“No. I think you’re perfect.” His gaze was a lethal combination of hunger and desire. It held her captive, refused to let her go. “You have great eyes, pretty lips and bootylicious curves!”
Sharleen cracked up, chuckled until tears filled her eyes. The word bootylicious had no business coming out of Emilio’s Italian mouth, and the expression on his face tugged at her heartstrings. He made her laugh, even at his own expense. He was the most caring man she’d ever met. It’s too bad he’s my client. If he wasn’t I’d definitely want him to be my—
“Are you free on Saturday night? I’d like to take you out for dinner. On a date.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say, ‘I’d love to. I’ll be ready at six.’”
“I can’t,” she said, smiling apologetically. “Dating clients is against the rules, and if Mrs. Fontaine finds out we’re seeing each other, she’ll fire me.”
“You don’t need to work. I’ll take care of you.”
“Emilio, I can take care of myself, and that’s beside the point. I love working at Pathways, and I’d be devastated if I lost my job. Being a life coach is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“I understand, and for now, I’ll respect your wishes. On Saturday we’ll have dinner here at the house, then watch the new Will Smith movie in my theater.”
Sharleen heaved a deep breath and tried to gather her bearings, but the truth came tumbling out of her mouth. “Dating is a bad idea. We would never work. We’re from two different worlds—”
“I don’t care. I want you, and only you.”
“Why?” she blurted out, stunned by his confession. “You can have any woman you want, so why are you pursuing me?”
“Because you have no ulterior motives. I can be myself around you, without fear of you selling me out to the tabloids or betraying my trust.” Emilio leaned in, gave her a sweet, soft kiss on the lips, then nuzzled his face against her cheek. “And you smell great, too.”
A grin tickled her lips. “I do, huh?”
“I love your fragrance. It reminds me of my villa in Lake Como. One day I’ll take you there, and we’ll make love in the garden.”
Oh, my, she thought, fanning a hand to her face. Let’s leave tonight!
Emilio entwined his fingers with hers and led her across the backyard toward the house. The backyard had it all: an outdoor kitchen, whirlpool tubs surrounded by lush plants and shrubs, waterproof flat-screen TVs and a decorative fire pit. As they strode past the car-shaped swimming pool, Sharleen decided the estate was as lavish as a five-star resort.
“Do you know how to swim?” Emilio asked.
“Yes, but I rarely go swimming.”
“Why not?”
“I haven’t found the right bathing suit,” she joked, returning his smile. “Besides, it’s just not my thing.”
“I’m going to buy you some designer swimwear. We’re going to spend the day at Miami Beach with my cousin and his wife, and I want to see you in a string bikini.”
Sharleen gulped. I can’t wear a bikini. People will point and stare!
“We can discuss our trip to Miami during lunch.” Emilio slipped a hand around her waist and held her tight. “Since the weather’s nice, I thought we could eat outside.”
A savory aroma carried on the breeze, tickling her nose and rousing her hunger. Her gaze landed on the gazebo. The table was dressed with red table linens, fine china that gleamed and sparkled and two bottles of Cristal champagne. An oversize bouquet sat beside the potted candles, and lace ribbon was swathed around the chairs. “Wow, what an elaborate spread. What’s the occasion?”
A grin claimed his lips. “We met a month ago today.”
“And you think that’s worth celebrating?”
“Absolutely.” He pulled out her chair and stepped aside. “Meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I hope today is the first of many celebrations.”
At a loss for words, Sharleen sat down and dropped her hands in her lap. Everything was happening too fast, at lightning-quick speed. Her apprehension must have shown on her face, because Emilio crouched down in front of her and slowly stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “I don’t want anyone else. I want you today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life.”
“Emilio, this is crazy. We’ve only known each other for a month—”
“The moment I saw you, I knew you were the only woman for me.”
“Was that before or after you kicked me out of your estate?”