“That’s crazy! Why?”
“Because you’re everything she’s not. Ambitious, successful and financially independent.” To make her laugh, Emilio cocked an eyebrow and wiggled his nose. “And you have a rich, handsome boyfriend, too.”
“Yeah, a rich, handsome boyfriend who walked out on me four days ago.”
He heard the pain in her voice, the sadness, and felt like a jerk for hurting her feelings. Her words tore him up inside, made him feel guilty for losing his cool that day. “I’m sorry,” he said, tenderly stroking her hands. “I was angry, and I knew if I didn’t walk away I’d end up saying something I’d regret.”
“I thought we had something special, Emilio. I thought you loved me—”
“I do,” he insisted, desperate to get through to her. “One argument won’t change the way I feel about you, Sharleen. I adore you, and that will never change.”
“How could you think I’d betray you? That I’d ever do anything to hurt you?”
Emilio coughed to clear the lump in his throat. He wasn’t raised to share his feelings, and had long buried the pain of his past, but he wanted Sharleen to know the truth. “Before I was a race-car driver, nobody wanted anything to do with me. I was a shy, overweight teenager. But once I won my first championship, I couldn’t keep the girls off me.”
Sharleen leaned into him and nodded.
“I’ve had my fair share of one-night stands, but I’ve never had a serious relationship.”
“Never?”
“Never,” he said quietly, shaking his head. “Francesca’s always looked out for me, so when she told me about the bonus and showed me the pictures online I assumed the worst. I felt stupid, as if you’d tricked me. I thought the only reason you slept with me was to advance your career.”
“Emilio, I’m not that kind of girl. I don’t care about fame. I only care about you.”
“I know, and deep down in my heart I knew I was wrong. But it wasn’t until I spoke to Antwan that I realized how stupid I’d been.”
“What are we going to do about Francesca? I still don’t think she likes me.”
“Leave her to me. She’ll come around.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
“Then I’ll buy her something expensive from Louis Vuitton, write your name on the card and have it delivered to her apartment. Trust me, she’ll be your new BFF!”
Sharleen laughed and playfully swatted his shoulder. “Emilio, stop it. I’m serious.”
“So am I. You mean everything to me, and I won’t let anyone tear us apart.”
“I got the VP position,” she said, a shy smile on her glossy red lips. “I officially start on Monday.”
“Congratulations, baby. You deserve it, and I’m proud of you.”
A look of pure joy covered her face. “You are? You really mean that?”
“Of course I am.” He met her gaze, lovingly stared into her eyes. “Your career is important to you, so it’s important to me. But there’s no way in hell I’m letting you travel alone with Rashad J or any of your other male clients. That stops now, understood?”
The sound of her effervescent laugh made Emilio feel ten feet high, as if he’d finally done something right. “How did I get so lucky?” he said aloud, giving her a peck on the cheek.
“Luck had nothing to do with it. Antwan tricked us!” Sharleen linked her arms around his neck. “Emilio, I love you with all my heart, and I always will.”
“And I love you. Thank you for making me a better man and for not giving up on me. I haven’t felt this good in years, and you’re the reason why.”
“What now?” she asked, snuggling against him. “Where do we go from here?”
“Back to my estate to make love for the third, fourth and fifth time...” he whispered, brushing his lips against her earlobe. “You’re the best part of me, and I can’t live another day without you. I want to go to bed every night and wake up every morning with you in my arms.”
“That could be arranged.” Sharleen tilted her head to the side and batted her eyelashes at him. “Mrs. Emilio Morretti has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
“It sounds like music to my ears.”
“Good. Now shut up and kiss me!”
Emilio tossed his head back and laughed freely. “All right, Madam Vice President. One slow, sensuous kiss coming right up.”
He cupped her chin and lowered his mouth to hers to seal the deal. Consumed by love, he kissed her with a ferocious passion, with all the desire and hunger coursing through his veins. He buried his hands in her hair, pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. Emilio had finally found the woman of his dreams, his Mrs. Right, and he was going to cherish her every day for the rest of their lives.