Читать книгу Mission: Seduction - Candace Havens - Страница 13

5

THE CALIFORNIA TAN girls surrounded Rafe like an impenetrable wall of bikini-clad models. They were there to promote tanning lotion, but they seemed more interested in the marine. Kelly couldn’t blame them. Given his rough good looks and firm body, he was like a god. Her palms itched to once again get her fingers on his rock-hard body. And those blue eyes...she could gaze into them all night. The man was absolutely breathtaking.

One of the brunettes pulled a small bottle of California Tan from between her breasts and rubbed the lotion into Rafe’s hand as she gave him a sensual smile.

Rafe tried to pull away.

Kelly’s mouth flattened into a straight line. Enough was enough. Rafe was hers. Well, technically he was her sister’s, but she couldn’t stand the thought of those women touching him.

They had to go.

Her plans to get rid of the annoying models conflicted, however, with the guilt nibbling at her conscience. Earlier, she’d listened to Rafe’s voice mail message. Believing he was talking to Mimi, he’d told her that something crazy had happened. He’d called twice and after getting no answer, he said he needed to go ahead and set the record straight so he wasn’t leading her on.

“You’ve been so kind to me the last few months,” he’d said earnestly in his message. “But the truth is, I’ve found someone who— Well, I really want to see where it goes. The woman, that part I would like to talk to you about in person. It’s complicated. I didn’t want to do this over the phone, but I’ve never been able to get a hold of you. Thank you so much for sending me here to Fiji. It’s turned out to be one of the most amazing trips of my life. I hope wherever you are that you’re having a great time. And thank you again for keeping my spirits up while I was in the hospital. Bye.”

Kelly had deleted the message and hugged herself. He was an honest and honorable man. She needed to be honest with him, too.

“We need to talk,” said Greg, her manager, interrupting her thoughts.

She sighed. He wouldn’t let up on her about returning to the circuit. She wasn’t ready yet, but he didn’t want to hear that.

“It’s a party, Greg. I don’t want to talk about business, and I haven’t changed my mind.”

He held up his hands in surrender. “I promise I won’t nag, babe. Just want to share some good news.”

Kelly narrowed her eyes at him. Greg wasn’t a bad guy, but the only thing he cared about was the bottom line. Of course, she was the last one to complain about that since his concern for the bottom line was one of the many reasons she never had to worry about money. She could live in paradise for the rest of her life if she wanted to. Still, even though she believed he had her best interests at heart, he didn’t understand the emotional side of what she needed.

That was something they’d both learned when they dated a few years ago. They were friends as well as business partners and he’d seen her through the good and the bad times. Then one day she looked at him and saw someone other than “the boss,” as she called him. She had the flu and he didn’t want her on the water until she was better. But it was one of the biggest meets of the year, and she refused to miss it.

She’d won the event but couldn’t even paddle in, she was so tired. He swam out to get her and carried her straight to the doctor’s office.

At first, she and Greg seemed like the perfect match. She so appreciated everything he was doing for her career, until she realized that crossing their private and professional boundaries meant that he would act as if he owned her. She broke up with him when he started to agree to things on her behalf without checking with her first.

She should have fired him, but she was loyal to a fault.

He motioned to the tables on the terrace overlooking the sea. “Fine, let’s talk.” But she frowned as she noticed the cloying girls circling Rafe.

She followed Greg to a quiet spot, impatient to get this over with.

“So,” Greg began, grinning as he set his beer glass in front of him. “Baywear wants you as a spokesmodel for their new clothing line and they are willing to pay big to make that happen.”

Kelly bit her lip. She’d wanted to be a Baywear girl all of her life. One of her surfing mentors, Roz Mazur, had been one. It was a sign that you had made it to the top. A dream come true. “What’s the catch?” she asked.

Greg shrugged. “There’s travel involved. You’d have to do their larger events at different tournaments, print and online ads and commercials. The contract they’re offering is for two million dollars, but you’ll be on the road at least eighty days a year.”

Kelly fidgeted in her chair. It made sense they’d want to get the most for their money. And eighty days was nothing compared to what she had done the past few years with more than two hundred days on the road.

“I’d have to find a full-time manager for the resort.”

“Yeah, listen, about that. I have an excellent buyer for you. He’s willing to pay three times what you did. Believe me, it’s probably the best deal you’ll ever get.” The blasé delivery coupled with Greg’s outright audacity delivered a one-two punch to her gut.

Glancing up at the sky, she fought to control her temper. “Why would you even mention selling my place? I told you I don’t plan on ever selling it. What is wrong with you? You never listen to me. It’s always about the money with you. I thought you cared about what’s best for me, but it’s obvious that you don’t.” Her raised voice was drawing the attention of the nearby crowd.

“What? I’m not supposed to tell you when some guy approaches me out of the blue and wants to buy your property? Whatever may have happened between us before, you’re wrong, babe. I always want what’s best for you.” He shook his head. “You don’t make it easy though. You could take that money and buy two more resorts, if you wanted.”

She growled in frustration. He always had an answer for everything. And getting angry wouldn’t work. He’d shut down and give her that patronizing look. The one that said he’d wait until she calmed down and became a reasonable human being.

She hated that look.

“I don’t want three resorts. I only want Last Resort. What’s wrong with that?”

His eyebrows shot up. “You’d walk away from a cash deal like this one for some big house by the beach.”

“Greg, that place is personal to me, okay? That’s the only way I know how to explain it to you. I need it. I will always need it.... It’s somewhere I can catch my breath, remember what’s important in my life. If you ever try to sell it, I will use you as chum.” Her last syllable had been a screech and she’d stood up during her speech.

Greg remained there, sitting peacefully, watching her, which made the scene even more frustrating for Kelly.

“Kelly, is everything all right?” Rafe asked, standing next to her.

“Yes.” She turned and gave him a tight smile. “This is my manager, Greg Sanders. Greg, this is my...friend, Rafe. Greg and I were just discussing some business.”

Her manager nodded by way of greeting. Greg never liked seeing her with other men, but that was his problem. He called them distractions. Funny, when she was dating him, the surf bunnies he hung out with didn’t seem to distract him.

“Do you want to dance?” Rafe’s gaze focused in on her, and immediately pulled her from the riptide of fury she was feeling. His grin was heart-stopping. No wonder women swooned around him. That rugged jaw and the intensity in his eyes hinted at danger. Every girl wanted a taste of the dark side.

“I’ll talk to you later, Greg,” she said by way of a dismissal.

“You have two days to make a decision, then Baywear will move on to their second choice,” Greg called out to her. He didn’t sound happy. How many times had she brought up Baywear and her desire for that contract? Annoying as he was, he only wanted to help her.

She stopped, deciding she should address him fairly. “I promise. We’ll talk tomorrow. And though it doesn’t sound like it, I do know how hard you worked for this. But I’m not just going to sign on the dotted line anymore. It’s important for you to understand that. I need to think about what it is I want for the future.”

Greg frowned.

Kelly took Rafe’s hand and told him, “Tonight, we party.”

Greg mumbled something, but she couldn’t hear him over the growing din of noise.

Last Resort had been turned over to the California Tan team, and they’d decorated it as a colorful, twinkling paradise. There were lights, food and plenty of giveaways. The party planners had even hired bikini-clad girls to dance inside giant plastic balls that rolled around on the surface of the pool. They spun into one another like some kind of bubble derby.

Everything organized about these parties was to entice buyers to pick up loads of product. Many guests at these events were circuit sponsors. If it wasn’t for them, Kelly would be counting pennies and still working at her local surf shop. Her parents were well-off, but she and her sister had always been determined to make it on their own.

The Beach Bums band was set up on a makeshift stage. One of their best-known ballads filled the air.

Rafe held her loosely and she slipped her arms around his neck. Emboldened by his voice mail message left for her sister, Kelly felt totally confident. She opened her mouth to tell him the truth, but his gaze scorched her. Pressing herself into him, she laid her cheek on his chest.

“Things seemed heated when I walked up,” he said.

She didn’t want to talk about Greg. She had a lot to think about and right now all she really wanted to do was lose herself in Rafe. Being here with him, like this, gave her an unexpected sense of calm. It was strange, given they’d just met face-to-face, that he should feel like home to her. She had that same feeling about Last Resort, but it was as if he were the missing piece of the puzzle.

For a few seconds she thought about what it would be like to settle down with someone like Rafe. To give up the travel, the competitions, the adrenaline rush.

Already she was making a home for herself on the island—a home Rafe completed with his mere presence. Of course, she couldn’t actually say that to him. The poor guy would freak and run away faster than a cheetah.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to interfere with your business,” Rafe said apologetically.

“No. That’s how Greg and I talk over things these days. He gets on my nerves, and I’m sure I do the same to him.”

“From the way he looked at you, the two of you are more than friends.” His tone was guarded, cautious.

Lifting her head, she met his gaze. His face was a blank mask.

“We were, a long time ago. But that proverbial boat launched and sank almost simultaneously. We’re better business partners. This is nice,” she said as she rubbed her cheek against his chest.

“It is.” They swayed together perfectly in tune with each other.

She must tell him the truth, Kelly thought. This would be a good time. Maybe in public he wouldn’t get upset at her for her deception about Mimi.

“Rafe, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” She kept her head down, too much of a coward to look him in the eye.

“I have something I need to talk to you about, too,” he said, “but let’s wait until we’re alone. I really just want to enjoy—uh—hanging out with you.”

Don’t give in to temptation. Be honest with him and rip the bandage off.

But his hands stroked the base of her spine and she gave a happy sigh. One night with Rafe might be the only one she ever had. Realistically, once he did know the truth, he might not forgive her.

It was selfish and stupid, she admitted, but she’d dreamed about him for so long. Never knowing how it felt to—

“Hey, stop hogging the marine.” A brunette—one of the California Tan girls—interrupted their dance.

Oh, come on. The image of punching the girl’s cute, perky nose filled Kelly with a giddy type of euphoria. Unfortunately, the consequent lawsuit accompanied by an arrest record and plastic surgery bills would not.

“Marine, am I hogging you?” Kelly leaned back, gazing sweetly at Rafe.

A boyish grin spread across his face. “Oh, no. I’d say it’s me who’s hogging you.” He kissed her softly on the lips.

Hissing in a breath, it took her a moment to register the contact. Then his tongue slid across her teeth and she was lost.

He deepened the kiss, and her body rocked forward. The length of hardness against her belly sent her senses reeling. His hands pressed into her lower back and she had an urge to wrap herself around him.

“Whatever!” The brunette stormed off, her high heels clicking against the wooden dance floor.

“I don’t think she’s very happy with either of us,” Kelly murmured against his lips.

“Don’t care. Thanks, by the way, for the save.”

Was the kiss a save? Was it simply for show?

“Rafe, I’ll always be happy to rescue you from the evil half-naked bikini witches of the world.”

The music changed to a faster beat, but they kept moving slowly, their arms around each other.

“That kiss—it...” He paused, as if he had to choose his words carefully.

“Was in the moment and it was nice,” she finished for him. And it gave him the out. Though he’d made a good attempt to reach her sister and explain how he now felt, he didn’t know that she knew that.

“Very nice,” he said. “But I meant for it to be a quick peck. Then our lips met and I lost control. I’m sorry.” He didn’t look apologetic; if anything, his blue eyes blazed hotter.

Kelly smiled. “Don’t you dare apologize, Rafe. I enjoyed it every bit as much as you did.”

“But your sister,” he said sadly.

Happily, it was exactly as she thought. “Rafe, there’s a connection between us. You know, stuff happens sometimes. We went with it. Don’t be upset.”

The last thing she wanted was for him to regret their first kiss.

“I’m not upset, that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about, and I think maybe we shouldn’t wait. Do you mind if we take a walk on the beach?”

It felt as if the ground had dropped out from beneath her and she rebounded again.

This is it. Tell him.

Her mouth went dry and her heart skipped a beat. Taking his hand, she led him away from the party. She slipped off her heels and waited while he took off his shoes and rolled up his jeans. Then they walked side by side across the sand.

“I’m trying to get in touch with your sister but she won’t return my calls.” He exhaled the words on a long breath as they neared the water.

“Oh? I told you, right? That when she gets on a shoot, time flies. She’s the worst at returning calls, texts and emails.” That was true at least. “Perhaps I can help.”

He laughed. “I don’t think so. I’m not going to say too much right now. I need to speak to your sister first. It’s the right thing to do. But I wanted you to know that kiss was more than a save to me. I’d like to do it again.”

Kelly blushed with the news.

“Hmm. Me, too—a lot,” she said.

He squeezed her hand. “But that can’t happen until I reach your sister and explain.”

“Got it,” she said, though her mind raced to find a way to solve this situation. If she told him the truth now, he might never want to talk to her again. That would break her heart. If she let him get to know her, the real her, maybe he wouldn’t get so mad when the truth came out. “You’re an honorable guy. I kind of adore that about you.”

At least one of them should be honorable.

“Yeah, I’m not big on games and lies,” he said. “The truth is important to me. I have a code I live by.”

Kelly couldn’t help it. Each word ripped at her heart. “I agree with you to a certain extent, but sometimes white lies can help protect someone from harsh realities. Or they can cushion a terrible blow. I mean, the person needs to have a great reason for lying, but I think sometimes it’s necessary.”

He shrugged. “I’ll take your word on that. Should we go back and join the others?”

The idea of him being mauled by more women was too much for her. “I’m tired of the noise, and I really don’t want to deal with Greg anymore,” she answered frankly. “How would you feel about watching a movie?”

One golf-cart ride later and they’d arrived at the side entrance to the main building and quickly made it to her suite.

“I’m going to change out of this dress—I’ll be back in a minute,” she told him.

Tempted to run, she forced herself to walk casually to her bedroom. Once she closed the door, she hurried to her closet.

What am I doing?

Seducing Rafe.

Was she?

Never in her life had she been so unsure of herself. Tackling big waves was a lot easier than relationships. He wanted to wait until he talked to Mimi, but who knew when that would ever happen?

Kelly would have to figure out how to contact her sister and right away. Mimi might not like the subterfuge, but she was also a romantic—one of the reasons she fell in love three or four times a month. Surely, she’d understand Kelly’s predicament.

Determined to try again to clear the air with Rafe, Kelly chose her outfit carefully.

She picked the hanger with her favorite white eyelet halter. And digging deep in the bottom shelf of her dresser drawer, she found a white wraparound skirt to match the top.

Five minutes later she pulled her curls into a ponytail, slapped some lip gloss on her lips and decided she was good to go.

Kelly came out of her bedroom to find the television on.

“Supermodel Mimi Callahan was seen frolicking on the shores of a private Malibu beach with her new love, actor Sebastian Lockwood. These two were also seen kissing at the hot new club LaDon last night. Two of the most beautiful people in the world—could this be true love?” The announcer smiled broadly and gave a fake wink as the entertainment show moved on to the next segment.

Rafe shook his head.

“You must be upset. I’m sorry,” Kelly said softly. She reached for the remote and turned off the television.

Why did this have to happen tonight?

Tell him the truth.

Rafe faced the expanse of glass that framed the ocean, so she couldn’t see his expression. “We can watch a movie tomorrow or the next day,” she offered. “You probably don’t want anything to do with the Callahan girls. I get it.”

“No.” The word sounded strangled.

Kelly’s heart tightened painfully in her chest. He cared for Mimi, and now he was crushed. As much as Kelly had hoped she might fill in for her sister, she should have known no man got over Mimi that fast. Still, she ached to go to him and take him into her arms and offer comfort.

It was her stupid fault for doing all this in the first place. For making him think that Mimi cared about him when in truth her sister probably didn’t even remember who he was. Men were accessories for her. As easily cast aside as a pair of cheap costume earrings. She would fall madly and hopelessly in love with a guy, and then, in a matter of days or weeks, she moved on to the next one.