The Man, The Ring, The Wedding. Patricia Thayer

with her, but they suddenly had other things to do. Oh, well, she was a big girl, she could handle this.

      Besides, seeing John Rossi at the hotel was safe, unlike seeing him at the apartment. She wasn’t going back there. Ever. If something had happened between them, if he had kissed her, she could probably say goodbye to this job—and a future position for her at the renovated hotel.

      Angelina looked across the room at John. He was dressed in black dress slacks and a forest-green sweater. She eyed his muscular chest and shoulders as broad as her brothers’. The man had to do more than just sit behind a desk to keep a body like that. Her gaze traveled to his square-cut jaw, cleft chin and deep-set sable eyes. His coal-black hair was perfectly trimmed around the ears with a slight wave across his forehead. He was so handsome....

      Stop it! she commanded herself. She never ogled men. Of course, John Rossi wasn’t any ordinary man. Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the business at hand as John walked back to her.

      “Is there a special reason for your visit this morning?” he asked coolly.

      A little surprised at his curt manner, Angelina reached inside her briefcase and handed him a folder. “I brought by Covelli and Sons’ written bid.”

      He took it “That was a fast response.”

      “Rafe was working on this long before you came to town. I think you’ll like the ideas he’s come up with.”

      John opened the file and studied the first page.

      Angelina stood next to him and caught the subtle fragrance of his musk cologne. She was reminded of the last time they were this close. She felt her heart accelerate and quickly gathered her strength and concentrated on business.

      “As you can see, I created a chart to reflect the cost for materials and labor, floor by floor. So it will be easier to make any changes or additions you would like.” She stepped back as he continued to read it.

      “This is good. Very thorough, Angelina.” He closed the file. “Have you had a chance to work up a report on your ideas?”

      “Why, yes. I just wasn’t sure if you were serious.”

      He looked stern. “When you get to know me better, you’ll realize I never kid about business.”

      She wondered if John Rossi let anyone get close on a personal level—or was he all business. She opened her briefcase again and took out another file. “Neither do I.” She handed him her four-page report. “I discussed some of my ideas with my brothers—only to see if they were structurally possible.”

      He gave her a hint of a smile. “You’ve been busy.”

      “I take my career very seriously.”

      He glanced over her file. “I’m impressed.”

      She should have been pleased, but she’d been hoping they could look over some of the proposals now. “The computer makes things easier. If you have any questions...”

      The sound of footsteps coming down the staircase caused Angelina to pause. She looked up to find Gus Norton from Norton Construction Company. Oh no. She fought back a groan as he walked toward her and John.

      The moment Gus saw her he grinned. “Well, well, if it isn’t Signorina Angelina.”

      “Hello, Mr. Norton.” Angelina forced herself to be civil and not announce that Gus Norton was a terrible builder, not to mention a jerk. He had continued to spread rumors about her father, even after his name had been cleared.

      “Now, come on, little Lina, we’ve known each other long enough to be on a first-name basis.”

      She turned to John. “I better go, Mr. Rossi. Just let us know your decision.”

      “So your brothers are turning in a bid, too.” Gus’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure glad you got that mess with your daddy all cleared up. ’Course, he did look mighty guilty for a long time.”

      Angelina glared at Gus. “Don’t you dare say a word about my father....”

      John cut her off. He stepped between her and the contractor, his eyes fixed, his voice steady, but Angelina could see his hands clenched into fists. “I want to thank you for stopping by, Mr. Norton, but I won’t be needing your services after all.”

      Gus looked confused. “But I haven’t given you my bid.”

      “I repeat, there will be no need,” John said, remaining steady and cool.

      Gus’s gaze went from John to Angelina. “Oh, I get it.” He grinned nastily. “Well, I guess I can’t compete with what she’s offering you.”

      It happened in a split second. John grabbed Gus by the shirt and pushed him up against the wall before Norton realized what had happened.

      “Look, you piece of scum,” John hissed in a low voice. “I wouldn’t hire anyone who insults a lady in my presence. And if you think you’re not getting the job because Angelina has something special, well she does—her ideas and her brothers’ talent. They have some very good ideas on how to restore this hotel. So far, from you, I’ve heard nothing. I think it would be wise for you to leave.” John released him. “Harry, show him the door.”

      “My pleasure, Mr. Rossi,” the security guard said, taking Gus by the arm and escorting him out the door.

      John turned to Angelina. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Seeing her fighting tears, he said, “Ah, cara. Don’t waste your time over someone like him.”

      Angelina shook her head. “I’m not. It’s what he said about my father. He wasn’t guilty,” she insisted. “His name was cleared. But it still won’t go away.”

      John reached out and caressed her face. “Shh, Angelina. It doesn’t matter what that creep said. I know Rafaele Covelli was innocent of all charges,” he whispered.

      She looked up at him, her eyes watery. “You do?”

      “Yes, I do,” he murmured.

      Then John lowered his head to hers, and Angelina realized he was dangerously close. So close he could kiss her, and she wasn’t going to stop him.

      But Harry returned. “Mr. Rossi, Mr. Norton is gone, and I told him not to return or I’d call the police.”

      With his gaze never leaving Angelina, John said, “Thank you, Harry.”

      “Let’s go somewhere to get some fresh air,” John suggested. He noticed Angelina’s panic and smiled. “You can stop worrying, Ms. Covelli. I just want to talk.”

      There was nothing wrong with just talking, Angelina decided. She nodded. “I know a place.”

      

      Angelina directed John four blocks to the city park. In silence, they walked through a grove of large maple trees whose leaves were all but gone from the branches. Although the sun was out, autumn was quickly turning into winter.

      They continued their leisurely stroll until they reached the fountain. A cherubic angel looked heavenward from the top and water should have trickled down into a round pool below, but the fountain had been shut off for the winter.

      Pulling up the collar on her wool jacket to ward off the chill, Angelina sat on the concrete edge. “My dad used to bring me here when I was a little girl. He said he named me Angelina because when I was born, I looked like an angel.” She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Silly, isn’t it? But it’s something I keep in my heart.” She sighed. “Dad’s been gone two and a half years.”

      John nodded and put his hands into his jacket pockets. “I know. As policy, Rossi International checks out all companies submitting a bid on every project. I learned all about the trouble you had getting his name cleared after the construction accident.” He sat down beside her. “It must have been hard on your family.”

      She looked