Despite herself, she laughed at his joke.
“There is nothing you could say that will change the way I feel about you.”
That’s what they all say until they find out the truth.
“And no one has to know that we’re dating. It’ll be our little secret.”
“Then I can’t renew your contract. It would be wrong and unethical, and it could cost me my job.” An idea sparked in her mind, one Sharleen wished she’d thought of sooner.
“My former colleague, Jocelyn Calhoun, taught me everything I know about life coaching, and she’s one of the smartest, most insightful people I know. Would you be willing to meet her?”
“Sure, why not? She sounds like good people.”
“No funny business, Emilio.”
He wore an innocent face and held up his palms as if he were surrendering to the cops. “What are you talking about? I’m as good as they come.”
“No flirting, no long lunches at Dolce Vita, and I don’t care how hot it is outside—keep your shirt on at all times. Got it?”
“You have nothing to worry about. I don’t want anyone but you.” He cupped her chin in his hands and lowered his mouth to hers. “Now shut up and kiss me.”
Chapter 14
The Fisher Island Club, a world-class resort accessible only by ferry, was the hotel to the stars and the most breathtaking place Sharleen had ever seen. Exiting the luxury yacht, hand in hand with Emilio, she marveled at the beauty of her surroundings. She took in the lush grounds, the exotic birds perched high in the coconut palms and the stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Celebrities were everywhere—tanning on the beach, sipping cocktails at the bar, snapping selfies in the turquoise blue water, but Sharleen only had eyes for Emilio. He’d been doting on her ever since they’d arrived in Miami, and every time he called her his Island Beauty she wanted to do cartwheels up and down the beach.
Emilio hugged her close to his side, and joy swelled inside her chest. They’d had the perfect day, one she’d never forget. They’d had a buffet-style breakfast in their private courtyard, played three rounds of golf with the newest Hollywood “It” couple and toured the island aboard an eighty-foot yacht. It amazed Sharleen how much they had in common, how much they’d laughed and how he’d opened up to her about his family. No topic was off-limits, no question too personal, and hearing about how his relatives had cashed in on his grief after his nephew’s death made Sharleen want to strangle his estranged relatives.
“Did you have fun? I know the tour guide was a bit eccentric, but I learned a lot from him.”
“I did, too, and now I understand why locals call Fisher Island the playground of the rich and famous.” Sharleen snapped pictures of the tropical garden with her camera phone and uploaded the images to her Instagram page. “The resort has everything a girl could want. Watch out, Emilio—I may never leave!”
“That’s fine with me. As long as I have you by my side, I’ll be happy.”
Touched by his words, Sharleen smiled and snuggled against his shoulder. She wanted to jump into his arms and shower his face with kisses, but she exercised self-control and squeezed his hand instead.
Emilio led Sharleen inside the sunlit atrium and signed an autograph for the manager’s teenage son at the front desk. “I didn’t realize it was four thirty,” he said. “We better head back to the cottage and get ready.”
“For what? I thought we were staying in tonight.” Sharleen gave him a puzzled look, but deep down she was thrilled that he’d planned something special for her and was curious to know exactly what it was. “Where are we going?”
He kissed her on the cheek. “Be patient. You’ll find out soon enough.”
An hour later, Sharleen was showered and dressed. They were sharing the cottage, but they had separate rooms. Wanting to look great for Emilio, she’d taken extra care doing her hair and makeup, but despite her efforts, she still felt frumpy and unattractive. She stared at the walk-in closet, wishing she could wear one of the outfits he’d bought her instead of her boring gray cardigan and floral-print dress. But she feared he’d take one look at her in the white backless dress and bolt from their suite.
Hearing a knock on the door, she grabbed her purse off the bed and hustled across the room. The cottage had all the comforts of home and reminded Sharleen of a property she’d once seen on an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
“Sharleen, are you ready? The limo just pulled up.”
Her palms were slick with sweat, but she opened the door and strode into the living room. Emilio switched off the TV and turned to face her. Disappointment flickered in his eyes, and his smile looked forced, as if it required every ounce of his strength. Hurt by his reaction, her shoulders sagged, and her spirits fell.