The Penthouse Secrets: A NYC Billionaire Romance Trilogy Boxed Set

by Amanda Horton

  Diane smiled and nodded, listening as he talked about his players and his hopes for the game. She didn’t understand the football lingo, but she understood his enthusiasm and delight only too well. Her heart sank at the thought of telling him their relationship had to end.

  ***

  Football was evidently very important to the Spanish people. Streets were jammed with pedestrians and traffic crawled to a stop. A holiday feel filled the air with people carrying banners and waving flags. Home team scarves and t-shirts were a common sight. Everyone headed towards Camp Nou, the site of the night’s game.

  The match between Leon’s team and Madrid’s football team was significant. Whichever team won tonight would be Spain’s representative to the FIFA Club World Cup. As team owner Leon wanted to make sure his players were ready. He left early.

  Diane drove herself but was unprepared for the horde of people in every street leading to the stadium. Fortunately, Leon had given her instructions before he left. “Just give your name to the guard at the entrance. He will tell you where to park.”

  Diane entered the ramp leading to the parking lot and found the slot reserved for her. Leon’s car was parked right next to hers. She debated whether to call him but decided against it. I’ll just cause distraction. He needs to concentrate on the game.

  She followed the signs leading to the VIP lounge. A hostess met her at the door.

  “I am a guest of Mr. Leon Alvaro,” Diane said.

  “Oh yes, Mrs. Hawkins. This way please. Señor Alvaro left word to expect you.” The woman ushered her inside.

  Glass windows offering a spectacular view of the playing field below enclosed the lounge. Giant TV screens lined both sides of the room that was filled with club members and their guests. Diane recognized some officials she met earlier at the charity event she attended with Leon. Men tipped their hats as she passed by while some of the ladies waved a friendly greeting. Diane waved back.

  She had never before entered a room unescorted and to do so now made her slightly uncomfortable. Don’t be such a wimp. She held her head high. This is important for Leon.

  She was glad to see her table had some privacy. She had no idea where Leon was, nor did she expect him to join her any time soon. The hostess handed her a wine menu. Diane gave her order. The waitress returned with Pinot Noir and tapas.

  Cheering erupted from the stadium below, penetrating the glass enclosure. The game was about to start. Every one inside the room had their eyes glued to the giant monitors.

  A sports commentator’s face flashed across the screen before the camera panned out to the field. He gave a running commentary about the significance of the game mentioning Leon’s name in the process. The camera panned, catching Leon among the players. The crowd in the room applauded.

  Diane stared. Even from the screen, Leon’s charisma leapt out to her. He sat with his team, leaning forward as he gave his pre-game talk, tapping a player’s shoulder in encouragement. There was no denying who was the leader of the pack. The coach listened respectfully, while the players held on to every word he said.

  “If he was still playing, there would only be one outcome. We wouldn’t need this play off,” someone shouted. A murmur of agreement swept across the room.

  Diane smiled unable to prevent a feeling of pride.

  The game began amid cheers from the men inside the lounge. Diane quickly realized how clueless she was about the match. Although she knew which uniform Leon’s team wore, the succession of penalties and special kicks confused her. She could only tell when they scored from the applause inside the lounge.

  “Excuse me?” A woman stood next to her table.

  Diane glanced away from the screen. The woman seemed lost and helpless. Although her sunglasses hid most of her features, Diane could tell she was Caucasian. She wore a semi-sheer, sleeveless blouse paired with a statement necklace, ripped casual jeans, nude sandals and clutched a Berkin bag.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you,” the woman said, “but this is the only seat left. Do you mind if I join you?”

  Diane was tempted to decline. But it would take hours before Leon would be free. The woman would at least be some company, and Diane wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb all alone at the table.“Of course.”

  The girl sat down with a grateful expression. She removed her sunglasses and placed them on the table. She casually flipped her hair back and flashed Diane a smile, revealing beautiful brown eyes, perfectly arched brows, and red lipstick. She looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties. She made a face. “These games are such a pain.”

  “I know,” Diane replied. “I had to fight my way to get here.”

  The hostess who ushered Diane earlier appeared. “I’m sorry, but that chair is reserved…”

  “It’s alright,” Diane assured the flustered hostess.

  The girl frowned at the hostess. “Bring me a Moscato chilled. And blue cheese. Make that room temperature.”

  The hostess scurried away.

  Diane was taken aback. She didn’t expect the crass attitude. Good manners were definitely not one of the girl’s strongest traits.

  The girl turned and smiled again. “You’re so lucky to get this table. Did you have to pay for it?”

  Diane had an uneasy feeling about that smile. She could turn it on and off like a light switch. She cleared her throat. “No. Actually a friend reserved it for me.”

  “I used to have this table reserved specially for me. But…” She flicked her wrist. “You’re from New York, right?”

  Diane raised a brow. How did she know about that? “Yes, I am.” How do I get rid of her?

  “You’ve been here for a couple of months now. Are you enjoying your stay in Barcelona?”

  Diane’s uneasiness increased. Was the girl just making conversation about her stay? She sensed there was something probing about the question. Her companion had yet to introduce herself, another red flag.

  Diane pretended to be engrossed with the monitor. She already regretted the impulse to share the table. The girl’s presence made her antsy. She felt like she was being closely studied. She looked up to see the girl’s eyes on her.

  “Do you understand the game?”

  Diane shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I can hardly keep up with what’s going on.”

  “I didn’t understand a thing either. I thought it was stupid game. Men horsing around with a ball. It’s just an excuse to flaunt their legs and show off their muscles. They take off their shirts a lot on the field. Did you notice that?”

  Diane pretended not to hear.

  The girl continued. “But my husband insisted that I learn the game. He said it was expected of the wives.”

  “Are you married to one of the players?” The idea made her feel better.

  The girl shook her head. “We got divorced. I made a stupid mistake of cheating on him with a guy who belonged to their rival team. The newspaper had a field day. He never forgave me for the scandal that followed.”

  Diane gasped. The confession was uncalled for. It sounded familiar too. Her unease was now full blown. “Excuse me, but do I know you?”

  “I doubt he told his new girlfriend about me. You are his girlfriend, right? The tabloids say so. I’m Amy, Leon’s ex-wife.”

  Her admission was like being doused with cold water. Diane knew this meeting was not accidental. She sat back stiffly against the chair. A mask fell over her face. She wasn’t going to allow this slip of a girl to intimidate her. “You deliberately sought me out. You’ve succeeded. Now tell me what’s on your mind and then leave.”

  Amy sneered. “You’re honest. I like that. It makes what I have to say to you so much easier.”

  Diane remained quiet, waiting.

  “I expected anything,” Amy continued, “But I didn’t expect you to be so much older. That’s a first for him I guess. But you have class…sophistication. I can see why Leon is enamored with you.”

  “So you came here to compliment me?” Diane aske
d coldly.

  Amy threw back her head and laughed. “No.”

  She was quite an actor. To an observer, they’d look like two women sharing gossip. Diane sensed that Amy was good at taking advantage of a situation. She probably hoped to put Diane on the defensive.

  “Being a much older woman, I assume you have a son or daughter. I want to appeal to your maternal instincts. Think of me as your daughter who needs help.” Amy’s expression softened. “I want Leon back. I was his first love and you know what they say about first loves. I know its clichéd.... but if I have to go down on my knees and beg him to take me back, I will. He always wanted to have children but I was young and stupid and didn’t want to be tied down. Now I’m ready to settle down and raise a family with him. But you prevent that. I’m asking you to leave him. For his sake.”

  The words were civilized but the underlying message was to hurt and humiliate. You are too old. You can’t give him what he needs. Step aside.

  “It’s not for me to decide if he wants you back.” Diane fell back on formality.

  “I can make him,” Amy shot back. “He’s always had an obsession about me. I know I can...but it would be so much easier if you were out of the picture. I hope you won’t try and make things difficult for me.”

  Diane’s eyes narrowed. “Are you threatening me?”

  “I don’t make threats. I deliver them.”

  Diane had enough. She moved to rise but Amy was faster.

  She gathered her things and remarked casually, “Think about everything I just said. Oh, and tell the waitress to put my order on Leon’s tab.”

  Diane didn’t realize how badly she was shaking until she accidentally spilled her wine.

  The hostess came rushing with a dishcloth. “Is she gone?”

  A white-faced Diane nodded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize—”

  “It’s alright,” the hostess assured her. “I’m glad she’s gone. The girls in the back celebrated when she stopped coming around.”

  It was meant to comfort her. The staff knew who Amy was. It didn’t lessen Diane’s mortification but the girl’s empathy made her feel better. “I’d like to leave a message for Mr. Alvaro. Can you please tell him I have a headache and have decided to go home?”

  “Of course, I’ll make sure he gets it.”

  Diane stood to go. She prayed her legs would carry her all the way to her parked car. Her mind whirled. The streets were still full of pedestrians and an accident was likely if she lost her composure. She gripped the wheel tightly as she navigated the crowded corners.

  Thankfully the mob thinned as she left the city behind. She was eager to get home and take a long shower. The meeting with Amy left her feeling soiled...dirty. She wanted to remove any vestige of the horrible woman from both her mind and body.

  Reaching her house, she headed straight for the bedroom. She stood aghast at the clutter that greeted her. “I must have been in such a rush to leave.” Clothes were strewn across the floor. Even her drawers and cabinets were askew. Did I really make such a big mess in one afternoon?

  She’d given Ana and Magdalena the day off so they could watch the game. “I need another helper just to take care of my stuff,” Diane muttered crossly, retrieving garments and closing drawers.

  Finally, she headed for the bathroom. She fervently wished the shower would restore her equilibrium. But as she stepped under the water, she had a ghastly premonition. This wasn’t the last time she would see that poisonous woman.

  Chapter Eleven

  Diane glanced at Leon as he sat in her office, deep in conversation with two suppliers for the facility in Torrevieja. Two days had passed since her confrontation with Amy, but she hadn’t told Leon about it. How could I tell him what his ex-wife said? It’s humiliating. Diane shivered. Just remembering the conversation with Amy made her skin crawl.

  Worse was Leon’s reaction. His team won the game and he was elated about their progression to the Club World Cup. He expressed disappointment that she left the game early, but didn’t mention Amy at all. They must have met after the game. Maybe he doesn’t think it’s any of my business if they talked. She winced. It pained her that, despite Leon’s assurance about having no secrets between them, she was suspicious...

  The sound of raised voices drew her attention back to the discussion. Some kind of problem? Diane couldn’t be certain because the men with Leon spoke in rapid Spanish. Half an hour later, the men left.

  “Problem?” Diane placed her hand on Leon’s shoulder.

  He snorted. “Those two can’t get their acts together. Their differences are causing delays in construction.” He tossed an architectural plan into the table and sauntered over to the bar. He poured cognac into a snifter and drunk it straight.

  Diane watched him. “Maybe we should get rid of one of them. William always said it’s best to nip a potential problem in the bud.”

  “It’s not that easy Diane. We have a contract with them both.”

  Diane felt a sudden chill. What happened to querida? He hasn’t called me by my name in weeks! “It’s just a contract. If they are causing problems…”

  “They can sue us for breach of contract. That will just cause further problems.”

  “I understand. But there should be a clause in the contract allowing for amiable dissolution. William insisted that—”

  Leon hurled his glass to the floor. It shattered, the sound of breaking glass shockingly loud. “Is there anything else about how William-fucking-Hawkins ran a business that you want to teach me?” he roared.

  Diane paled. “Leon, I didn’t mean—”

  “Yes you did!” He thrust a finger toward her angrily. “This isn’t the first time you voiced an opinion about how I should do business. It’s always William did this, William did that. It’s making me sick!”

  Diane was stunned. She remembered saying those things in the past but never in that context. “Leon, I apologize if I ever made you feel that I’m comparing you to him. That’s not the case at all!”

  Leon breathed heavily. She sensed he was struggling with his anger.

  “How about you take a walk along the beach?” she suggested, adopting a calm tone. “Then we can discuss this matter with clear heads.”

  Leon took a deep breath. When he spoke, his voice was cold and unfeeling. “I’ll be gone for a few days. There’s some business I have to attend to. I’ll call you when I get back.”

  Diane masked her shock. “All right.” She watched Leon leave, feeling disconcerted. She didn’t know if she preferred the fiery man who hurled a glass to the floor or this cold automaton. She called a maid to clean up the mess. She picked up the architectural plan Leon had discarded and sat down at her desk. Maybe I can work out a compromise.

  A few hours later, she had a tentative solution to the project’s problem, but was no nearer finding a solution to the battle that raged in her heard. She asked Ana to prepare a translation of her solution and headed to the beach. I need to clear my head.

  ***

  Diane wiped away a tear as she walked along the shore. The solitary set of footprints on the sand was a stark reminder that she was all-alone.

  Her thoughts whirled: This is all so sudden. How long has he been holding this resentment about William? Coming so soon after…Diane breathed heavily. Amy’s return! Could that be the reason? Amy said that he was obsessed with her... And Diane had to admit that Amy was a beautiful young woman. If Leon’s feelings for her were rekindled... Could he forgive her for cheating on him? Diane swallowed. Leon was all fire and passion, but she didn’t think he was the sort of man to stay angry forever. Amy is sorry and determined to have him back. She is willing and able to give him the children. Leon wants children. Taking her back would be an easy decision.

  The more Diane thought, the more her suspicions grew that his sudden outburst was the result of seeing Amy again. If Leon discovered that he still had feelings for Amy, what did that make Diane? Just a complication. Diane squared her shoulders. I ca
n’t—I won’t stand in the way of his happiness. If having children with Amy is what he needs, then I have to break up with him. There is no other choice left for me to do. After all Leon had done to open her eyes to all life had to offer, she couldn’t be selfish.

  She shivered and headed back to the house. The wind was warm, the coldness coming from inside her. As she walked up the patio she heard the insistent buzzing of the doorbell. She hurried inside, threw open the door and wheezed.

  Amy stood outside the front door, studying her manicure. The frown on her face altered into a huge grin when she saw Diane.

  “Hi. I wondered why no one was answering. I’m glad you’re home though.” She greeted Diane like they were long lost friends.