and not just feeling obligated to spend time with her for the baby’s sake?

Bronson opened her door as the driver got her bags and passed them on to the pilot.

“Glad you’re quick,” he told her, kissing her cheek. “You ready?”

She smiled. “For you to tell me where we’re going, yes.”

“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough. I just hope you’re as excited as I think you’ll be.”

“I’m getting five days off to spend with you and not work? I’m already excited.”

Bronson led her up the stairs of the private jet, and she settled into her plush leather seat. “How long is the flight?”

“Long enough for us to eat, sleep and have a stop to refuel before we arrive to our destination. I already called your doctor to clear your travels.” He smiled as he looked down at her. “I thought this would be a good time for us to discuss baby names.”

Mia froze, fastening her seat belt. “Baby names?”

“Yeah.” He took the seat across from her and leaned forward, taking her hands in his. “The baby has to have a name. And I have to admit this is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.”

Was he serious? Was he really ready to have their first parentlike discussion? Could he actually want this family to work?

Great, now she was going to tear up all because he was whisking her away and wanted to talk baby names.

“I didn’t think you’d want to be that involved until you knew …”

“My involvement is inevitable.” He kissed her hand. “And I want to do this. This baby will be an important part of the Dane legacy.”

Did that mean he believed her now? Did she dare hope he’d quit lumping her together with his ex-fiancée, who’d betrayed him? Could they be more?

“Mr. Dane. We are ready for takeoff,” the pilot said over the loudspeaker. “If you both would take your seats and buckle up, we’ll be in the air in minutes. Beautiful, clear day. Should have a smooth flight.”

Bronson fastened his seat belt and sat back. “So what do you think of the name Herbert?”

Mia’s gaze darted to his, only to find him laughing. A humorous side? Who knew? This was going to be an interesting flight.

Bronson watched Mia’s eyes light up at his joke. He only hoped he hadn’t offended her and she didn’t have some long-lost friend with that name.

“I know you’ve thought of names,” he told her as the plane began to taxi down the runway. “I’ll bet you’ve even scribbled some down to see what they look like.”

“Maybe just a few.” Mia laughed. “This is a big deal. We’ll live with this name for the rest of our lives—and so will the baby. I want something classy and timeless, but not far out there.”

Every day that passed, he was coming to think of this baby as his own. He couldn’t pinpoint when he’d let the unknown override his feelings for this baby. Somehow Mia had not only pulled him into her web, but into this innocent baby’s, as well.

And his mother and Victoria always questioned him about the child—that didn’t help. Those two were so willing to look past everything and believe the best of Mia.

Couldn’t they see how this would crush them if Mia was lying? Oh, he’d love to believe Mia, love to know he had a second chance at being a father. Love to know that this woman he was coming to care more and more about was not deceitful.

Truth was, he was ready to jump from the pessimistic ship he’d been sailing and get onboard with his family. But he also had to remain realistic to keep his heart from taking another beating.

“I have this feeling the baby is a girl,” she went on. “So I’ve been thinking more girl names.”

Bronson smiled. He could easily see Mia holding an infant in her likeness with dark hair, flawless Italian skin and those midnight eyes that looked straight through to your heart. His own heart constricted at the thought.

“Such as?” he asked as the plane lurched into the air.

She crossed her legs, smoothing her skirt down over her thighs. “Well, what do you think of Katharine or Audrey?”

“Classic movie stars, loved by millions.”

Mia’s silky laugh floated through the plane. “Get your mind off films for a minute. We’re talking baby names. I want a name that will carry her from childhood to adulthood. Something strong, yet feminine.”

“You’re that sure it’s a girl?”

She bit at her bottom lip, the lip he was dying to kiss. “I’m not sure, but maybe I’m just hoping.”

Honestly, he didn’t care, so long as the baby was his. Damn, he was going to be heartbroken if …

“Hey, you didn’t tell me what was going on with your mom and sister this morning.” Mia’s brows drew together in worry as she leaned forward in her seat. “Everything okay?”

Bronson sighed, not wanting to think about the fact that after she came out of her same-day surgery with glowing reviews from the doctors, his mother had again asked him to consider Anthony as the director.

“My mother had a heart cath this morning.”

Mia jerked up in her seat. “Oh, Bronson. I had no idea. She’s never said a word to me that she was having cardiac issues. Is she okay?”

Bronson knew Mia’s love for his mother was genuine and that only added to his confidence that she was trustworthy. And he was starting to care more for her than he ever intended.

“Her stress test showed something was off, so this was just a precaution. I assure you, she’s fine and the doctor said she looks perfect.”

Mia’s visible sag of relief warmed him all over. She loved his family without question. But how would his heart take it if she was lying? He was getting in deeper every day and couldn’t emotionally afford to lose her.

No, no. He didn’t want love or any such emotion to be involved. No way was he ready for anything like that.

“Tell me where we’re going,” she begged. “Just a hint.”

He’d gotten her this far, might as well give in. He’d always been a sucker for a woman begging.

“Tuscany.”

Mia’s eyes widened a split second before they misted. “Where my …”

He leaned across, taking her hands in his. “I know that’s where your family was from. I thought you might want to see your birthplace before you begin your own journey as a parent.”

“Bronson,” Mia whispered as one lone tear trickled down her cheek. “I’ve never felt so appreciative or grateful. I don’t know what to say.”

Moved by her honest emotion, he unbuckled his seat belt, shifting to sit next to her and buckling in there. “You don’t have to say anything. I’ve wanted to do this for you, but when Mom dropped this bombshell of her procedure the other day, I had to wait to see if we could still go. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with her.”

Mia’s delicate hand cupped his cheek. “You’re the kindest man I’ve ever known. Our baby is going to have the best father.”

Bronson swallowed the lump in his throat, grabbed Mia’s hand and kissed it. “I have other surprises while we’re there, but I refuse to tell you. Those you will have to wait for.”

Mia sniffed, laid her cheek against their joined hands and smiled. “You’ve given me more than I’d ever hoped for.”

He knew she wasn’t just talking about the trip, but the baby. A baby he could hardly deny any longer was his. He’d been sliding down a slippery rope since he found out Mia was expecting and he was hanging on by a strand.

He needed to know more about her on a personal level. Needed to try to develop the trust he so desperately wanted to have.

Mia’s first impression of Tuscany was everything she’d dreamed. Rolling green hills, beautiful villas on hillsides and a sense of calm and serenity. Sunshine kissing the tops of trees, roads wet after a brief shower. And the beauty made that nineteen-hour plane ride worth every minute.

“How far is our villa?” she asked once they were settled into the car Bronson had rented.

“No villa.”

“Are we camping in a tent?” She laughed.

Bronson smiled as he wound through the narrow streets. “I’ve rented a castle.”

“A castle?” Mia tried to grasp the implications of that. “You’re kidding.”

“Not at all.”

Mia watched the old city fly by. “But this was such short notice. How did you manage a room in a castle?”

He threw her a look as if to say, “Look who you’re dealing with.”

“We didn’t get a room,” he told her, turning back to the road. “The entire castle is ours until Friday.”

Mia eased deeper into her seat. This man was nothing short of amazing. He’d gone through some trouble to whisk her away to the town in which her parents had met, fallen in love and started their young family. He’d rented an entire castle all to be alone with her. She didn’t believe he went through all this just to sleep with her again.

He cared for her—that much was obvious. But did he love her? Mia didn’t know and had a feeling he was unsure himself. She had to be patient and let him figure out on his own where he wanted this to go.

When he pulled into the drive that wound up the hill, Mia gasped. “This is beautiful, Bronson.”

“We used some of the grounds in a film I produced about five years ago. I’ve always wanted to stay here but never found a reason to.”

Until now.

The words hung in the air just as if they’d left his lips. A wave of giddiness swept through her. Yes, he was falling in love with her. The emotions may be slow in coming, but they had started taking root in his heart. Of that she was sure.

“Every castle has a name,” he informed her as he parked the car. “Welcome to Castello Leopoldo.”

Mia didn’t wait for him to come around and open her door, she hopped out and took in the Old World beauty. Light brick and stone with vines wound up and over the entryway. She could almost sense the magic from this place and couldn’t wait to see what awaited them inside.

Bronson came up beside her. “There are eleven baths and ten bedrooms.”

Mia glanced at him. “Are all those rooms on the agenda?”

With a quick kiss on her lips, Bronson murmured, “Count on it.”

Thirteen

Mia stretched, smiling at the memory of how Bronson had already started making good on that multiroom promise.

Silk sheets swished softly as she shifted her bare legs. Bright rays slashed through the opening in the drapes and slanted sunlight across the bed.

Mia rolled on her side, tucking her arm beneath her head as she stared at a peaceful, sleeping Bronson. Dark lashes feathered his skin, a wisp of black hair fell over his forehead and those talented—mercy, were they talented—lips parted ever so slightly.

Swallowing a lump of fear, reality set in. She knew Anthony would be talking to Olivia this week. By the time she and Bronson returned from their romantic getaway, decades worth of secrets would be exposed and one by one the details would trickle out, giving the media the story of the century.

And leaving Bronson … what? Brokenhearted? Bitter? Destroyed?

As she studied his face, his bare shoulders and chiseled chest, she knew without a doubt she’d fallen in love with him and would do anything in her power to make sure he knew she was here for him.

But would he see her as a liar? Would he feel betrayed that she’d known the secret and hadn’t told him?

How had she come to be wedged so tightly in the middle of this mess?

A flutter in her stomach made her gasp. Her hand flew over her abdomen as the light movement tickled her from the inside.

She jerked up in bed, laughing as she experienced her baby’s first movement.

“What? What’s wrong?”

Mia turned to Bronson, who’d sat up beside her. “Nothing. Everything is perfect. I just felt the baby move.”

His eyes widened and darted to her stomach. “Are you serious?”

Mia nodded. “I’d read where the first signs of life are just a little flutter, and I felt it twice since I woke up. This is so amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Bronson’s gaze came back up to hers. “Thank you.”

Everything in her stilled. “For what?”

“For being you,” he told her, moving in to wrap an arm around her and guide her back down. “For loving this baby so much the light shines in your eyes. For being genuine and honest.”

Closing her eyes at the irony of his words, Mia forced herself to keep quiet about the secret. It wasn’t her place to tell. Anthony and Olivia needed to work it out first.

“I do love this baby,” she told him, looking back up into his blue eyes. “And I love you.”

Bronson didn’t stiffen as she thought he would at her declaration. Instead a flash of pain shot through his eyes a second before he closed them, as if to keep the hurt away.

Mia cupped his cheek, softly kissing his lips. “I don’t say that to cause you more confusion or pain. I say it because I want to be open about my feelings for you. I don’t expect you to say anything. My love is a gift, free for you to take.”

He reached up, holding on to her hand. “I care about you and this baby—more than I wanted to. But that’s all I can give, Mia. All I have in me.”

The war he waged within himself spoke volumes about his love for her. If he didn’t love her, he wouldn’t be so torn and apologetic, so caring and nurturing.

He gently kissed her lips, then eased back. “I have some very nice surprises for you today.”

“I hope one involves clothes, since you told me not to pack any.”

Desire filled those eyes as his gaze darted down to her bare chest. “Pity, but yes, clothes are involved.”

Mia smacked his arm. “Tell me, you know I hate waiting.”

“There’s a suitcase for you in the first bedroom we were in last night. You’ll find Victoria Dane original maternity clothes.”

“What?” Mia nearly jumped out of bed, dragging the sheet with her. “Your sister made me maternity clothes? But she only does evening gowns and wedding gowns.”

Bronson, in all his fabulous naked glory, stretched out on the bed with a smile. “I happen to know the designer personally, and she did it as a favor. There are only a few pieces because she didn’t have time for much and because she will make more as the pregnancy goes along.”

Mia laughed. “That was a very nice way around telling me I’m going to be a whale, but I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude and surprise, I don’t care.”

“Do you want to go get the clothes or do you want to hear what else I have in store?”

Decisions, decisions. “I’m greedy. Tell me what else.”

He rolled to his side, propping his head up on his hand. “I’ve arranged cooking lessons from Italy’s top chef, Chef Ambrogio Ricci. He’ll be here around noon.”

His words sank in and Mia raced back to the bed, hopping up on her knees. “You’re kidding! Oh, my God, Bronson. This is amazing. I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

One tanned finger trailed down her bare arm. “It’s only nine. I think we have plenty of time for you to show your thanks before our guest arrives.”

Mia moved the silky sheet aside. “I don’t know,” she said, shoving him down to straddle him. “I’m pretty thankful.”

A wicked smile donned his face as she set out to show just how grateful she was.

All doubts about his love were cast aside. He may not be able to say the words, but his actions were telling.

And speaking of action …

Bronson put the finishing touches on one of the bedrooms they hadn’t made use of … yet. He’d greeted Chef Ricci and introduced him to Mia, then he’d given the two of them some privacy in the gourmet kitchen.

While they’d been preparing something that had sent a tantalizing aroma through much of the first floor of the castle, Bronson set up an intimate table on the balcony of one of the bedrooms on the top floor.

The elation in Mia’s eyes when he’d told her about the cooking lessons had taken his breath away, much like the moment when she’d felt the baby move. Their baby.

Bronson laid an exotic purple lily he was lucky enough to find in one of the lush gardens across Mia’s plate and swallowed the lump in his throat. He could do this. He wanted to do this. He wanted to be the father of her baby, he wanted to get to that place in his life where he was comfortable enough with her to express his feelings.

Of course, for that to happen, he had to address those feelings within himself. Love was too strong for him to admit right now, but he’d never felt this way about another woman. Never truly cared and put her needs first. But over the past twenty-four hours, he’d really come to see Mia for the honest, loyal woman he’d hoped she was.

Once Bronson set out one last surprise on the table, he went to see how the lessons were going.

He’d made several phone calls and actually got a little work done while Mia was learning how to make authentic red sauce, homemade noodles and tiramisu from the top chef.

The lesson should be drawing to a close, and Bronson was more than eager to have Mia all to himself again. He was ready to tell her that he believed her about the baby.

Bronson may not trust Anthony, but he did trust Mia, and he knew in his heart that Mia wouldn’t have slept with a married man. Even though she still kept in contact with Anthony, Bronson’s gut told him the two were merely friends. She truly was one of the most honest people he knew. Why hadn’t he seen how genuine she was before? She wore that loving heart of hers on her sleeve.