Seduced by Mr. Right(31)
“I’ll pick you up at nine o’clock, so we can drive down together.”
“Emilio, I can’t. I’m going with a client to Raleigh tomorrow and I won’t be back until Thursday.”
“What’s in North Carolina?”
“My client is attending a funeral and wanted me there for emotional support.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Is your client male or female?”
“Female. Why?”
“Just checking,” he said, with a wink. “Do you routinely travel with clients?”
“Sometimes. It depends on the situation.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because I’m going to Miami over Memorial Day weekend, and I want you to come. Antwan wants me to attend the Exotic Car Show—”
“It’s not about what Antwan wants. It’s about what you want.”
“I’m psyched about going to Miami, but...” He broke off speaking and expelled a deep breath. “I haven’t been to any public events since Lucca died, and even though I’m excited about reconnecting with my fans, I’m nervous, too.”
“That’s understandable, but try not to worry. Your fans adore you, especially the female ones, and I’m sure they’ll welcome you back with open arms.”
“I can’t go without you, Sharleen. I need you by my side...”
His words sounded poetic, like the lyrics to a love song, and his dreamy accent made her feel light-headed. That was why going out of town with him was out of the question. There was no telling what would happen in Miami, and she didn’t want to lose her job or her heart to him. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she said, “I’ll check my schedule, and I’ll get back to you in a few days.”
“Why don’t you save yourself the time and trouble and say yes now?”
Because I hate hot weather, scantily dressed women flaunting their perfect bodies and pool parties. I never know what to wear, and I don’t want to feel self-conscious about my—
“Do you want me to call your boss and ask her permission?”
“That’s not...um...”
Emilio lifted the bottom of his shirt, exposing his abs, and wiped the sweat from his face. Sharleen’s brain turned to mush. Seeing his bare chest caused her body to tingle and quiver. Her sexual urges were powerful, unlike anything she’d experienced. Staring at him, she envisioned them kissing, could almost taste and feel his mouth against hers.
“I’ll call Mrs. Fontaine tomorrow and square things with her.”
Sharleen snapped out of her thoughts. “No, please don’t. That won’t be necessary.”
“Great, then I’ll have my assistant finalize our travel arrangements.” His smile returned, blazed so bright it made the sun look dull. “You’ll have your own room at my cottage at Fisher Island resort and plenty of time to shop at the malls and boutiques.”
“Are you spending the entire weekend at the car show?”
Emilio shook his head. “No. I’ll be busy romancing you.”
Sharleen swallowed hard, told herself he was just teasing her. She considered her options, thoroughly weighed the pros and cons of going out of town with Emilio. Mrs. Fontaine was going to make a decision about the VP position at the end of the month, and she didn’t want to ruin her chances of landing the job by upsetting her boss. It was better not to rock the boat. “Sometimes you can be so difficult,” she teased, rolling her eyes in an exaggerated fashion. “Do you always have to get your way?”
“Yes, Ms. Nichols, as a matter of fact, I do.”
He leaned into her, got so close their arms were touching.
“Do you know what I want right now?” His gaze dropped to her mouth, and he licked his lips with deliberate slowness, as if his sole purpose in life was to arouse her with his tongue. “She’s tall and curvy and smells like jasmine.”
Desire surged through her veins, made her heart hammer inside her chest. Afraid she’d fall victim to lust, she turned to admire the lily pond, instead of Emilio’s juicy lips. “This is an amazing view,” she said. “Do you jog down here often?”
“No, but now that I have you to keep me company I’ll be getting out a lot more.”
“No way, José! Count me out. This is the last time I let you talk me into going for a jog,” she said. “I’m so tired I could lie down on the grass and fall asleep!”
Emilio cracked up. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing great.” He looked her over, took his time appraising her. “And you look gorgeous, too.”
“Right,” she drawled, swatting at the pesky flies buzzing around her. “Sweat is real sexy.”