I wish I could tell her he is a royal pain in the ass.
Maybe that was not such a smart response. Although Mrs. Wooldridge was the town’s gossip queen, I really did feel sorry for her; only last year she’d lost her husband of fifty years.
“Now, I do know he’s the older son of the Brunetti family, but what else can you tell me about him, dear?”
“Well, let’s see; how can I describe Max? He’s…good-looking, smart and very sweet.”
Sweet, my ass!
Mrs. Wooldridge chuckled with glee. “Oh, darling girl, I want details! I’ve only ever seen him in pictures or from afar. So tell me, what does he look like in the flesh?”
Honestly, I just wanted to get rid of her and continue to have a relaxing afternoon with Mia, so I rattled off, “Well, he has that Mediterranean look like Mia here with the trademark Brunetti dark hair and fine bone structure. Obviously, Max is a lot taller and his skin is darker. In fact, handsome doesn’t even begin to describe Max; he’s gorgeous and outrageously sexy. He has a wicked smile, and his dark eyes can just melt anyone’s underwear. Is that enough information for you, Mrs. Wooldridge?”
Mia giggled.
I froze. Good Lord, I can’t believe I actually said that out loud! Shit, I sounded like a lovesick idiot.
“Oh, how wonderful to see that you are so in love with your man, Ms. Sinclair. I do hope you have a wonderful marriage just like Howard and I did. We had so many happy years together. I sincerely wish you the very best, dear. I had better be off; I have a bridge game to attend to, and I can’t keep my friends waiting. Bye, ladies.”
And off she went. I looked at Mia, and she was still grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“That was hilarious, Jada. You should have seen your face; it was priceless. The way you described Max made him out to be some sort of sex god. Is he? Ah…never mind, he’s my brother; I don’t think I want to know. TMI and all that, you know.”
Yep, I must have sounded like a lovesick, blubbering idiot. I was annoyed with myself because I actually missed his arrogant ass. And here I was thinking the break would be better for me. I’d have time to plan and organise the engagement with Mia and Milan; oh, and let’s not forget the meddling mothers!
“Believe it or not, Jada, I actually think you will be good for Max. I know he can be a hothead sometimes and as stubborn as a mule, but I am so happy he is settling down, and with you of all people. I just hope he will slow down now and take the time to enjoy his life with you and not work so darn hard all the time.”
“So, you think I’m going to be able to change Max’s lifestyle? Are you joking?”
‘No. What I’m saying is you will be the one to call Max out on his bullshit. He’s only got to take one look at you, and he’s putty in your hands.”
I laughed at Mia’s suggestion. “Really? Your brother doesn’t even listen to your father, and you think he’s going to take notice of me?’ Oh, please, give me a break!”
“No, I’m serious. Max is a man who expects to be in charge all the time. He needs to be knocked down a peg or two, and you are just the woman to do it. He needs you, honey, and after what you have been through, you need someone like him. It’s the perfect match.”
Smiling at Mia, I waved her off with, “You’re just full of compliments, aren’t you, my friend? Come on. Let’s go and get the last-minute details organised for tomorrow so I can get my beauty sleep.”
“Oh, yes, just one more sleep before the big day!”
“Oh, Mia, shut the hell up.”
***
MAX
My mother had made sure the Brunetti Estate looked like something from a magazine. We may as well just have had the wedding. She had gone all out, organising the finest cocktail food, elegant flowers, organza-covered chairs and a three-piece string quartet, which was playing constant music in the background.
Well, so much for keeping it simple.
I was late. My flight had been delayed by nearly two hours; Jada was going to be furious. I scanned the room until I found her. There was a myriad of people everywhere, but my gaze sought hers and lingered. Jada was alluring in her elegant silver dress. It was short and flimsy, dipping low in the front and so low in the back, I could almost see the crack of her ass. Holy fuck! That dress was an orgasm waiting to happen. Honestly, I thought she wore it just to get back at me for rocking up at the last minute.
She ignored me and continued socialising and mingling with the crowd. People surrounded her, and man did she know how to draw them in. She looked so sweet smiling at everyone, but I could tell she was annoyed as hell at me. Jada caught me looking at her and discreetly placed her hand on her cheek, pretending to relieve a scratch.