by Judy Angelo
******
It wasn’t until the following weekend that Rico was able to find an afternoon free to visit the youth center. When she’d called and invited him he’d been intrigued and had willingly accepted but then he’d followed immediately by telling her he wanted her to come over and he’d be sending a car for her. She refused. She didn’t say as much to him but she was determined not to fall under his spell and into bed with him again, not until she figured out how he truly felt about her.
“So where’s this young man of yours?” Shelley asked for the umpteenth time.
“He’s coming,” Asia said, trying to keep the exasperation out of her tone. He’d told her he’d be there at four o’clock. It was five minutes after. He'd probably got stuck in Saturday afternoon traffic.
Or maybe he’d stood her up? He was a billionaire, after all. Too big to mingle with the little people. By eight minutes after the hour she was convinced that her theory was right. And it didn’t help that Shelley kept pestering her about when he would arrive. And then he ran into the auditorium, a basketball under his arm, wearing T-shirt, sweat pants and sneakers. “Sorry I’m late,” he said with a grin, and loped over to give her a peck on the cheek. “I realize I wasn’t fully equipped and stopped to get some gear.” He pointed to his gym wear. “You like?”
Her heart melting with relief, she smiled back at him. “I like,” she said, "very much.” Then she felt a nudge and turned to see Shelley by her side.
“Hey, aren’t you going to introduce us?” her friend demanded, none too quietly.
“Of course. Rico, this is my very good friend, Shelley Smith. Shelley, Rico Megalos.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Rico,” Shelley said, taking his hand. She was practically preening for the man. But who could blame her? Today he looked hot in every sense of the word.
Asia could not tear her eyes from Rico. It had been three weeks since she’d last seen him and, if her body’s response was anything to go by, he was not forgotten. At the sight of him her nipples had turned to pebbles in her blouse and her heart began to pick up speed. Calm down, Asia, he’s only a man. No need to hyperventilate.
“So, what do you want me to do?” he asked, his eyes never once leaving her face.
“Well, I did give you the choice of serving dinner or hanging out with the guys.”
“I guess my choice is obvious,” he said with a laugh. “Point me to them.”
After Asia got Rico situated on the basketball court with the six or seven youngsters there, she went back to help Shelley with the food.
“When I asked him to help out he wanted to donate money,” she said as she watched him in the distance. He’d just stolen the ball from a tough-looking kid. She was surprised. Rico wasn’t half bad on the basketball court.
“Money always helps,” Shelley said, her eyes on Rico, too.
“Yes, but our kids need more than that. And anyway, writing a check is easy. It’s taking the time to be with them that counts."
“Well said, sister.” Shelley gave a soft chuckle. “But you know what? Your guy seems to be doing okay on both sides. Look at how he just fit right in with the boys. And he’s not cutting them any slack, either. They’ve got to work to get that ball from him.”
She was right. Rico seemed like a natural on the basketball court. With his height and trim figure he moved swiftly and easily, bobbing and weaving toward the basket. The boys, although younger, had nothing over him when it came to scoring a basket.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?" Shelley asked.
“Uh, huh.” Asia nodded. “With skills like that he’s bound to be a basketball fan…”
“Which means he probably has connections in the basketball world.”
Shelley said, finishing Asia's thought. “Next time he comes to the center we have to introduce him to Robert."
“If there is a next time.” Asia rolled her eyes, mocking Shelley’s confidence.
“Oh, there will be,” Shelley said with certainty. “I told you we needed some more male role models around here. I think we’ve found our first candidate.”
That evening Rico stayed until the center closed at nine o’clock, playing game after game with the boys, eating with them and chilling on the benches, telling them stories about being on a semi-professional team in France. The boys listened open-mouthed and when it was time to go the women had to shoo them out. They were so fascinated with Rico they hardly even wanted to leave.
“Yup,” Shelley said, “he’s the one.”
After the last boy had gone Rico strolled over to them, his damp T-shirt clinging to his body. “That was good,” he said with a sigh. “I haven’t had such a good workout in ages.”
“Glad you had fun,” Asia said, trying not to stare. The sight of his nipples and broad chest under the damp T-shirt was bringing back memories. It was turning her on.
They stood there staring at each other as if the two of them were the only people there. That was the way it must have seemed because Shelley suddenly cleared her throat, causing them both to turn.
“Well,” she said, putting her hands on her hips, “I can see where this is going. It’s as clear as day. You two are in love.” She directed a pointed look at Rico. “So what are you waiting for? When are you going to pop the question?”
Asia’s mouth fell open. If the earth could have swallowed her whole right at that moment she would have gladly jumped in. How embarrassing. To have your friend demand a marriage proposal on your behalf? Was there anything more pathetic? And what if he thought she was the one who’d put Shelley up to it?
But that wasn’t the worst part. No, the absolute worst part was the look on Rico’s face. The only word Asia could think of was ‘stricken’. The man’s face flushed and he looked so guilty that Asia knew without a doubt that marriage to her was the last thing in the world he would ever want.
He wanted her. She had no doubt about that. But he did not want her for his wife.
CHAPTER TEN
That night Rico lay in bed, the king-sized bed that now seemed much too big for him alone, and he could not sleep. He kept reliving that question Shelley had asked and he still could not believe it.
Had he been so obvious? Was it that easy to read that he was in love? When Shelley had blurted out the question he’d been taken aback by her bluntness but he’d been even more surprised by her perceptiveness. He, who had always prided himself on being a master of his emotions, had been found out.
And then he thought of Asia, little Mademoiselle Miller, the first woman to try her hand at dominating him. And she’d done it in her own special way. There was no shouting match, no conflict, but she’d taken control of his mind, his heart, and his life. And, to his surprise, he welcomed it.
And that was how he knew. He had to talk to Asia. He looked at the clock on the wall. Eleven-fourteen. Too late to call. It would have to wait till morning.
******
Asia sat clenching and unclenching her fists as she waited for Rico's car to arrive. This was it. The moment she'd been dreading but had expected all along. Rico had called her early that morning to tell her he needed to see her. She'd suggested they meet next week but he'd said it couldn't wait. He had to see her this evening.
And this was all taking place the day after Shelley had dropped her bombshell. He'd probably decided it was best to end it before things got out of hand.
So here she was, waiting for the axe to fall. But she had a plan. She wasn't going to just sit and wait for him to ditch her. She'd known this love affair wasn't going to last and she would tell him so. That way, she wouldn't have to go through the torture of watching him try to wheedle himself out of the situation.
Resolved in her plan, when the car pulled up at her house she was ready.
Rico looked serious this evening. He'd given her a brief hello and as soon as she got in they set off. She was surprised when he pulled off the main road and drove to a deserted corner of the sea shore. Then he turned to her.
"Let's go for a walk," he said. "We need to talk."
They walked along the sand, not speaking, until they came to a sand bank on top of which a thick mat of grass had grown. That was where he invited her to sit and then he sat beside her.
"There's something I should have said to you some time ago," he began as he stared out at the ocean, "but I've been too stubborn to share my true feelings."
Asia didn't want to hear any more. "It's okay, Rico. I know. You don't have to say another word."
He looked at her and frowned. "You do?"
Asia felt a dark and heavy fog rising up to surround her heart. She was hurting, but she could not let him know. She drew in a shaking breath then she nodded. "Yes, and I feel the same way. We've had a great time but I think it's best if we end this now."
"What? Why?" Rico looked at her with eyes full of disbelief. "But I was just about to tell you about my plan."
Why did the man insist on rubbing it in? "You don't need to dump me, Rico," she said, exasperated by his persistence. "I'm going to walk away. You have nothing to worry about."
"But you can't. I was just about to tell you. I'm going to do laser surgery. On my eyes."
Now it was Asia's turn to look at him in disbelief. "You drag me all the way out here to tell me you're going to do laser surgery on your eyes?" She gave a hiss of frustration. "You could have told me that on the phone."
Rico reached out and took her hand in his. "No, Asia, I couldn't. I wanted to see your face when I told you that you were the one who taught me to take risks. You taught me that I don't have to be on the defensive, and I don't have to be a bully to be a man."
"And what does that have to do with eye surgery?" She tried pulling her hand away but he would not let go.
Rico gave her a solemn look. He drew in a deep breath then let it out in a sigh. "I've never been one to take chances, Asia. I've always been in control. But you taught me..." he frowned, seeming to be struggling to find the right words, "...to give up some of that control and to trust."
He lifted her hand to his lips. Then he kissed it. "I've never trusted anyone with my heart. Until now." He looked away then and stared out at the waves as they rolled in to the shore. "My decision to trust the surgeons is symbolic of an even greater decision I've made." He turned his gaze back to her and this time he was smiling, his look earnest and loving. "Asia, I want to trust my heart to one woman in this world. That woman..." he raised his hand to caress her cheek, "...is you. Asia, my little mademoiselle, will you be my wife?"
Asia's heart lurched in her chest. The air suddenly grew thin and she felt like she could not breathe. She gasped for air and then she burst into tears.
"Don't," she cried. "Please don't. You're torturing me."
"Ma cherie, what is the matter?" As her body shook with heavy sobs Rico gathered her into his arms. "Please don't cry."
"Don't play these games with me, Rico," she cried. "It hurts."
"This is not a game, mon amour. Not a game. This is for real. I love you."
"Are you...sure?" Her sobs subsided into a hiccup as she stared up at him through tear-filled eyes.
He was smiling down at her, his eyes gentle and kind and true. "I am one hundred percent sure, my love. I am giving my heart to you. Will you take it? Please say yes."
The fog inside Asia vanished. Rico loved her. At the realization she felt the light of the sun and all the colors of the rainbow fill her heart. "I will say yes," she whispered, "on one condition."
"What's that?" Rico asked with a soft smile.
"That you take my heart in exchange for yours. I give you my heart for always. And," she gave him a look of mischief and love, "refusal is not an option."
"Mademoiselle, I accept."
And as the gentle waves rolled in to caress the shore Asia and Rico, lion tamer and tycoon, celebrated their love with a kiss that joined their hearts...forever.
THE END
Thank you for reading ‘To Tame a Tycoon’. I sincerely appreciate your support. If you liked this story please visit the Amazon page where you can click on the ‘Like’ button at the top of the page. Positive reviews are also very welcome! That’s the best support any author could ask for.
Click on the link: TO TAME A TYCOON
The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Series by Judy Angelo
Volume 1 - Tamed by the Billionaire
Volume 2 - Maid in the USA
Volume 3 - Billionaire's Island Bride
Volume 4 - Dangerous Deception
Volume 5 - To Tame a Tycoon
Box Set - Bad Boy Billionaires Collection, Vols. 1 - 4
COMING SOON:
Sweet Seduction
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VOLUME 1 - TAMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE
THE TAMING OF A PRINCESS...
Serena Van Buren, the privileged daughter of a wealthy businessman, can't wait to begin her three-month tour of Europe with her college mates. Little does she know that fate has other plans in store!
Instead of dancing with handsome Italians and dining with charming Frenchmen Serena finds herself trapped in a six-month internship with overbearing business tycoon, Roman Steele - an arrangement orchestrated by her own father.
Serena is determined to show Roman that she won't yield to the demands of any man, boss or no boss. She's a Van Buren, after all, known to wither a man with one look. But Roman Steele is like no man she's ever met before. Suave, sexy and stunningly handsome, there's something about him that she can't resist. It looks like Serena Van Buren has finally met her match.
A sweet and saucy romance that will have you smiling...
Click on the link to get: TAMED by the BILLIONAIRE
VOLUME 2 - MAID IN THE USA
WHO EVER SAID BILLIONAIRE BACHELORS AND MODEST MAIDS DON'T MIX?
Celine Santini couldn't have been more shocked when billionaire bachelor Pierce D'Amato offers her a job as nanny to his four-year-old charge. After all, he hardly even knows her. But after finding herself thrown into an unexpectedly intimate encounter with him, are they really strangers? Celine is captivated by the green-eyed heartthrob who takes her heart ransom but how can she give in to her feelings when they're from two totally different worlds?
From the first day he lays eyes on the dark-eyed beauty, Pierce D'Amato knows he is lost. He immediately devises a plan to get her under his roof...and it works. But the more he gets to know the sweetly seductive Celine Santini the more he realizes there's a lot more to this woman than he could ever have imagined. Her intriguing combination of sophistication and innocence keeps him forever off-balance and, before he knows it, his bachelor heart turns traitor. The heart knows what the heart wants and it wants Celine Santini...whatever the cost.
A thrilling romance with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages...
Click on the link to get: MAID IN THE USA
VOLUME 3 - BILLIONAIRE'S ISLAND BRIDE
BAD BOY BILLIONAIRE VERSUS REBEL ISLAND BRIDE - AND THE WINNER IS...
Normally shy and reserved, college student Erin Samuels goes to the island of Santa Marta where she breaks out of her shell and does things that shock even her. And, as if that weren't bad enough, she ends up trapped in a marriage by blackmail!
Dare DeSouza is used to women throwing themselves at him and he lumps Erin Samuels in the same category. Gold-diggers, that's what they all are, but this time he has a plan. He sets out to teach Erin a lesson she'll never forget...and ends up learning the greatest lesson of his life.
An island romance that will keep readers guessing every step of the way...
Click on the link to get: BILLIONAIRE'S ISLAND BRIDE
VOLUME 4 - DANGEROUS DECEPTION
TO CATCH A COMMITTED BACHELOR...
When Dani Swift put on her chauffeur's uniform with her hair tucked under her hat and her face make-up free she looks like a clean-shaven young man. How could she have known her little disguise would lead to a major misunderstanding and even greater deception, on
e that threatens her heart?
Storm Hunter loves motorcycles and fast cars but now he's got to add one more item to his list of loves - Dani Swift. Bold and independent, she's like no woman he's ever met. But when their little game ends in disaster that's when he knows love can be very dangerous indeed.
Click on the link to get: DANGEROUS DECEPTION
VOLUME 5 - TO TAME A TYCOON
HOW DO YOU TAME A TYCOON?
Enrico Megalos is bold, brash and a big problem...at least for his staff in the Miami office of Megalos Shipping. And that's where the lion tamer comes in.
Asia Miller, personality coach, is hired to tame the big boss. She takes on the challenge, not realizing until it is too late that while taming him she is also losing her heart...to the one man it doesn't pay to love.
Sun, sea and a steamy affair - a thrilling ride on the sensual side.
Click on the link to get: TO TAME A TYCOON
Happy reading!
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