Page 63 of Claimed At First Sight

Nodding toward the table across the room, she says, “He sent you more flowers.”

My gaze flicks toward the bouquet and stack of packages still sitting there like a personal attack against my peace.

“And another gift, along with all the ones I already returned to him.”

Mamma chuckles. “He’s persistent.”

I roll my eyes. “I’d call it an expensive inability to take a hint.”

“You still don’t want to open the boxes?”

“Nope. In fact, I’m taking them with me tonight. I’ll make sure they’re returned to him.”

Mamma walks farther into the room, studying the arrangement.

“The flowers are beautiful.”

“They always are,” I reply, picking up my makeup brush and dusting blush across my cheeks.

She picks up the latest gift box and turns it in her hand. “How do you feel about seeing Maximo tonight?”

I puff air into my cheeks before slowly letting it out.

“To be honest, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to for at least a few days.” I reach for my lipstick and twist it open. “It’s very convenient to throw this party the same day we arrive, isn’t it?”

Mamma sighs. She puts the box down again and walks to the bed to open the garment bag I left there.

“Yes,” she admits. “That has occurred to me as well.”

Nothing about Maximo ever seems accidental. Not the flowers or the gifts. And definitely not the timing.

Mamma unzips the garment bag and takes out the dark turquoise evening gown. She’d insisted we pack several evening dresses for inevitable last-minute invitations like this.

“So,” she says gently, “how do you feel about it?”

I focus on applying lipstick, taking perhaps longer than necessary before answering.

“Really, I’m fine,” I say at last. “I’ll avoid him as much as possible.”

Mamma’s lips twitch. “That might not be a successful strategy.”

I roll my eyes. “I know. But honestly, don’t worry about me.” I cap the lipstick and set it down. “He doesn’t intimidate me.”

Not exactly. That would almost be easier.

“I rather enjoy verbally sparring with him,” I continue. “And who knows? Maybe tonight I’ll finally manage to convince him that pursuing me is futile.”

Mamma says nothing.

“I have absolutely no interest in becoming the next Mrs. Marco and spending the rest of my life producing heirs on some organized schedule.”

That earns me a soft laugh from her.

“I’m serious.”

“I know you are.”

I narrow my eyes at her reflection in the mirror. “You just enjoy your budding romance while I deal with the overly persistent Chicago don.”