Surprised by Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

night with suggestions, or
come by with samples, whatever.  Marcella will only want me to take one
look at the condo she chooses for me, and that can be done in the evening as
easily as during the day.  But thank you.” 
    “Shall
we go?” he asked, adding, “I thought my penthouse might be more restful than
some so-called intimate bar where you can hardly find your drink in the Stygian
darkness.”  He smiled at her.  
    “I
think your penthouse is an excellent idea,” said Connie happily.  “I’m not
much for the bar scene anyway, and what you say is quite right, these places
are kept so dark that you can hardly see your host’s face.”
    “And
I wouldn’t be able to see my guest, and that would be a great shame,”
Alessandro added.  “Do you want to wear your wrap?  Let me help
you.”  He gently wrapped her in the folds of translucent chiffon, put an
arm around her waist and walked to the door.    
    Connie
was of course familiar with the private elevator to Alessandro’s offices, but
she had never taken it to his security floor.  No one needed to, unless
invited to Alessandro’s penthouse.  When the elevator doors opened on the
security floor, one man went over instantly, and a man at a desk seemed very
alert.  A third man held back, half hidden in a niche.  The moment
they recognized Alessandro, the man who was walking over stopped in his tracks,
and the man at the desk relaxed.
    “Evening,”
said Alessandro.  “This is Ms. Sherwood, and if she ever comes up to this
floor, I want you to assist her instantly to my penthouse.  No frisking,
checking briefcase, any of that.  Be sure to tell the others.”
    The
men nodded, mumbling, “Yessir.”  Alessandro guided Connie to an elevator
in the far corner.  He put his hand against what seemed to be a
photo-sensitive square beside the elevator, and slid a keycard into a slot.
    The
elevator went up one floor, and when the doors flew open on the penthouse
floor, Connie sucked in a breath.  She was deeply impressed by the
spacious hallway opening into a big, airy living room, with ivory silk sofas
and comfortable chairs in a pale green.  The furniture was of an unusual,
light wood. The walls were covered with a paler green silk.  Paintings
were suspended from a plate-rail about a foot below the ceiling. 
    Connie
recognized the bronze standing lamps and table lamps on side tables as being
originals—Louis Comfort Tiffany.  She loved the serenity and the subtlety
of Alessandro’s living room. 
    “It’s
awesome, Alessandro,” she all but whispered.  “The understated elegance,
the light…  You must be happy living here.”
    He
smiled at her.  “My housekeeper will put in an appearance any…ah, there
she is.”  He nodded to Connie.  “My housekeeper, Mrs. Reid.”  He
turned to the woman.  “Mrs. Reid, this is Ms. Sherwood.  I haven’t
had the time yet to find out what she’d like to drink…”  Turning back to
Connie, he said, “Mrs. Reid makes a mean martini, or a mojito?” 
    Connie
smiled.  “I’m not much for strong drinks.  I’m better with
wine.  You said you prefer drinking wine at this time of the
evening.  Your choice will be fine for me.”
    “If
you leave the choice to me, I would like us to drink some Krug.”  
Nodding to Mrs. Reid, he said, “ Krug, please, Mrs. R.”  She nodded
and hurried away.
    When
she returned, she had a tray with two crystal flutes and a silver ice-bucket in
which rested a bottle of champagne.  Mrs. Reid started fiddling with the
wire holding the cork in place, but Alessandro said, “I’ll do it, Mrs. R. 
Thank you.”  She nodded and left. 
    In
no time at all, Alessandro had managed to get the cork out with a discreet
‘plop’ and no foaming excess.  He poured two flutes, gave one to Connie
and lifted his own to hers, touching rims.  Connie sipped and smiled up at
him.  “It is as delicious as I remembered from a dinner at Tom’s.”
  
    He
sat down