Seduced by the Heir(10)

"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."