Max reached the table first and quickly started working on the bowlful of watermelon pieces. This prompted Valentina to leave my side to help him with a plate. When I joined them, she had a plate loaded with sandwiches, fruit, and veggies ready for me.
“Thank you,” I said. “You didn’t have to serve me.”
“Please. It’s the least I can do.” She gestured for me to sit. “Do you always eat PB&J sandwiches for lunch?”
I chuckled. “Never. This was Em’s idea.”
“I’ll make sure and thank her. Thank you for the baseball lessons.” She got another plate. “Do you coach or something?”
“No. I played in college.”
“Oh. Was that like a long time ago?” She lowered her eyes.
I liked the implication of her question. “I’m twenty-eight, if that’s what you’re asking. Do I look that old?”
Her laugh, the one that made everything around us fall away, floated through the air again. “Not at all,” she said, cheeks red. “It’s just that you’ve accomplished a lot in such a short amount of time. I wasn’t sure.”
“Are you impressed?” I leaned forward to catch her gaze.
“Is one compliment not enough?” She sat back in her chair and stared at me.
I shot a quick glance to Max, who was still digging through the watermelon bowl. “Seems that’s all I can get these days. Or have you changed your mind?”
Her breath hitched. “Max. Don’t eat from the serving bowl. Let me fix you a plate.”
Max nodded with big chipmunk cheeks. “Yes, please.” Red liquid oozed from the side of his mouth.
She faced me again. “I can’t look.”
“What’s wrong?” I took a big piece of watermelon and stuffed it in my mouth. She looked away, stifling a giggle.
“That is disgusting.” Max burst out laughing.
“This is how you eat watermelon.” The juice touched my lips. I leaned over and pressed my mouth to her neck.
“Hey.”
“Eww. Gross.” Max walked over and planted kisses on her face, leaving sticky stuff all over her.
“Oh no, Max. We made a mess. You know what she needs?”
The idea struck him right away, but he was too excited to verbalize it. He jumped in place, pointing at the pool, eyes darting from Valentina back to the shimmering water. “She…she needs a bath,” he finally said in a voice that was half squeal.
Valentina left the chair with incredible speed. It was a guy thing. She fled; I had to chase her. Taking three long strides, I blocked her before she reached the path that led to her cottage. I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder.
“Do it.” Max egged me on.
“You little rascal.” Valentina’s fake anger made Max titter even harder.
She pushed against my bare back, arms locked against my shoulders. I was losing her. My hands slid up her legs, those long legs, and her backside. God, she felt good. I tightened my grip on her. Her face was only inches from mine, and her breasts gently pressed against my chest. Her proximity was too much for me to bear. Jumping in the pool was more than a good idea now. It was a necessity. I let the warm sensation linger another couple of seconds. Then I walked us straight into the water.
When we reached the bottom, my hands went to her hips, and she didn’t push me away. I kicked and took her with me back to the surface. She looked good wet, laughing, and free of her usual armor.”
“You are so grounded.” She swam to the edge.
“How am I grounded? He started-ed it.” Max pointed an accusatory finger at me. The little jerk. If he hadn’t been here, I never would’ve done this.
“You should get out of those wet clothes,” I said. I couldn’t remember the last time I had this much fun.
“Does that ever work for you?”
“Every time.” I swam toward her, but she jumped out of the pool before I reached her.
“Okay. You’ve had enough to eat,” she said to Max. “Let’s go back inside.” She started down the path, pushing wet tresses away from her face and tugging at her soaked clothes.
Max waved before he bolted toward the house. I stayed in the water, mesmerized by the sight of Valentina. The pool was too quiet without them. A suffocating silence. I pushed against the wall and let my body float aimlessly.
So this was it? This was the family life Valentina was crying over the day we met? All her efforts, her crazy rules, everything made sense now.
How the hell was I supposed to stay away from her?
Chapter Twelve
My Cole Problem
Valentina
I rushed into the house, dripping wet, blood thrumming in my ears.
Max plopped himself on the couch in front of the flat screen to finish the rest of his PB&J sandwich that seemed to be stuck to his hand now. “That was epic,” he squealed.
“Yeah, it was.” I took off my shoes at the door. Who would’ve thought? Gorgeous Cole was also fun. “Can you watch a movie while I clean up?”
“Sure,” he said, already engrossed in his dinosaur movie.
I went straight to the bathroom and locked the door behind me. A shower seemed like a good idea right about now—to cool off more than anything else. My body still hummed, an aftershock of Cole’s touch. I couldn’t believe how much my body reacted to everything and anything he did to me. And who could blame me? He looked incredibly hot in swim trunks, hair wet, and steely muscles all shiny. My heart, and part of my resolve to stay away from him, melted when he played catch with Max.
Dammit. I put the toilet seat down, sat, and buried my face in my hands. This was really getting out of control. I had hours to warn him about Bridget, and the thought never even occurred to me. My brain turned to mush the second he left his lounge chair and sauntered across the lawn with no shirt on.
Worst part was I was running out of time. Yesterday Bridget had come over to my desk and asked if it had been done. I’d almost told her I had no intention of playing her stupid game, but the woman was terrifying and I didn’t want to cause a scene at work. I was still the noob…though probably not for long. With all the changes going on in the office, I wouldn’t be surprised if CCI got dismantled and sold by the pound before the end of the year. Even my boss, Christopher, was worried. He had a lot more insight into the goings-on of the company. If he was updating his resume, he had a good reason for it.
I stuffed a hand in my wet hair and blew out air. Cole didn’t deserve this. Christopher had mentioned many times how hard Cole had worked to make CCI successful, to take care of everyone working for him. CCI was his legacy. Why did Bridget want to take that away from him? Out of spite? She didn’t seem the type. Money? Maybe. But she was married to Cole. How much more money could she need?
This couldn’t wait any longer. I stood. My stomach muscles tightened, and a flutter flushed across my chest. I had to tell him—today. If he got mad at me, hated me over it, so be it. Placing both hands on my hips, I faced the woman in the mirror. Oh no. My sheer top was completely see through. Every curve of my breasts was visible, including my hardened nipples. Cole saw me like this! My cheeks burned hot. I winced, pressing cold fingers on my face to make the red go away. Maybe he didn’t notice. But what about the dark stare he shot me when I jumped out of the pool? The blue of his irises was barely visible. He saw me, all right.
I reached in the shower stall and ran the hot water. So what if he saw me? I didn’t care. Dammit. I did care. I loved that he wanted me so much. The desire on his face every time we were near had become a sort of drug to me. I craved it, and it scared the hell out of me, though that didn’t stop me from wanting him more than I ever thought I could ever want someone. Not that I had much experience in that department. The one time I thought I’d fallen in love, it ended quickly—and painfully. My chin trembled, and tears burned my eyes. I wiped my face with the back of my hand. I was done crying over that.
I peeled off my top and pulled it over my head. The sheer bra underneath was like tissue pap
er stuck to my skin. I took off my shorts and underwear and dropped everything in the sink. Was Cole different? Or were my feelings for him strictly lust related?
Stop that. Don’t even go there. Damn. Too late. I was already thinking about it.
I got in the shower and leaned on the tiled wall. Hot water trickled down my front. My breathing was uneven again just thinking of Cole and me in the pool, our bodies intertwined, the way I’d been able to touch every plane of his naked back. I’d been grateful for the unexpected dip. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d do it. But if he hadn’t jumped in the pool, who knew what I would’ve done… Beg him to kiss me? The intense need Cole had awakened in me tortured me day and night.
What if I let him in? Just once. Closing my eyes, I rested the side of my head on the wall and ran the puff across my belly to make a rich lather. My hand wandered lower—
The shower spray turned to icy pricks, and my eyes flew open. Jeez, even my water heater knew this was a bad idea. I rushed out of the shower and killed the water.
Damn you, Cole.
Still shivering, I wrapped myself in a towel and leaned on the sink, raking a hand through my hair. All these years, I thought this side of me was done. Between my broken heart and childbirth, I’d convinced myself I would never love again. Never want anyone again. I was wrong.
I wanted to be with Cole.
If he could make me feel like this when he wasn’t even in the room… My knees went weak at the thought of what it’d be like if he were here. I’d crossed the threshold. How could I refuse him now that I knew how much I wanted him? I dropped my head in my hands, taking deep breaths. No. Focus. All I had to do was stay out of his way.
Next time Max and I went out to the yard, if Cole was half-naked by the pool, I’d run. As fast as I could. In the opposite direction.
Yes. That was it. I looked around for something to write on. I should definitely make a list of what to do to ensure plenty of space and dry clothes were between us next time. A list was the solution to my Cole problem.
A bang on the door brought me back. “Mom? Are you in there?”
“What is it, buddy?”
“Aunt Annie is on the phone. She wants to talk to you.”
“Tell her I’ll call her back in a minute. I need to get dressed, okay?”
On the other side of the door, Max kept talking to Annie, not giving her my message. I donned my bathrobe and opened the door. He followed me into my bedroom. Crap. He was telling her about the incident with Cole.
“Okay. I can take it from here.” I reached for the phone. But he turned away from me, his hand out to keep me at a distance.
His plan was to entertain her until I was ready. Fine. I was too late to stop him anyway. He’d already told her about the pool dip. From the chest of drawers, I grabbed a pair of yoga pants and a top, skipping the bra. The twins needed the rest of the day off. When I was dressed, I waved Max over to the bed. He talked so fast I seriously doubted Annie understood what he was talking about.
“Okay, bye,” he said into the speaker before he went back to his movie.
“Wow, that was an earful,” Annie said. “Sounds like he’s having an awesome time with your hot landlord.”
“How’re you doing today?” I ignored her comment. I wasn’t ready to discuss Cole and our little episode by the pool.
“Great. And I would very much like to hear your version of the pool dip. But for now, you’re off the hook.”
“Thanks.” I glanced at my phone. I was never off the hook with Annie.
“I need a huge favor. Tonight.”
“Tonight? What’s going on?”
“The fund-raiser I told you about last week, remember? I need you to wear one of the dresses.”
“I thought you’d found someone else. I don’t have anyone to watch Max.”
“Come on. One of my models bailed. And I already committed to this event. The dresses are being auctioned, and I have the exclusive. It’s a huge deal for my blog. And don’t worry about Max. Mom says she can spend the night and watch him. She hasn’t seen him in ages. Be a friend, pleeeease.”
“I don’t know.”
She let out a heavy sigh. “The other model was getting two hundred dollars. Money’s yours if you want.” Silence. Then a sigh. More loud sighing. “Okay. So I have free childcare, a stunning dress for you to wear for the night, and two hundred dollars. Why are you saying no?” Did she stomp her foot?
“I’m not.” I plopped myself on the bed.
“What? Yes, you are.”
“I just don’t feel like going to a party. It’s always so awkward, feeling like I have to talk to people.” I lay down and closed my eyes. The thought of going to a party tonight made me feel tired.
“You are not required to talk to anyone. In fact, I think it’s better. It gives the dress a certain allure.” She laughed at her own joke. “Come on. What time should we come by?”
“Fine. Max goes to bed around seven. So anytime after that.”
“Great. We’ll be there at six sharp. Wash your hair and roll it. I’ll help you with the updo and makeup.” She was all business now.
“Annie, two hours tops. And I said seven, not six.”
“Sure. Done. The auction ends at midnight. We’ll need to return the dresses then. Bring a backup outfit. See you in a few hours.” She hung up before I could ask her anything else.
I dropped the phone next to me and scooted up onto the pillows. I stared at the ceiling until Max came looking for me, munching on his sandwich. “Can you finish that already?”
“Okay. Okay.” He shoved the whole thing in his mouth.
“I didn’t mean… Forget it. Do you want to take a nap with me?”
“Yeah.” He jumped in and got under the covers.
“Aunt Annie and I are going to a dinner tonight. Mrs. Hwang will stay with you until I get back. Deal?”
“Can I come?” His eyelids were already droopy.
“It’s for adults only. But you and I can have pizza tomorrow. How about that?”
“If I behave and brush my teeth, can I have a lollipop with my pizza?” He cuddled next to me. He was making me sleepy too.
“Sure, why not.”
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I had the best time with my new friend. I wished all weekends were like this one.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if every weekend could be like this? Minus the frustrating sexual tension, of course. I could definitely do with less of that. But what would happen when Cole decided he was done with us? I squeezed my eyes shut. I could handle a broken heart, but the thought of Max getting hurt was too much for me.
“Can we stay here forever?”
“We can’t. When our lease is over, we’ll need to find a different house.”
“I like this house.”
“But it’s not ours. This is temporary. Do you understand that?”
He didn’t answer. His little face was fully relaxed as he drifted off to sleep. I cleaned grape jelly off his cheek and hugged him close. Stroking his hair, I glanced at my watch. I still had a couple of hours before I had to get ready for Annie’s fancy party. My pulse picked up the pace. Time to find out how temporary our living arrangements were. I grabbed the phone off the bed and hit one on the speed dial for the main house.
Em answered before the second ring. “Hello, Valentina.”
“Hello.” I sat up, furrowing my brows. How did she know it was me? Oh right, Em knew this number. “Hi, Em. Thank you so much for lunch.”
“It was my pleasure, dear. How can I help you?”
“Is Cole around?” I felt like a kid asking if my friend could come out and play.
“You just missed him. He has an engagement tonight. He left early, but you can reach him on his mobile if it’s urgent.”
“No. That’s fine. I’ll just talk to him tomorrow. Thanks.” I hung up and let my head fall back. I was off the hook for tonight.
Chapter Thirteen
&nb
sp; The Shindig
Cole
“Remind me again why we’re here?” I asked Dom, leaning against the bar, tapping my fingers on the counter as the laser lights of the venue shone on the floor in front of us, reflecting the letters DCF. Women dressed in intricate lingerie did a hypnotic dance on small platforms at various spots throughout the warehouse-size gallery. Their moves were synchronized to the club music and repeated every eight beats, the same beat they did for all my events.
A blast of vanilla-scented air rushed in from somewhere above our heads. The extra oxygen was the only thing keeping me awake tonight. An acrobat slowly dropped from the twenty-foot ceiling and offered me a shot of vodka. I shook my head for what had to be the fifth time in the last hour. Three other girls dressed in full-body leotards were suspended around the room, spinning next to expensive art. Art that was part of the silent auction.
“It’ll help with your divorce. You know, show the judge you care and shit.” Dom took a shot from the acrobat. Her overly made-up eyes lingered on his face as he drank more than the usual two ounces. “Plus, the Derek Cole Foundation is hosting this shindig.”
“God, I feel like a five-year-old putting my name on things.” I pinched my nose, feeling drained. Maybe we needed to pump more oxygen in the air.
“It makes the foundation sound personable.” He tore his eyes away from the swirling woman overhead to look at me. “It’s cool you’re helping kids. You’re all right, man.”
Ironically, the fund-raiser to help orphans had more to do with decadence than with children. According to Nikki, my event planner, sex, booze, and half-naked women triggered men to spend a shitload of money on art. The faces of hungry and neglected children made people, men and women alike, run for the hills.
The Derek Cole Foundation should really be called the Em Foundation, though. Em was the one who came up with the idea in the first place. And then put me in touch with the orphanage where she’d spent most of her childhood years. At the time, the agency had been in trouble due to their sizable debt. The interests were slowly putting them out of business. Being the asshole that I was, I’d been bitching to Em about the amount of taxes I had to pay now that CCI was making money. That was when she’d suggested I put that money to good use and stick it to Uncle Sam. It was a match made in heaven.
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