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  Dante sat up quickly. “I would welcome the responsibility, Regan.”

  “But you’ll be in Italy—“

  He shook his head. “Not any longer. I quit Giovanni Corporazione when I returned to Milan. My resignation had been in the works for months, when I realized marrying a virtual child was the only way to advance.” A soft smile curved his lips. “It was only when I was assigned to investigate your company that I found a reason to stay awhile longer.”

  She wanted to refuse to believe him, simply because Regan didn’t want to let him off the hook so soon, but she couldn’t deny the sincerity in his gaze or the conviction in his tone. He was telling her the truth, which meant he surely had told her the truth about his forming infatuation. He should have told her of his purpose in coming to Lasënbourg and Germany, but that omission wasn’t worth ruining the chance of a future together. “What will you do now?”

  He nodded toward the portfolio on her desk. “I had hoped Synergies Systems would have an opening. I’m in the US on a tourist visa. I can only extend my stay by finding employment or getting married.” His eyes gleamed when he uttered the last word.

  She cocked her head, pretending to think. “There might be an opening in the mailroom—“

  He laughed. “I believe you’ll find I have many talents that are useful enough to keep me a bit closer.”

  “I suppose. You’ll need some on-the-job training.” Regan licked her lips.

  “Hands-on?”

  “Upon occasion.” She leaned forward to kiss him, before speaking again. “Every occasion there’s an opportunity,” she added.

  “I am pleased to be able to stay in the US.” He kissed her, cupping her breast.

  She gasped and broke away. “Why don’t you apply for an employment visa? We’ll sort out the marriage issue later.”

  “I would ask you for one thing, although I might not be entitled to request anything from you.” As he spoke, he lifted his hands to cup her breasts.

  It was difficult to think with him rubbing her nipples. She tried to clear her thoughts. “What? You want stock options, a corner office, 401K?”

  “Yes to all, but this request is of a more personal nature.” He continued to hold her breasts, but ceased caressing her nipples. “Would you consider not visiting your doctor and allowing nature to take its course? I find the thought of your belly swollen with my child exciting.”

  Regan’s eyes misted with unexpected tears, and she coughed, trying to clear the lump from her throat. “Yes,” she whispered. She didn’t think it likely she had conceived today, but she acknowledged the responsibility of agreeing to his request. She might end up a single mother, but her heart told her otherwise. If they had conceived a child, Dante would be there for her.

  Regardless if they had conceived a child, she reminded herself, as he kissed her again. He needed her as much as she needed him.

  Epilogue

  Ten months later…

  The New York Informer

  September 18

  In a lavish ceremony yesterday afternoon, Regan Delaney, the CEO of Synergies Systems, wed Dante Giodarri. He is the VP of Finance of Synergies Systems, formerly of Giovanni Corporazione in Italy, where he frequently made financial news with his innovative practices. When asked about future plans, the couple divulged their intent to start a family as soon as possible. The bride is rumored to have worn a $200,000 diamond necklace from Cartier. When asked about the opulent jewelry, Mr. Giodarri reportedly said, “Their shine is the glitter of costume jewels when compared with Regan.” Guests of the ceremony reported the couple was seldom apart. Repeatedly, our reporter heard this was a true love match. The New York Informer wishes the happy couple the very best.