Читать книгу Prince of Midtown / Marriage, Manhattan Style - Jennifer Lewis - Страница 12

“Your hair is wavy.” Sebastian’s gaze followed the undulating mass of hair that she’d tied back with a clasp before breakfast.

Tessa’s hand sprang self-consciously to her head. At least it was nearly dry. “My dryer didn’t fit the outlet.”

Sebastian reached behind her head, his arm almost brushing her cheek in a swift movement that made her gasp. With thumb and finger he unsnapped her hair clip and removed it. Her hair tumbled down her back.

His eyes shone with appreciation. “You should always wear it like this.” He pocketed her clip. “Why do women scorch the natural beauty out of their hair?”

“It looks neater blow-dried straight.”

“I disagree.” He reached into her hair.

Tessa fought the urge to protest. This was totally unprofessional! He stroked her hair. Heat rippled in her belly and she swallowed the desire to purr like a contented cat.

She gulped for air. Had he forgotten she had a boyfriend? “Where are we heading?”

“The harbor. I’ll phone ahead and have my boat prepared.”

He withdrew his hand from her hair and reached into his pocket for his cell.

Oh, how the other half lived.

Tessa expected a chauffeured limousine—especially since that’s how Sebastian generally moved around New York.

But no. They left the palace on foot, through an arched doorway that took them out onto one of the winding cobbled streets flanked with whitewashed buildings.

She was even more astonished when Sebastian stopped to greet ordinary citizens. He seemed to know everyone on a first-name basis, and inquired after their families and their businesses like an old friend.

Weirder still, Tessa found she could understand snatches of conversation, although she’d never had the need to learn the Caspian language.

After a few introductions, she made a halting attempt to greet an elderly man in Caspian.

Sebastian rewarded her efforts with a broad grin. “You speak like a native.”

“No, I don’t! But I’m having fun trying. How come so many of the words sound familiar?”

“Did you study Latin in school?”

“I went to St. Peter’s.” She chuckled. “You know the snootiest prep school on the East Coast made everyone take Latin.”

“That’s why you understand us. Caspians speak a dialect of Latin that’s changed little since the time of the Roman Empire. Add a vowel at the end of a few words, and you’re speaking Caspian. Some words haven’t changed at all. Te amo, for example, still means I love you.”

Mischief sparkled in his eyes.

Tessa ignored the rush of heat to her chest. He was toying with her! What a nerve. Just because she’d handed in her notice he thought he could let loose and flirt with her before she quit?

Te amo. Yeah. Right. As if she was dumb enough to join the cohorts of women notched on his bedpost. Maybe he thought it would be fun to make her fall in love with him—then dump her—as punishment for quitting her job and leaving him in the lurch.

Sebastian had a reputation for treating seduction as a sport. His little black book—little BlackBerry, rather—must have a thousand names in it. She knew about all those starlets and models and fashion designers, not to mention tennis star Andrea Raditz and soccer champion Leah Mannion. Oh, yes, and half his graduating class at Brown University. And let’s not even get into all those British girls he’d romanced during his years at Eton.

Loving Sebastian was a game with a very crowded playing field, and she had no intention of joining in.

When they reached the end of a row of stuccoed buildings, Tessa stood facing the magnificent bay she’d seen from her room.

The sea breeze cooled her, and the salt air mingled with the sharp scent of lemons piled high on a nearby market stall.

“This scene looks as if it hasn’t changed in two thousand years.”

“It probably hasn’t, at least on the surface. The wireless Internet is pretty recent.” He flashed a sly smile. “No one’s sure who first built this harbor. It’s been here for all of recorded history.”

They walked toward the water. Almost turquoise in the shallow bay, it lapped against ancient blocks of stone worn smooth by the passage of a million feet.

A long painted boat bobbed a few feet offshore, and Sebastian waved to the man seated in its prow. He punted the boat alongside the quay, and lashed it to a giant iron ring.

The boatman was young and handsome. Tessa found herself held on both sides by gorgeous Caspian men as she stepped down into the rocking, red interior.

Sebastian jumped in after her. He landed so lightly on his feet, the boat barely twitched. “Feels good to be back on the water. A true Caspian gets edgy on dry land for too long.”

He settled back into a red velvet banquette that spanned the width of the boat. “Give us the full tour, Dino. Tessa has never been to our country before.”

“That is deprivation, indeed,” said Dino, in unaccented English.

“Ita vero,” agreed Tessa in Latin.

Sebastian grinned. “Show-off.”

Tessa raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, and?”

He leaned back on the seat and once again wove his long fingers into the thick, loose mass of her untamed hair. “I like a woman who’s not afraid to show what she’s made of,” he whispered.

Dino tactfully kept his eyes on the harbor wall as they rowed toward it.

Tessa’s blood heated with a mix of excitement and confusion. Her nipples rose to meet the delicate chiffon of her summery dress, and she became instantly aware that they were likely visible, since the strappy design didn’t allow for a bra.

“What impressive stonework,” she exclaimed, to draw Sebastian’s eyes away. The last thing she needed was for him to think she was aroused. “How did they get it here?”

“Historians speculate that they floated the huge carved blocks out there on wooden rafts. They also talk about a giant golden statue that used to guard the entrance to the harbor.”

“What happened to it?”

“Some people think it’s buried under the sand out there.

A team of archaeologists once tried to find it, but they couldn’t. With new sonar technologies, though, it might be worth another look.”

“Could be an interesting tourist attraction.”

“Exactly.”

Attracting people to Caspia was a passion of Sebastian’s. Now that she was here, she could see why. “How come there hasn’t been much tourism until now? It’s so incredibly beautiful.”

The sun sparkled on the clear, shallow water. She could see the clean sandy floor below. A boat loaded with freshcaught fish chugged by, heading for the quay.

“For so long, we had no hotels, no advertising, an obscure language that no one speaks.” He glanced at her, sun dancing in his dark eyes. “Much as it pains me, I suspect the average person still isn’t even aware Caspia exists.”

He turned to stare at a white-sailed yacht cruising nearby. “Tessa, does that man look familiar?”

She squinted against the high sun and looked at a tall, tanned man with salt-and-pepper hair in a yellow polo shirt. She recognized his face from the TV news. “It looks like Senator Kendrick. What would he be doing here?”

Sebastian grabbed a pair of binoculars out of a compartment under the seat. “I thought so. He used to live in my building.” He leaned over the side of the boat. “Michael! Charmaine!”

He spoke rapidly in Caspian to the boatman, who steered in their direction. Within minutes, Sebastian was helping Tessa up the ladder into the Kendricks’ yacht.

Sebastian kissed them on both cheeks and introduced her. Nervous, she babbled that she was his assistant visiting from New York.

“I can’t believe you came to Caspia without letting me know,” Sebastian chided gently.

“We didn’t really plan our visit,” Mrs. Kendrick explained. “Michael decided to surprise me with a whirlwind tour of the Mediterranean to celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary.”

Thirty years? Tessa hoped she looked that good ten years from now. Charmaine Kendrick’s short, blond hair swept back to reveal an alert face. Her rose-colored shorts showed off fit, tanned legs.

“And naturally we couldn’t sail right past Caspia,” cut in the senator. “Not after you’ve sung its praises to us so often.”

“You can see I wasn’t exaggerating.” Sebastian had his arm around both of them. “I’ll be deeply offended if you won’t join us at the palace for lunch.”

Mrs. Kendrick brightened at this suggestion, but her husband quashed it with the explanation that they had a strict itinerary to stick to.

“Twenty ports in twenty days.” Charmaine laughed. “We’re expected in Piraeus tomorrow morning.”

“What can I show you of Caspia while you’re here? The ancient market? The early Christian frescoes? The Ottoman mosque?”

Tessa’s ears pricked up. She silently voted for the frescoes.

Mrs. Kendrick shielded her eyes from the sun with a manicured hand. “Oh, my goodness, does that sign say Dolce & Gabbana?”

“It does.” Sebastian grinned. “And that’s BCBG Max Azria right next to it. How about some shopping?”

The senator clapped Sebastian on the back. “Charmaine never says no to shopping.”

“Well, dear, we do have a lot of functions to go to. And I didn’t realize it would still be so warm at this time of year.”

“And scanty evening wear is something I never say no to.” Senator Kendrick’s tanned face eased into a grin.

The senator begged off going ashore with them and asked Tessa to keep him company while Sebastian took Mrs. Kendrick to the stores in his gondola.

Tessa didn’t mind. She’d rather sit on a yacht and watch the water than shop any day. And if she remembered right, Senator Kendrick was a keen supporter of spending for education, a cause she held dear.

He guided her to the front of the yacht, where two padded seats looked out over the prow. She eased herself in next to him.

“So, you’re Stone’s assistant?”

“Yes.” She turned to Kendrick with a smile. “I’m here to organize a meeting.”

“Working for royalty must be rather bizarre for a girl used to American democracy.” He puffed his athletic chest inside his lemon polo shirt.

“It was a bit strange at first, but I don’t think much about it. The people of Caspia seem very content with their royal family.”

“I don’t suppose they have much choice.” Senator Kendrick leaned in. His grin gave her a close-up of his blazing white teeth. There was something weird about his skin. Smooth and shiny, it looked like the skin of someone who’d had dermabrasion to erase wrinkles.

She looked over to the quay, where Sebastian was helping Mrs. Kendrick out onto the stone sidewalk that flanked the row of luxury boutiques.

“You’re a quiet one, aren’t you?”

“I guess I’m just dazzled by the view.” His pale blue eyes fixed on hers. “I’m rather dazzled by it myself.”

Something about the way he stared at her made Tessa’s stomach tighten.

“Too much foreign food and foreign scenery makes me pine for a little taste of home.” He leaned in so close that his freckled arm brushed against hers. Her hairs stood on end.

She forced a laugh. “You’re craving corn dogs and apple pie?”

“Something like that. I bet you’re tired of being hit on by swarthy Mediterranean men.”

“Not at all. The Caspians I’ve met have been very polite and charming.”

“Carrying a torch for your prince, are you?” Senator Kendrick’s salt-and-pepper eyebrow lifted.

“What?”

“I suppose all silly young girls fill their heads with fantasies of crowns and coronets. An American senator has a good deal more power than a tin-pot monarch.”

“I imagine that’s a matter of opinion.”

Her stomach knotted. It would be tough to swim for shore in the long dress. She’d lost sight of Sebastian, too. He’d gone into one of the shops.

She decided to redirect the conversation. “What do you think about mandatory school testing? Do you think it ensures an even playing field, or do you think it makes teachers gear lessons too much toward the tests?”

Senator Kendrick threw his head back and guffawed with laughter. “I came here to get away from all that claptrap and political bull. Now I’m sailing on a boat with a beautiful blonde and she wants to bend my ear about education? I feel as if I’m back in New York.”

The disgust in his voice made her eyes widen. She thought she caught a whiff of something on his breath, too. Whiskey?

She gathered her skirt about her knees and groped for a good excuse to leave the intimate seating.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I’d like to take a walk on the deck.”

“It’s a small yacht. There’s barely room to take three steps.” His pale eyes narrowed. He leaned over her and trapped her with his arm by placing his hand on the armrest on the far side of her. “I can think of some far more interesting things to do.”

He’s going to kiss me.

The thought rushed Tessa’s brain as his pursed lips rushed her mouth.

Instinct kicked in. Since she couldn’t pull back, she whipped forward and smashed him in the nose with her forehead. She was on her feet and back on the deck in seconds. A young male sailor knelt nearby, winding some rope.

Senator Kendrick appeared around the sail, rubbing his nose. He glared at her. “Don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t.” She stood with her hands on her hips.

Now that her adrenaline was flowing she’d like him to try that again. She’d enjoy pitching him into the drink.

Maybe he read her mind, because he disappeared down some stairs into the belly of the boat.

She dusted her hands, which felt oddly satisfying. Hopefully her forehead wouldn’t bruise. What a jerk! Did he think she’d want to kiss him?

She suspected he didn’t spare a thought for what she wanted. She was a nobody. An assistant. A pretty, emptyheaded bimbo to toy with.

The disturbing part was that she didn’t want to tell Sebastian. He was obviously pleased to have important American visitors come to his country and she didn’t want to spoil it for him.

It seemed an eternity before Sebastian finally appeared, his gondola laden with shiny bags from the boutiques.

Sebastian was all smiles as he helped Charmaine Kendrick back onto the boat. Tessa’s heart squeezed with pity for the woman married to such a—

Now, now. She was the assistant to a prince. Nice girls didn’t use words like that.

The senator—and she used the word loosely—must have been watching from below, because he came on the deck as soon as they arrived. He marched right past Tessa without looking at her.

“Did you buy some beautiful things, my dear?” He kissed his wife’s cheek. “You know I want you to have everything your heart desires.”

To make up for your cheating louse of a husband. Tessa could barely keep a straight face. Just the sight of the man made her flesh crawl.

“Tessa.” Sebastian’s voice in her ear made her jump. “Are you okay?” He murmured it low.

“Sure. I’m fine.” Her attempt at bright and breezy came out rather stiff.

Sebastian shot a glance at the senator, who was “oohing” over some shimmery red number his wife pulled from a striped bag. “Seriously, you don’t look yourself.” His dark eyes filled with concern as he looked at her again.

Her stomach tangled. Should she tell him?

For all she knew her revelation might start an international incident. And she didn’t want anything else to spoil this beautiful day. She was pretty sure the senator would turn tail and run as soon as she and the prince left the boat.

“I guess I don’t have my sea legs yet.” She glanced at the mirror-calm water of the harbor and swallowed.

“In that case, we must get you back on solid ground.”

Senator Kendrick clapped a jovial hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. Was his nose looking a tad swollen? “As I said, we’ve got a full itinerary. Our captain informed me that we must set sail before noon or we’ll never make Piraeus in time.”

He shot an icy glance at Tessa. She lifted her chin.

Yes. Definitely swollen. And a black eye seemed to be starting on the left side, too. Hah! Maybe he’d think twice before assaulting someone next time.

Sebastian kissed Charmaine on the cheek and made her promise to come back. Tessa was relieved she wouldn’t be here when they did. She managed a curt goodbye to the man who’d spoiled her perfect morning.

Back in the gondola, with Sebastian’s big, protective presence beside her, she shivered with relief.

“Enough boating for you.” He leaned over the side and trailed his fingers in the water. “Warm. Want to take a dip?”

“Right here?” Panic crept over her. “I don’t have a swimsuit with me.”

“You didn’t bring one at all?”

“No. I came here to study the files and help with the meeting, remember?”

“Oh, yes. That.” He seemed to have genuinely forgotten. His eyes brightened. “We must find you a suit immediately.”

He murmured instructions to the boatman. Spoken fast, the language was much harder to understand. She did catch the word Valentino.

“I don’t need a Valentino swimsuit,” she protested. “Is there an ordinary clothes store where I could find a suit?”

“What’s wrong with Valentino?” He raised a brow.

“It’s outrageously expensive, that’s what.”

Being a prince clearly made you lose touch with reality. Which probably didn’t much matter if you were a prince.

She, however, had to save for the down payment on the apartment she’d be renting in LA. Patrick hadn’t yet mentioned cohabiting and she’d decided it would be tacky and pushy to suggest it.

They could work up to that.

She wouldn’t tell Patrick about the senator, either.

He’d probably think she’d been dressed too provocatively or something.

“Beautiful things are always expensive. It’s the way of the world.” Sebastian eased his broad shoulders against the velvet seat.

“No, they’re not.” She sat up. “Usually things that cost nothing are the most beautiful.” She looked up to where the sun illuminated the rocky peaks that stood sentinel over the town. “Does the blue sky cost money? The clear water? The fresh air?”

She paused. Perhaps there were cleanup crews constantly at work scrubbing and whitewashing Caspia.

“The sun in your golden hair.”

Sebastian’s low voice caught her off guard.

“What?”

“Beautiful.” His eyes were narrowed, seductive.

Heat swelled in her chest, then morphed into a clench of anxiety. Was she inadvertently sending out some signal that she was interested or available?

She crossed her arms over her chest. “For all you know it costs a fortune to get my hair this color.”

“Does it?” He looked curious.

She laughed again. “No. It’s naturally a dark, mousy blond.”

“It’s perfect. And the Caspian sun admires it as much as I.”

For a second she thought he was going to weave his fingers into her hair again. Her body braced in a mixture of terror and anticipation.

The boat bumped gently against the quay.

The boatman lashed the long boat to a metal ring set in the giant stones.

Tessa gathered her long dress and climbed out of the yawing boat with as much dignity as possible. The ancient stone buildings stood shoulder to shoulder along a stone walkway, inlaid with mosaic. She noticed small, tasteful signs above some of the doorways. “Chanel, Ferragamo, Armani.”

“All the stores we’ve been working with.”

He linked his arm though hers. She had to admit that his strong arm felt wonderfully supportive after what she’d just been through with a man she once respected. Sebastian would never take advantage of a vulnerable woman.

Not unless she wanted him to.

Now that she’d seen the Kendricks’ white yacht leave through the harbor mouth, she started to relax, caressed by gentle sea breezes and the bright sun.

Inside Valentino, Sebastian addressed the fawning male clerk. “We’d like to see some swimsuits.”

“Bikini or one-piece?”

“Bikini,” Sebastian said firmly, before she’d managed to get her mouth open. The clerk hadn’t even glanced at her. She wasn’t sure he was even aware of her standing there, next to His Royal Highness.

“That’s the one.” Sebastian pointed to a greenish suit, four microscopic triangles held together by gold rings.

Tessa tilted her head. “Are you sure that’s not a pair of earrings?”

Sebastian chuckled. “Try it on. If it doesn’t fit the rest of you, we’ll hang it from your ears.”

Reluctant, she took the hanger and followed the clerk into a changing room. Thick carpet greeted her feet as she slipped off her sandals behind a heavy curtain. Was she supposed to go out and show Sebastian the bikini?

There was no mirror in the curtained cubicle, so she had to creep out into the main dressing room to confront her almost-naked body in a wall of mirrors.

She approached the mirror carefully, expecting an eyeful of skinny-and-pale.

“Very nice.”

Sebastian’s deep voice made her jump. She spun around to see him standing by the entrance to the dressing rooms, arms crossed and a smile of appreciation sneaking across his arrogant mouth.

“I could use a tan.”

“Then the sooner we get out in the sun, the better.” His smile became a broad grin. He held out his arm. “Let’s go.”

She laughed. “I have to get dressed again. And pay. This scrap of fabric is probably two hundred dollars.”

He smiled wryly. “I’ve already paid. Here’s the matching sarong.” He handed her a shimmering piece of greenand-gold fabric.

Their hands brushed as she took it from him. A swift touch that made her heart beat faster.

For all she knew it was actually five hundred dollars and the sarong twice as much.

She sucked in a breath.

Eek. This was all a bit much.

It wasn’t appropriate to let her boss dress her up like a Barbie doll. Especially when she was practically engaged to someone else.

Thoughts of Patrick seemed rather out of place here in Caspia. He didn’t like hot sun and he’d be bored on the water. When they’d gone sailing out of Westport with one of his clients, he’d kept flipping on his PDA to check stock quotes.

Very practical. Sensible. The kind of person who’d make a responsible husband and father. So she’d better make sure she kept Patrick—and her own future—foremost in her mind.