Thank Heaven For Little Girls

By Tracy Sinclair

Cupid's Little Helpers
ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN…AND THREE MINIATURE MATCHMAKERS!

With his steely body – and silken lines – bachelor Antonio Fortunato was rumoured to tempt even saints into sinning. So what mere female could resist this enchanting Casanova? Perhaps only sassy American tourist Penny Drake, who came equipped with her own secret weapon….

Though stranded in Antonio's romantic Roman villa, at the mercy of his charms, Penny possessed a foolproof shield against Antonio's ardour: a fatherless five–year–old daughter – and a motherly way with his two noisy nieces. But who knew that these three mischievous little ladies would have matchmaking on their minds?

CUPID'S LITTLE HELPERS: The matchmaking kids come with a happily–ever–after guarantee.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Jul 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781460881903

Book preview

Chapter One

Penny Drake sighed as she hung up the phone after booking a lavish Caribbean cruise for one of Jet Away Travel’s clients.

Mandy Richardson, one of her two partners, looked up from a desk across the room. What’s the problem? The agency will make a juicy profit from that deal.

The problem is, I’m tired of sending other people to exotic places while I stay chained to a desk in San Francisco.

"Everything is relative. San Francisco is an exotic place to some people."

Thanks a lot, Penny said wryly. That makes me feel much better.

You need a vacation, that’s all. You’ve been putting in double-time since Alexandra broke her ankle playing tennis. She’ll be back on Monday, though.

Alexandra Reynolds was the third partner in the travel agency they’d started four years ago when Penny needed a way to support herself and a small baby—some kind of job with flexible hours that would allow her time with her daughter. The agency had prospered, but it was the sole support of three households. None of them were exactly affluent.

Why don’t you plan on taking some time off? Mandy persisted. You and Lizabeth could go to Lake Tahoe.

We did that last summer.

Well, then, how about Carmel? It’s only a couple of hours’ drive from here.

Is that supposed to be a recommendation? Penny sighed again. I’d like to go someplace exciting for a change.

Where would you go if you could choose anyplace you wanted?

I’d take Lizabeth to Rome for a month, Penny answered promptly, without having to give it any thought.

That’s right, you speak fluent Italian, don’t you?

I hope I’m still fluent. It’s been a long time since I lived there. I was only fifteen at the time. Dad was a bureau chief for one of the news services and when he was transferred to Rome for a year, Mother and I went with him.

Your Italian might be a little rusty, but I’m sure it would all come back to you. When you’ve actually lived in a foreign country and spoken the language every day, you don’t forget it, Mandy reassured her.

"Rome is such an exciting city, so filled with history. I’d love to take Lizabeth to all the places my parents took me. It would be a wonderful experience for her." Penny’s green eyes sparkled at the thought.

You were a lot older, Mandy said. She’s only five.

That’s why it would be so perfect. Children grow up before you know it. Soon she’ll be involved in her own activities and she won’t be as interested in spending time alone with me.

If that’s what you really want to do, go for it.

Penny’s animation died. Do you know what a month in Europe would cost?

You have all those frequent flyer miles that expire at the end of the year if you don’t use them. They’d cover your airfare.

How about a hotel room and three meals a day for a month? I couldn’t possibly swing it.

Don’t be so negative. Mandy rummaged around in the piles of paper on her desk until she found several sheets stapled together. This came in the other day. It’s a list of people wanting to swap living accommodations. Maybe you could exchange your apartment for one in Rome.

I never thought of that! Penny started to get excited, but then her enthusiasm died. My landlord would never permit it. I have a clause in my lease that says I can’t sublet. He lives downstairs, so he’d be sure to know. It was a great idea, though.

Don’t give up so fast. I noticed a few rental apartments on the list. It won’t be as cheap as living rent free, but it’ll be a lot less expensive than a hotel room. Mandy thumbed through the pages. Here’s Italy, now let’s find Rome.

Penny read the sparse listings over her shoulder. There was only one in Rome proper. The rest were described as on the outskirts.

Forget those, they’re too iffy. They could be out in the boondocks, miles from the city, Mandy remarked cynically. The one in Rome is the only possibility.

It says luxurious town house, Penny protested. The rent must be out of sight.

Call the number—or quit complaining. Mandy handed her the telephone and switched on the conference button so she could listen in.

The phone was answered by a very persuasive man named Umberto. He described the house in such glowing terms that Penny was afraid it was out of her reach. When he named the price, she was sure of it.

I’m sorry, but that’s more than I want to pay, she said regretfully. Thanks, anyway.

Penny thought that was the end of it, but Umberto asked for a counter offer. She tried to get out of it by saying her price would be something he wouldn’t even consider, but he insisted. Finally, more to end the matter than anything else, she tentatively mentioned an amount. Umberto seemed outraged—but not too insulted to bargain. Penny was never sure afterward how it happened, but she wound up renting a house.

Here is the address of my bank, Umberto said. "I must leave tomorrow on business, so you will please transfer the funds to my account today. Addio, Signorina Drake, it has been a pleasure doing business with you."

Wait! How will I get into the house? I need a key.

No problema. My housekeeper, Rosa, will let you in.

All I need is the key, I won’t require a housekeeper.

Do not worry. Umberto chuckled. "She is part of what you call, the package deal. Ciao."

That guy could sell skis to a snake, Mandy remarked after Penny hung up.

Do you think it’s some kind of scam? He did come down drastically.

That’s standard procedure. People start out with a price they never expect to get, and then they bargain, Mandy said.

So you don’t think he’s a phony?

I’d be suspicious if he asked you to send the money to someplace anonymous, like a post office box. But wiring money to a bank seems on the up and up.

It does, doesn’t it? Penny’s face lit with renewed enthusiasm. Guess what? I’m going to Rome!

As Penny’s plane was taking off from New York on the second leg of her journey, Antonio Fortunato was dressing to go to his office in Rome. It was almost noon, but he often went to work around that time, since much of his business was done at night. Antonio was an impresario. He staged concerts and booked acts for nightclubs all over the Continent.

The day began like any other. He did the exercises that kept his lean body in such magnificent shape, took a brisk shower and selected a custom-made suit from the dozens in his vast dressing room. None of this required much thought. His mind was occupied with the numerous appointments that always filled his busy days.

Antonio was going out the door when he remembered to give his housekeeper a message. I’m expecting a lady to come by this evening, he told the woman. If I’m not back by the time she gets here, make her comfortable and ask her to wait.

There was the usual press of matters needing his attention when he arrived at work. His secretary followed him into his private office, telling him about the more urgent ones.

Claudia Dupres called from Paris. She was able to get away earlier than expected, so she’ll meet you here at the office this afternoon, instead of at your house tonight.

That’s good, Antonio said absently, flipping through the stack of messages on his desk. Call my housekeeper and-

The intercom interrupted him. Your brother-in-law is calling from New York, Signore Fortunato. He’s on line one.

Antonio’s expression turned grim. As he reached for the phone, his secretary discreetly left the room. I’ve been waiting to hear from you, Fabrizio. What the devil is taking you so long? he rasped. That deal should have been wrapped up by now.

I’ve run into some trouble with Veronica’s manager, Fabrizio Fiorenza replied. He wants a bigger cut of the gate.

Tell him to forget it, Antonio answered curtly. Our offer was more than generous. Her last concert bordered on disappointing.

That’s why I think I can get him to sign. It shouldn’t take much longer.

Let them know I’m getting impatient. If she’s going to start out being difficult, it might be better to consider someone else.

Veronica is still a big draw, Fabrizio said.

They talked about business for a few minutes. Then after a brief pause Antonio asked, Have you called Elena?

What’s the point? Bitterness tinged the younger man’s voice. So she can hang up on me?

Antonio ran long fingers through his thick, dark hair. I wish you two would grow up!

Talk to your sister, she’s the one who’s being immature.

You’re both acting like a couple of children. Why can’t you discuss things calmly, instead of losing your tempers and flinging around accusations?

Because she’s irrational. Maybe you can talk some sense into her, but I can’t.

Just get that contract signed and come home. Antonio banged down the receiver.

His secretary knocked discreetly, then appeared in the doorway. Bad news I’m afraid, sir. The lead singer of the Rowdy Boys broke his leg. We’ll have to cancel their gig.

What next? Antonio muttered. Trouble always comes in threes. I can hardly wait to find out what else is in store for me.

Penny sent a silent apology to Umberto as she stood in front of an impressive Italianate villa later that night. It was almost too good to be true.

Is this where we’re staying, Mommy? Lizabeth tugged on her hand. It’s a pretty house.

We really lucked out this time, Penny agreed as she rang the bell.

The door was opened by a plump woman who greeted them with a short speech in Italian. The housekeeper’s welcoming smile was pleasant after the long trip.

What did she say, Mommy? Lizabeth asked.

She just said she was expecting us. Penny returned the woman’s smile. You must be Rosa. Do you speak English? Penny was a little nervous about trying out her Italian, although she’d understood the woman perfectly.

A little, the housekeeper replied. "The signore is not here right now, but he said for you to wait for him."

I know he planned to be away. That’s why he rented the house to me, Penny explained.

"Che?" Rosa gave her a puzzled look.

Penny had a brief moment of alarm. Surely Umberto had told the housekeeper about their arrangement! Then she realized he must have. Rosa said she was waiting for them. There were bound to be little communication problems at first, but they could be solved tomorrow. Lizabeth’s eyelids were drooping. It had been a long, arduous day for a five-year-old, and it was way past her bedtime.

We’ll talk about it in the morning. My daughter is very tired and I want to put her to bed. If you’ll just show us which rooms to take, we’ll get settled in.

You wish to stay here tonight?

Yes, of course. Penny felt a stirring of uneasiness again. "The signore did tell you to expect us, didn’t he?"

Si.

Signore Fortunato hadn’t mentioned the child, but he did say Rosa should make the lady comfortable. The housekeeper gave her a penetrating look. Penny’s long coppercolored hair was tousled by the wind, but it gave her the sexy look that the signore prized in his women. Her slender figure was not as voluptuous as some of his lady friends, yet it was nicely curved and she had the face of an angel. Yes, this was definitely someone he would wish to entertain.

I presume the bedrooms are upstairs, Penny said with a hint of impatience. You don’t have to climb the stairs, just point us in the right direction.

Rosa gave a mental shrug. She wasn’t paid a generous salary to question Signore Fortunato’s arrangements, or to complain because he hadn’t told her about them.

Come, I will show you to your rooms. She picked up some of their luggage, while Penny and Lizabeth took the rest.

They followed the housekeeper up a broad, plushly carpeted staircase. She turned to the right and led them to a charming room at the end of the hall. It was beautifully furnished with elegant pieces covered by expensive fabrics. The mauve silk spread would have to be folded carefully and put away for the duration of their visit, Penny decided. It wasn’t chosen with children in mind.

Off the bedroom was a luxurious bath with pink fixtures and crystal faucets. Lizabeth was enchanted when she discovered it was for her use alone. At home she shared a much smaller bathroom with her mother.

Rosa had disappeared with Penny’s luggage. She returned to say, I have put your suitcase in the master suite. You will follow me, please.

That’s all right, I don’t want to keep you up any longer. Just show me where it is.

Penny went to the door and glanced at where the housekeeper was pointing. The master bedroom was at the opposite end of the hall, in a different wing actually. She wanted to tell the woman that she’d prefer to be closer to Lizabeth, but it was late and the room had undoubtedly been made up for her. Tomorrow would be time enough to change their accommodations.

Can I take a bath in that great big tub, Mommy? Lizabeth asked.

"That’s the first time you ever asked to take a bath." Penny smiled.

I never had my very own tub. Can I?

It’s been a long day and you must be exhausted. You can bathe in the morning. Just brush your teeth and hop into bed.

I’m not tired anymore, honest!

Lizabeth didn’t look tired. Her blond hair was as disheveled as Penny’s, but her blue eyes sparkled with the excitement of her new surroundings. Penny realized she was overstimulated and perhaps a bath was a good idea. It might relax her.

Okay, honey. While you’re bathing I’ll unpack for you.

Unlike her daughter, Penny was starting to feel the effects of the long trip. By the time she finished emptying the suitcase and putting things into drawers, she just wanted to take off her clothes and crawl into bed.

Fortunately a warm bath had the desired effect on Lizabeth. Her long lashes were starting to droop and she didn’t argue when Penny said it was time to get out.

Good night, darling. Penny tucked her into bed. Sleep tight. I’ll see you in the morning.

Uh-huh. The little girl was already half-asleep.

Penny was unprepared for the splendor of the master suite, even in such an impressive house. The bedroom was almost the size of her whole apartment at home!

A king-size bed was covered with a black-and-white velvet spread. Flanking it were carved bedside tables. On the opposite wall was a marble-faced fireplace with a vivid modem painting on the wall above it. A couch and two comfortable chairs were grouped in front of the fireplace, and a coffee table held books and magazines.

Rich damask drapes were drawn over what must be banks of windows on two walls. Penny wondered what they looked out on, but she was too tired to find out. Surroundings this lush deserved more than a cursory glance, anyway. Tomorrow she’d find out where the various doors led. One was the bathroom, but what was behind the others? Nothing would surprise her.

Yawning widely, she opened her suitcase and removed the pale green chiffon nightie that Mandy, her hopelessly romantic friend, had given her for a going away present. Penny smiled wryly. It was wildly sexy, but who did Mandy think was ever going to see it?

After stripping off her clothes, Penny slipped the gown over her head, pulled back the covers and climbed into bed. She reached up and turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

Sighing blissfully, she hugged the pillow. Was she really in Rome? Maybe she’d wake up tomorrow back in her own apartment in San Francisco. So far, everything was almost too good to be true. With a smile on her face, Penny fell asleep.

* * *

She awoke when blazing lights seared her closed eyelids. Her eyes flew open and she sat up, blinded for the moment. Was this a dream? She was in an unfamiliar room, in a strange bed. A deep male voice heightened the feeling of unreality.

I don’t mean to sound like a cad, but will you tell me what you’re doing in my bed?

Penny stared up at a tall, very handsome man who was regarding her with a mixture of admiration and wariness. A thrill of apprehension raced up her spine as he came closer. Common burglars didn’t wear thousand-dollar suits and expensive gold watches, she assured herself—which only made him more of a menace. His powerful body was extremely threatening.

You’re a very beautiful woman, but I don’t do business this way, he said. If you’re a musician or a singer, I suggest you contact me at my office.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Penny said, momentarily distracted.

Her Italian was correct, but her accent gave her away. You’re an American? he asked.

Yes, but I understand Italian.

It’s all right, we can speak English. I’d prefer not to have any misunderstandings. His dark eyes wandered over her bare shoulders, then moved lower. How can I put this delicately? If you have talent beyond the obvious ones, I’ll be happy to give you an audition.

Penny’s cheeks bloomed as she realized her sheer nightie left nothing to his imagination. He was inspecting her breasts with the air of a connoisseur. She pulled the covers up to her chin.

Now I’ve heard everything! she exclaimed angrily. Audition for you? I suppose I get to spend the night with you if I win. What do the losers get, two nights?

He laughed out loud, showing a blaze of even white teeth in his tanned face. "You have much to learn, signorina. You should never challenge an Italian man’s virility."

"I’m not challenging you, I’m ordering you. Get out of my room immediately!"

His laughter died. This has gone far enough. It’s late and I’ve had a long day. Who the devil are you?

"My name is Penny Drake. Who are you?"

Antonio Fortunato. And now that the formalities are taken care of, perhaps you’ll finally get around to telling me why you’re here, he said sardonically.

"You’re the one who has some explaining to do. It’s obvious why I’m here—this is my house. At least for now. I rented it from the owner."

He stared at her incredulously. You’re joking!

Not likely, she answered tersely. It’s the middle of the night and you just woke me up and gave me the fright of my life. That might be your idea of a joke, but it isn’t mine.

He waved a dismissive hand. What is all this nonsense about renting my house?

You’re Umberto? I thought you said your name is Antonio. What’s going on here?

That’s what I intend to find out. How do you know Umberto?

He rented me this house.

Antonio took a deep breath. This house is not and has never been for rent. It belongs to me.

But the ad in the bulletin, Penny said uncertainly as doubts began to surface. He was so authoritative. It was listed for rent.

I’m beginning to understand, Antonio said grimly. You answered an advertisement run by a man named Umberto?

Yes! I spoke to him on the phone and we made a deal. I wired him the money.

I’m very much afraid that you’ve been fleeced. Umberto was my valet for a very short time. I had to fire him when I discovered he had difficulty telling the difference between his things and mine, Antonio said dryly. In retaliation, I’m afraid he played this very unkind prank.

"That’s not what I’d call it! I paid a lot of money for this house."

I’m truly sorry for your inconvenience. I’ll be happy to help you find a suitable hotel room.

If I’d wanted a hotel room, I would have booked one in the first place. Unless you’re prepared to refund my money, I intend to stay right here.

That’s impossible! I see no reason why I should be responsible for your gullibility. How could you send money to a man you didn’t know, for something you’d never seen?

People rent apartments in foreign countries all the time, Penny said defensively.

From reliable agencies, or else they exchange references. Did you ask Umberto for his?

There wasn’t time. He said he was leaving on a business trip, and this was the only listing in Rome. I mean, there were others out in the suburbs, but I was afraid they might be too far from the city. Besides, he gave me the name of his bank. That’s where I sent the money.

I presume you know that anybody can open a bank account—and also close it.

I guess I do now, she answered in a small voice.

Antonio rumpled his hair as he paced the room. "I suppose I have to believe you, but it’s difficult. Didn’t you suspect