“I already have a life coach, and the fact that I’m here proves how persuasive she is.”
Brad chuckled, but it sounded forced. “You’re in good hands.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Emilio gave a curt nod. “See you around, Chad.”
Sharleen wanted to laugh in “Chad”’s face. But she remembered the heartbreaking conversation she’d had that morning with Jocelyn and bit the inside of her cheek to stifle her giggles. They walked through the convention center, out into the lobby and stopped in front of the elevators. “Did you mean what you just said about me being your life coach?”
“Yes, but only if you agree to my terms.”
“They are?” she prompted.
“I would like us to do our sessions at my estate.”
Sharleen mulled over his words, then slowly nodded her head. “I’m fine with that, and as long as you’re open and receptive to my coaching methods, we’ll get along great.”
“How many sessions do you recommend a week?”
“We can do as few as one or as many as five. It’s up to you.”
“Five sounds good.”
His words made her head spin. Three days ago Emilio threw me out of his estate, and now he wants me to be his life coach. Miracles really do happen! Sharleen liked the idea of seeing him every day and was excited about working with him. Who wouldn’t be? He was easy to talk to, the most down-to-earth celebrity she’d ever met and a great conversationalist. Sharleen had high hopes for Emilio and was confident she could help him conquer his grief.
“I’d like to do our sessions during my morning workout. Is that cool with you?”
“Absolutely.” His smile stirred her hormones, made her temperature rise, but she maintained her composure. “Are there any other terms I need to know about?”
“I’ll introduce you as my girlfriend to my friends and family, not my life coach.”
Her displeasure must have shown on her face, because he said, “Is that a problem?”
“Emilio, I won’t pretend to be something I’m not. That goes against what I believe.”
“I feel strongly about protecting my privacy and keeping my personal life out of the tabloids,” he countered, glancing around the lobby. “Those are my conditions. Take it or leave it.”
A one-liner shot out of her mouth. “How can I refuse when you asked so nicely?”
Emilio fixed his eyes on hers and licked his lips with deliberate slowness, as if he were trying to arouse her. It worked. Her body was on fire, hot with lust. Sharleen sensed his interest in her and their growing attraction, but ignored her feelings. Nothing good could come out of them having a sexual relationship.
Ha! As if things would ever get that far. You’re so scared of rejection, you’ve sabotaged all of your relationships—
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you,” Emilio said.
“I’ll let it slide this time, but don’t let it happen again.”
Amusement gleamed in his eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I’m a life coach, not a human doormat, and don’t you forget it.”
Emilio chuckled. “Now that you’ve given me a thorough tongue-lashing, I’d like to head to the workshop. The quicker we finish up here, the quicker we can go eat!”
* * *
Sharleen and Emilio were sitting outside talking on the patio at Dolce Vita Atlanta, when the waiter hustled over to their table.
“I apologize for the delay in bringing your desserts, but the Hawks game just ended, and it’s jam-packed inside.”
“No worries,” Emilio said good-naturedly to the waiter. “I’m having such a great time with my beautiful dinner companion, I forgot all about dessert.”
“I wish I could be so lucky!” the young waiter said.
Emilio addressed the waiter, but he stared at Sharleen with longing in his eyes. “It’s hard to find a good woman, so when you find that special someone, don’t let her go.”
The heat of his gaze made her mouth dry and her skin tingle. The sexiest athlete on the planet is flirting with me. I must be dreaming! Sharleen needed a moment to catch her breath, so she sipped her cocktail. Reflecting on her favorite parts of the day made her smile. After the Stress Less, Live More workshop, they’d chatted with the keynote speaker, checked out the various vendor booths and enjoyed lattes in the lobby café.
Driving to Dolce Vita Atlanta in Emilio’s Bugatti had been an exhilarating ride, but nothing compared to entering the celebrity hot spot on his arm. Stylish and elegant, Dolce Vita was known for its outstanding food, excellent service and moneyed clientele. They were given the royal treatment, and when they sat down on the patio, waiters rushed over carrying trays filled with caviar and cocktails. Dinner had been a scrumptious feast and their conversation lively and fun. Attentive and sweet, Emilio asked poignant questions about life coaching and proposed a toast to their new friendship.