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‘I remember.’
His interruption did something funny to her tummy, making it twist and tighten. ‘As for events, it was a...friend...who suggested I pursue this career.’
‘A friend?’
She nodded softly. ‘Diane’s sister worked in events, and got me a job at the palace. It was a baptism by fire, but so rewarding. I learned so much.’
‘You left, though.’
‘Yes.’ She nodded. Annie had been in nursery school, and Alicia had needed something with more flexibility. ‘The hours were incredibly long, and a job came up in the charity. The work environment is very flexible, and incredibly rewarding. It was a good fit.’
‘And you’ve done very well for the charity.’
‘Is that another question?’
‘An observation. Your services were hotly contested.’
‘Well, yes, but no one had quite the deep pockets you do.’
He shrugged.
‘Why did you bid on me, Graciano?’
‘To organise—’
‘No.’ She bit down on her lip. ‘You have people to organise events. You have whole departments. Why me? Why now?’ Her voice shook a little on the last question.
His nostrils flared as he exhaled, eyes roaming her face, and then he moved closer, so they stood toe to toe, staring at each other. ‘It was a spontaneous decision.’
‘A very expensive one.’
He dipped his head in agreement.
It didn’t make any sense.
‘Have you thought about me?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Since you left my father’s. Have you thought about me?’
‘Yes.’ The tone of his voice left her in little doubt: those thoughts were not good.
‘I have another question.’
‘I’ve lost count of how many you’ve asked.’
‘Does it matter?’
The air around them crackled. She wondered if he was going to argue with her, but he stayed silent, waiting.
‘Have you ever been in love?’ The question was out of her mouth before she could think it through, before she analysed how much it revealed about her. Before she debated whether she even wanted to hear the answer. But she held her breath, waiting, staring up at him, analysing his response.
He dropped his hand away and turned to face the ocean. His dark eyes scanned the frothy waves, the stars. ‘Veto.’
She sucked in a shaky breath and mirrored his posture, turning to face the sea. Far across the rolling water, mainland Spain stood sentinel, its rich history and tapestry the place Alicia had felt most at home. She closed her eyes against the pain of that, against the devastating body blow of loss.
‘It’s not a hard question.’
