I’m tempted to cover my ears but stop myself.
“Hmm. I didn’t expect you to show up unannounced.” The same rough voice from earlier sends a shiver up my spine. How exactly did he want me to show up?
“The welcoming committee and marching band were busy tonight, so I couldn’t announce my arrival.” I smile at him, hoping my eyes scream fuck you.
I take a moment to get a good look at the grumpiest man I’ve ever met. Of course, Santiago has to have a sexy name to match his looks. Lighting from the chandelier illuminates his warm golden skin, making his brown eyes shine. The asshole happens to be the most attractive man I’ve had a chance to look at in my short life.
I feel cheated by the moonlight last night because Santiago looks sexier in the light. He makes rugged seem attractive in the best kind of way with a thick, short beard and long hair grazing his shoulders in a wavy mess. His dark shirt highlights bulging muscles, and his gray sweatpants show off strong thigh muscles.
Damn. Seriously, this man should not be running around in public. He’s a danger to society and women everywhere for multiple reasons. The first starting with the instant attraction I have in his presence.
The woman grips onto Santiago’s arm. “Is this your girlfriend? You’ve been holding out on us! No wonder you haven’t answered my phone calls.” She speaks with such delight at the idea.
Oh God. No. My face must say everything words can’t. Santiago smirks like he’s in on a joke I’ve yet to catch onto.
I speak at the same time as him. “This isn’t what it looks like—”
“My girlfriend wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Girlfriend? Excuse me?
The asshole has the nerve to smile at me. At least he has plump lips to distract me from the cunning lies he spews.
Maya frowns at me. “Are you okay? Your knees are covered in dirt.”
My cheeks flush as I brush random clumps of dirt off me. “Oh, yeah. I was gardening.”
Her brow raises. “At night?”
“My fair skin tends to burn easily so I like to work at night.” Well, that’s not a total lie.
Another guy appears, cradling a small child to his chest. Okay, seriously, what is in the Italian water and where can I get some? His dark hair and penetrating blue gaze has me wanting to pinch my arm to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Santiago’s eyes narrow at me. “She was supposed to come over tomorrow to help me babysit. That is, if you agree to letting Marko stay of course.” He looks at the woman before his eyes meet mine. “She must’ve mixed up the days.”
Well, I can’t let him win this round. I’d rather outplay him at his own game than let him have the upper hand.
I walk down the stairs with as much Julie Andrews’ The Princess Diaries’ energy as I can gather under tense circumstances. “I’ve heard so much about Marko. I can’t wait to help babysit. I actually spent years working in a daycare before coming to Italy.”
“Oh, that’s great! I’m Maya, Santiago’s sister.” An overly excited Maya offers her hand. Her assessing brown eyes make me nervous.
“Chloe.” I shake it with a fake smile.
“Chloe—” The way Santiago says my name has my toes curling in my sneakers. Screw this mission to hell and back. Would he think I’m weird if I ask him if I can record him saying my name a couple of times? For mindfulness meditation activities, obviously.
Santiago tilts his head in the direction of the other male. “This is Noah, my sister’s husband.” He says it in a way that makes me feel like I should recognize his brother-in-law.
I blink at Noah, trying to place him. Nope. Drawing a blank. “Santiago talks about you all the time.” Well, that sounded like the right thing to say.
Noah smiles wide, looking way too handsome for comfort. “Oh, does he now? I’m flattered.”
“Yeah. It’s not my fault your ugly face is always on TV,” Santiago offers, saving me.
I have no clue why Noah’s face is on TV, but based on how he looks, Hollywood would suit him well. “I’ve heard a ton about you.” I move toward the front door. “Well, it’s pretty late, and I have an early morning. It was great to meet you both.”
“Oh no.” Maya’s bottom lip wobbles.
“Don’t go yet.” Santiago, in his typical don’t mind me, I’m secretly a psycho way, grabs me and tugs me into his body. His strong arms wrap around my body, basking me in his enticing scent and warmth. I’m tempted to rub my face into his shirt like a creep.