"Why do you need his approval?"
Good question. Why indeed?
"You're a smart, intelligent woman who can do anything she sets her mind to."
I am! Paris considered what Rafael had said, and realized he was dead-on. My dad didn't consult me when he married his trophy wife from hell, so why should I consult him about going into business for myself?
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, picking up her napkin and dabbing the corners of her mouth. "Do I have chocolate icing on my face or something?"
"No, you look perfect." He shrugged and said, "I was just wondering what our lives would have been like if we didn't split up."
"Sure you were," she quipped, her tone filled with sarcasm. "Just admit it. You haven't thought about me since our breakup, and the only reason you recognized me last night was because you overheard someone at the party say my last name."
Rafael didn't miss a beat. "I knew it was you the moment I heard your laugh."
"No way. Seriously?"
"Once you love someone, they always stay in your heart. Contrary to what you think, I never forgot about you. You were my first love, and I wanted to marry you."
"Rafael, we were kids."
"No, we weren't. Quit saying that."
His sharp tone and the strength of his gaze shocked her.
"We were nineteen, and we both knew exactly what we were doing." Rafael cracked a smile. "And if my memory serves me correctly you kissed me first."
I sure did, and I loved every minute of it! Paris swallowed a moan, and buried her hands in her lap. Talking about the past would inevitably lead to daydreaming about all the times they'd laughed, and kissed. If she wanted to keep her wits about her she had to guard her mind against her memories.
She picked up her handbag and checked the time on her cell phone. Enough flirting with Rafael. Lunch was over, and not a moment too soon. "Thanks for lunch. This was nice."
"You're most welcome. It was my pleasure." Rafael strode around the table and pulled out her chair. "After you."
Standing, she took the hand he offered and slipped on her sunglasses. Paris was wearing her favorite pair of high-heeled shoes, but Rafael still towered over her. He was six feet six inches of drop-dead sexy, and being in the presence of such a gorgeous, virile man was doing one hell of number on her libido. Making love to Rafael was inconceivable, but when he rested a hand on the small of her back, it was all Paris could think of. He was her first love, and he'd always have a special place in her heart, but that was the extent of it. Paris wasn't interested in rekindling their relationship, and as long as she remembered that all men were dogs-even charming, well-bred guys like Rafael-she'd never have to worry about being betrayed by a lover again.
Chapter 6
Rafael spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around the crowded, bustling streets of Venice with Paris. They admired the extravagant window displays, the gothic architecture of ancient buildings, and relished being in one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. In the fashion district, they bought gifts for their families, tried on Venetian face masks and enjoyed a snack at a sidewalk cafe. As they drank wine and ate calzones, they laughed about their college days and watched the tuxedoed band perform at the city square.
"I don't know what to get." Paris stood at the front of the souvenir shop, holding a hanger in each hand, wearing a frown. "Which one do you like better? The T-shirt with the pasta shells or the boxer shorts covered with wine bottles?"
"They're both hideous, but if I had to pick one I'd choose the boxers."
Flashing a coy smile, she slanted her head to one side. "Are you sure you don't want a couple pairs? I think they're très chic, and totally you!"
Rafael chuckled. "I'm positive, but if I change my mind I'll let you know."
Foreign languages and boisterous laughter filled the air. The souvenir shop was just steps away from the Grand Canal and crammed with everything from postcards to shoes and housewares. Being in such a small, confined space, with dozens of other people, made Rafael uneasy but he was having a hell of a good time. Paris freely spoke her mind, no matter the topic, and he enjoyed hearing her colorful stories about her employees, her friends and her family.
"This shop has the coolest stuff." She picked up a cross-shaped rosary box and examined it. "My brother gave me a gag gift for Christmas, and now it's payback. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he opens the gondola condom holder!"
"How are your brother and sister doing?" Rafael leaned against the counter and slid his hands into the front pocket of his jeans. "Your niece is fifteen-years-old now, right?"
"Wow, you have an amazing memory," Paris said, her tone one of awe. "Bella's a high school junior, and she's already taller than me!"
"I bet she's just as beautiful as her aunt."
Paris winked, and patted his cheek. "Keep the compliments coming, and I'll buy you your own gondola condom holder!"
Rafael tossed his head back, and laughed long and hard. Her spirited, fun-loving nature appealed to the kid in him, and he loved her witty sense of humor.
"Kennedy is happily married with four children, but my brother, Oliver, is still as juvenile as ever. He'll be forty next year, but I'm starting to think he'll never grow up."
"Does Oliver work for your father, as well?"
"On paper, yes, but he rarely goes into the office. He'd rather play golf with his buddies than attend executive meetings."
"Be patient. Your brother will find his way."
"I hope so, because I'm sick of doing his job and mine!"
At the cash register, as Paris loaded her items onto the counter, she chatted with the shop owner and selected more trinkets to buy. Then, purchases in hand, she strode purposely through the store and out the door.
The street was filled with restaurants, bars and high-end boutiques. Couples sat underneath umbrellas, chatting and eating. Tourists posed for pictures in front of cathedrals and museums, and police officers patrolled the area on foot. The sky was a magnificent blue, the brightest, most vivid shade. Church bells rang on the hour, opera music played in the distance and school children played soccer in the square.
"I'm going to get some gelato," Rafael said, gesturing to the small, quaint shop across the street. "Do you want some?"
Her face lit up and amusement twinkled in her almond-shaped eyes. "Do you even have to ask? I've been hooked on gelato since the first time you bought it for me!"
"What flavor do you want?"
"Surprise me."
Her innocent, good-girl smile made Rafael think wicked thoughts. He'd been fighting the desires of his flesh all afternoon, and he didn't know how much more of her teasing and flirting he could take without crossing the line.
Standing there, gazing at her, he noticed two things: the tiny freckles on her nose, and how plump and juicy her lips looked. He wanted to taste her, and imagined himself stroking her smooth skin.
"My cell phone's ringing!" Paris opened her handbag, and frantically searched around inside. Finding it, she sighed in relief, and typed in her password. "It was my dad. I better call him back. Do you mind?"
"No, not at all. I'll go grab the gelato."
"Great, because I could use a break." Paris sat down on a wrought-iron bench and dropped her shopping bags at her feet. "Ten minutes, and I'll be good to go. I promise."
Inside the store, Rafael placed his order and paid the cashier. His gaze strayed to the front window, and his smile faded. Paris was talking on her cell phone, and it was obvious the conversation was not going well. Her expression was somber, and her shoulders bent. Concerned, he grabbed their desserts and jogged back across the street.
"Fine, Dad, I'll do it. I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
Rafael sat down on the bench, and placed the cup holder beside him.
"I love you, too. Okay, I'll call you tomorrow."
Paris hurled her cell phone into her purse and raked a hand through her dark silky hair.
"What's wrong? You look upset."
"My father's assistant has been planning Excel Construction's charity gala, but now that she's off on medical leave he wants me to oversee the event."
"When is the gala?"
"Not until the end of March, but I don't have the time or energy to take on another project. I have enough on my plate as it is."