by Chloe Blake
Leonardo would never be called a ladies’ man. He’d learned long ago that women had their own agenda when it came to dealing with him. Unlike his brother, he refused to cajole someone when he didn’t have to. He didn’t live the life of a monk, but his numbers didn’t come anywhere close to Miguel’s, who’d previously been called a man-whore in more than one of the less reputable tabloids.
He took a sip of the drink and let the heat roll down his throat. “I need to become charming.”
Rather than laugh as he’d expected, his brother considered him before moving to sit closer to him on the couch. “Have you finally fallen in love with someone who doesn’t run away from your ugly grill?”
Although he’d been in relationships, they’d tended to be brief and unilateral, with the woman caring way too much and him not enough. Once again a woman with a nineties Halle Barry short hairstyle and hips that had him staring when she left a room came to mind. “Don’t be preposterous. This is for work. There’s a client I have to deal with.”
Miguel laughed. “First lesson, charmers don’t deal with anyone. We play, sweet-talk and flatter. Second, you might have to break your jaw.”
Leonardo shifted his chin from side to side. “Why?”
“You’re going to have to smile and I don’t think your face will allow it without a rearrangement.”
“Funny,” Leonardo spat out. So what if he wasn’t as happy-go-lucky as his younger brother? He just didn’t possess that type of nature.
“Baby,” a female voice said. “Which floral arrangement would be best for the rehearsal dinner?” Tanya Carrington looked up from the iPad she held and halted. “Hi, Leonardo. Um, I see you’re busy, Miguel, I’ll—” she pointed behind her and started backtracking “—talk to you about it later.” She spun on her heel and jogged out of the room.
Miguel’s howl of laughter as he jumped off the couch almost deafened Leonardo. “Sweetheart,” he choked out through his laughter as he ran to catch his fiancée.
So he hadn’t made the best first impression on Tanya at Miguel’s thirtieth birthday party. That had been months ago, and she still found it difficult to be in his presence. Something that had never sat right with him. His future sister-in-law should be comfortable enough with him to at least have a conversation.
Miguel wiped tears from his eyes as he held what seemed to be an unhappy Tanya beside him. He sat in the armchair and settled the woman he’d loved since college onto his lap. “My brother has come for lessons in how to be charming.”
Tanya looked dubiously at Leonardo, who could’ve body-slammed Miguel. Instead, he nodded his head, which made his soon-to-be second sister throw him a genuine smile.
“You came to the right man.” She spoke the words directly to Miguel as they shared a moment so intense, he felt an unexpected pang of jealousy for never having felt so deeply about someone. But then, once again Kamilla came to mind and his unease increased. He wouldn’t think about her.
Leonardo cleared his throat, drawing the couple out of their cocoon. They focused their attention on him.
“I thought you could help me,” Miguel said to Tanya. This made the smile she’d given him a moment ago pale in comparison.
“Be nice,” she said as she looked Leonardo straight in the eyes. “You being charming would seem fake. It’s just not what you are, but you can do kind. The basics, like please and thank you, go a long way. Asking rather than demanding something would be a plus, too. And compliments. Sincere ones also make people happy and comfortable.”
Her words had a backhanded quality to them, but at least she’d been honest. “Been thinking about this much?”
“Since the day I met you.”
The men laughed. Leonardo knew they’d have a better relationship. “Thank you, Tanya.” And he meant it. “Would you like to add anything, Miguel?”
“Nope. My ultimate blessing said it all.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Isn’t she wonderful?”
For the woman to have captured Miguel, he knew she definitely had to be. Would he ever find someone he wanted to be with? His mind flicked to Kamilla’s determined expression and something tightened in his chest. He’d have to deal with the powerful attraction between them one day. Maybe even have a long-overdue talk about the incredible sex they’d had.
What did he want from her? For the first time in his life, he had no idea what objective to set in regard to her. Yes, they were in competition for partner, yet at the same time she drove him to be a better lawyer. A better person. And that he couldn’t walk away from.
Chapter 6
No better time to make a change in his life than as soon as possible. Leonardo had asked his brother for help and had gotten it. Just not in the way he’d thought. Something easier would’ve been appreciated. He could be nice. Maybe not nice, but kinder than he used to be. Tanya had mentioned baby steps. He tended to leap when it came to reaching objectives, but he’d follow her advice.
He set the box of chocolates he’d picked up from the grocery store last night onto his secretary’s desk. He’d been harsh when he’d been sick, even worse than usual. He had difficulty drawing forth a smile, but was able to speak without grumbling. “Good morning...” Damn, what was her name again? Miguel had mentioned the importance of calling people by their correct name, smiling and being interested in what they had to say without cutting them off. No matter how much nonsense they spouted.
The woman stood and stepped around the chair. He presumed for easier access to an exit. “Rosario.”
“Right, Rosario.” He tapped the flat cellophane-covered box. “These are for you.” He gritted his teeth and then remembered he wasn’t supposed to do that either. “I’ve been a little...difficult the past couple of days.” As close as he’d get to an apology, he watched her eyes shift between him and the chocolate several times.
She took another step toward the exit and made an audible swallow. Keeping her gaze on Leonardo, she mumbled, “Thank you.”
More uncomfortable than he’d been approaching Miguel and Tanya for help last night, he took off into his office. Slumping into his chair, he relieved his quivering legs. What the hell was wrong with him? He’d done nice things for people before.
The near apology he’d ripped off his tongue had been new. A fierce shake of his head brought him back to his normal work-driven state. At least his cold was almost gone. He’d woken up fully rested after not having hacked his lungs out with vicious coughing as he had the past few nights. And his throat held no pain.
Now he had to figure out ways to be nice to people without getting nauseous while doing it.
A glance at his Rolex told him Kamilla would be arriving soon. The woman would be too much of a challenge to practice his newfound not-quite-charm on just yet. Besides, she’d see right through him and laugh her cute behind off. Then they’d fight.
He squelched the anticipation.
* * *
Kamilla hauled Rosario down the hall and peeked into the break room. The tantalizing scent of the gourmet coffee Kamilla had savored only fifteen minutes earlier filled the empty area.
Two minutes ago she’d dragged herself from her office to Leonardo’s for their meeting. Combing through the Singletons’ file and brainstorming with him last week had been taxing. On a normal basis he tended to be difficult to deal with. Working with a sick Leonardo, she’d barely stopped herself from jumping over the conference table to put him in a sleeper hold to knock his ass out.
The presence of a box of chocolates on Rosario’s desk had spurred the mini abduction of the administrative assistant. “Tell me again, word for word, what happened.”
After Rosario’s second telling of the tale, Kamilla leaned against the counter. “Has he ever apologized for his behavior before?”
“I’ve worked here for six months. Although he’s never been as much of a bastard as he’s been this week, he takes it as
his right to treat people the way he wants. Usually brusque, impatient and selfish.”
Kamilla grinned at Rosario’s marked lack of apology for the slight against her boss. Kamilla had often called him worse by adding colorful expletives.
Rosario pointed a finger toward the ceiling. “Although I remember this one time.”
“What?” Kamilla braced for the story, oddly excited by the prospect of Leonardo being a human with actual feelings and the ability to be kind. She’d bandied the term android about in her mind much too often regarding him.
The twinkle in Rosario’s eyes indicated she had some juicy gossip to share. “He asked me to send a copy of a file to the city court on his personal letterhead. The case had nothing to do with the firm. As I made the duplicates, I noticed the invoice. He never charged the client for his services.”
A double gasp of shock scraped down Kamilla’s throat. “Was he working pro bono?”
Rosario nodded. “That’s the exact same reaction I had. The address of the small company he represented was set in one of the rougher areas of the city.”
Kamilla pulled out a chair and sank into it as the most unethical thought flew through her mind. She wouldn’t believe it unless she saw those files for herself.
It must’ve escaped her lips, because once again Rosario’s head bobbed. “I know it was none of my business, and could probably get me fired, but I was so shocked that the dragon would do something nice for another that I couldn’t help myself.”
Kamilla yearned to run and gain access to Leonardo’s files so she could rummage through them. “What did you do?”
The woman stepped closer and whispered. “I looked up his client information on the database.”
She really shouldn’t be supporting the woman’s intrusive behavior at the workplace, but Rosario was one of the sweetest and most industrious workers in the firm. Kamilla had heard that she’d bawled after hearing about her assignment to work with Leonardo.
“And?” Kamilla prompted.
Rosario smoothed her already perfect bun. “He takes on one pro bono case a month. Sometimes two. He’s done this for the whole time he’s worked here in Cleveland. I couldn’t find out about his work in London.”
A rush of air left Kamilla’s lungs as the information registered. Did he have a heart under that tough-as-nails exterior? Having too much to process at the moment, she stood. “We’d better get going. I wouldn’t want him to bellow down the hallway, looking for you. And if I’m late for our meeting, all hell will break loose. Thanks for the information, Rosario.”
“You won’t tell anyone what I did?”
“Of course not. But I’d stay out of the system files if I were you. I’m sure there are things in there not everyone is meant to know.”
“Thank you.” Rosario’s brows knit together. “Do you think it’s safe to eat the chocolate he gave me?”
Kamilla laughed as they left. “I’m pretty sure. Check carefully for tiny holes and rips around the box, indicating tampering.”
“You’re very funny.”
Her jar of gossip had been filled to overflowing. The fact that the man who irritated her the most out of anyone she’d ever met did good things for other people had shaken her foundation. If he’s capable of this, what else is he capable of?
Leonardo glanced up at Kamilla sitting across the way from him in the smallest of their conference rooms. When she’d walked into his office, looking bright and cheerful, his body had responded with a thudding heart and a tightening in his groin. Damn if he didn’t still want her. She’d been so passionate and giving that night as they’d made love.
He couldn’t focus. Not with her enticing fragrance of lavender calling out to him to get closer. Her full lips pursed to the side as she concentrated, inviting him to kiss her. They still had to talk about what had happened between them. But what did he want from her? To make love again and again until he was finally satisfied. He hardened at the thought of sinking into her heat and hearing her moan of pleasure as she raised her hips off the desk to take in all of him. They’d been so good together. No fighting, just loving.
“Leonardo, are you okay?”
He blinked repeatedly to find Kamilla staring at him. “Yes.”
Her continued look of concern didn’t do anything to help dispel the tightening in the crotch of his pants. He shifted to make himself a little more comfortable. “I’m fine. What were you saying?”
“I have a friend from law school at Remington and Associates. He told me he heard Singleton Financial is discreetly shopping around for new counsel.”
His ears had perked up at only one word, he. Her voice had softened. Was he an ex? Were they dating?
What the hell was wrong with him? Her personal life shouldn’t concern him. So what if she’d been the last person he’d had sex with and he was plagued with thoughts of doing it again? They were colleagues, that’s it. Are you sure? his mind taunted.
He brought himself back to reality. “We already knew that.”
She smirked. “We didn’t know they were looking at upstart firms like Andrews, Green and Bartel.”
He’d heard of them. In the past three years, they’d become one of the fastest-growing law firms to watch. “Andrews was a couple of years ahead of me at Yale. He asked me last year to join them as partner.”
Kamilla’s lack of reaction surprised him, considering he’d intended to shock her with the news. “Makes sense.”
Was she being sarcastic? “What do you mean?”
“Calm down, Astacio. You’re good and you know it. I’m surprised more headhunters aren’t trying to knock down the door in an attempt to get to you.”
If he’d been a peacock, his feathers would’ve been in full plume. Kind words from Kamilla made him feel way too good, simply because he knew she meant it. “Andrews topped the class and, from what I hear, ended up becoming an extraordinary lawyer.”
Kamilla tapped her pen against the table. “Why would the Singletons go to such a small, fresh firm?”
“Maybe they want a more personal touch. Compared to the hundreds of clients we represent, Andrew’s is probably in the tens. They can shower Singleton Financial with all the attention they desire.”
Her chair shifted with the sudden straightening of her back. “We work hard for them.”
He held back a smile. He loved when she became indignant. She cared so much. What would it be like to have her affection aimed in his direction? His skin went hot and tingly at the thought, and right then he wanted nothing more. He had to get his head back into the game. These thoughts about Kamilla weren’t helping.
“It turns out someone or something in our firm has pissed the Singletons off. Did the intel from your boyfriend give any indication as to why they want to leave us?”
She cocked her head. “Boyfriend?”
What had he gotten himself into? He was supposed to suggest that they keep digging into the paperwork; instead, his jealousy gave him a shove into a situation he hadn’t intended to broach, but had desperately wanted to.
He looked her in the eyes. “I meant your friend at Remington and Associates.”
At the flare of her nostrils, he realized he’d blundered.
“Every word that comes out of your mouth is intentional.” She narrowed her eyes, pinning him with a concentrated glare. “If you wanted to know if I had a man, you should’ve just asked me.”
His gaze flicked to her breasts as he became enticed with every harsh breath she took. Perfect handfuls with dark, almost black, nipples, which had brushed against his chest with each thrust. When he forced his gaze to meet hers, the raw heat in her eyes had him standing to circle around the table with the aim of grabbing her hand to haul her to his office, where he’d lock the door and—
His unwise intentions were brought to an abrupt halt when James, one of the other associates, p
oked his head through the door. “Monroe wants to see you two in his office.”
For once Leonardo wasn’t as annoyed at being summoned by a senior partner. At least it was the one he liked. Monroe had been the reason he’d come to work for Peterson, Benton, Monroe and Lanner in the first place. He’d needed to get ahead through his work, not his name. He’d known by Monroe’s unyielding reputation that the industrious, unpretentious man would provide him with what he needed.
Leonardo sucked in a huge breath to try to clear the ever-present need for Kamilla from his system, mentally thanking his mentor for his timing. It had saved him from making yet another mistake.
Chapter 7
A heads-up on the peculiar interaction between them would’ve been nice. As it stood, confusion ruled Kamilla’s world where Leonardo was concerned. One moment Kamilla was telling him off for being indirect about digging into her personal life and the next she was ready to jump into his arms and kiss the handsome off his face. They’d never kissed. At least not on the lips. The memory of his mouth on her neck and breasts set her on fire.
At that moment his firm lips, usually set in a scowl, had appealed to her more than anything else in the world. The bells dinged and alarmed. Doing something once and then never again made it a mistake. Doing something twice, well, that would mean something. Wouldn’t it?
She calmed her racing heart while gathering her things. “Why would only Monroe call us to see him?” The sole African American partner at the firm was known for his direct manner. Leonardo reminded her of him. He wasn’t one to deal in nonsense and would say what had to be said despite whoever’s feelings it may hurt. Respected, but tough.
He shrugged. “Maybe for once we’ll get the truth without veiled threats attached.”
They took the same route and dropped their things in Leonardo’s office. When she handed him her papers, their hands brushed and a tantalizing tingle swept through her. What would’ve happened if they hadn’t been interrupted a few minutes ago?