Read Online Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin - Free Book Online Page A

pressed against his chest and caused his pulse to gallop. Damn, she felt good in his arms. Then she shifted and turned toward him. “Did he photograph us?”
    “Probably, but if we’re lucky he didn’t get a good shot.”
    “And Alex?”
    Max’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know. I hope not.”
    “Oh God! We’re going to be splashed across all the tabloids, aren’t we?” Her voice sagged. “They’ll make up all sorts of sordid stories to go along with them too. Horrible lies.” She shuddered in his arms.
    “It’s a possibility.” Max chose his words carefully so as not to alarm her further. If the truth be known, the press would probably have a field day with this, unless he could find a way to control the damage. “I’m used to it. It’ll blow over in a few days and no one will remember.”
    “Well, I’m not used to it!” Sophie retorted hotly. “I don’t want my life or my son’s life exploited for a few measly bucks.”
    “Our son,” Max reminded her evenly. “And nobody wants their personal life exposed for the world to see. Not even me.”
    Tears sprang to Sophie’s eyes. “How do you live like this? Always having to be on guard for the next flash of a camera? I couldn’t stand it. It’s like living under a microscope.”
    Max expelled a breath. “You learn to ignore it for the most part. Ninety-five percent of what they report is pure fiction and anyone with a half a brain can see that.”
    Sophie’s gaze shifted to where Alex was clapping at the seals’ latest antics. “I don’t want him to grow up like this. I want him to be happy and carefree, not stalked by the press every second of his life. That’s no way for a child to grow up.”
    Guilt slammed into Max. He hadn’t thought about it that way. Making himself a part of his son’s life would make the child vulnerable to the press and an easy target. Was that really fair to Alex?
    Or was he just being selfish?
    Sophie blinked back a tear. “Why exactly is the press so fascinated with you?”
    Max winced inwardly. He wasn’t an arrogant man – at least not much – but Sophie had a way putting him in his place without even trying. Lucky for him he was thick-skinned, otherwise the feisty redhead just might trample all over his ego. “I suppose it’s because I dug myself out of the trenches of poverty and built my hotel empire on my own. The old rags-to-riches story seems to spark an interest among the media.” He flashed a smile. “I guess money talks.”
    “Well, I wish it would speak a little softer,” Sophie snapped, then instantly became contrite. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not your fault the press hounds you like white on rice. And I’m sure this can’t be pleasant for you either. I just didn’t want Alex exposed to … to all of this.”
    Max flattened his chin. “I’m afraid it’s a package deal. Wealth and success come with a steep price.”
    “I know,” Sophie let out a resigned sigh. “I just want to keep Alex out of the limelight as much as possible.”
    “I would never do anything to deliberately jeopardize his well-being.”
    “I’m sure you wouldn’t.” Sophie knitted her brow and placed her hand on the concrete tail feathers. “I was just thinking if you weren’t so eligible then maybe the buzzards wouldn’t be swarming all the time.”
    Max’s blood chilled. “What do you mean?”
    “We’ll, it’s simple really. If you were married then I’m sure the media wouldn’t be nearly as fascinated with your day-to-day activities and fawning over your every move.” Sophie nodded thoughtfully.
    Max stiffened. Not in this lifetime, sugar . “I’m flattered, but that’s not an option. I don’t do marriage.” He jutted out his chin.
    Sophie reddened. “Oh! I didn’t mean I wanted to … I mean I was just saying if…” Her voice cracked and a spark of indignation flared in her green eyes. “Great Pete! I wasn’t making an offer! I just meant if you weren’t one of the most eligible