Boyfriend for Hire (26 page)

She was so screwed.

He slid her bra straps down her arms without her even being aware that he’d unhooked the darn thing. Rolling her onto her back, he removed the offending piece of material and stared at her.

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that because I’m lying here ninety-nine percent naked and you’re about to get laid.”

He shook his head. “No. You took my breath away the first time I saw you and too many times to count since then. You’re an amazing person, Tawny. Razor smart, dedicated, a great friend, and you try to do everything you can to please your family.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Um, I’m lying here naked. Can we not talk about my family right now? Better yet, less talking, more action?” She walked two fingers up his arm before tracing the muscles down to his waist.

A quick tug on his pants brought him close enough to kiss while she worked the zipper free and shut him up. She didn’t want to talk, to hear the sweet words that could punch holes in her defenses and make her fall even harder for him. Didn’t want to think about the women who had come before her who heard those words, or the women who would follow. Not that she doubted his sincerity. He meant every word, she knew all the way to her center he wasn’t spouting platitudes to sugarcoat his way. Whether he knew it or not, David was a caregiver. The guy couldn’t help going out of his way to make others smile. The problem was he saw her clearer than anyone ever had. And that could lead to danger.

David kissed her senseless, driving all thought from her brain until she lay panting on the rug. Bending forward, he sucked one nipple into his warm mouth while he massaged the other. Now this was what she’d been waiting for: hot, hard sex. If only he’d hurry up. Her thoughts must have showed on her face because he wagged a finger in front of her before switching his mouth to the other breast. He licked, he bit, he kissed, and she squirmed closer, trying to bring their bodies together.

“Darling, you need to learn to slow down and enjoy the journey, otherwise you’ll miss the highlights of the trip. Let me show you.”

The next thing Tawny knew his mouth had left her breast and claimed her core. All thought ceased to exist. Her world had turned into one giant ball of sensation as he lapped at her center until she screamed his name, which he claimed with a kiss as he drove his shaft deep into her.

Tawny ticked off her list of to-do items as she parked the Mini in the lot and hustled toward the air-conditioned building. Just another manic Monday, and so worth it. After being thoroughly loved every which way possible and a few ways she hadn’t believed possible before the weekend, she was ready for anything, even running late. She refused to acknowledge she was already looking forward to the next time she saw David, even if her body responded in ways it shouldn’t at the mere thought of his name.

As she reached for the front door of NE Event Solutions, her phone rang. She smiled as she looked at caller ID and saw Mateo’s name.

“Hola,” she sang out.

“Make her stop.”

“Make who?”

“Your mother.”

“Last time I checked she was your mother first.” Tawny stepped away from the entrance and took a seat on the stone bench overlooking the side flower garden. “Okay, tell me, what is she up to now? She’s actually left me alone for a couple of minutes.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “That’s because she’s driving me crazy. She’s planning my wedding. I’m not even officially engaged yet.”

“And why aren’t you? Don’t you think you should make an honest man out of Alistair?” Because if he did, that would keep her mom out of Tawny’s business for at least a month or so.

“Yes, I do, but there’s issues to work out.” Mateo’s voice filled with sorrow, and Tawny wanted to reach through the phone and hug her brother.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Quit your job, move back home, and tell Mom you’re going to marry Ivan?”

“Fat chance. I love my job and my apartment, and I don’t like Ivan. Besides, I’m seeing someone.” Tawny waved at a couple of coworkers exiting the building. She really needed to cut this short and get to work, but Matty had always been there for her when she needed a shoulder.

“Ooh, you and Dave? Much better choice, not that Ivan isn’t terribly sexy to look at, but he reminded me a bit of George.”

“Me too, and while I love all of you clowns, I’m not about to marry one of your clones. So what are the issues you need to work out before you can ask the love of your life to marry you?”

“His family doesn’t know he’s gay.”

“No way! Just tell them. This isn’t the eighteenth century. If our parents, who are so old-fashioned they were around for the christening of the
Mayflower
, can accept the relationship, then his parents should too. And if they don’t, who cares. Live your life the way you want, Matty, and with who you want. Even if it means living in sin forever.”

He laughed. “Thanks. So what do I do about the dinner she’s set up with Father Pat? She wants him to do premarital counseling, even though he can’t marry us.”

“Give the good father my best.” Tawny stood up and grabbed her purse and briefcase. “Look, I have to go. I’m late already. If you really want to get her off your back, tell her you talked to Dante and he’s dating someone, that it sounds serious.”

“Is he?”

“Who knows. Dante never talks about his personal life, but it will get Mom off your back for a couple of days while she grills him.”

“You are an evil genius, sis. I like that about you.”

Tawny hung up and headed inside, satisfied that her work for now was done, at least in regard to her family. Her least favorite person, Stacy the receptionist, greeted her.

“You’re late. Aunt Lu needs you in her office ASAP.”

Tawny mumbled thanks and hurried toward the elevator. Racking her brain she couldn’t remember having an appointment this morning. Right now, after the bone-melting massage David had started her day off with, she was lucky to remember her name. She bypassed her office and headed straight to the boss’s, only to pull up short at the sight of the man sitting in the visitor chair.

His eyes met hers.
Well, dang, this should be interesting
. Mrs. Spinelli turned around and waved her in.

“Tawny, come in. Mr. Castro and I were discussing their holiday party.”

Ivan stood and offered his chair. “Ms. Torres, you look radiant today.”

Did that mean she had looked like crud at the party? Shoving her nasty attitude aside, she thanked him and took the empty chair.

“Please forgive my unexpected appearance this morning. I had a business meeting nearby and I thought I’d take a chance you would have some free time to talk with me. Luanne has been very kind, putting aside her work to keep me company.” Ivan flashed that same dimpled smile at Mrs. Spinelli that had turned her mom into a smitten girl.

Much to Tawny’s dismay, Mrs. S joined his fan club.

“No need to apologize. Our clients are always welcome, especially the charming ones.” Mrs. S rose and clasped Ivan’s hand. “Unfortunately, I do have a meeting to attend. However, I’ll leave you in Tawny’s capable hands. Feel free to use my office, and do come back and see us again, Ivan.”

“Ivan, I’m—”

“Please do not apologize for making me wait. I should have called or waited for your call, as promised.” He sat in the vacant chair and took her hand. “I have a confession to make. I did not have a meeting this morning.”

“No?”

“No.” He flashed those dimples at her. She waited for the reaction to hit her. Nope, nothing, no sudden urge to turn into a giggling schoolgirl. Thank goodness. “I wanted to see you. I’m afraid we didn’t get much time to talk at the party this weekend. Your friend, Mr. Farber, was quite protective of you. As I would be of my sisters.”

Tawny glanced down at their joined hands to avoid him seeing the shock and horror on her face. Neat, clean nails. Smooth, soft skin. Warm. Strong, yet gentle as he held her hand. A few months ago, he would have fit the description (at least physically) of the type of man she could see herself with, and probably beneath his outdated attitude toward women lay a kind and loving man. But these days, she preferred one a little less polished, a lot more tolerant, and just as charming.

“Yes, about David—”

“No need to explain. Your mama told me he is a school friend of your brothers, and with your best friends marrying, it is only natural that he would want to look out for your best interest. Your mama also said she would talk to Mr. Farber and assure him my intentions toward you are honorable and that I had your parents’ blessing in courting you.”

She what? Tawny didn’t care how horrid she looked in orange. She was going to kill her mother. Slow and painful—well, maybe she’d make it quick, as the deranged woman had given her life.

“Ivan, I don’t know what to say.” Truly she didn’t, for she feared anything she did say might be used against her.

“Say you’re as happy as I am with your parents’ blessing. We will have to wait to introduce you to my family, as my parents are on an extended trip at the moment.”

Thank goodness for small favors. “I’m afraid—”

“
Querida
, you need not be afraid any longer. It is understandable that you would be unsure of me, of my feelings. When a woman reaches a certain age without finding a suitable marriage partner, it is normal for her to doubt she ever will. Granted, I was initially looking for a younger woman, one who had a longer breeding cycle and could give me many bebés. After meeting you, I know there is no other woman for me.”

Breeding cycle? A Certain age? “I’m . . . flattered?” Surely a jury would let her off when they heard she’d been referred to as nothing more than an old broodmare.

“I think the Fates are in our favor.” He grasped her hands and looked longingly into her eyes.

“You do?” Tawny eyed the distance to the door. Could she make it out and to the elevator before he caught her?

“Of course. First, your very smart mama introduces us, and it led to you landing my company’s account, which your lovely employer appeared delighted about. Had we not met, I would have hired the same planners who we’ve used in the past. They are adequate, but come without the benefit of spending time with you.”

Tawny extracted her hands from his and stood. She used the excuse to grab a bottle of water to put some distance between her and Don Juan. “So if I wasn’t working here, you would have hired another company?”

“Yes, of course.”

Crud, she had a bad feeling about this. Mrs. S had been over-the-top thrilled when she found out about Ivan’s account, and while NEES wasn’t lacking in business, they hadn’t moved into the major corporation level either. She’d have to play this carefully, not date him, but maybe not be not available.

“You’re right, the Fates must be looking down on us.” And laughing their asses off.

“Knock knock.”

Tawny’s head swung up at the voice. A surge of happiness filled her until she caught the scowl on Ivan’s face. Crap. “David, come in. You remember Ivan Castro, from my mother’s party, right?”

David gave the man a curt nod, his eyes never leaving her face. “I’m not interrupting, am I?” Whereas that morning his voice had been husky and playful, now she couldn’t help miss the frost in his tone.

“No, not at all. Ivan and I were discussing how lucky NEES and I are to be working with his company, Globus America, on their holiday party.”

Ivan stood and shook David’s hand. “Mr. Farber. I’m sure the two of you have family business to discuss. I’ll see myself out.” He turned to Tawny, and before she could register his intentions he leaned in and kissed her on the check. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at seven to finish our discussion over dinner.”

Tawny stood speechless as she watched him walk out the door and wondered, not for the first time, what had her mother been thinking.

“Do all of your clients kiss you?” David’s cool voice brought her back to reality.

What the heck was she going to do? “Quite a few do. Hmm, now that I think about it, most of them do. Clearly, I’m just the lovable type.”

He pulled her in close, brushed his lips across hers, and the tension drained away.

“Yes, you are. I get the feeling Romeo would have preferred his good-bye kiss to be more like the one you gave me this morning.”

Playfully, she pushed him away and leaned back against her boss’s desk. “Not that I’m complaining, but what are you doing here? Checking in with your adoring fans, perhaps?”

“Well, you know how it is, every now and then you have to make an appearance to keep the love going around. Speaking of, Stacy promised she’d make me a special treat tomorrow. I’m hoping it’s more of her cinnamon muffins.”

“I bet you are.” A vision of the lovely Stacy flinging herself into David’s arms intruded upon her peaceful brain, turning everything green. It didn’t matter that it had been weeks since David saved her uncle. Every time, every stinking time, Stacy saw David, she had to hug him and thank him and drool over him.

Tawny shouldn’t let it get to her. It wasn’t that David did anything to encourage the girl. Yet he didn’t do anything to discourage her either. Forever the playboy.

“Cherry stopped by my place this morning. She was hoping to catch you before you left.”

Weird, the only call she’d received had been her brother. If it was important enough to send David in person for, why didn’t her friend just call? “Is everything okay?” Tawny pulled her phone out, ready to find out for herself.

“Yep. She wanted you to go pick out flowers with her.”

“Did she forget we were scheduled to do that tomorrow? Never mind. Weddingitis, it sucks the brain cells out of all brides. I’ll call and meet up with her later. Still doesn’t explain what you’re doing here?”

David backed her up against the edge of the desk, invading her space (not that she was complaining) and trapping her in place (if it weren’t the desk of her boss, who should be back anytime, she wouldn’t complain about that either).

“I volunteered to give the male perspective.”

“Really?”

“And while we’re out we could stop and grab some lunch, then dessert at—”