“A delivery guy just brought all this inside and sped off in his truck. I tried to get his name, but he was gone in the blink of an eye.”
“Where did all these bags come from?”
Jocelyn pointed at the shiny purple logo on the top of the garment bags. “Fashion Starr, of course! And it looks like someone bought you their entire summer collection!”
Sharleen crouched and peeked inside the shopping bags. Jocelyn was right; there were thousands of dollars’ worth of designer clothes, shoes and accessories. The high-end boutique catered to socialites with money to burn—and tiny waistlines—so she was shocked to discover all of the outfits were in her size.
With Jocelyn’s help, she carried the bags into her bedroom and dumped them on the bed.
“I feel like I’ve died and gone to retail heaven!” Jocelyn joked, carefully admiring each article of clothing. She picked up a striped, one-shoulder bathing suit and whistled. “Wow, this is some suit. You’re going to be the sexiest woman at the beach this summer...”
Her thoughts returned to the conversation she’d had with Emilio, weeks earlier, about their trip to Miami, and Sharleen knew, without a doubt, that Emilio was behind the gift.
He’d gone to Fashion Starr, selected the clothes and arranged to have them delivered to her house.
Her gaze strayed to the clock on her nightstand. She wanted to call Emilio to thank him for the presents, but since she didn’t want Jocelyn to hear their conversation, she decided to phone him later, after she dropped her friend at home.
“I knew Antwan had a crush on you, but I didn’t realize he liked you this much.”
“Antwan didn’t buy the clothes. Emilio Morretti did.”
“The Italian race-car driver you’re coaching?”
Sharleen nodded, hid the smile threatening to explode onto her lips. “The one and only.”
“Holy Hannah!”
Jocelyn leaped to her feet, gripped Sharleen’s shoulders and shook her like a rag doll. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating a living legend? How long has this been going on? Is Emilio a good kisser? Do you think he could be the one?”
Yes, and the more time we spend together the more I love him.
“Start talking,” Jocelyn ordered. “I want to hear everything.”
“Emilio’s not my boyfriend—”
“Your eyes light up when you say his name.”
“I’m thrilled about the progress he’s made the past couple months, that’s all,” she said, avoiding her friend’s gaze. “Our first few sessions were rough, but now he’s opening up more, attending group therapy sessions and even reading self-help books.”
“You’ve got the hots for him. It’s written all over your face.”
“I want to help Emilio overcome the pain of his past and give him the necessary tools to move forward in life. Sleeping with him is the furthest thing from my mind.”
Liar! her inner voice yelled. It’s the only thing on your mind, and you know it!
“Does he know that you’re—”
“No, and I’m not going to tell him.” Sharleen struggled with her words, but after a few moments of quiet deliberation, she spoke from the heart. “I’m scared if I tell Emilio the truth, he’ll run for the hills, and I don’t want to lose him. He’s an amazing guy, and I love spending time with him.”
“Well, the feeling is definitely mutual,” Jocelyn said, gesturing to the shopping bags covering the queen-size bed. “Look at all this stuff. Emilio’s trying to impress you, and for good reason. You’re a terrific girl, and I knew it was just a matter of time before a rich, handsome guy swept you off your pretty little feet.”
Was Jocelyn right? Was it possible Emilio had fallen for her, too?
“I’m happy for you, but be careful. I don’t want you to get—”
“I know, I know, you don’t have to say it.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Emilio’s out of my league, and he’ll only end up hurting me in the end.”
“That’s not what I was going to say. If Mrs. Fontaine finds out you’re dating a client, she’ll fire you, so be careful who you confide in about Emilio.”
The doorbell rang, and Jocelyn whooped for joy.
“Finally! I thought the pizza would never get here,” she said, laughing. “I’ll be right back.”
Sharleen watched Jocelyn leave, then swiped her cell phone off the dresser and went into the bathroom. She locked the door and dialed Emilio’s number. He answered on the first ring, and the moment she heard his voice the smile in her heart spread to her lips. His accent is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard, and every time he says my name I melt.