Irresistible (19 page)

"Word has it you ran into him" Desirae cheekily greeted. Carina groaned as she plopped onto her bed.

"Gossip spreads faster than herpes on this fucking campus" Carina muttered.

"I hope so" Desirae snickered; sitting next to her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Carina shrugged. "We talked. We yelled. He saw the pictures. The end"

Desirae rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the abbreviated version but can we have something a little more detailed to go with?"

Carina blew out a big breath. "I ran into him. He demanded to know why I hadn't called. I demanded to know why he can't keep his dick in his pants. He looked at the pictures and didn't have much to elaborate about them. He still had the audacity to say that I didn't make enough of an effort with our so-called relationship. I told him how pathetic he is at abstaining. Can't really say we accomplished much. But at least we're clear with everything. He's free to fuck the world for all I care."

Desirae and Carina sat in silence. There really wasn't much to say after that rant. Jaxon had fucked up. No one had been surprised. The only thing that still astounded Carina was the fact that Jaxon believed they still had a chance. But she wasn't ready to share that with Desirae. Everyone acted like she couldn't think straight with him around but Carina knew better. As long as he didn't touch her she was fine. She knew who Jaxon Wright was and she knew what to expect from him. It would be a cold day in hell before she gave her heart to Mr. So-called-Wright.

* * *

The whispers and snickers died down by late Tuesday night. Everyone realized that Jaxon and Carina were over and she appeared indifferent while he seemed angry and upset. Students contemplated Carina and Jaxon's demeanors after the blow out during rowing practice run-in. They couldn't understand why Jaxon appeared so upset. He'd been banging one chick after another for years. Obviously he could have any girl on campus so why was he pining over Carina so much?

Carina on the other hand had obviously moved on. Guys outrageously flirted with her and didn't give a shit when Jaxon glared at them. Carina took it all in stride and ignored their advances. She didn't acknowledge Jaxon when he entered the dining hall and she turned around when he headed her way.

Wednesday couldn't come soon enough for Carina. She gladly finished her assignments before getting ready for her dinner date with Valentino. She chose a charcoal colored, sleeveless ruche dress that hugged her body and stopped mid-thigh. The cooler temperature didn't allow Carina to wear her usual cashmere sweater with it. Instead she chose a trendy white winter coat to keep her warm. Carina kept her long hair down and applied light makeup. She finished the outfit with matching three-inch heels.

Desirae whistled as Carina looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror they shared. "You'll freeze your titties off but it'll be well worth it!" Desirae snickered. She handed Carina the matching clutch bag and shooed her to the door.

"I will not" Carina huffed. Was it really that cold outside? She was barely showing any skin. The wool coat was very warm and practically covered every inch of her body. Valentino would be pleased when she removed her coat. Desirae didn't respond, she just laughed as they walked down the stairs and exited the building.

A sleek silver Maserati pulled up to the building. Desirae's eyes bulged as they watched Valentino park the car and open Carina's passenger door.

"Fucking A" Desirae muttered. Carina laughed heading towards Valentino.

"See you roomy" she called out. Students gawked as they watched Valentino wrap his arms around Carina and chastely kiss her cheek. Carina didn't miss the camera phones taking snapshots of them. Surely Jaxon would be receiving pictures of this moment but Carina didn't care. This wasn't about making Jaxon jealous. This was about her night out with Valentino.

"Hello gorgeous" Valentino murmured into her neck. He felt her smile as he kissed behind her ear.

"Good evening Mr. DeLuca." She purred. Valentino bit his lip. His dark eyes glowed with approval. Carina made the formal greeting sound so sensual. Her eyes glittered with mischief making Valentino want to see what was under that beautiful winter coat.

Valentino playfully swatted Carina's backside making her squeal. He waited until she settled into her seat before closing the door and hustling to his side. Carina had classes in the morning and he wanted to make the most of their evening together.

The engine purred to life. Carina snuggled into the warm leather seat and look at the man behind the wheel. Tonight he wore a gray suit with a vest in place of his traditional tie. Her eyes followed the suit's jacket noticing the snug fit. Today's suit was not as formal, which Carina found refreshing. Carina smiled at the coral colored dress shirt that added a splash of color to his outfit.

"Where are we eating at tonight?" Carina asked. She valiantly fought the urge to lean over and lick his neck. He looked so damn delectable in this suit. Carina shifted closer to the door and crossed her legs. This man could wear anything and make it look phenomenal. She needed to reign in her hormones and merely enjoy his company.

"This Colombian restaurant downtown..." Valentino replied. Carina's brows furrowed as she squirmed away from him. "Everything okay" he inquired. His heated gaze further ignited Carina's response to him.

"Unfortunately" she muttered. Valentino laughed as Carina licked her lips. Valentino tightly gripped the steering wheel. His eyes darted from the road to the woman sitting next to him. Carina continually shifted in her seat. Valentino's mouth dried with the dawning realization.

"We have to pass my place in order to get to the restaurant." He gruffly offered. Valentino couldn't damper his reaction to Carina's desire. His snug trousers limited his body's reaction. Valentino wanted nothing more than to adjust himself but he didn't want Carina to get the impression that his aroused state was his one and only reaction to her.

"No" she sighed. "Dinner first.... Then we can see what you have up your sleeve." She clucked her tongue eyeing the outline of his erection through his slacks. He was as affected as she was. Carina enjoyed knowing that although it was apparent they desired each other, they were willing to wait; unlike some people she knew. Carina shook her head, instantly chiding herself. She abruptly stopped her mind from making any comparisons to Jaxon. She was not going to do that tonight... or anymore for that matter. It wasn't fair to her or Valentino.

Carina blinked several times focusing on their surroundings. The car had stopped. Valentino opened his door to accept a valet ticket from the attendant before walking around to her side. Carina tried not to gawk as she stared at his snug pants. The material hugged his tight ass and muscular thighs. She swallowed hard trying to pry her eyes away from the zippered front.
Focus on his face
Carina's inner voice scolded.

Carina gracefully exited the vehicle while ignoring the valet attendants that openly gawked at the car. It was a great distraction from the captivating man beside her. She shook her head in amusement as they headed into the restaurant. She relished the sight of every pair of female eyes that stared at Valentino's spectacular body and face. He was here with her. Carina smiled brightly at the envious looks and hostile glares.

The hostess promptly led them to a table by the window. A small candle lit the intimate space. Valentino stepped in front of Carina. "Let me help you with this" he murmured. Valentino slowly unbuttoned Carina's winter coat before slipping it off her shoulders.

The hostess flushed at his intimate gesture and muttered something about their waiter. Carina shivered as Valentino removed her coat. His hands trailed from her shoulders down her arms. His breath whooshed out of his lungs as he stared at her. The coat had successfully managed to hide the figure flattering dress. Valentino's fingers traced the ruche material to her hip. He grasped her waist and pulled her to his heated body.

"Exquisite" he whispered into her ear.

Carina swallowed. "Thank you" she whispered. Valentino pulled a chair out for Carina. She gratefully accepted and slid into place. Valentino caressed her cheek before seating himself across from her.

Valentino looked to Carina when the waiter appeared. He made no presumptions as to what she wanted to eat. Carina appreciated his unspoken gesture. She perused the menu. Carina was at home with the Colombian restaurant. She was familiar with many of the traditional Spanish dishes they featured.

Carina and Valentino comfortably chatted while they waited for their food. They sipped on white wine as they ate their house salad. Carina looked around guilty. It was one thing for her to get away with being served alcohol at his clubs but Carina had seen the waiter hesitate. "Why is it that they haven't ID'd me?"

Valentino shrugged. "Because you're with me"

Carina shook her head. She was used to sneaking in alcohol at parties and clubs but she never tried to get away with it at restaurants. Her time would come soon enough. She was less than two years away from turning 21.

Valentino brought her out of her reverie. He inquired about her weekend plans. Carina flushed as she thought about the previous weekend. Did he want her to spend the weekend again? Was this the kind of girl she was becoming? First she'd spent weekends with Jaxon, now it seemed she was moving onto weekends with Valentino.

Carina shrugged. "Desirae and I haven't really made plans. This is my last free weekend. Next weekend we'll be studying for exams and preparing our things for break."

Valentino smiled. "Did you know that I close the club to the public one night a year?" He waited for her surprised reaction. Valentino knew that Carina hadn't been in town long enough to know that.

"I thought you said you weren't a slave driver and that you closed the club for certain holidays?" Carina asked as she scrunched her face. Of course the club wouldn't be open to the public if it was closed.

Valentino laughed. "Yes, the club is closed certain days... but I close it to the public one Friday night every December since I've owned the place. It's my way of showing the staff my appreciation. It's also a great way to get everyone rested and refocused for the upcoming holiday bashes."

"Aren't you losing business because of it? Not to mention any expenses incurred during that night?"

Valentino smiled proudly. He loved Carina's business sense. It was true... more than once he'd debated with his manager about opening the place for private parties and working the staff party around it. But he never wavered regardless how much money patrons attempted to throw at him. He wanted his staff to look forward to having that entire day and night off.

"Business expenses always have tax benefits." Valentino explained. "My CPA finds ways to make the numbers make sense. Loss of business means nothing if you don't have the right staff to keep the place running smoothly and profiting... I'd rather lose one night and have a staff that likes and respects me rather than open business as usual and maintain mediocre employees."

Carina nodded her understanding. She smiled at Valentino proud of the business owner that he was. His staff obviously adored and respected him.

"That staff party is this Friday night" Valentino stated. "I'd like you to be my date. Desirae and the rest of the girls are welcome to come as well."

Carina bit back her surprised gasp. He'd just said that it wasn't open to the public. "Wait a minute... why are you inviting us if it's staff only?"

Valentino wryly smiled. "What you don't want to be my date?" He teased.

"Of course I do" she chided. "I just mean that I don't want you to feel obligated to invite the other girls. I really only hang out with Desirae and Andrea; I see the other girls from time-to-time." Carina didn't want to mention that she could care less to see Chelsea.

"They were the Halloween winners. This would be one of those exclusive invites before the end of the year. Plus I allow the staff to bring friends or dates. They have to RSVP with me so that I can plan accordingly."

"If the party is this Friday night don't you have everything already accounted for?" Carina asked. She twisted her lips trying to understand if he'd planned for them or if he had enough space and was adding them as last minute guests.

"I do" he acquiesced. "I have a caterer coming out. I hired contacts to tend the bar and others to act as security for the night. I anticipated for you ladies to partake in the festivities. I didn't originally plan to allow you all dates though. Since it's Wednesday night and enough of my male staff members are going stag and bringing males friends, I don't intend to further extend the invite for you ladies unless you're bringing more lady friends." He waggled his eyebrows as he said the last part.

Carina smirked. "Well, I'll have to see if we already RSVP'd for another VIP party. I'll have to let you know." She haughtily replied.

Valentino rubbed his thumb along his lower lip. "You really are the troublemaker."

Carina nodded unabashedly. They laughed as the waiter brought them flan as their dessert to share. Valentino fed Carina from his spoon.

"Text them now" he urged. They sipped on espresso from tiny cups. Carina nodded her acquiesce. She sent the seven girls the same text message.

Valentino is extending an exclusive invite to Yvette's Irresistible 8! Private party Friday night— not open to the public. Let me know if you can make it and if you have a FEMALE friend that wants to come. His words not mine. ;) Carina