Slowly, Carina relaxed and began to enjoy the show. “Max adores children,” she said. “His mother has been wanting him to settle down for a while now. But where would you guys live?”
A strange sound emitted from his throat then died.
Victoria jumped in. “Oh, we could work that out. I need to be in England for a few months of the year, but the rest of the time we can be in New York. Of course, we’d visit Italy so I could meet Max’s mother. Doesn’t that sound wonderful, darling?”
“Yes, of course. One day.”
“When?”
Carina tamped down on a giggle. She’d finally seen a full fledged-male panic attack. “Soon.” Max grabbed a napkin, wiped his mouth, and rose from the table. “Umm, excuse me for a minute. Be right back.”
He launched himself down the hall and disappeared. Victoria drew back in surprise.
Carina rose from the table. “If you’d excuse me for a second, I’ll be right back.”
She followed.
* * *
Max closed the door to the house’s library. What was wrong with him?
He fisted his hands and pressed them against his eyes. Victoria was the perfect woman. She was beautiful, smart, and wanted to settle down and raise a family. He always enjoyed her company when she came to town. Proving Carina wrong was important. Her words mocked and danced in his head like an evil joker gone wild.
You always pick the wrong women.
Impossible. Sure, she had great examples, but Victoria finally proved her wrong. So why was there no real connection or any desire to take the relationship to next level?
The image of his fingers diving into wet fire shimmered before him. The sharp pain of her heels in his back. The sweet, sassy taste of her mouth and the smell of her arousal. Pushing that postage stamp skirt up her thighs had been the sweetest fantasy come true. If they hadn’t been interrupted, he would’ve laid her back on the desk and dived in.
Jesus, one time could be forgiven. Barely. Twice?
He needed his own carved slot in hell.
A light tap at the door was his only warning.
His nose twitched as the clean scent of cucumber and melon rose in the air. Awareness prickled down his spine. The relaxed, scholarly air of the library suddenly crackled with electricity. The soft soles of her Keds masked her progress, but her body heat burned right behind him. Damn her for screwing up his head.
Damn her for making him want.
He turned around to face her. “I’m coming,” he said. “Just needed a minute.”
She moved closer. He stepped back. A touch of a smile curved her lips. “Was it the marriage or the kids that freaked you out?”
He bucked up and took her jab like a man. “I don’t know.”
Max expected a sarcastic comment but she nodded as if she understood. “I understand.”
He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Go ahead. Aren’t you going to tear her apart?”
She had the nerve to look surprised. “Why? If you like her, I’m happy for you. She actually seems kind of nice, once I got over her food limitations.”
Her ease with him dating other women after that kiss mocked him. Why did he want to drag her against him and prove it meant something? “You won’t be able to find anything wrong with her. I already checked—she loves animals.”
“Great.”
“She believes in charity. Can run a business. Has a solid family foundation. I’m telling you, she’s perfect.”
Her lips actually twitched. “I’m thrilled for you. Here’s hoping you commit and settle down. Better you than me. I’m looking forward to some fun. Hot sex now. Babies later.”
He stretched to full attention. Her pouty lips poured the words out like honey. Hot. Sex. Anger balled in his gut and curdled. “Stop saying crap like that.”
“Why? Can’t make you any more uncomfortable than what happened a few days ago.”
He flinched. Because he wanted to do it again so bad he told her the opposite. “That was a mistake.” His voice came out strangled. “Both times.”
“So you’ve said.”
Her thoughtful words twisted his gut. How did a woman in Keds suddenly control the situation? Her mind and body pummeled his will full force. He grabbed for the ultimate excuse. “Anything physical between us would be a complete betrayal of trust. Wouldn’t it?”
The old Carina would have blushed and stammered. Looked at him like he was God and skittered away. The new Carina closed the distance and tipped her chin up. All five feet shimmered with feminine power. “Would it?” she murmured.
His dick strained the fabric of his pants in disagreement. With all the blood leaving his head, it took him a second or two to respond. “Yes. It would.”
“Pity.”
“Don’t play games, Carina. We can’t sleep together. The night I kissed you was a horrible mistake. So was the episode in the office. I still feel guilty about it.”
Those dark eyes simmered with mystery and secrets he’d kill to reveal. Her tongue snuck out and licked her lower lip. Amusement played over her face. “Sorry to kill your illusions, Maxie. But I’m just looking for a bad man to play with.”
Her innocent white shirt and ridiculous sneakers only made him want to rip off the fabric to reveal her siren curves. The taste of her haunted him. And as if she knew, she leaned in, and her breath whispered across his lips in a teasing caress. “Wanna play?”
A beat passed. The blood rushed to his dick and filled his head with a roaring sound. He was an experienced man well versed in the art of seduction. But this powerhouse knocked him out and left his head swimming. His head screamed Hell, yes.
“Can’t.” The word stuck in his throat. “I’m dating Victoria.”
Slowly, she pulled back. Her shoulders lifted. “Understood. I’ll respect your new relationship and won’t bother you again.” She walked to the door, and her hips swung in a graceful dance. The luscious curve of her buttocks winked good-bye. “Just one more thing. Something you should probably know.”
“What’s that?”
“Make sure you stay close to Richard.”
He frowned. “Richard is one of her friends. There’s nothing going on between them. He’s dealing with a divorce.”
“She’s in love with him. Always has been. Always will be. Ask her.” She winked. “See you out there.”
Max stood rooted to the floor and wondered when his life had gone completely to Hades.
Chapter Eight
“I need you in Vegas. Tomorrow.”
Max groaned, tossed his cold cup of coffee in the trash, and pulled out his bottom drawer for the good stuff. Taking out two shot glasses, he poured grappa, handed one to Michael, and saluted.
A quick snap of the glass and the liquid went down hot and smooth. “You’re killing me, Michael. I’ve got the opening in New Paltz next week and you want me to leave now?”
Michael rubbed his fingers over his face in his trademark gesture of frustration. “I’m sorry, my friend, I hate to do this to you. The Venetian Hotel in Vegas is interested in putting in our store, and I need someone to get my buyer to commit. Sawyer Wells is in charge now. Aren’t you two friends?”
“Yeah, known him for years now.”
“Good. I planned to make the trip myself, but Mama decided to fly in early. I can’t leave this week.”
He frowned. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but Maggie can’t travel at this stage and I don’t want to leave her. Mama’s coming in tomorrow. She wants to see Maggie with her own eyes before the birth.”
“How’s her health? Is she still having heart problems?”
Michael shook his head. “She always needs to be watched, but Julietta says she’s doing quite well. The doctor examined her and said she will have no trouble making a long flight. I need you to stay in Vegas for a few days, Max. Close the deal.”
Max nodded. “Done.”
Michael’s face relaxed and he let out a deep sigh. “Thank yo
u. I’ll handle any issues here. Oh, and I’m sending Carina with you.”
He shot out of the chair like his ass was on fire. “What? Absolutely not.”
His friend shot him a confused look. “Why?”
He decided to pace and work off the sudden tension that pulled uncomfortably at his muscles. “She’s not ready for something like this. I need to concentrate and I can’t worry about watching over her.”
Michael leaned back and waved a hand in the air. “Understood. You do not have to babysit her.” He grinned. “I’m sorry the thing with Victoria didn’t work out, but I bet within a few days you’ll have some lovely Vegas showgirl on your arm. Carina won’t cramp your style. This is an opportunity for her to learn from the beginning how we go about signing the initial deal. She needs to see all the steps and will be there to assist you in any paperwork, errands, etc. I can send Edward with you. He is an excellent salesperson. He can help show our commitment.”
The grappa came back up from his stomach and choked him. He coughed violently while his head spun. Michael got up to pound him on the back. “Not Edward,” he managed to gasp. “I’ve been having some, er, issues with him.”
“Do I need to step in?”
“No! No, I have it under control. I don’t need anyone else on the trip. I can handle it. We’ll be fine. I can lock this up by myself. No need for a salesperson at this stage.”
“Yes, I know you can.” Michael placed a hand on his shoulder. “This business would never have happened without you, my friend. Thank you for always being there.”
An image of Carina backed up against the door with her dress pulled down flashed before his memory. Sweat pricked his forehead. “No problem.”
“I’ll tell Carina to be ready for a morning flight.” He reached into his briefcase and gave him a thick file. “Here is the paperwork. I’ll have the jet fueled and ready by nine.”
When the door shut behind him, Max groaned. Oh, yeah. He was definitely getting bad karma for that one moment of gut-wrenching pleasure with the only woman he couldn’t have. Now he had to spend a few days in Vegas with her. Alone.
He fought down panic. Maybe he was overestimating his stock. Carina hadn’t made one reference to that night since her announcement. His ego still burned at not being able to tell his Victoria lusted after another man. One he’d actually met before. Even worse was the knowledge they’d had no sexual chemistry. He’d been desperate enough to create some, but her need to marry with her father’s pressure probably stirred panic. Their long conversation was fruitful, and she finally admitted her true feelings for Richard. He kissed her on the forehead and wished her luck, hoping he’d convinced her to take the leap and go after the man she loved.
As for Carina, she pretended nothing happened between them. She acted breezy. Friendly. Casual. Like they’d never had each other’s tongues in their mouths and he’d never had his fingers around her nipple.
Stop.
Vegas was business. She wanted to learn. There was no reason to panic over the idea of spending a few days with her.
The lure of a new deal sang in his blood. The hell with it. He loved Vegas. The heat. The adrenaline. The sin. He’d be seeing his old friend, play some poker, and do what he did best. Close a deal and find a woman for a little while. Someone to take his mind off Carina and get his head back in the game.
He grabbed the file and got to work.
* * *
Carina tried hard not to bounce up and down in her seat like a child, but being cool was getting more difficult. The limo coasted down the streets of Vegas and her senses short-circuited. A city that lived for one reason and boasted the goal from the rooftops: pleasure. A place to lose herself, her inhibitions, and finally get Max into bed.
Welcome to Vegas.
Max watched her with barely veiled amusement but she didn’t care. “Can we go see Celine Dion?”
He wrinkled his nose. “Hell, no.”
“Cirque du Soleil?”
His lip quirked. “Maybe. If I’m drunk enough.”
She stuck out her tongue and he laughed. “I refuse to let your jaded view spoil my pleasure. I dreamed of coming to Vegas and can’t believe I’m here. Do the showgirls really walk around practically naked?”
“Yes.”
“How many times have you been here?”
He relaxed back into the seat and Carina hid her hungry stare. Dressed in a dark business suit, with gold custom cuff links, his hair neatly tamed, he’d turn every woman’s head, including a Vegas showgirl’s. Animal-like grace trapped in civility. The bright red tie hinted at what simmered beneath the surface, and her fingers itched to rip it off in the limo, lower the smoked screen, and act out one of her naughty fantasies. Instead, she remained still and listened to his answer. “A few for business. Some for pleasure.”
“I bet. No Elvis weddings you annulled, right?”
“Brat.”
She smiled and stuck her head out the window, abandoning any demeanor of sophistication. The muggy air pressed down on her and sprung her curls into frizzy disaster but she didn’t care. They pulled into the Venetian Hotel and Carina laughed at the fake imagery of Italy around her. The sleek marble sculptures, numerous water fountains, and lush greenery beckoned her farther into the majestic opening doors. She expected Vegas hotels to be a bit over the top and glitzy, but there was an undertone of sheer elegance with the furnishings.
Michael stopped at the front desk. Her head bounced back and forth as she tried to take in the full power punch of the casino lobby. A giant golden sphere dominated the center of the highly polished floor, set off by soaring columns, large archways, and an elaborately painted ceiling to rival Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The whirling array of textures, colors, and lushness fogged her senses with pleasure.
They received their key and were ushered to the tower. Up, up, up they climbed, until the giant from “Jack and the Beanstalk” seemed to be their neighbor. The elevator doors opened, and they keyed in their code and entered the penthouse suite.
Carina gasped.
She knew Michael and Max were very, very rich. From humble beginnings, she watched the family empire grow until they didn’t need to worry about paying bills, supporting Venezia’s shoe habit, or paying off a college education. The house was revamped, but she was still sheltered in Bergamo. Her surroundings never changed, and the inner person she was remained untouched by success or money.
But looking around the suite completely bedazzled her.
The open living room boasted a slate blue sofa, recliner, and gorgeous cherrywood furnishings. Rich canvas paintings of Italian scenes decorated the earthy, rich walls, and the floor-to-ceiling window showed off the city in all its glory. She remained speechless as she walked around and took in the fully stocked wet bar, the Jacuzzi tub, and the massive king-size bed with so many pillows she longed to stretch out and take a nap right now.
“I think I need to ask Michael for a raise,” she muttered.
Max laughed. “This is your business, cara. You’re family, so you’re a part of everything built, including the money.”
“I’m not comfortable taking advantage of something I never really worked for,” she said honestly. “I want to earn my own right to the money.”
His face softened, and for a brief moment, his baby blues filled with a fierce pride. “I know. You have character, which many women don’t exhibit these days.”
Carina snorted. “Plenty of women do, Max. You just find the wrong ones every time.”
“Can we give my lousy track record a break today?”
“Sure.” A flicker of guilt lit her eyes. “I’m sorry about Victoria.”
He shrugged. “You were right. As usual. At least she’s going after who she really wants.” He deliberately changed the subject and pointed toward the adjoining door. “I’ll show you your room.”
He walked over, punched in a code, and swung it open. She stepped into a matching suite with her own personal bed and bath. She let
out a squeal of excitement, kicked off her shoes, and did something she’d been craving since they walked in the door.
She ran full speed and launched herself on the mattress. Sinking into sheer softness, she groaned and stretched out, luxuriating in the cozy feel of the pillows and blanket. “I’m in heaven,” she declared.
Max stopped at the side of the bed, grinning. “You never could resist a good jump. Remember when we were at your cousin Brian’s and I rigged up that awful contraption so you could pretend you were an Olympic gymnast?”
She laughed. “Oh, my God, that’s right! I tried to leap over but you made it too high and I broke my wrist.”
“I thought I’d be punished for months, but you came back from the doctor and no one ever mentioned it again.”
She propped up her elbow and rested her cheek in her palm. “Because I never told.”
“Huh?”
Carina smiled at the memory. “I knew you’d get in trouble. Hell, you and Michael were always put in charge of making sure I was safe. I told Mama I built the thing myself.”
He stared at her for a long time without blinking. “You lied for me?”
The soft question suddenly did bad things to her tummy. He looked at her as if seeing her in a new perspective, but she didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing. Maybe bringing up childhood wasn’t a great idea in her master seduction plan. She’d better change tactics quickly.
“I’m looking to upgrade that awful futon in Alexa’s apartment. Let me know what you think of this mattress.”
He flinched, then stepped back. “No, I’m not sure what you’re looking for.”
“Oh, come on, there’s plenty of room. I don’t have cooties. Just lay down and let me know if it’s better than your bed at home.”
His brow creased. “How would you know what type of bed I have?”
“I don’t, but you seem a bit pompous about all this luxury so I figured it must be huge. You don’t have one of those awful bachelor bedrooms with zebra patterns and hidden speaker music that impulsively plays Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” do you?”
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