by Pamela Yaye
Conflicting emotions flooded his heart. On one hand he was happy that Geneviève cared about him, but he worried about the repercussions of dating Welker, Bradford and Davidson’s most successful client. Roderick pushed his fears to the furthest corner of his mind, refused to let anything ruin the moment. Making love to Geneviève exceeded his wildest dreams, and as she poured out her heart his feelings for her grew.
“Roderick, I know you’re scared of getting hurt again, but take a chance on me. You’re the only man I want, the only man I need, and I believe in us.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but the words got stuck in his throat. His muscles contracted, and his thoughts spun. Increasing his pace, he thrusted harder, faster, gathering her close to his chest. Spasms rocked his body, and seconds passed before his limbs relaxed and the haze lifted from his brain.
Roderick stretched out on the couch, and wrapped his arms around Geneviève. He played with her hair, kissed her forehead, her nose and her shoulder. His eyes grew heavy with sleep, but he teased her about rocking his world Philly-style, and she burst out laughing.
“I still can’t believe we’re lovers,” Geneviève said. “I mean, I wanted it to happen, but you’re a pro at playing hard to get.”
“I wasn’t playing hard to get, Geneviève.”
“Yes you were. One minute you’re totally into me, and the next you’re pushing me away.”
Roderick blew out a deep breath. He didn’t want to talk about his broken engagement, but he feared if he didn’t open up to Geneviève about it she’d think he was still hung up on his ex. And nothing could be further from the truth. “My ex didn’t just break my heart, she publicly humiliated me, and after she walked out on me I swore off relationships. She ruined my faith in women, and over the past year I’ve refused to let anyone get close to me.”
“That’s understandable. You had your world turned upside down, and you needed time to heal.” Geneviève caressed his face with the back of her hand. “How do you feel now? Are you still wary of the opposite sex?”
Shaking his head, he stared deep into her eyes. “No. I came to Madrid for work, and fell for one of my clients, and she could be The One—”
“The One, or one of many?”
“Trust me,” he said, leaning over and nibbling on her neck. “You’re more than enough woman for me!”
Geneviève winked. “Good answer, Counselor!”
Roderick didn’t know how long they lay on the couch whispering and cuddling, but he must have dozed off for hours because when he opened his eyes the cabin was shrouded in darkness.
“I’m going to go shower,” Geneviève said. “But I promise I won’t be long.”
Yawning, he locked his hands behind his head. “No worries. Take as long as you need.”
“Really? But I thought you wanted to go out today?”
To make her laugh, Roderick scoffed. “Woman, please. After all that good lovin’ you gave me it will be a miracle if I can walk again, let alone ski!”
Chapter 17
Prima Restaurant & Theater was known for its eclectic menu and signature drinks, but what impressed Roderick most about the five-star restaurant was the talented waitstaff in elaborate velvet costumes. They sang traditional Spanish songs and joked with diners, and Geneviève whistled, cheered and clapped every time a waiter rushed into the dining room, singing at the top of his lungs. The performers were exuberant, the choreography was top-notch and the silver-haired piano player was hilarious. Owned by a father-daughter duo from Barcelona, the restaurant was popular among foreign travelers. Bright and inviting, with high ceilings, dim lighting and an open kitchen, the restaurant was buzzing with music, conversation and laughter.
“This is delicious,” Roderick praised, pointing at his plate with his fork. His entrée was flavorful, seasoned with spices and one of the best meals he’d ever had. “You have to try some.”
Geneviève pursed her red-painted lips. “I’m not trying wild boar, so you can forget it,” she quipped, shaking her head. “I’m quite happy with my Caesar ensalada, so thanks but no thanks.”
“You’re adventurous in the bedroom so I figured you were adventurous with food, too.”
Her eyes lit up. “Nope. Just in the bedroom and just with you.”
A grin warmed his mouth. Memories of last night overwhelmed his mind. After waking up from their nap they’d ordered in, lit some candles and relaxed in the living room. For hours, they’d chatted and drank wine. They’d made love again, and although he’d woken up that morning exhausted from their late-night sexcapades, he’d hustled her out the door after breakfast and drove straight to the resort.
All day, they’d skied and played in the snow. Upon returning to the cabin that evening, Geneviève had offered to cook, but he’d insisted on taking her to Prima Restaurant & Theater for dinner and was enjoying her company. It did his heart good to see her smile and laugh. She looked beautiful in a white, lace dress, and every time their eyes met desire shot through his veins. Roderick wanted to lean across the table to kiss her, but knew if he did he’d lose all self-control, and didn’t want to give the other diners in the restaurant an X-rated show.
“I want to go snowboarding tomorrow,” she announced. “I’ve never tried it before, but I’d love to learn, and since you’re an expert at winter sports I think you should teach me everything you know.”
His tongue went numb, and his heart was beating so loud it drowned out the music inside of the restaurant. Roderick didn’t want to leave Vielha or disappoint Geneviève, and racked his brain for a solution to this problem. He considered calling Mr. Welker and requesting a week off work, but he knew his boss would never agree to his request, and dismissed the thought. “I’m returning to New York tomorrow afternoon,” he explained. “My flight is at three o’clock.”
The light in her eyes dimmed. “Are you sure you can’t stay longer? I have the rental cabin booked for a couple more weeks so there’s no reason to rush back to the States. It’s quiet and secluded and the perfect place for some R&R.”
“I have meetings I can’t miss, and several clients eagerly awaiting my return, as well.”
“Roderick, you can’t go. You’re my tall, dark and devilishly handsome bodyguard, and I need you to stay here and protect me.”
“From what? Raccoons?”
“Yup, and coyotes, too. They’re savages!”
He threw his head back and roared with laughter.
“I like having you around, and I won’t feel safe at the cabin without you here.”
“You’re certainly as talented as Whitney Houston, but I’m not as stealth as Kevin Costner, so that bodyguard angle isn’t going to fly with my boss.”
Silence fell across the table, and even the tuxedo-clad waiters dancing in the aisle couldn’t coax a smile from Geneviève’s lips. Spending the past few weeks with her in Madrid had built a lot of trust and closeness between them, and he didn’t want anything to weaken their bond. He didn’t know what to do to bolster her spirits, and worried he’d ruined their romantic dinner by telling her about his impending travel plans.
“When will I see you again?” she asked.
Roderick opened his mouth, realized he didn’t have an answer and slammed it shut.
* * *
Geneviève sat across the table from Roderick, studying his face for clues. Tried to understand why he was dodging her gaze. He couldn’t look her in the eye and tugged at his shirt collar, as if it were choking him. Geneviève wanted to make the most of their time together and didn’t want to stir the pot by badgering him about their future, but she wanted to know how he felt about her—before he left for New York—and figured now was the perfect time for a heart-to-heart. The performance was over, the restaurant was half-empty and her glass of white wine gave her confidence, calmed her frazzled nerves.
“Did you know turtles retreat inside th
eir shells when they’re afraid?” she said quietly, even though her pulse was beating in triple time. “I used to be like that. I’ve had so many close friends, family members and employees betray me during my career that I’ve lost count, and when my boyfriend broke my heart last year I wanted to run and hide, too.”
Roderick lowered his utensils to his plate and leaned forward in his chair.
“For weeks, I shut myself away from everyone and vowed to keep the opposite sex at arm’s length. But I realized in life pain is inevitable, but I didn’t have to let it consume me or steal my joy. Every day, I make a conscious decision to live life fabulously and you should, too.”
His face paled. “What makes you think I’m afraid?”
Her throat was dry, but she parted her lips and spoke the truth, even though Geneviève knew it would be hard for Roderick to hear. “I see it in your eyes every time you look at me.”
“That’s not true—”
“Yes, it is. You’re scared history will repeat itself, and I’ll break your heart just like your ex did, but I won’t. I’m not her, Roderick. You can trust me.”
His cell phone rang, and he glanced down at the table to check the number. It stopped ringing, then started up again seconds later, but Roderick didn’t answer it.
“Someone’s desperate to reach you,” she pointed out, gesturing to his iPhone.
“All the more reason to let the call go to voice mail. Now, where were we?”
Geneviève paused, took a moment to collect her thoughts. She knew what she was about to say was going to rock the boat, but she didn’t mince words. “We were discussing our relationship. Or rather, your reluctance to claim me as your girlfriend.”
Sadness flickered in his eyes and pinched his facial features. “Geneviève, don’t say things like that. It’s not true. You know how I feel about you—”
“Do I?” she asked, interrupting him midsentence.
“If my boss or one of the other senior partners find out about us, I could face disciplinary action, or worse, lose my job. I love the firm and my clients, and I don’t want to disappoint them.”
“I understand.” She didn’t, but Geneviève didn’t force the issue. She wanted to remind Roderick that Welker, Bradford and Davidson needed him, and not the other way around, but she bit her tongue.
Roderick stood, moved his chair beside hers then draped an arm around her. “Geneviève, you’re everything I could want in a woman, but I’m not ready to get married or have children and I know that’s something you desperately want.”
“You’re right. I want to be a wife and mother, but relationships take time, and since I think we have what it takes to go the distance I don’t mind putting motherhood on the back burner for a while.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t?”
“I adore you, Roderick, and I want to be with you.”
Roderick covered her hands with his own.
“I think the world of you, but if at any point you decide to walk away I’ll understand. All I ask is that you be honest with me.”
“Walk away?” he repeated. “Fat chance of that ever happening. You’re one of a kind, Jennifer Tyesha Harris, and I’d rather be with you than with anyone else, but don’t tell my mom I said that. She’d be crushed.”
A laugh tickled her throat. “I’m looking forward to meeting your family. You talk about them so much, I feel like I already know them.”
“Then you should be my plus-one for my brother’s wedding in August.”
“Hmm, I don’t know,” she said, though she was excited about the unexpected invitation. “That’s seven months from now. Do you think we’ll still be going strong by then?”
“Most definitely, so don’t make any other plans. And feel free to invite Demi, too.”
“No way. The last time I attended a wedding with my sister, she forced me to sing at the reception, and I ended up doing a thirty-minute set with the calypso band.” Laughing at the memory, she slowly shook her head. “The Long Island couple recently had their first child and named her Geneviève, so it was definitely worth it.”
“And I bet she’s just as beautiful as her namesake.”
“Of course!” she quipped, with a cheeky smile. “That goes without saying!”
The waiter returned, cooing a sultry Spanish song, and cleared the empty dishes from the table. Roderick said he was full, but Geneviève ordered dessert and another bottle of wine.
“How much do you charge to perform at weddings?” Roderick asked. “My future sister-in-law is a huge fan of yours, and she wants you to sing at the ceremony.”
“You don’t have to pay me. I love weddings, and it would be an honor to take part.”
“August 14 can’t come soon enough,” Roderick said, picking up his wine glass. “I love my brother, and I’m glad he found Karma, but I’m tired of hearing about their premarital counseling sessions, flower arrangements and honeymoon destinations. These days it’s all Morrison talks about, and it’s driving me nuts.”
“It must have been hard for you to be around your brother when your engagement fell apart.”
“Not at all. Why would it? I have a great career, a fantastic family and a car collection that makes me the envy of all my friends,” he boasted, flashing a broad grin. “And if that isn’t enough, I recently met a young, energetic beauty from Philly who I’m absolutely crazy about.”
Her heart inflated with hope. Roderick lowered his head and kissed her palm. She turned his words over in her mind, hoping he meant it. His touch soothed her fears, made her think his feelings for her were real. His gaze was piercing, strong and intense, and warmed her all over. They’d been on only a few dates, but Geneviève was weak for him and couldn’t picture her life without him.
That’s impossible, argued her inner voice. You’re in lust, not love, so don’t make any outrageous, heartfelt declarations. Geneviève didn’t heed the warning, knew her feelings for Roderick were real. There was no doubt in her mind that he was the right man for her. He supported her wholeheartedly, and having him in her corner meant everything to her. She put on a show for her fans, the executives at her record label and her social media followers every day, but with Roderick she could be her true, authentic self.
Scared her emotions would get the best of her and she’d blurt out the truth, Geneviève picked up her fork and tasted her dessert. Chewing slowly, she savored the sweet, moist cake. As they ate, they discussed their afternoon on the slopes, their favorite parts of the dinner theater show and her plans in Vielha for the rest of the month.
The waiter returned and bowed at the waist. “Mr. Drake, I trust that you enjoyed the show, and that the food was to your liking...”
Her thoughts wandered while the men spoke. Would Roderick make time to see her when she returned to the States next month? Was he serious about her being his plus-one for his brother’s wedding? And most important, was he seeing other people? Roderick was a force, a magnet who women were helplessly drawn to, and Geneviève didn’t want to compete with anyone else for his heart.
She didn’t know what was going to happen in the future, but she knew one thing for sure: when they returned to the rental cabin they were going to make love. And when Roderick leaned over and kissed her passionately on the lips, Geneviève knew they shared the same thought.
Chapter 18
Roderick zipped up his camel leather suitcase, picked it up off the bed then exited the master suite. Marching down the hallway, whistling Geneviève’s hit song, “Savage,” he glanced out the window. Fluffy clouds sailed across the pale blue sky, the wind battered the trees dotting the property and icicles glistened in the morning sunshine.
His cell phone buzzed and he fished it out of the back pocket of his faded blue jeans. Roderick raked a hand through his hair. Demi had sent another text message asking him to call her, but he had to leave for the airport so
on or he’d miss his afternoon flight. Even though Roderick liked the idea of spending more time with Geneviève, he didn’t want to upset Mr. Welker. He’d blown his Madrid assignment, and now he had to work harder than ever to prove to his boss and the other senior partners that he was the perfect person to manage the athletic division in the Los Angeles firm.
Roderick heard the familiar whirl of an exercise machine, and poked his head into the home gym. A grin curled his lips. Geneviève was running full speed on the treadmill, but when she spotted him in the doorway she pressed the stop button and stepped down. Her workout clothes were drenched in sweat, but she still took his breath away. Abandoning his suitcase, he leaned against the doorframe, then folded his arms across his chest. “There’s my number one girl,” he said, admiring her taut, toned physique. “You look incredible as usual.”
“Yeah, but I stink.” Laughing, Geneviève grabbed her towel from the cup holder and wiped her face. “Where are you going? Your flight isn’t for several more hours.”
“I know, but I have a few stops to make before I head to the airport. My niece just texted me, begging me to bring her a Real Madrid jersey, and I don’t want to disappoint her.”
“You’re a good man, Roderick Drake.” Geneviève stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do to persuade you to stay longer?”
Draping her arms around his neck, she pressed her body flat against his and brushed her mouth across his ear. Lust consumed him, but he resisted the needs of his flesh. Knew that if he made love to her again he’d miss his three o’clock flight, and Roderick didn’t want to infuriate the senior partners. “We better not. I don’t want to get fired—”
“Stop, being dramatic,” she teased, rolling her eyes. “Welker, Bradford and Davidson will never fire you. You’re the best attorney they have, and they’re lucky to have someone of your caliber working at their firm.”
“Yeah, but I blew it, and my boss is pissed at me. I was supposed to settle the lawsuit with José Sánchez and ensure you finished the rest of your European tour, and I didn’t.”