Harlequin Kimani Romance September 2014 Bundle: Seduced by the Heir\Secret Silver Nights\Someone Like You\Indulge Me Tonight (4 page)

More laughter passed between them.

“My meeting was pushed back to Monday, so I decided to join the group,” he explained, admiring her radiant brown skin. “Why are you hiding out in here? You're supposed to be at the bell tower with everyone else.”

Paris picked up her wicker basket, slipped her hand inside a white package and tossed a chocolate-covered cashew into her mouth. “I got hungry.”

“You always did like your sweets.”

“Still do,” she quipped. “Cassandra forced me to go on the soup diet with her, and if she finds out I cheated she'll go ballistic, so don't tell her you saw me in here, okay?”

“I won't tell a soul. Your secret is safe with me.”

Paris walked over to the cash register, unloaded her items on the marble counter and paid the cashier. Seconds later, she joined him at the entrance of the store. “What's your story?” she asked, slipping on her oversize Givenchy sunglasses. “Why did you ditch the group?”

Because I want to be alone with you,
he thought, but didn't say. It was too much too soon, and he didn't want to scare her off. Not when they were enjoying each other's company. To keep the mood light, he said, “I got tired of Cassandra's foster mom hitting on me, so I decided to make a break for it when she wasn't looking!”

Paris cracked up. The sound of her high-pitched giggles bolstered his confidence. He couldn't have scripted a better reunion.

“It was great talking to you, Rafael. See you around!” she said suddenly, walking closer to the door.

He caught her arm just as she was about to breeze past him, and slid in front of the door to prevent her from leaving. “Where are you rushing off to?”

A frown touched her lips, marring her pretty features, but she didn't speak. His body was a raging inferno and his impulse to kiss her was so strong it consumed him. He wet his lips with his tongue, moved closer. “Don't go.” His voice sounded foreign to his ears, a lot huskier than it had ever been. “I'll escort you to the bell tower.”

“I'm not going there. The group is slowing me down, and I have tons of shopping to do.”

An idea came to him, and a lie fell smoothly from his lips. “You have to shop and I have to shop, so we might as well knock it out together.”

“Are you sure your paramour won't mind? I don't want to create any problems at home.”

I'm not interested in Julietta. I'm interested in you.

“You guys looked awfully cozy last night,” Paris continued. “And she's also made it very clear to the bridal party that you're off-limits.”

“Paris, I'm single, and there's no special woman in my life, but if you feel uncomfortable hanging out with me, then...”

Her frown deepened. “Why would I be uncomfortable?”

“Because we had a messy breakup.”

“Yeah, like twenty years ago,” she scoffed, giving him a funny look. “We dated when we were kids. It didn't mean anything. I moved on and so did you. No hard feelings.”

Listening to Paris downplay their relationship hurt like hell, but Rafael held his tongue. Besides, she was right. They'd dated eons ago, and living in the past was a waste of time. “So, you don't mind if I tag along? I promised my dad I'd buy him a case of Italian cigars, and if I forget he'll cut me out of his will!”

Paris wore a cheeky smile. “Sure, why not? You could help me carry my bags.”

“First we eat and then we shop.”

“When did you get so bossy?” she teased, slanting her head to the right. “What happened to the sweet, easygoing guy who used to let me call the shots?”

Rafael lowered his mouth to her ear. “He grew up.”

“I can see that.”

“And what you call bossy, I call decisive,” he said smoothly. “I don't believe in playing games. When I see something I want, I go after it. No matter what.”

Her eyes opened wide.

The air was saturated with the scent of his desire. Rafael wanted to crush his lips to her mouth, wished he could taste her one more time, but he didn't act on his impulses. To keep his hands busy, and off her curvy, shapely body, he stepped aside and opened the door. “Shall we go? I'm hungry, and I bet you are, too.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the best Italian restaurant in town, of course.”

Her face came alive, brightened with excitement. “Now you're talking. Lead the way!”

Chapter 5

H
arry's Bar, a ridiculously expensive pub in the heart of the city, was more than just a classy restaurant, it was a cultural institution. Open since the 1930s, it attracted Venetian high society, diplomats and celebrities from around the globe. The menu was simple, and the furnishings understated, but the award-winning food more than made up for the modest decor.

“Might I recommend the Cipriani chocolate cake for dessert?” The waiter, an older gentleman with kind eyes, collected Paris and Rafael's empty lunch plates and refilled their water glasses. “It's our most celebrated dish, and one of the First Lady's personal favorites.”

“Sounds good,” Rafael said. “We'd also like another round of Bellini cocktails.”

The waiter gave a curt nod. “Very well, sir. I'll be back shortly with your order.”

“You have to quit feeding me, or I won't be able to fit into my gown tomorrow!” Paris joked, settling back comfortably in her chair. “I don't want to get on the bride's bad side—”

“Don't worry, Paris. I'll be there to protect you.”

He flashed a grin, and her breath caught on a moan. The second floor was filled to the brim with distinguished diners, and waiters in shiny bow ties rushing to and fro, but when Rafael looked at her everyone else faded into the background.

His gaze roamed over her face, warmed her tingling flesh. Desire blazed in his eyes, and for a pulse-pounding second Paris feared he was going to kiss her.
What should I do if he does? Push him away, kiss him back or make a break for the emergency exit?

Swallowing hard, she moistened her lips with her tongue. Her attraction to Rafael was ruling her, mind and body, and if she didn't get a handle on her feelings quick she was going to fall victim to her desires.
And there's nothing cute about pouncing on a man in public.

“The Cipriani chocolate cake is the pièce de résistance, and I can't let you leave Venice without trying it. Trust me, you're going to love it.”

“God, you're smooth,” she quipped. “Now I know why Julietta's been throwing herself at you all weekend. You're as charming as they get!”

“She's not interested in me per se, just my bank account.”

“That's a harsh assessment. You hardly know her.”

“I know her type.” A frown wrinkled his brow, caused fine lines to gather around his eyes and mouth. “Tell me something.”

“Ask away. What's on your mind?”

Rafael picked up her left hand, gently caressed each finger. Electricity crackled between them, and the more he stroked her skin the harder it was for Paris to concentrate.

“You're single, right?”

All she could do was nod her head. Her mind was too jumbled to produce a coherent thought. She tried to ignore the flutter in the pit of her stomach, that tingling sensation shooting down her spine, but to no avail.
He's just a man,
scolded her conscience
. Sure, he's tall, ripped and toned, but that's no reason to get nervous and flustered.

His caress was better than she remembered. Paris told herself to breathe, to stare at something—anything—besides Rafael's lips, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from his face. Her desire for him was strong, so intense it made it impossible for her to think. Moving her hand away was out of the question too. Paris loved how he'd always made her feel desirable, wanted and sexy. “I date from time to time,” she said, twirling a lock of hair around the index finger of her free hand. “But I'm single, and have no plans to settle down.”

“Then why are you wearing an expensive diamond ring?”

To keep the opposite sex at bay.
Talking about her ex-boyfriend always made her tear up, and since she didn't want to have an emotional breakdown at their quaint corner table, Paris racked her brain for a suitable answer. Wanting to keep the mood upbeat, she said, “I love diamonds. Sue me!”

“I understand that, but why not wear the ring on your other hand?”

His question caught her off guard. No one had ever grilled her about her diamond ring before, but then again, she'd never let anyone get this close. Men were good for one thing and one thing only. After the deed was done Paris went home—alone. Pillow talk wasn't an option, and neither was spending the night with her lover. “You're a guy. You wouldn't understand.”

Rafael released her hand and sat up straighter. “Try me.”

“I'm good at my job and I take great pride in what I do, but my clients are more interested in flirting with me than listening to what I have to say.”

“Do you blame them?” His tone changed, becoming playful, and amusement twinkled in his deep brown eyes. “You're stunning, you have a wicked sense of humor, and sensuality and femininity literally ooze from your pores. They can't help themselves!”

His words made her heart melt, but Paris didn't let her feelings show. No use encouraging him. Their lunch date was a onetime thing, and despite their attraction, Paris had no desire to strike up any kind of relationship with her ex. She didn't do long-distance, and hated the thought of being tied down to one person.

“Aren't you afraid of scaring off Mr. Right?”

Paris laughed, and shrugged off his question with a flick of her hand. “I'm too busy being successful to worry about being single. Besides, Mr. Right doesn't exist, and neither does the ridiculous notion of living happily ever after.”

“You sound like a pessimist.”

“I'm not a pessimist. I'm a realist. Instead of wasting my time dating, I'm focusing my energy on climbing the corporate ladder, and expanding my father's lucrative business empire.”

“Don't you get lonely?”

“Do you?” she asked, flipping the tables. “You're thirty-six. Isn't it time you quit sowing your wild oats and find a nice Italian girl to marry?”

“Have you been talking to my mother?”

His laughter filled the dining room, and the sound made her giggle. Joking around with Rafael made Paris feel good, better than she had in weeks. He was an honest-to-goodness gentleman, who said and did all the right things, and who knew how to make a woman feel special. Paris liked that. He was unique, interesting, nothing like the men most of her girlfriends complained about, and she was having a great time with him. “Have you ever been married?” she asked, her curiosity getting the best of her. “Do you have children?”

“No, and I'm in no rush to have a family.” A wicked grin curved his mouth. “I'll settle down as soon as I meet a smart, vivacious beauty like you, and not a minute sooner.”

“Then you're going to be single for a
very
long time, because I'm one in a million!”

“That's what I thought the first time I ever laid eyes on you.” He sounded serious, as if he meant every word, and his gaze smoldered with intensity. “You looked so cute in your sundress and cowboy boots I just knew I had to meet you. You were the prettiest girl in the room. Still are.”

His confession blew her mind. “I can't believe you remember what I wore to the spring formal our freshman year at Georgetown.”

“How could I forget? It was a special day.”

That it was,
she thought, her cheeks flushed with heat.
We did a whole lot of French-kissing and slow dancing that night, and by the time you walked me back to my car I was in love!

“I remember a lot of things about you—”

“Really? Like what?” Paris didn't believe him, not for a second, so she put him on the spot. “What's my favorite color?”

“That's easy, purple.”

Without a doubt, his megawatt smile was his best feature, and Paris could tell that he was proud of himself for answering the question correctly. Their banter was effortless, easily the highlight of her day. “Is that all you've got?”

He stroked his jaw as if deep in thought. “You used to love horror movies, the Backstreet Boys and chocolate fudge milkshakes from Dairy Queen.”

“I still do!” she shrieked, laughing. “How do you think I got so curvy?”

“Paris, you're stunning and you know it.”

“And you're too charming for your own good!”

The waiter arrived with their order and conversation was put on hold. Paris took a bite of her cake, enjoying the strong, rich flavor. As they ate, they discussed Stefano and Cassandra's New Year's Eve wedding, their families and their careers.

“I'm surprised that you work for your father's construction company.”

Paris felt her eyebrows rise, and her shoulders tense. She was used to people taking cheap shots at her, knew what her colleagues said behind her back, and normally she didn't care. But what Rafael said ticked her off. “Why are you surprised? You don't think I'm smart enough to work in a male-dominated industry?”

“I'm not even going to dignify that question with a response.”

His voice was cold, and his gaze was deadly. He was annoyed with her, but for some odd reason that turned her on, made her wonder if he was still a passionate lover.

“Your dream was to start a beauty salon franchise, and I figured by now you'd have dozens of high-end shops around the world.”

Paris picked up her water glass. “Dreams change.”

“Do you enjoy being a senior administrator at your father's company?”

No,
she thought sadly,
but I have no choice. I'm stuck. My father will never let me leave the family business, and furthermore, I'm a St. Clair. According to my dad, St. Clairs don't give beauty treatments, they
get
beauty treatments.

“Yes, of course,” she lied, avoiding his probing gaze. “I'm very good at my job, and I'm proud of what Excel Construction has accomplished over the years. We've constructed schools, health clinics and community centers in inner city neighborhoods, and we have even more incredible projects lined up in the New Year.”

“Any chance of you opening a salon one day?”

“Been there, done that, and I'm not going there again.”

“It sounds like your past venture failed to meet your expectations.”

“That's the understatement of the year,” she murmured.

Rafael leaned forward in his chair. “What happened?”

“Trust me, it's a long, boring story. You wouldn't be interested.”

Without a moment's hesitation, he said, “I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know. Go on.”

Paris parted her lips, and to her surprise the truth came tumbling out. “I opened a salon with one of my sorority sisters from Spelman after graduation, and it turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. If not for my father stepping in, and cleaning up the mess I made, I'd still be in court duking it out with my ex-best friend.”

“Paris, you can't let one bad experience stop you from fulfilling your dreams.”

“That's easy for you to say,” she argued. “Everything you touch turns to gold!”

“It wasn't always that way,” he confessed, his tone subdued. “I screwed up a lot my first few years at Morretti Incorporated, but after each failure, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and vowed to learn from my mistakes.”

Shocked, Paris closed her open mouth. “You struggled to find your footing in the business world, too?”

“Absolutely, and I'm a better man because of all the hardships I faced. It forced me to challenge myself, and to think outside of the box.”

He spoke with such fire and intensity that her thoughts took an erotic detour. Paris loved how strong he was, how intelligent, and his confidence was damn sexy.

Rafael picked up his water glass and took a drink. “The only way you lose in life is if you beat yourself, and I'm determined to be at the top of my game no matter the cost.”

Damn,
Paris thought, licking her lips.
I wish you were on top of
me
.

“You're very passionate about what you do,” she said. “I admire that.”

“I think my ambition and my intensity has been the key to my success. Being the vice chairman of Morretti Incorporated is more than just a career. It's my life, and I feel fortunate to be doing something I love. A lot of people aren't that lucky.”

Tell me about it.
Releasing a deep sigh, Paris toyed with her chain-link necklace. Owning a high-end salon—a trendy, glamorous place where women went to network, socialize and relax—would be a dream come true. But Paris was scared of falling flat on her face. It had already happened once, and it could again. “I love the idea of going into business for myself, but my father would never give me his support.”

“Why do you need his approval?”

Good question. Why indeed?

“You're a smart, intelligent woman who can do anything she sets her mind to.”

I am!
Paris considered what Rafael had said, and realized he was dead-on.
My dad didn't consult me when he married his trophy wife from hell, so why should I consult him about going into business for myself?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, picking up her napkin and dabbing the corners of her mouth. “Do I have chocolate icing on my face or something?”

“No, you look perfect.” He shrugged and said, “I was just wondering what our lives would have been like if we didn't split up.”

“Sure you were,” she quipped, her tone filled with sarcasm. “Just admit it. You haven't thought about me since our breakup, and the only reason you recognized me last night was because you overheard someone at the party say my last name.”

Rafael didn't miss a beat. “I knew it was you the moment I heard your laugh.”

“No way. Seriously?”

“Once you love someone, they always stay in your heart. Contrary to what you think, I never forgot about you. You were my first love, and I wanted to marry you.”