“Because I’m with you,” Chloe said with a stiff shrug. “But then, she never liked me, even before…”
“Before I brought you to my bed?” he murmured gently, and stepped close to her, catching her chin in his hands. “You have nothing to worry about. I am not interested in Señora Martinez in any manner outside of her running my hotel.”
She struggled to stay immune to his touch. “But I saw a picture of you both and it looked—”
“Where did you see it, Chloe? A tabloid?” He leaned down and brushed a soft kiss across her lips. “They will print anything to make money. Señora Martinez and I often attend the same events. You have nothing to be jealous of. You are all I want.” He kissed her again, a tender gesture that had her knees weakening.
Me, or the baby? Chloe couldn’t help but wonder, but she soon lost the ability to think, just melted into his kiss.
When the elevator came to a stop, they left the lift and entered the penthouse a moment later. Chloe crossed through the doorway but faltered as the memories slammed through her full force.
The months disappeared, and she had a glimpse of who she’d been. A naïve girl who was far too romantic and idealistic…a girl who’d almost given her heart to a man she’d thought was just a guest at the hotel.
“You think too much, cariño.” Andrés’ arm slipped around her waist and a moment later his lips brushed the back of her neck. “But fortunately I have a solution.”
A tremble ran through her body when he slid his hand up her ribcage to cup her breast, his lips caressing the curve of her ear.
Only one thing was different this time, she thought as Andrés swept her boldly up into his strong arms and carried her to the bedroom. She was still idealistic and naïve, heaven help her. But now she wasn’t half in love with Andrés—she was completely in love.
Her eyes closed and she clung to him, trying to not think about the future and that, despite her best efforts, she’d given her heart to a man who it seemed was afraid to receive it.
Chapter 9
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Once again, I must say I’m impressed.” Andrés set down the file he’d been holding and tapped his forefinger against it.
Estella Martinez smiled, her red painted lips curving with satisfaction. “I assumed you would be, Señor.” She leaned back in her chair and crossed one leg over another.
“Well, whatever it is that you’re doing, please continue.” Andrés glanced at his watch, his thoughts turning to Chloe, which had become a habit during the past hour.
He’d left her in the suite with the promise to return once he finished with the meeting. His lips quirked when he thought of the jealousy she hadn’t quite managed to hide.
He pushed back from the desk and flashed Estella Martinez a brief smile. “I think that should conclude our business for today, Señora. Now if you’ll excuse me—”
“Señor Montero, if I might be so bold.” Estella moved to intercept him. “I would like to discuss Señorita Wilkinson with you.”
“Indeed?” Andrés repeated, his gaze cooling with suspicion.
“Sí.” She folded her arms across her breasts and sighed. “I am compelled to warn you about her, Señor.”
“Warn me?” He tilted his head, his smile mocking, even as the muscles in his body coiled with tension.
Estella nodded and moved past him to look out the window, obviously confident that she held his attention now. “Señorita Wilkinson developed a bit of a reputation while she worked here.”
“And what kind of reputation would that be?”
“Chloe was quite friendly with the guests, as well as the male employees.” She paused, and then turned to face him once more. “A bit too friendly, it appears. I warned her about the flirtations, but she never seemed to heed my admonitions, which is why I terminated her position.”
Andrés kept quiet, showing no reaction, though anger curled hot in his belly. “Señora, I’m not quite certain of your intentions in telling me these allegations, but I will warn you to tread carefully. You’re speaking about the woman who carries my child.”
Estella’s body went rigid and her face turned red; she made a visible effort to compose herself once more. This time when she approached, her expression was subservient and her fingers woven together in front of her. “Please forgive me, Señor Montero. You are right about me being too forward. I simply thought it was best that you know.”