“I’m Lex Easton with Easton Essentials in New York.”
Deep grooves spread across his forehead as he proclaimed, “When we spoke on the phone, I thought you were Signor Easton’s assistant. Today when Roberto announced your arrival, I learned you were Signorina Easton. Our phone call became inaudible.”
Assistant my ass. “Lex is short for Alexandra and yes, it was me with whom you spoke. I’m the company’s owner.”
Massimo paused then continued, “You were instructed to stay in your villa until dinner, were you not?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but I couldn’t wait. It’s imperative we speak. Please afford me a minute,” Lex begged. Balling her hands into fists in an attempt to control her nerves, she became conscious that visiting Isola di Girasoli might be in vain. From his vantage point, she must’ve appeared manic to have interrupted his vacation.
The prince put his hands on his hips. Beneath the towel, his groin became more visible.
Is he getting an erection? Hmmm. Lex tried her best not to stare, let alone lick her lips, though her throat felt dry. “I’m here for the day,” she added, hoping to persuade him to speed this up by giving him a deadline. “I’m heading back to Sicily tonight, flying up to Milan for an event tomorrow.”
Stepping closer, his large frame overshadowed hers as he spoke, “Lex has it all planned out, guys.” Massimo gave Luigi and his angels a nod to listen and mocked, “Happy we could oblige you on this Italiano fashion tour. Giorgio Armani has a casa a few islands up. You may wish to interrupt his holiday too. Have at it.” His sharp jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed.
Touché Tittoni. Hard to remain coherent when close to him, he seemed massive in proportions, including muscle, cock, ego and sarcasm. Swallowing air to sober her response, she answered, “Yes, as soon as we finish here. I’ll be on my way.”
He chuckled in mockery. “Lex, there is no boat service until Thursday. The captain comes twice a week. You will have to stay two nights—unless you can swim back to the mainland. It’s a far distance, even for an athlete.” He studied her up and down and added, “Which you are not.”
What an asshole. “No, and I don’t pretend to be. Still, I can’t stay. I’ll call a water taxi if I miss the boat.” According to her watch, she was not going to make it.
Massimo’s deep laugh bounced off the pool’s concrete encasement. The girls, now dressed, waited behind him with Luigi. To be dismissed? “The boat has been on the same schedule for more than fifty years and cannot change course to meet your demands.”
The women shifted, growing restless, and the prince turned. “Ladies, Luigi’s getting bored. Get back in the pool.”
He took Lex’s hand.
Ohhhhh my.
His demonstrative touch became warm and strong and confirmed in an instant her entire body wanted him.
Not today. No way. No how. Her brain on the other hand told her to knock it off.
“You and I are getting off to a bad start,” Massimo acknowledged. “It is a pleasure to meet such an accomplished designer. Please accept my apology and stay for dinner.”
“Huh?”
“We will discuss Easton Essentials over a nice meal.” His playful fingers touched hers, and Lex became compelled to jump in her Jimmy Choo’s. But she didn’t.
You’re finger fucking my palm. You hot pig. But she stood her ground.
He flirted with her to stay the night.
She wasn’t blind and she never played stupid.
What other option spoke to her? Get naked and jump into the pool with Luigi’s girls? Three against one, she didn’t have a chance. But the prince didn’t pay them much mind.
No matter. Lex must keep this professional. She couldn’t backstroke to Sicily.
“Fine, I’ll return to the villa. See you this evening.” It was difficult to take her eyes off him as she dipped her head in parting, letting his grip go.
“And, Signorina Easton, please dress for dinner.” His mouth twisted into a grin as he sized her up. Dropping the lingering towel, he leapt headfirst into the water. Massimo did a perfect dive, no splash, not even a ripple.
But his plunge wasn’t what impressed Lex.
Chapter Two
Donkey Booty al Dente
Who does she think she is, showing up during my holiday demanding a meeting? Massimo’s curiosity for Lex didn’t end after the poolside introduction. He’d spent the day wondering, thinking, imagining—who the hell is she? Why hadn’t he met her at other social events in Paris or Tokyo? Or heard about Signorina Easton—the fashion industry’s best kept secret—earlier?
Nevertheless the Girasoli Garment Company canceled the shipment and with good reason. His business moved in another direction.
Slipping on his jacquard dinner jacket with the Tittoni family crest decorating the right pocket, he strode along the long hall. As he came down the winding staircase, the American stood in the foyer.
Bella, bella, bella. Lex is gorgeous.
His guest straightened her shoulders the second she noticed him. She wore light gray pants hugging her in the right places. Her outfit illustrated a sexy silhouette created from his factories’ textiles. A loose fitting top concealed her long torso accompanied by a sheer navy pashmina.
Did she try to hide her body?
Curious earlier, he’d researched Lex online and found zilch. Tons of media coverage on the brand, fans of the line and happy retailer quotes, but nothing on the designer, he found that odd. He wanted to hear more about her.
“This is what you do with the fabrics we ship you?” He sighed. “I thought I told you to dress for dinner.” He looked down at her slacks, wanting to see her legs bare skinned.
“These pants are a bestseller. People love them as they make your waist and backside look smaller.” She smiled with pride, turning around to show him her buns.
“Grazie for the demonstration—very nice,” he complimented, and noted she had a nice ass. Massimo let his mind run for a second, imagining pulling down her slacks and spreading her legs apart. He’d much rather eat her for dinner versus the typical fish his chef prepared.
“Yes, and if this is inappropriate for dinner at your palace, I apologize. I didn’t pack with this intention, Your Majesty.” Her tone sounded triumphant, glad to have an excuse to defy him. Defiance looked good on her—confident.