by Hebby Roman
Not that he wanted to continue the charade. This was the perfect opportunity for Adriana to know who he really was. But he knew he looked better with the contacts than with his glasses. He’d never been particularly vain before but for Adriana, he’d move heaven and earth to be attractive.
If only he had a little more time to primp.
#
Adriana raised her hand to knock on the suite door and then lowered it. She pulled out the card key in her pocket. Her emotions were broiling hot, and she’d like nothing better than to storm his room, ignoring his privacy because he was an imposter and staying illegally in the suite.
But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Call it common decency, courtesy, or even a soft spot she had for Damian-Rafael, she couldn’t do it. Leaving the key in her pocket, she knocked on the door.
The door swung open immediately. Had he been waiting for her?
The imposter stood there, politely holding the door ajar, a silly grin wreathing his features. He was wearing glasses, a rather heavy pair of black Buddy Holly glasses. They did nothing to enhance his appearance. And if they were a sympathy ploy, they hadn’t worked. “Come in, Adriana. Please, have a seat.”
“I’d rather stand.”
Shrugging, he said, “Suit yourself. Would you care for something to drink?”
“From your well-stocked bar, provided by the hotel,” she shot back, reminding him of his smarmy invitation from last night.
He flinched, and his face darkened. Removing the hideous glasses, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and busied himself with polishing the lenses.
Before she could speak again, he said, “I was going to call you.” Replacing the glasses, he pocketed the handkerchief. “But I thought it was too early. Doesn’t your shift start at one?”
“Yes, but I had something I wanted to take care of, so I came in early.”
She took a deep gulp of air. This was it. No more small talk, no more beating about the bush. Confront him with his fraud and get it over with.
Ask for an ID, for several ID’s.
They spoke at the same time, their voices clashing, drowning out their respective words.
He paused, and she stopped. They gazed at each other.
“You were saying something about an ID, I think.” He stuck his hand in his trouser pocket and pulled out his wallet. He flipped the leather wallet open and handed it to her with his Texas driver’s license on top. “That’s what I was trying to tell you. Why I was going to call you. Here, take it.”
She accepted the wallet and peered at the ID.
“I’m not Damian Escobedo. I’m Rafael, his twin brother.”
Hearing his words and seeing the ID, she thought she’d feel triumphant, gratified to have unmasked an imposter. But that wasn’t how she felt. Her shoulders slumped, and she frowned. And she felt oddly disappointed. What was wrong with her?
He was a fraud, guilty by his own admission.
But she’d liked him, really liked him. From the first, she’d been drawn to him and thought he was attractive, despite his ineptitude and blundering, or maybe because of it. She didn’t know. She was so confused. But one thing was certain she’d never met anyone like Rafael Escobedo.
“So you admit it.” She sounded disappointed, even to her own ears. “That’s why I came up, to confront you.”
Enough of this silliness; he was still a fraud. She squared her shoulders and shot him a scathing look. She hadn’t expected him to confess. And his honesty had stolen her thunder,
but it didn’t change the circumstances.
“Do you understand what you’ve done? You’ve perpetrated a fraud against this establishment. My management could prosecute.”
“Yes, I know what I’ve done.” He pulled his hand through his hair.
Good, at least he’s nervous, as he should be.
“My brother and I didn’t think—”
“Didn’t think, didn’t think.” She shook her head. “Your brother is a salesman, obviously a highly successful one to have comped trips. Am I right?”
He nodded, his eyes down and his mouth tight-lipped.
“And what do you do for a living, Mr. Escobedo?”
“I’m a college professor.”
She gasped. “A college professor. That’s even worse.”
“Why? Why is that worse?”
“Because ... because,” she stammered, amazed and appalled at his indifference to the moral issue, not counting the legal one. “Because college professors are supposed to set an example for youth. People in your position shouldn’t go around flouting the laws and—.”
“Now wait a minute. None of my students are here. None of them are going to know that I— “
“So as long as it’s a dirty little secret, it didn’t happen. Wonderful philosophy, Mr. Escobedo. If you feel that way, your lack of moral fiber will transmit itself to your students, won’t it?”
“Let’s leave my moral fiber out of this, shall we? It was merely an error in judgment. And I freely admit I made a mistake. But it hardly means I want to undermine the country’s youth and their morals. Aren’t you a little over the top with that?”
“I don’t think so. I think I’ve pinpointed the issue accurately.” She thrust his wallet at him and folded her arms across her chest.
He ran his hand through his hair again. “Come with me, Adriana. I want to show you something.”
Reluctantly, she willed her legs to move, to follow him. She really didn’t want to; he’d already offended her, both legally and morally. Did he have any idea of what he’d done? And even though he was a confessed fraud, he was blithely leading her to one of the bedrooms. Was she crazy? He could be an axe murderer for all she knew. Why was she following him like an orphaned puppy?
“Look here.” He lifted his arm, indicating his packed bags on the bed. “I was ready to confess my identity and vacate the suite. Contrary to what you may believe, I do possess a conscience. And it bothered me to be here under false pretenses.” Turning his gaze on her, the look in his eyes pled for understanding. “And I’m prepared to make restitution, too. I’ll pay for the suite and the chauffeur, and anything else I’ve cost the Xanadu.”
“¡Perdition! I’ll even pay for your time, Adriana.”
“I hardly think that’s necessary. The part about my time, that is. It makes me sound like
I’m … Like what you thought last night.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Maybe you should reconsider your job description.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just what I said. Especially since you’re so intent upon appearances and the moral fiber of youth.”
“Oooh, that’s not fair. That’s a low blow.” Tapping her foot, she uncrossed her arms and then crossed them again. Self-righteous anger filled her, and she felt the tips of her ears growing hot. Her hands twitched; she would like nothing better than to slap his silly face and knock those awful Buddy Holly glasses off. But she controlled the urge, keeping her hands tightly tucked against her chest.
“What’s that saying about living in a glass house and not throwing stones?” he asked.
“Mr. Escobedo, I’m not the one on trial here. Don’t try to deflect the issue from your guilt.
It’s a lowdown tactic and—”
“You’re right.” He lowered his head and shook it. “Forgive me, please. It’s just that...”
He looked up. But when she bravely met his gaze, toe-to-toe, she couldn’t help getting lost in the warmth of his cocoa-brown eyes. He was so attractive, even with those ugly glasses she felt a frisson of electricity run down her spine.
“I feel as if you’ve attacked me. Not just what I’ve done but who I am,” he explained. “It’s not a nice feeling, you know? Because I do have standards. Though, I can understand why you don’t believe it.”
He was tugging at her heartstrings, and she knew it. She shouldn’t let him get to her, shouldn’t feel a surge of empathy for him, but she could
n’t seem to help herself. He’d been so nice from the start, not like other high rollers.
Not like other men.
She’d liked him from the start—his wry sense of humor and his sensitivity. She’d genuinely believed that he cared about her as a person. And she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt that way about a man.
Not that she’d given herself that many opportunities to let someone get to know her. Her school and work were the most important things in her life. Her social life was non-existent. Her father had taught her how important success was and that everything else was secondary.
Rafael Escobedo was young and handsome. Discovering that he was an imposter had shattered her fragile hopes. Her anger was fueled by her disappointment. The one time she’d let someone in, even if only for a few hours, he’d disappointed her ... and that hurt.
“Why did you do it?” She had to know. Despite what common sense told her, she wanted to absolve him.
“Why?” he echoed. “It was a stupid move, I admit. My twin, Damian, won this comped trip by exceeding his sales quota. He’s been to Vegas so many times that he wasn’t excited about the trip. And I had to come for an interview with the university.”
“The University of Las Vegas, where I study?”
“Yes, but don’t worry. I won’t be ruining your fellow business students’ moral fiber. I’m a professor in humanities.”
“Oh.”
“To make a long story short, my brother wanted me to have a vacation, to stay in Vegas for a few days and enjoy his comped trip. He told me I would be treated like royalty.” Shaking his head, he said, “I had no idea what he meant.
This suite was beyond my wildest dreams, and as soon as I saw it I knew I couldn’t take advantage. But I wanted to get my luggage and—” He paused, his eyes searching her face. “I wanted to see more of you before I gave up the game. That’s the truth. I hope you’ll believe me. And I repeat, I want to pay for everything. Please, give me an itemized bill.”
So he hadn’t just been nice. He was genuinely attracted to her. Now she understood his protectiveness and his rudeness when he thought she was a pro. He’d been disappointed, too.
A rush of warmth heated her face. She was blushing, and it was embarrassing. But it had been so long since anyone had reached out to her that it felt good. Damned good. At least, it proved she was still alive and had feelings.
And now it was her turn to be on the defensive. She’d definitely overreacted because of her disappointment. After all, his brother, Damian Escobedo, had been awarded a trip, which included certain privileges. His firm had obviously paid for the trip, either in cash or by sending enough high rollers to the Xanadu to cover the costs. If she looked at it that way, what harm had been done?
“Please, I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Escobedo. But your brother earned this trip and since he wanted to give it to you, then I see no reason—”
“Nope, can’t accept that. I’m sorry, Adriana. And please, turn me over to the police before you call me Mr. Escobedo again. I hate it. Even my students call me Rafael.”
She allowed herself to grin. “Mr. Escobedo is easier than learning Damian and then Rafael.”
“Touché. Again, I apologize for the farce. And I will pay for this suite.” He waved his hand. “I would like to stay at the Xanadu for several more days in a simple room, of course.
Something I can afford.”
She looked at his packed bags, waiting on the bed, registering what they meant for the first time. It was obvious he meant what he said. He wanted to pay for the suite and move to another room.
Like her father, Rafael Escobedo was a man of honor. Working at the resort, she’d become cynical, learning that most people were out for what they could get, especially if it was free. But Rafael was different. He had a conscience and that was a refreshing revelation.
He stood a heart’s beat away, his dark eyes caressing her. The spicy clean male smell of him surrounded her. Uncrossing her arms and letting them fall, she felt singularly unprotected. Open and vulnerable to this man, she trembled with unknown possibilities, as if she stood on the edge of a deep chasm with no bottom in sight.
Her gaze fastened on his mouth, his sensuously mobile mouth. An invisible chord bound them. A gossamer web of unseen threads pulled at her, compelling her. Should she do what she wanted to do? Should she?
Taking a step toward him, she felt as if she were crossing the desert, as if she were traversing a wasteland without the promise of an oasis at the end. She took a step forward into his arms and rose on tiptoe, touching her mouth to his. A butterfly kiss.
The contact was brief but explosive. Her senses reeled when she felt the warm molding of his lips against hers. Shaken, she stepped back.
His arms came up, capturing her, enfolding her into his embrace. He took possession of her mouth with his and his lips moved over hers. His kiss was warm and wet, and he caressed her lips with his. His mouth explored hers—his kiss strong and sultry, filled with passion, hard and soft at the same time.
His kiss was so soft, yet so demanding that it filled her with an aching sensation—a desire that reverberated through her, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, plucking a need within her, filling her with a slow-kindling passion that rose from the very marrow of her bones.
She clung to him, lost in the magic of their mouths fused together. He teased her, nibbling at her lower lip, flicking his tongue over the sensitive flesh. Sighing into his mouth, she surrendered to the delicious feelings roiling through her.
How she’d longed for this, to be held and cherished. To feel passion seep slowly through her veins, to have her heart beat double-time. Reveling in the sensations, she felt alive for the first time in a long time.
At his gentle but insidious pressure, her lips parted, welcoming him inside. Tentatively, she touched her tongue to his, savoring the hot velvet nap of him, the prickly rough abrasion of his intimate flesh intertwined with her own. Opening her mouth wider, she tasted him fully, devouring the essence of him, hungry beyond measure, starved and needy. Their tongues danced, mated and fell apart, explored and retreated.
Cradling her face in his hands, he lifted his mouth from hers, breaking the kiss. His soft brown eyes were liquid with tenderness, brimming with unspoken feelings.
“Does this mean you forgive me?” he asked.
“Claro.”
“You speak Spanish?”
“I’m not fluent.”
“Then I’ll teach you.”
“I’d like that.”
She took the promise he offered, the promise of tomorrow, inside of her, hoping that he meant it, wanting him to mean it. But at the same time, a tomorrow with him filled her with fear. What if she wasn’t ready? She’d purposely avoided any form of a relationship so that she could concentrate on her studies and career. But this was different, so different.
“When do we start?” he asked.
She backed up a step. Reluctantly, he released her, dropping his hands to his sides, as if locking temptation away.
“You mean start the lessons? As soon as possible, I’d think.”
“Glad you said that.” He smiled. “Can I see you tonight after you finish working?”
“I think that can be arranged.”
“Dinner and a show?”
Wrinkling her nose, she asked, “Which show? I’ve seen most of them, you know.”
His face fell and then brightened again. “You can’t have seen them all, not the headliners.
Don’t they change every couple of weeks?”
She laughed. “You catch on fast.” Tapping her chin with one finger, she said, “Let me think. How about David Copperfield at the MGM?”
“Sounds great. I’ll phone for tickets.”
Gazing into his open face, she smiled and arched her eyebrows, but he didn’t take the hint. She squeezed his arm, murmuring, “My knight in shining armor, ready to slay dragons for me, like getting tickets to see Copperfield on a Frida
y night in Vegas.”
His smile turned to a frown. “You mean it’s impossible, don’t you?”
“Copperfield’s been sold out for weeks.”
“Then why did you—?”
“Just testing, I guess.”
What had made her set him up? She didn’t know. It had been so long since she’d had a boyfriend, she didn’t even know how to act. How stupid was that? Not that Rafael was really a boyfriend. He’d be gone in a few days.
“Is there any other show you might want to see?” Her silly gambit didn’t seem to have squashed his enthusiasm.
She had a flash of inspiration. “Actually, why don’t we go to a comedy club? You can catch some really fresh talent at those clubs.”
“Sounds like fun. But leave it to me, okay? I want you off duty for tonight. I’ll make all the arrangements, including dinner. ¿Me entiendes?”
She grinned. “Yo te entiendo. How am I doing, maestro?”
“Muy bien.” He grinned back.
She started for the door, turned part way around and said, “One thing more.”
“Yes.”
“Lose the glasses, they’re awful. Por favor.”
#
When he exited the bank of elevators, Rafael saw her immediately, standing in the middle of the main lobby. She’d taken her long russet hair and piled it on top of her head in a whimsical knot with a few stray curls loosed, caressing her throat. Gazing at the beautiful outline of her cheekbones, he approved of the new hairdo, which displayed the fine bone structure of her face. Then he let his gaze wander down.
Gone was the severe business suit, replaced by a black tube dress. The dress was plain to the point of being austere: no lace, no rhinestones, and no frills, just black fabric that clung in all the right places. Her golden shoulders were bare, except for insubstantial wisps of spaghetti straps. The dress stopped mid-thigh, exposing her tanned and muscular legs in stiletto black heels, adorned with red sequins on their toes. She carried a matching black satin clutch that was also adorned in red sequins.