After that? Nada. Not so much as a sensual touch or a stolen kiss. Not one thing that would make it hard for me to resist him. I couldn’t help but sigh loudly at that thought as I watched Sofia run back and forth on the makeshift soccer field. It was probably for the best that Rafa kept his distance since I was already in so far over my head that I was at risk of drowning. I was the dummy daydreaming about his sweet hot kisses when this was all a giant chess game for him to keep his daughter.
I am more than willing to help, happy to even, but it still stung to know I was just a means to an end. No matter how willing.
By the time Sofia and I enjoyed a post-game ice cream and drove home, I had my head screwed back on straight. My emotions buried deep. Where they belonged. Rafa paced the length of the living room shouting into the phone when we walked inside. “Hi Daddy!”
He waved and turned back to his call, then, as if remembering he turned again until his gaze met mine, and pointed to a thick yellow envelope on the table. My name written in beautiful cursive handwriting.
“Oh goodie, a gift,” I tease but his expression is as blank as it always was, in fact it was fixed into a scowl. Whatever, I didn’t need his attitude. Grabbing the envelope, I got Sofia settled in the tub and took a seat on the toilet to read the contract.
“You forgot my rubber unicorns!”
I actually stored them under the sink because my little princess was incapable of picking up after herself. “Here you go, Princess Sofia.” I bowed and curtseyed, holding the bath toys in my hand like an offering while she giggled.
Once she began singing her unicorn song I scanned the document, no the contract for our fake engagement. Emphasis on fake considering the five-million-dollar paycheck it promised once the custody matter was settled. Nothing on earth could have ruined my good mood quicker than the thick contract in front of me, this clear flashing neon sign to remind me this was all fake. Phony.
Bogus as hell.
There was even a clause providing for kiss and touching to further the charade and yet another that explicitly stated that any sex between us would be free and clear of the contract, consensual and not in any way compensated. Because I’m not trying to graduate from nanny to prostitute.
I wanted to be mad. Wanted to be furious. I wanted to scream until all the floor to ceiling windows in this whole damn place shattered. But I couldn’t because I wasn’t. I was hurt and feeling foolish because he didn’t want me. Because I was finally getting what I wanted more than anything.
And it was fake.
“You look very beautiful Harper.” Rafa looked at me with heat in his eyes and I took it as the compliment on my appearance it was meant to be.
I signed the contract without a word of argument or negotiation, after I’d spent a fortune to have my own lawyer look it over of course. I wasn’t that naïve. Now I was all dressed up in a deep burgundy dress that highlighted my oversized boobs and clung to my curves. It was beautiful, and it made me feel sexy. It would have to do for our first official outing as a couple engaged to be married.
“Thanks Rafael. You look pretty spiffy too.” I kissed his cheek demurely not because I wanted to, even though I did, but because it was more so that I was uncomfortable touching him in public. For so long our relationship was professional and now that it had changed it would take some getting used to.
“Thanks.”
His smile was wry and he placed his hand on my lower back and guided me out the door. It wasn’t meant to be a sensual move but to me it was, I felt the heat of his skin through the thin dress and dammit it still affected me. I still wanted him, only now I felt like an idiot, a fool because of it.
“Where are we going?”
“Pauline’s. Heard of it?”
Had I heard of it? “It’s only the place to go for the best seafood Los Angeles has to offer. The hotspot for the rich and infamous, present company included.”
His deep laugh had a ridiculous effect on me but I tamped it down, clenched my thighs tight once I was seated in the back of his ever-present limo. “I’ll be with the most beautiful creature in town.”
I rolled my eyes. It was a nice sentiment but I’d spent the better part of the last forty-eight hours retraining myself. My mind and my body. Just because my body was a hussy didn’t mean I had to act on it. I needed to protect myself while I helped Rafa and that meant keeping this simple.
Uncomplicated.
“Pretty sure that’s my line.”
He laughed and placed his hand over mine, a scowl quickly transforming his dark features. “What’s that?”
“It’s one of the rings I made for my newest collection. I figured I could wear it tonight for our little public show and then I can borrow one of Edie’s later.” I was really proud of my ring made with copper twining and amethyst and emerald. It had taken hours to complete but it was stunning. And I had a buyer already lined up.
“You can’t wear that,” he barked, seemingly angry about something.
I stiffened at his harsh tone and leaned towards the door, sliding the ring from my finger. No matter what he said I was still proud of it.
“It’s not that I don’t think it’s a beautiful ring,” he began but I shrunk away from his touch.
“Don’t worry Rafael, the ring is gone.” I held it up with my thumb and forefinger and let it fall into my silver clutch before snapping it shut. “Done.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Oh look, we’re here,” I said and hopped from the car like it was on fire.
“Harper!” He rounded the car and grabbed my arm. “Cameras are everywhere. It is vitally important that we take advantage of them to sell our story.”
Finally, I took in our surroundings. Quiet neighborhood, white picket fence and patio seating. Behind him were at least two dozen photographers. Crap. I let out a long breath and nodded. “You’re right. I apologize,” I told him and placed my hand in his, tilting my head back expectantly for a kiss. He obliged and I smiled like the besotted girlfriend before he led me into the restaurant.
It was homier than I expected with beach décor and patterned sofas and chairs strategically placed all around the room. “You okay?”
“Yep. Great.” Cheerful and upbeat, that was the game plan for the evening.
He was skeptical but he said nothing, only followed me to our table. In the center of the restaurant. “They said this was the most romantic spot in the house.”
I gave a tight smile because, what the hell could I say to that? Under normal circumstances I would have loved to be the focus of his romance and attention. Tonight, this all felt a little too showy for me. “Looks like it.” Candles were lit everywhere and soft music played.
Our waitress, or maybe she was a ballerina based on her tall, svelte frame and sleek bun, took our orders and quickly returned with champagne. Odd. A strange expression crossed his face and I felt unease slither down my back like sweat. Or maybe warm honey.
“I’m glad we were able to come out tonight. We’ve never been out just you and I, have we?”
He knew we hadn’t. “Nope.” And I knew why.
“Well this is a special occasion.” He flashed that smile that always did things to my insides and now was no different.
“Yes. It is the first step in keeping Sofia with you.” His smile dimmed slightly but I couldn’t let myself worry about that, or the little pinch I felt in my heart.
“Yes, that’s right.” He leaned forward. “Tonight is also the night we get engaged. Officially.”
Ah, now it all made sense. Tonight was the big night. I put a smile on my face and leaned forward, putting a little flirt in everything I did. “A girl waits her whole life for this moment.”
His smile tightened but he was a pro and kept it firmly in place. “Then I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
“I don’t see how you could.” None of this was real so there were no expectations. “Now or later?”
“What do you think,” he asked with a
n eager smile.
“Drop it into the champagne glass when you see our waitress.” I’d seen enough romantic comedies and read miles of romance novels so I knew what a good proposal looked like. Even if it was phony.
“You sure?”
I nodded and turned my head so he could drop it in without my knowledge. The ring made a small sound as it hit the liquid and I turned with a smile for him. “What should we toast to,” I asked just a little louder than necessary.
Rafa lifted his glass, a radiant smile on his face. “To new beginnings. True love and forever.”
“Cheers.” The glass touched my lips and a few drops slid down my throat before I felt the push of metal against my lips. “Oh! What is this?” I looked up at him with wide eyes, scanning the restaurant as though perplexed. I finished off the champagne and tilted the ring onto a napkin before lifting it up. “Rafa, oh my god!”
Finally, the man took his cue and took a knee in front of me. His words came quiet and serious. “Harper, my love. You’ve made me so happy this past year and I would be honored if you would do me the tremendous honor of becoming my wife.”
I paused, savored this moment as though it were real, and then reminded myself that it wasn’t before nodding my head like a lovesick fool. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you Rafa!” I cupped his face in my hands and pulled him in for a kiss that was both hot and tender. It rocked me to my soul.
And now, I was officially engaged to the man of my dreams.
Rafael
The meeting with Tara had gone slightly longer than I planned but it was well worth it. When she told me during our first meeting that she fought to win, I hadn’t believed her. I should have. Only a week had passed since our last meeting but she’d dug up enough preliminary information to impress me. And hopefully ensure that my daughter stays right where she belongs.
With me.
The stress of this custody fight had me constantly on edge. I couldn’t even enjoy the beautiful southern California day. But I had try for Sofia’s sake, she counted on me. I didn’t know how long we would be in America but I wanted to make every day special. Memorable.
This fight with the Wentworths had effectively stolen that from her. From me.
Not if you don’t let it. I could hear Harper’s words as clear as day, lifting me up effortlessly when I needed it. Though lately she’d been distant. Aloof. Often, she was standoffish and I couldn’t figure out what happened. One moment we were kissing, just seconds from ripping our clothes off in my home office and the next she’s a virtual stranger.
Our engagement though, had made exactly the splash that I’d hoped it would. Tara was pleased with the media coverage of the Prince and his young nanny. All in all, things were looking up.
Mostly.
When I stepped off the elevator on the executive floor I couldn’t help but think I’d spoken too soon. “Mark. Any reason you’re here without an appointment?”
He stood slowly and with considerable effort, giving away more than he probably wanted with those small moves. “I was hoping we could talk privately.”
“Let’s go.” We walked back to my office in tense silence. I took a seat behind my desk, the power position, and Mark took the guest spot across from me. “What do you want to talk about Mark.”
“I was hoping we could come to some sort of arrangement regarding Sofia.”
Unbelievable. I couldn’t even believe he had the gall to ask me such a thing. “Any arrangement that involves me giving up custody of my daughter is unacceptable to me. I have been more than generous with visitation and my thanks is a lawsuit declaring me unfit as a parent.”
He looked contrite and I tried to tell myself to take it easy on the old man because I was certain this was all Crystal. “I know and I’m sorry about that. Really. But Crystal is determined.”
“She lost her child so she wants to take mine?” I understood grief and I knew what motivated her but I couldn’t let myself be swayed by emotions. “She was my wife and Sofia’s madre Mark. We lost her too.”
Shoulders hunched and pale, he didn’t look good and I began to worry. “I know that but she’s lonely and pouring all her energy into Sofia. I’m sorry about this Rafael. If I could stop it I would.”
I believed that but it still didn’t matter. “I wish you could too Mark. I don’t want this to get ugly.”
He nodded. “I would do the same for my kid.”
“I thought as much.” Mark wasn’t a bad man. I’d known him for a good many years, but he needed to control his wife.
With a sigh and much effort, he stood. “I came here because I’m thinking of Sofia. And Crystal. I know the money and power you wield and I know this fight will get ugly. All I ask is that when this is all over, you allow Crystal to spend some time with our granddaughter.”
His words confirmed what Tara’s investigator had found out. “But not you?”
Realizing his misstep Mark flushed. “You’ll figure it out soon enough,” he said and shuffled to the door. “I am sorry about this. Angelica would have hated this.”
I nodded because that much was true. “She would already have a summit planned with trust games to get us past it.”
Mark’s laugh was strong and loud, his eyes suspiciously wet. “She would’ve made you both sail together. Team building.”
I shuddered at the thought of that. “I still miss her.”
“Me too,” Mark said and quietly left my office.
“Do you forgive me yet?” It was late when I finally made my way home and found Harper lounging on the beach with a bottle of wine.
She looked up, tipsy with glazed violet eyes and smiled. “Forgive you for what? Have you already stepped out on your fake fiancée?”
I frowned. Was that really what she thought of me? “I would never do that to a woman I was in a relationship with, real or fake.”
Leaning back on her elbows which drew my gaze right to her cleavage, she smiled wider. “Then what am I forgiving you for?”
“Whatever I said or did that obviously pissed you off.” She opened her mouth and thought better of what she’d intended to say, closing it. “Don’t bother lying.”
Harper nodded, tucking wild blonde curls behind her ear. “I’m not upset and there’s no need for forgiveness.”
That wasn’t good enough dammit. “It was something. We went from friends to hot kisses that made me ache for you and then you just vanished. What happened? What the hell did I do?”
She pushed up until she sat straight. “You didn’t do anything Rafael. I let myself forget for a moment this was all a ruse. It won’t happen again.”
“Because you’ve decided to pretend like we’re nothing to each other?” I frowned and I couldn’t keep my hands from fisting.
She nodded and stood, dusting sand from her toned legs. “Yes, as a matter of fact! I’m doing exactly what you wanted, so don’t pretend to be butt hurt now!”
I rubbed my chest where her small finger poked over and over. “What in the hell do you mean this is what I wanted? Do I seem happy to you?”
“I was just trying to what you hired me to do,” she was shouting now, drawing the attention of several nearby guards whom I quickly dismissed. Harper was upset but she wouldn’t hurt me.
“What are you talking about you crazy person?”
“Crazy?” She drew back as if struck by an invisible hand. “Well excuse me Prince Cavalleros! Why don’t you just tell me how you want me to act in public since you’re paying so handsomely for the act. I’ll make sure to be exactly who you want me to be!” She turned on her heels and stomped away from me, peeling the short blue dress off her body and tossing it aside so she could walk into the ocean.
“Dammit Harper, I just wanted to show you how important this was to me!” Shouting after her had no effect whatsoever. She just walked until the water skimmed her ribs and dove in, rising moments later with a joyous laugh that brought a smile to my face. Bathed in moonlight she was more gorgeous than I’ve ever
seen her. Mine. The thought came immediately and I couldn’t help but feel comforted by it. “You’re going to drown out there!”
She tossed her head back and laughed as she floated on the water like some type of water goddess. “No I won’t. My fiancée needs me too bad.”
Damn she was right about that. I shucked out of my clothes, down to my boxers and waded in after her. Who knew how much wine she’d had and the ocean at night could be treacherous.
“Finally, one thing you got right today.” The sound of her squeal made me laugh as I held on to her ankle, pulling her closer to me. “Tell me, what did I get wrong?”
I let my hand caress the length of the leg I held, enjoying the way her breath hitched and her pupils dilated. “Just about everything right?” I told her and moved closer, swirling circles on her thigh with a finger. “I didn’t give you that money because you’re doing a job for me, silly woman. That money is so you can finish school without the crazy American debt. That money is so you can take care of Edie. It’s because I want you to go out in this world and make your dreams come true.”
Her teary gaze met mine. “Seriously?”
With a smile, I nodded, hoping she was convinced.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, Rafa.”
I leaned back and laughed, my hand still holding her close. “Oh, now I’m Rafa again? Earlier I was Rafael and even Prince Cavalleros,” I said, in a tone mocking her previous outrage.
“I was upset.”
“I see that. What I want to know is why.”
“No reason,” she answered quickly. Too quickly.
“I don’t believe you. It can’t be just because I offered you the money.” The ghost of a smile that touched her lips told me everything I needed to know. “I think you care about me.”
She scoffed. “Of course I care about you.”
Daddies & Nannies: A Contemporary Romance Boxset Page 3