The Playboy s Proposition

by Leanne Banks

  She looked away. “True. You’re not the type to have a soft spot for a cause, especially after you’ve suffered burns from rescuing a child at the community center.”

  “Right,” he said.

  “Rescuing a child like that wouldn’t have an impact on you. You wouldn’t be concerned about that child’s future in a community center.”

  “The old building was a fire hazard,” he said.

  “A terrible one,” she agreed.

  “They’d damn well better make sure the new one isn’t,” he muttered.

  Bella looked at him and held his gaze for a moment then slid the milk shake to him.

  “I didn’t tell you who the anonymous donor was,” he said.

  “That’s okay. I have an idea of my own. Want me to describe him?”

  He shrugged. “If you want.”

  “He’s hot,” she said.

  “Oh, really?” he said, lifting his brow at her.

  She nodded. “He’s the kind who pretends he doesn’t care.”

  “Pretends?”

  She nodded again. “He’s all about the bottom line.”

  “What other line is there?”

  She leaned toward him and took his chin in her hand in a surprisingly aggressive move that he liked. “You’re such a faker,” she whispered and kissed him.

  The more time he spent with Bella, the more he wanted her. This wasn’t going the way he’d planned. He’d expected to get his fill of her then both of them would move on. The next two evenings, he even came home early so he could spend more time with her.

  In the morning, he rose early as he always did and exercised in his gym. When he returned to his bedroom, he found her reading from a folder.

  She quickly set the folder down beside her and smiled. “How was the elliptical?”

  “You’re awake. What were you reading?” he asked, but he already knew. He took a quick, sharp breath to control his anger.

  She cleared her throat. “Um, it was on the nightstand. I knocked it off when I went to the bathroom.”

  “You didn’t notice the label said Leo,” he said, clenching his teeth.

  She seemed to catch on that he was displeased. She bit her lip and looked away. “I’m sorry. I know this is important to you and you won’t discuss it with me. It’s hard for me to feel shut out on this. I want to help you.”

  “You can’t,” he said. “It’s a matter of patient, resilient research by a knowledgeable investigator. I’m going in the shower. If you want to read it while I’m in the shower, go ahead. When I get out, I’ll be putting the report away and we won’t discuss it.”

  “But,” she began.

  “This is nonnegotiable, Bella. Don’t push it,” he said and went into the bathroom to try to wash the guilt about his brother from his skin, from inside him. He knew, however, that it wouldn’t work. He also knew that he couldn’t, wouldn’t discuss Leo with Bella. Her empathy would be harder to bear than his own self-condemnation.

  “You’re late,” Charlotte said as Bella returned from her lunch on Saturday. “I can’t keep up with you. One week you’re working overtime. The next week you’re spacey and late.”

  “I’m sorry,” Bella said, pulling on the jacket that bore the name of her aunt’s business. “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Does his name start with M?” Charlotte asked. “What’s going on between you two?”

  “It’s complicated,” Bella said. Her heart and mind were still reeling after reading the P.I.’s report. It hit her again that all the Medici brothers had suffered terribly. Knowing how much Michael still grieved brought tears to her eyes. She took a deep breath. “There’s more to him than meets the eye.”

  “That can be good.”

  “I can’t talk about it yet. He would be furious,” Bella said. “Just trust me that I want to help him. I need to help him.”

  Charlotte frowned. “It’s nothing illegal, is it?”

  Bella shook her head. “Nothing illegal.”

  Charlotte shrugged. “Okay, just try not to be late. Your client is waiting for you to work your magic. Can you close up tonight? Fred is taking me out for lobster.”

  “Hmm,” Bella said with a smile. “Looks like you and Fred are turning into a regular thing.”

  Charlotte scowled at her. “Get to work.”

  Bella worked nonstop until 6:00 p.m., but the entire time she was thinking about Michael and his brother Leo. If Michael was able to answer his questions about Leo, she wondered if Michael would finally be at peace. She wondered what kind of person he would be. She wondered if he would be free to love and be loved.

  Despite all his success and hard work, Michael felt unworthy of love. She identified it because she had felt that way after her mother had abandoned her. After all, if her own mother had dumped her, wouldn’t everyone else?

  Stephen had made her believe in the possibility of love. She thought he’d believed in her. She’d thought he’d been committed. She was the one who’d left to pursue her dream and left her aunt and Stephen behind. Even though Stephen had encouraged her, he’d needed her when he’d lost his job and his confidence. She’d thought Stephen was the sweetest man in the world. Lately, she wasn’t as sure about Stephen as she once had been. He just didn’t seem as sincere.

  She was sure that although Michael was as sincere as the day was long, he also was not the sweetest man in the world. His background had given him rough edges. He didn’t love her. He wanted her. The more she was with him, the more she wanted him freed from his demons. Without those demons, he would be so much happier, so much more fulfilled. Free to love and receive the love he deserved, even if she wasn’t the one for him.

  Twelve

  B ella whisked into Michael’s home a bit later than she’d planned on Monday. “Hello? Any news?”

  Silence followed. “I’m in the den.”

  Bella felt a sinking sensation in her stomach and rushed to the den. “Is there a problem?”

  “No.” His gaze was shuttered. “Why do you ask?”

  “Because you sound like someone has pushed your mute button,” she said.

  One side of his lips lifted in amusement. “I’m fine. No hot dogs?”

  “No. I was slammed at work then had to run errands. I can fix some if you like,” she offered.

  “No. Gary can prepare something for us.”

  “I always feel guilty about that,” she said. “We’re just two people. We should be able to fix our own.”

  “I can afford it,” he said.

  “Still,” she said.

  “What do you want for dinner?”

  “I’ll fix a peanut butter and honey sandwich with bananas and potato chips,” she said adamantly.

  He chuckled. “He’s planning shrimp creole for me.”

  “Oh, that sounds delicious,” she said, her mouth watering.

  “Wouldn’t want to keep you from your peanut butter sandwich.”

  “You’re an evil man,” she said.

  His face hardened. “You’re not the first to know that.”

  The self-contempt in his gaze took her breath away. “Michael, you have to tell me what happened. Something happened.”

  “Another dead lead,” he said and shrugged. “Nothing new.”

  “I’ve been thinking about this,” she said eagerly.

  “Thinking about what?” he asked, his gaze cold.

  “Thinking about Leo,” she said. “After I read the investigator’s report, I wondered if you should put an ad in some of the Pennsylvania newspapers.”

  “If that were the best way to proceed, the investigator would suggest it,” he said.

  “But what if you and your brothers did it?” she asked. “Maybe that would have more impact than it would from the P.I.”

  Michael’s nostrils flared in anger as he looked at her. “Bella, we’ve already discussed this. It’s none of your business.”

  “But you’re suffering,” she said, clenching her fists. “I can’t stand it
.”

  He lifted his hand. “Enough. I’m spending the night alone. You’re on your own.”

  She felt as if he’d stabbed her by shutting her out. “Michael,” she said.

  “Good night,” he said and turned away.

  Frustrated and hurt, Bella wanted to throw something against the floor-to-ceiling windows and make them break. She wanted to break down this barrier between her and Michael. Their relationship had become very different from what it had been when it started. Every now and then she felt as if she were getting past the walls Michael had built around himself, but then she felt as if the walls were forged from concrete.

  “Oh,” she groaned, pushing her hair from her face. Why should she stay here? She would just become more frustrated and upset. Fine, he said she was on her own. She would leave.

  The following day, Bella inwardly fumed, practicing a half dozen speeches designed to set Michael straight, as if such a thing were possible. As if he’d listen to her for more than three seconds. Not on the subject of Leo. After lunch, she was still in flux about her evening plans. If her aunt weren’t so busy with her new beau, Bella would have spent the evening with her.

  “Bella,” Charlotte called in a singsong voice. “You have a visitor.”

  Bella glanced up to see Michael standing next to the front desk. Surprise washed over her, although she was still peeved with him.

  “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve looked at the book, and Donna and I can take all your appointments. It won’t be any trouble at all,” Charlotte said.

  “Take my appointments,” she echoed, confused. “Why?”

  Charlotte smiled coyly. “I’ll let Michael tell you. But don’t worry about your other appointments today. I’ve got those handled, too.”

  “What?” she asked as Charlotte walked away. “What is she talking about?”

  “I’m considering buying a property in Grand Cayman,” Michael said.

  “That’s nice,” she said, looking away from his gaze, wanting to hang on to her anger. Her anger would keep her safe from getting more emotionally intertwined with him.

  “I’m flying down there this afternoon and coming back on Saturday morning.”

  She shrugged. “Have a nice trip.”

  “I want you to join me,” he said.

  She blinked and met his gaze. “This afternoon?” She shouldn’t go. Who did he think he was telling her to join him with zero notice? Join him for a trip to a luxurious Caribbean island where it was warm instead of gray and gloomy. “I can’t imagine leaving Charlotte in the lurch like this, especially on Saturday.”

  “I discussed it with Charlotte and she’s all for it.”

  “I don’t want Charlotte overworking,” she said, fidgeting as visions of her and Michael walking along a beautiful beach danced in her head.

  “Has she been overworking?” he asked.

  “Well, no, not yet, but—” She broke off, feeling pinned by his gaze.

  “Are you afraid of going with me?”

  Her stomach dipped. “Of course not. Why would I be afraid?” Because she was starting to develop feelings for him, strong feelings that could cause problems for her later.

  “You tell me,” he said.

  When she didn’t answer, he shrugged his broad shoulders. “I won’t force you to go. If you’re not interested in stepping into water so clear you can see down fifty feet and—”

  “Okay, okay,” she said and told him the same thing she had when his brothers had come to town. “I’m in.”

  “Fine,” he said. “We can leave from here. I’ll buy everything you’ll need down there.”

  “But can’t I pick up just a few things? I don’t want to spend my time there shopping.”

  He gave a wry chuckle. “Not something I would expect to hear from a woman. You don’t want to spend your time shopping. Okay. I’ll have the driver stop by your apartment. You have one hour.”

  “Sheesh. “Do you ever give a girl some notice?” she muttered. “Aunt Charlotte, I’m headed out,” she called.

  Charlotte beamed and walked over to give her a hug. “Take pictures.”

  “Camera,” Bella said, imprinting the item on her list. “Must bring camera.”

  “And have a good time.”

  “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Bella asked, suddenly worried again.

  “I’ll be fine. You shouldn’t pass this up.” She glanced at Michael. “Treat her right or you’ll find a pair of scissors in your head when you least expect it.”

  “Whoa,” he said and gave her a mock salute. “I’ll make sure she has a good time.”

  “You do that,” Charlotte said then clapped her hands. “Now get going. Daylight’s burning!”

  Four hours later, they were sitting at a restaurant on the ocean watching the sunset as they were served a gourmet meal. A parrot squawked in the background and a warm breeze slid over her skin.

  “Uncle,” she said.

  “Uncle what?” Michael asked.

  “I can’t deny that this is incredible. The food, the sunset, everything.”

  “It’s not bad, is it?” he said. “Grand Cayman is one of the more civilized islands. Rarely gets hit by hurricanes, but it can happen. The rainy season is supposed to be unpleasant. You’ll have to tell me what you think after you’ve spent more time here.”

  “I can tell you already that it’s a wonderful break from winter, if that’s what you’re looking for,” she said.

  “That,” he said. “And I always consider the investment benefit. This would be more for fun, though.”

  She smiled at him. “Oh, my. I thought you weren’t interested in spending money for fun.”

  He slid her a sideways glance. “I can do fun things. I just haven’t been motivated until recently.”

  “And why is that?” she asked, lifting her glass of wine to her lips and taking a sip.

  “I think you know it’s because of you,” he said.

  “Hard for me to believe I have any influence over you.” She stared out at the ocean, drinking in the sight.

  “Is that what you want? Influence over me?” he asked.

  She met his gaze. “I want you to be happy.”

  Something flashed in his eyes, something she couldn’t identify at first glance because it came and went so quickly. “And you think you know what would make me happy.”

  “That sounds potentially arrogant, but I think I have an idea of what might help. Not that I’ll get a chance to help with that.”

  “Why do you care about my happiness?” he asked. “You’re getting what you want. I’ve funded your aunt’s business. You know I’m not going to renege.”

  Her stomach twisted and she frowned. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m more of a sap than I thought I was.” She met his gaze again. “Or maybe there’s more to you than I thought there was.”

  “That last one would be wrong. I’m shallow,” he insisted.

  “Yes,” she said. “That’s why you agreed to resuscitate my aunt’s business.”

  “I benefit from that agreement in several ways.”

  “It was still coloring outside your lines. You’re a liar if you disagree,” she said.

  His eyes lit with amusement, but he said nothing.

  “And there’s the matter of the community center,” she said.

  “Anonymous could be anyone.”

  “Uh-huh,” she said. “There’s another subject that reveals your tender side, but you get all touchy when I bring it up, so I won’t.”

  “Thank you,” he said and nodded toward the horizon. “Don’t miss the sunset.”

  She watched the orange ball sink lower and a green light followed it. “I’ve never seen that before,” she said. “What was it?”

  “A green flash,” he said. “I’m not much for legends, but legend has it that seeing it means you have the ability to see into another person’s heart.”

  “So, you don’t believe it,” she said.

  He paused. “I didn’t sa
y that.”

  She leaned toward him. “You could have any woman. Why do you want me?”

  He shook his head. “Too many reasons. Would you like dessert?”

  She also shook her head. “No. I’m ready to go if you are.”

  Minutes later, the driver drove them down a winding road to a gated driveway which opened after the driver punched in a code. It was a clear night, and the moonlight glowed on the stucco mansion with colored roof tiles as they drove toward it.

  Bella sucked in her breath at the beauty of the building and the lush green foliage. She looked at Michael. “I must have misunderstood. I thought you were looking at a condominium.”

  “The condo’s on Seven Mile beach. This one would be for personal use.” The driver pulled to a stop and they got out.

  Bella looked up at the size of the mansion. “It’s lovely from the outside.”

  “Let’s take a look inside,” he said and unlocked the front door. Cool marble floors and upscale island decor greeted them.

  “Very nice,” she said.

  He took her hand in his and wandered through the house. All the modern necessities and wants anyone could imagine were included in the home along with several views designed to make a mere mortal drool, even at night.

  They stood on a deck for a moment and Bella drank in the gentle sound of the ocean against the sand. “Oh, I think we’d better leave right away,” she said.

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t know how anyone could leave after staying here five minutes,” she said.

  He laughed and tugged her hand. “Let’s go upstairs.”

  Reluctantly leaving the deck, she climbed the stairs and looked at the hallways of bedrooms, another deck and finally the master suite. She followed him inside, glancing up to see the stars in the skylights which featured blinds for closing. A floor-to-ceiling window which revealed a fantastic view of the sea and the sky sat opposite the large bed. She walked through the sliding-glass door on to yet another deck with an awning, chairs and table and Jacuzzi.

  “Ohhhh, this is so good it’s bad,” she said.