The Widow Read Online Free PDF

by now.”
    Charlie’s smile stiffened. “Pompasse was an artist, not a business man. Apparently he had a lawyer here in Tuscany…”
    â€œThere’s that ‘apparently’ again.”
    Charlie’s smile vanished. “If this is an inconvenience you could always return once the estate is settled,” she said, her voice cool. She didn’t like men like him, men so bristling with masculinity that they positively reeked of testosterone.
    â€œMy schedule doesn’t work that way,” he said. “I’m here now, and I’ll leave when I’m finished.”
    He had very dark eyes in a tanned, lined face. He looked like a man who worked for a living, worked hard, and the eyes were those of a much older man. One who had seen too much and wished he hadn’t.
    â€œAnd exactly what is your job, Mr. Maguire?”
    â€œCataloging his paintings, his drawings, anything of value. The usual,” he said vaguely.
    â€œAnd how long do you anticipate it will take you?”
    He didn’t even blink. “As long as it needs to. The government doesn’t like to be cheated of inheritance taxes, and the estate needs to be properly valued. Of course, there’s that small complication that you’re no doubt aware of. A number of your husband’s most valuable paintings have vanished, as well as all the records he kept of his work. The government is very interested in finding them as soon as possible.”
    â€œWhich government?”
    He shrugged. “Take your pick. There are at least three involved in your husband’s estate. Italy, France and the U.S., and probably others besides. What is this, a job interview?”
    Charlie blinked. Maguire’s attitude was bordering on rude—surprising for someone in his position. “I beg your pardon?”
    He snorted with amusement. “What, you don’t like my manners? Sorry, but I’m not about to waste my time on polite chitchat. I’ve got a job to do, and you’re not the one who hired me. I’m staying here at the villa until my work’s done and then I’ll be out of your hair. In the meantime, just ignore me.”
    Charlie took a deep, calming breath. She didn’t want or need this complication, but she’d survive it. She’d survive anything. “I’m sure we’ll manage to get along just fine. As for ignoring you, that’ll be pretty much impossible. It’s going to be a full house in a couple of days, and you’ll have to make the best of it. My mother and my fiancé will be arriving soon and they’ll each need their own rooms. As I remember, the villa isn’t equipped for that many visitors.”
    â€œYour fiancé? You’re not wasting any time, are you?”
    â€œMr. Maguire…”
    â€œJust Maguire, sweetheart,” he said. He cocked his head, looking at her, and she felt an odd little shiver of discomfort slide down her backbone despite the heat of the sun overhead. “It’s none of my concern. I just wonder why your fiancé doesn’t share your room.”
    â€œIf that were any of your business I’d be certain to tell you,” Charlie said. “In the meantime, why don’t you attend to your business instead of wandering through the vineyard?”
    â€œCan’t a man take a break?” he inquired in a low growl. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
    She looked at him. Connor Maguire was never going to be considered dull by any stretch of the imagination. “Please play on your own time, not mine,” she said in a cool voice. “What’s your estimate on the value of his estate?”
    â€œWhat’s the big hurry?”
    â€œI just want to get the estate settled and go back to New York.”
    â€œThat’s where you live?”
    â€œThat’s where I live. I own a restaurant there,” she added, then could have kicked herself. What in