The Billionaire's Bedside Manner by Robyn Grady Read Free Book Online

his guests through, his wife put out her free hand. Her nails were French tipped. The princess-cut diamond solitaire was enormous. “You must be Bailey. I’m Natalie and this little fellow is Reece.” She bounced the baby and he smiled and squealed again. “Come in, and bring that handsome devil with you.”
    Mateo leaned in to brush a light kiss on Natalie’s cheek before shaking his friend’s hand heartily then returning close to her side again, as if he could sense her anxiety. As if they might be a genuine couple.
    As they all moved into a sumptuous living room, furnished with contemporary leathers and teak, Bailey took in Natalie’s exquisite dress. Cut just below the knee, the lilac fabric shimmered beneath strategically placed downlights. The effect was dazzling, bringing out her complexion and intensityof her long dark hair. Her shoes matched the dress, lilac, delicate heels. Her toenails were painted red. Had she enjoyed a professional pedicure earlier that day?
    Glancing down, Bailey cringed.
    Her own toes hadn’t seen a lick of polish in too long to remember.
    Everything in Casa Buona had been so relaxed. She hadn’t needed much, although, in order to travel light—to leave quickly when she had—she’d left a number of pretty skirts and tops behind, casual bright wear that suited work at the taverna. Despite the way it had all ended, she’d enjoyed being part of the staff there, serving tables, joining in on the songs and chatter afterward when the kitchen had closed for the night.
    How would this evening end? With brandy and cigars in the study for the men, most likely. Perhaps flutes filled with Cristal offered to the ladies. And when Mateo drove her home…
    Standing beside the liquor cabinet, Alex rubbed his hands together. “What can I offer you to drink?”
    â€œI’m fine,” Bailey replied, “thank you.” Given her inquisitive thoughts regarding Mateo, better she stayed well clear of beverages that would only weaken inhibitions.
    â€œIce water for me, Alex,” Mateo said, moving to stand alongside her, close enough to soak in the natural heat emanating from his body. “You and Natalie can indulge a little tonight.”
    â€œIt’s true.” Natalie rubbed her nose with her baby’s. “It isn’t often we get a night off.”
    The little boy giggled and held his mother’s cheeks. When his fingers caught in her perfectly coiffed hair, Natalie only laughed, but then worried over a strand wrapped around one tiny finger. Alex walked over, unwound the hair fromaround his boy’s finger then kissed the baby’s palm with a loud raspberry that sent the child into peals of laughter.
    Bailey’s chest squeezed. This trio was the picture of the perfect family. The happiness they so obviously shared lit all their faces. What they had couldn’t be bought.
    That’s what she wanted one day. The kind of marriage that took a person’s breath away. The kind of love her parents had once shared. They’d been so happy. When she was young, she’d never stopped to think it might not last.
    When she refocused, a feathery feeling brushed over her. She looked across. Mateo was looking at her, a curious light shining in those dark eyes, a sexy grin curving one side of his mouth. A pulse in Bailey’s throat began to beat fast. She blinked then, uncertain of where to look, concentrated on Alex who sent her an ambiguous smile before returning to the bar to see to the drinks.
    Natalie spoke to her husband as he poured a water then what looked like scotch for himself.
    â€œHoney, I might change his diaper for Tammy before we go.” Natalie explained to Bailey, “Tammy’s the wonderful lady who looks after Reece when I go into the office a couple of times a week. She’s catching up on her knitting in the family room until we leave.”
    â€œMateo mentioned that you work