Читать книгу The CEO Takes a Wife / The Throw-Away Bride: The CEO Takes a Wife / The Throw-Away Bride - Ann Major, Ann Major - Страница 10

The next day Olivia was in her office when a courier delivered a letter for her marked Personal.

There was just something about that strong handwriting that put her on alert. She gazed down at the white envelope in her hand, noting the way her name had been written in bold strokes. Her heart skipped a beat. Was she being silly to think this was from Alex Valente?

It was.

It read, Dinner tonight. Seven-thirty. Sylvester’s Restaurant.

She stared at the note, her blood pressure beginning to rise. The sheer arrogance of the man! He sure didn’t take no for an answer.

Heavens, just the thought of spending an evening with Alex Valente was enough to give her a serious case of goose bumps. She couldn’t deny she was deeply attracted to him. There was a strength about him that appealed to her.

Of course that was probably because the men in her life had always been weak in some way or other. Her parents had divorced when she was two, and her father had ignored her for most of her life. Her successive two stepfathers had both been kind but self-centered. And her ex-husband had only been interested in himself. They hadn’t been good examples of the male species.

So why did she think Alex Valente was?

By six that evening she knew she would meet him. She had too much to worry about these days and wondering what Alex wanted from her did not need to be added to her list.

At least the restaurant was neutral ground, she told herself, showering then dressing in one of her own classic designs. The cream-colored pantsuit flattered her tall slim figure. Matching leather pumps completed a sophisticated but businesslike effect.

She might as well have worn nothing, she mused an hour later. Alex had watched her entrance into the restaurant with a masculine appreciation that sent a tingle of anticipation along her spine.

“Glad you could make it,” he said, his voice low and throaty as she reached the corner table.

“I’m not,” she said, then quickly cleared the huskiness from her throat.

A knowing look entered his eyes. “So why did you come?”

She angled her chin at him. “To tell you that I found your note arrogant and to make it clear I want nothing to do with you.”

“You could have just phoned and said the same thing.”

“But would you have given up?”

He arched a brow. “Do I look like a man who gives up?”

“No.”

“Then you have your answer.” He held out her chair for her. “Let’s eat first.”

She swallowed. First? She didn’t much feel like eating, but the waiter was hovering, so she went through the motions and ordered a glass of mineral water, then glanced at the menu and ordered veal.

“You’ve obviously done some checking to find me,” she said, once they were alone.

“I needed to get the note to you,” he dismissed, as if checking up on people was what he did every day.

Well, she’d done some checking herself this afternoon, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. She’d heard of the House of Valente—who hadn’t? But until now she’d never been interested in reading the odd gossip column about the love exploits of the three Valente brothers.

“Alex, I—”

“I love your name,” he cut across her, his voice suddenly deepening to a murmur. “Olivia.”

Her heart fluttered at the sound of her name on his lips. He made it sound so sexy…so downright delicious…so…

All at once she realized what he was doing and her mouth tightened. He obviously liked to interrupt her with a personal comment just to throw her off-balance.

“I was named after Larry,” she told him, hiding a smirk.

His brow arched. “Larry?”

“Sir Laurence Olivier. You know, the actor.”

His hard, sensual mouth visibly relaxed. “Oh. I know who he is. Or was.”

She emphasized a sigh. “Alas, he died before I was born, but he was like a favorite uncle to my mother.”

Alex’s eyes held amusement. “I can see you’re trying to put me in my place.”

An odd exhilaration filled her. “Did it work?”

“No. But then, I have friends in high places, too. And they’re all still alive.” One corner of his mouth twisted upward. “I’d say you’ve tried that little trick before.”

“Not since I was a teenager. I’ve grown up since then.”

“And very nicely, too,” he drawled.

While the waiter was placing their drinks on the table, Olivia couldn’t help but take a proper look at Alex from beneath her lashes. Lord. The man was handsome to a fault, his dark looks a lethal combination of virility and commanding self-confidence, the superbly tailored suit he wore merely an excuse to take a second look at him.

Then she noticed he’d seen her assessing him. Her cheeks warmed as her heart tried to settle. She was grateful when he started to discuss less personal things and Olivia felt herself relax as the conversation stayed on general topics.

“Are you close to your mother, Olivia?” he said, just after the waiter took away their empty plates.

Uneasiness sliced through her. “Why do you ask?”

“You were raised by your grandmother here in Australia, weren’t you? Your mother lived in Los Angeles.” He made it sound as if her mother had deserted her.

“It wasn’t like that,” she said, defensively. “My mother’s work was in Los Angeles. She thought I’d have a better upbringing with my grandmother and I did. Nanna and I loved each other.” Her heart squeezed at the thought of her grandmother’s passing seven years ago.

All at once she realized she was justifying her family. “Look, why did you invite me here, Alex?”

“Because you need me.”

She almost choked. “Excuse me?”

He sent her a mocking look. “Let me put it another way. You need my money.”

She suddenly felt a chill. Could he know about her mother’s debts? It had to be the best-kept secret in LA, but only because she worked hard to earn the money to keep up her mother’s normally elaborate lifestyle.

Oh God. Could Alex actually know something about her mother? If he did, would he use that knowledge? If rumors started that her mother was in debt up to her neck, her mother’s career, already on a downhill slide, could be all but over.

Her mother would never survive the humiliation.

She needed to play this cool. “I don’t know what you mean. Why would I need your money?”

“Your business is floundering, Olivia. You and your partner overextended by opening boutiques in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and now you’re in debt. You should have just started with the Sydney one.”

She let out a slow breath of relief. So, he didn’t know about her mother at all. Thank heavens!

And funny, but she was pleased to hear his opinion. It had been her intention to open one boutique at a time but Lianne had persuaded her otherwise, her partner thinking it was a great idea to go for three at once.

And it would have been if all their clients had paid them the money they owed.

Naturally the fashion show had put them further in the red. As had another of her mother’s lavish parties put together as a means to help her get a part in a movie that now wasn’t even getting made.

“You need cash to get your business out of trouble,” Alex continued, bringing her mind back to their conversation.

She shrugged. “It’s a temporary cash flow problem, that’s all.”

“You’re an exceptional fashion designer, Olivia, but that won’t save your business. You need money and you need it quickly.”

“I can get the money if I want. I have connections.” And the minute she used them, her boutiques would no longer be her own.

“So why haven’t you used those connections before now? You’re leaving it a bit late.”

She picked up her glass of mineral water and took a sip, giving herself time to reply. “Pride, I guess. I don’t like owing anything to anyone. But if it comes to the crunch, I’ll swallow my pride if I have to.”

A long moment crept by, then, “Marry me, Olivia, and I promise you won’t owe a thing.”

She gave herself a mental shake. “Excuse me?”

“Marry me.”

She laughed as she put down her glass. “You’re delusional.”

Challenge flared in his eyes. “Far from it.”

This was absolutely crazy. She’d only just met the man. Did he even know the type of person she was? Did he care?

“I’m attracted to you,” he said, his gaze dropping to her mouth as if he was tempted to kiss her. “And you’re attracted to me. You felt it as soon as we first saw each other.”

“The only thing I’m feeling is disbelief. And anger.” A woman would have to be desperate to marry a stranger, much less marry a man like Alex Valente. He had to be kidding.

A look of implacable determination crossed his face. “What’s that perfume you’re wearing?”

She stared at him, baffled at the change in subject. “You must know what it is. It’s Valente’s Woman.”

“So you like it then?” He didn’t give her time to answer. “Or did you wear it just for me tonight?” he asked, his voice taking on a husky quality that shivered through her.

She ignored that shiver. “No, I didn’t wear it just for you tonight. It happens to be a gorgeous scent and I love it. I wear it all the time.” And that was the truth.

He inclined his head, his eyes turning businesslike. “And so do most women in Australia.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” This particular perfume called to something inside her. It possessed a fascinating quality and retained a sensual edge that, to her mind, made it the perfect perfume. She rather thought she’d like to wear it for the rest of her life.

“We’re about to launch it in the States in a big way,” he said, drawing her from her thoughts. “And I’ve come to a decision. We can use all the publicity we can get, but I can’t think of any better publicity than the CEO of the House of Valente marrying someone with the famous Cannington name.”

She was so shocked at his reasoning, it took her a moment to think past what he was saying.

And then a derisive sound escaped her mouth. “Let me get this right. You’ll pay me to marry you for the sake of a perfume?”

“Why not? I’ve heard of worse reasons. And while it’s too late for the launch right now, we could eventually promote the perfume along with your line of fashion.” He leaned back comfortably in his chair and took another sip of his Scotch. “Marry me and I’ll pay all your debts.”

Pay her debts? Plus the chance to combine the Valente perfume and her fashion designs? The thought of it intrigued her.

Then she realized she was actually thinking about it. Good grief! There was no way she was going to consider marrying a man for money. No way at all.

Her hand tightened around her glass. “As delightful as your offer sounds,” she said with sarcasm, “I really can’t accept it.”

His gaze penetrated to the bone. “You’re between a rock and a hard place. How else will you get the money?”

“Perhaps I’ll go to the newspapers and sell them a story. I’m sure they’d be very interested in your offer.”

His look was of faint amusement. “But then I’d have to tell them about your financial crisis. And I’m sure they’d be equally as interested in that, if not more.”

Damn him. She had to protect her mother, especially now, when Felicia badly needed to get her career back on track. After all, the one time she’d really needed her mother, Felicia had been there for her, helping her through the divorce. Not to mention, her mother had given her money to help start up her fashion design business in the first place.

But as Olivia looked at Alex, her brow crinkled in a frown. What was this actually about? What was his reasoning behind it all? A man like Valente didn’t need to marry her. His own family had plenty of wealth and privilege. She couldn’t see how Valente’s Woman could possibly fail in America. Not with Alex Valente running the show.

She tilted her head and considered him. “There’s more to your offer than you’re saying.”

Wary surprise flickered in his eyes. He took a sip of his Scotch before answering. “That’s very perceptive of you. You’re a sharp lady.”

Her heart gave a little flutter at the compliment. “This isn’t about me,” she reminded him.

Sudden tension tautened the hard line of his shoulders. “My father thinks it’s time I married. He says he’ll sell the business and give the proceeds all away to charity if I don’t, and neither of my two brothers nor myself will get a cent.”

She blinked in shock. This man would hate to be told what to do. “That seems rather drastic.”

“My father never does anything in half measures,” he said, somewhat cynically. “He’s being forced to retire for health reasons, and he’s tasked me with the American launch. I expect he’ll want me to take over as head of the company, only he won’t do that until I’m settled.”

“So you’re after your father’s approval then?” she said, somewhat surprised by the thought. Not that there was anything wrong with wanting a parent’s approval. It was just thatAlex seemed too independent, too remote to worry about what anyone else thought.

Not a flicker of emotion crossed his face. “No, I couldn’t care less about his approval,” he said, confirming her intuition. “This is for the sake of the company and for my two younger brothers.”

She frowned. “It’s a big request.”

His mouth set in a stubborn line. “I’ve decided to play along for a year.”

“So our marriage wouldn’t be permanent then?”

“No.”

This was beginning to sound much more favorable. “And we wouldn’t be sleeping together?”

The corner of his lips curved up, yet his eyes darkened. “This isn’t make-believe, Olivia. It would be a real marriage.”

Her stomach flipped at the thought of them in bed together.

Making love together.

Feeling flushed, she had to drag her eyes away from him…then back. “If the Cannington name is all you want, you could always marry my mother,” she joked, but instantly regretted it. Her mother was still a beautiful woman. And she’d been married three times already.

His gaze strayed over her. “No. You’re the one I want.”

His comment snatched her breath away. With a supreme effort, she mentally fought to put up a wall. “I’ve been married before, you know.”

His eyes narrowed. “I know.”

Panic rose in her throat. She couldn’t do it. No, not for the business. Not for her mother. Not even for a year. The heartache had been too much last time.

Somehow she managed to get a grip. “But I’m divorced. Doesn’t that make me less than perfect?” she said, giving him an out, putting a stop to all this craziness. She had to.

Someone had to.

A frown creased the skin between his brows. “No, it doesn’t.”

A warm feeling bounced inside her chest, but she tried to stay strong. “I swore I’d never marry again.”

His eyes took on a softer look. “This wouldn’t be for love, Olivia. You wouldn’t have to worry about me hurting you.”

She wasn’t so sure about that. Heartache and marriage usually went together. It had happened in her mother’s three marriages, and in her own one.

Alex placed his half-empty glass on the table. “I’ll give you twenty-four hours to think things over.”

“How generous,” she quipped. Somehow she didn’t think a lifetime was enough to think things over with this man.

“Be home tomorrow night. I’ll drop by your apartment.”

“Or you could just phone me,” she mocked, using the same comment he’d used when she’d first arrived.

“No chance. I’m not letting you escape.”

Her chin lifted. “You may not have a choice.”

“You may not either.”

Just then the waiter returned and she bit her lip to stop from making a remark. Fine. She’d allow him the last word.

This time.

Olivia spent a restless night thinking over Alex’s offer, trying to decide whether she needed to take the drastic action of marrying a man for money. One minute she convinced herself she could do it, then she couldn’t. She would, then she wouldn’t.

Heavens, if it’d just been for the business’s sake she’d dismiss it out of hand and take her chances with a bank. But the opportunity to earn some money without needing to pay it back, and without needing to explain why half of that money needed to go to her mother, was sobering.

Yet marriage?

She couldn’t.

And then she reminded herself how her mother had helped her through the divorce. Shattered by Eric’s betrayal, the last thing Olivia had expected was that her mother would bring her back home to Australia for a few months to recover. Olivia wouldn’t forget her mother being there for her.

But marriage to Alex? Dear Lord, she wasn’t sure she could ever learn to trust another man.

She froze. Or did she really need to worry about trust? Alex had said it wasn’t a love match, so at least he was being upfront about it.

The next evening she opened her apartment door to him with a noncommittal expression, but her pulse had quickened. There was no doubt he affected her. Everything about him suggested an intense and indelible masculinity that made her tingle.

This isn’t make-believe, Olivia. It would be a real marriage.

She swallowed hard and closed the door behind him. “Would you like a drink?”

He stood a few feet away in the open-plan living room. “What do you have?”

She pasted on a false smile. “Prune juice?”

He gave a husky chuckle. “Coffee if you have it.”

“I do.” She went to turn toward the kitchen.

“Remember those words.”

She stopped with a frown. “What do you—” She realized what he meant. “Oh.”

“They sound perfect for a wedding ceremony, don’t you think?” His eyes were watchful.

But she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of telling him her decision yet. Let him wait. He had to learn he couldn’t always get his own way. Or control people. Not her anyway.

She turned and walked into the kitchen, then glanced up to see him following her. Ignoring him, she reached for the coffeepot but could feel his eyes looking around the apartment then on her, no doubt comparing her modest surroundings to a Hollywood lifestyle.

Only she couldn’t explain that she lived modestly for a reason. That she’d been paying her mother’s debts off these past few years. Anyway, this was no hardship. She’d been mostly raised by her grandmother here in Sydney in a comfortable suburban house, far from the excesses of LA.

“You enjoy being a fashion designer?”

She poured the coffee into two mugs. “Yes. I wouldn’t do it otherwise.”

“You never wanted to be a movie star like your mother?”

She passed him a mug. “I can’t act.”

He casually leaned against the door frame. “So it doesn’t run in the blood then?”

“I’m a simple girl at heart,” she half joked, then rested against the kitchen counter and looked at him over the top of her mug. “If you’re expecting more then you’re going to be disappointed.”

His gaze lingered on her. “No, I don’t think I will be,” he murmured, making the breath hitch in her throat.

“I—” She wasn’t even sure what she was going to say. Something…anything…to stop the overwhelming need to step into his arms. “This is crazy,” she said.

“No, it isn’t.”

Realizing she was giving away too much of what she was feeling, she swung around and placed her coffee mug in the sink. Taking a calming breath, she turned back to meet his eyes. “Alex, look—”

“What’s your decision, Olivia?”

“I’ll marry you,” she said, seeing his eyes flare with satisfaction—mixed with something else. “On one condition. You give me half the money now.”

Whatever that something else was that she’d seen lurking in his eyes disappeared. He gave a hard laugh as he put his mug down on the table. “I’m a businessman, Olivia. I’m not about to give you any money before you marry me.”

She felt a spurt of anger. “My word isn’t good enough?”

Irritation swept over his face. “Look, this isn’t about your word. It’s not personal. This is a business decision.”

“Not personal? You want me to marry you and share your bed and you say it’s not personal?” Her brow arched. “Just when does it get personal, Alex?”

His jaw set but he acknowledged her words with a nod. “Okay, I concede the point.”

Olivia met his gaze levelly. “Then we have an agreement?”

A brief hesitation as he scrutinized her, then, “Yes.”

Relief swept through her. Relief she would get the money, not relief she was marrying him, she told herself. “Good.”

For a moment she wondered if she should tell him about her mother’s money problems. Could she trust him? No. She didn’t know him at all. Besides, it was her mother’s secret.

As for her own secret, she’d never tell him about that. She wouldn’t have to tell him about it, considering the briefness of their upcoming marriage.

Suddenly he was all business. “Can you be ready in two weeks’ time?”

Her mouth dropped open. “Two weeks?”

“We have to do this as soon as possible. I’ve already booked the Sydney Opera House for the ceremony.”

She swallowed, ignoring for the moment that the Opera House was one of the most beautiful venues in the world. “You were that certain of me?”

“Yes.”

“You’re an arrogant bastard.”

“I believe you’ve mentioned that already,” he drawled.

“I can’t possibly be ready in two weeks’time. I’m off to LA in a couple of days. I promised my mother I would visit with her. She hasn’t been feeling very well lately.”

And that was an understatement. Her mother knew she couldn’t continue with her lavish parties and her high maintenance. She knew it was coming to an end unless she found herself a major role.

All at once Alex looked thoughtful. “You know something. This could play in our favor. If you keep a low profile while you’re over there, it will add to the mystique of our wedding.”

Our wedding.

She sent him a cynical look. “Yes, and we definitely want mystique for those perfume sales, don’t we?”

He glanced at her oddly, as if it was a given. “It’ll help your sales as well.”

Okay, so he was right. But getting her mother to keep a low profile when the media were bound to be knocking at their door? Impossible! Of course, using Alex’s “mystique” angle might be the way to go. Felicia loved “mystique.” She knew the value of it.

“What about your father?”Alex asked, drawing her from her thoughts. “Do you want him at the wedding?”

An old heartache jarred but she quickly stomped on it. “No. He lives in Vancouver with his family and I have little to do with him.”

He nodded with a grimace. “Some men don’t know when they’ve got a good thing.”

She shrugged. “Owen Cannington was a B-grade actor who gave it all up years ago. He divorced my mother when I was two.”

“She kept his name,” he pointed out.

“Only because she was becoming well-known as Felicia Cannington.” Her lips twisted. “Mum said she may as well make some use of him.”

“Sounds like the divorce was amicable,” he mocked.

She couldn’t help herself. She had to smile, if only the tiniest one she could find.

Taking her by surprise, Alex was suddenly in front of her, putting his hand under her chin. She started to speak, but his mouth closed over hers, holding her there beneath him, taking without asking, as if it was his right.

And then his tongue dipped inside her mouth and did a sweep, exploring her, getting to know her, until she shuddered from a flood of sensation that shook her world.

He eased back, his eyes dark with a passion that didn’t surprise her at all. “There,” he murmured huskily. “At least that’s one thing we’ve got out of the way.”

She swallowed hard. “Um…I didn’t know it was in the way.”

He arched a mocking brow before leaving. They both knew she was lying, if even to herself.