Then there was that dress. It exposed too much of her long legs and silky skin. He’d specifically told Alvaro to keep it modest. The silky material clung to every curve. It dipped low into a “V” in front and was held up by small spaghetti straps that crisscrossed behind her back. Her lush breasts spilled over the top, tormenting and tantalizing. Lowering one thin strap would expose her enticing nipples. The back dipped low and fell in a few soft folds below her waist. If he stood close enough behind her, he might get a view of her sweet little rear. A daring slit in one side stopped short of her hip and exposed one shapely thigh.
Those spiked heels would be the only things she’d be wearing later tonight if he had his way.
Most important of all, his pendant decorated her elegant neck, and his diamond earrings glittered in her ears.
He needed something to hold onto, the back of a chair, somebody’s arm, anything, because his legs no longer understood their function. Every cell in his body reacted to the sight of her.
Her beauty staggered him. His throat grew tight, and he swallowed hard. He felt this incredible surge of emotion. It attacked him so swiftly that he momentarily panicked.
They started walking toward each other. A few feet from Rico, Mariah lost her composure. She let out a squeal of delight and launched herself at him. He stumbled backwards, caught off guard by her enthusiastic greeting. Recovering quickly, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. God, she felt so good.
Grasping her slender waist, he lifted her in the air and spun her around while she clung to him, laughing and crying at the same time.
He made himself so dizzy he worried they might end up sprawled on the floor. Not such a bad idea but probably not best place or time. Putting her down, he buried his face in her hair. The scent of her floated in the air around him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her sweet little body against his.
Rico sighed happily as he continued to hug her. God, he’d hurt her, but she was here. She’d forgive him, she had to forgive him. He’d do everything in his power to gain her trust again because holding her felt like coming home after a long absence.
Chapter 17—The Party
Mariah hugged Rico tightly and pressed her face against his shoulder. She breathed in his scent, appealing and erotic in a blatantly masculine way. It overwhelmed her, engulfed her, yet comforted her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Rico whispered as he held her to him.
Suddenly remembering where she was and how she got there, she jerked away from him. He didn’t deserve this kind of reception. She glared at him, hands on her hips, looking indignant.
She’d made a fool of herself by launching her body at him like a burst out of a flare gun. Rico’s amiable grin infuriated her all the more. Putting his arm around her, he tucked her body close to his side as if he had the right and ignored her resistance.
“You’re going to pay for this.” Her voice dripped syrup. “I don’t get mad. I don’t get even. I get ahead. Remember that.”
Rico laughed heartily. “I’m happy to see you, too, baby.” He smiled indulgently and kissed the tip of her nose. She scowled at him. He turned to the group of people standing nearby. “What did I tell you? Ed, isn’t she charming? A lamb one minute and a lioness the next. She keeps me guessing all the time.”
Mariah attempted to extract herself from Rico’s hold without being too obvious, but she was no match for his strength. She’d have to make a scene to break free. She shot sparks at Rico until she expected him to go up in flames at any moment.
“What’s she like when she’s really angry?” The older man watched her with amused interest.
Rico laughed. “Exciting.” He gave her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. “Mariah, this is my father, Eduardo.”
Mariah stiffened then composed herself. Smiling engagingly at Eduardo, she offered her hand to him. “It’s very nice to meet you, Señor Sanchez. I wish I could say that I’ve heard a lot about you. Unfortunately, I can’t because I didn’t know Rico’s true identity the entire time we were together.” She shot another fiery salvo in Rico’s direction. His bemused expression only added flames to the fire building inside her.
Eduardo stared deeply into her eyes, clasped her hand, and kissed it briefly. “I must say I’ve heard plenty about you, my dear. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And please, call me Eduardo.” This gorgeous man oozed charisma like tree sap and just as sticky. The ultimate charmer, like father, like son.
Mariah’s face colored. “Thank you. Al and Leo did a great job.” She cast a quick glance in Rico’s direction. Her anger dissipated somewhat.
Rico shrugged. That darn man had her just where he wanted her. Her temper might flare and burn hot, but it burned out just as quickly. She cursed her weakness. Regardless, she might as well enjoy the position he’d forced her into, at least for the evening.
“And this is my sister, Angelina.”
Mariah smiled at the petite young woman. Rico’s sister was a little firecracker, a dynamo packed into a 5’1” frame. “So very nice to meet you, Angelina.”
Angelina’s smile was warm and genuine. “It’s a real pleasure to meet you. We’ll have to swap Rico stories someday soon.”
Mariah wasn’t committing to anything. Once this evening ended, she’d be on the first plane back to Seattle. “Certainly.”
“We’re glad you’re finally here. My dear brother’s been on pins and needles all day. Absolutely a bear to deal with.”
Rico’s protest was interrupted by a man resembling a younger version of Rico. He elbowed his way to center stage. “Mariah, I’m Rico’s brother, Ramon. I’m the reason we’re all celebrating tonight. After all, it’s my talents that’ll take that mediocre song to the top.”
Rico bristled and made a move to step forward. Angelina placed a restraining hand on his arm. “You stole that song from me. I never wanted you to sing it.” He ground out through his teeth.
Mariah observed the little family spat with interest. “It’s nice to meet you, Ramon.”
She held her hand out to Ramon and wasn’t disappointed. He took her hand and made quite a show out of kissing each finger. My God, this sexual aura surrounding the Sanchez men must be genetic. Rico stiffened and wrenched her closer to his side. His homicidal expression didn’t deter Ramon.
“When you get tired of this loser, Mariah, give me a call. I know how to treat a lady right.” He winked at her, causing her to giggle.
“Oh, Estelle, over here!” Angelina gestured to a tall slender woman with the gaunt appearance of a model.
The woman sauntered over, drink in hand. “Ramon, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. You little devil, you snuck off.” Ramon frowned, but didn’t resist when she slipped an arm in his and guided him away from the group. Smooth move on Angelina’s part.
Time sped by in a whirl of introductions and small talk. She met everyone from family to long-time friends, celebrities, and business associates.
Rico plastered his hot body to her side and never let go of her. If he didn’t have an arm around her, he held her hand. Judging by the other guests’ surprised expressions, this wasn’t normal behavior for him. She adopted her best Princess Rye demeanor and turned on the charm. Her college sorority sisters would have been proud. Working the crowd, she met every comment on her dress with a sales pitch for Alvaro. Something positive might as well come of this situation. Being her mother’s daughter, she knew how to mingle and carry on polite conversation. She smiled so much it felt painted on her face. Finally, Rico took pity on her and asked her to slow dance. He pulled her close to him, despite her feeble attempts to keep a safe distance.
“You really are Rico Sanchez.” She looked up at him, still trying to come to terms with this polished stranger who had Rodrigo’s eyes. His chuckle rumbled in his chest.
“Did you think I might turn out to be someone else?”
“No, it's not that. You’re so different. I miss my scruffy Rodrigo.” She stared over h
er shoulder at the party around her. “Do you love this?”
“Sometimes. But now, I don’t think I could handle a steady diet of it. I’d rather work behind the scenes. I love discovering new talent and promoting them. My real passion is writing songs, not singing them.”
“Ramon said something about singing your song?”
“Yeah, my mediocre song that he’ll catapult up the charts.”
Oops. Maybe she shouldn’t have sliced open that gaping wound. “So you’ve been writing?”
His expression changed, seemed almost tender. “After a very long writer’s block, I wrote it in the San Juans after I saw the whales. Ramon does it justice, as much as I hate to admit it. He’s a great performer, loves the spotlight, something I never cared for. We’re debuting it tonight. It’ll be the first single release on Ramon’s new CD next month. I wouldn’t have written it if it hadn’t been for you.” He looked away and a muscle worked in his jaw. He swung his gaze back to hers. “That’s why I needed you here.”
His confession disturbed her. This man rarely admitted to a weakness or to needing anyone. “You seem to be accepted again.”
“Little by little. People who really know me, know I have integrity. The rest, well, I hope my actions eventually convert or silence the majority of my accusers.”
The dance ended, and she moved away from him. “Will you tell me what really happened four years ago?” She needed to know, had to know his part in all that.
“Another time.” He took her hand. “Let’s go outside. I haven’t had one moment alone with you.”
He led her outside to the long balcony that ran the expanse of the house. Grasping her around the waist, he sat her on the marble railing and perched next to her.
Mariah looked down at his thigh. “Are you wearing Armani?”
“Sí.”
“It’s not off the rack.” She knew her fashion.
“Come to my house, and you’ll see a closet full of clothes like this.”
That’d be a cold day in hell. She wouldn’t go near that lion’s den. No way. But that wouldn’t stop her from extracting a little more revenge. She touched his knee and let the vixen inside take over. “Did you wear those for me?” She indicated his pants with her eyes.
“Would you want me to wear them for you?”
Goose bumps popped out all over her body at the sound of that low, sexy voice. She forced a sassy smile. This was her game, not his. “Yes, most definitely.”
“Then I did. I noticed you took a long look at my crotch earlier. Did you like what you saw?”
Boldly, Mariah looked down at his exposed zipper then back up at him. “Yes. It appears you’re happy to see me.” She’d tease and torment him then when the night ended, she’d leave him unsatisfied and wanting her. Revenge would be sweet. She just needed the strength to stick to her convictions. He’d already burrowed deep into her heart at first glance. She was certain he planned on burrowing elsewhere before the night ended.
“I love your dress.” He fingered the material on her hip.
“Thank you. Alvaro adjusted it for me.” The better to torture you with, my dear.
“I’m glad he did. I know I appreciate the view.” His eyes took a vacation down the contours of her body. “You’ve gotten him enough business tonight to keep him busy for a year.”
“I hope so. That’s why I did this.”
Rico frowned for a moment but recovered instantly, turning on the ol’ Sanchez charm’ again. “Baby, I’ve missed you.” He scooted closer and put an arm around her. His warm breath tickled her collarbone. He planted a trail of kisses up her neck. Sucking her earlobe into his mouth, he nipped it gently. She held her breath as a shudder vibrated through her body. Every cell lusted for him with an intensity only he invoked. She prayed for the strength to resist.
“I’ve missed you, too.” She turned her head to look up at him, letting her lips brush his. He smiled at her with a mixture of surprise and pleasure in his eyes. His mouth captured hers. The kiss started soft and gentle. She opened her mouth to his insistent tongue and everything exploded.
Their kiss deepened and their tongues met in their trademark sensual dance. Mariah broke it off first.
She dug through her purse for her compact, certain her lipstick was smudged and needing something to occupy her hands. Rico stroked her bare back and shoulders as her traitorous body trembled.
He squeezed her hand and met her eyes. “I saw your picture in the paper with that football jock. Have you been seeing him?”
So he’d noticed. A little sliver of satisfaction shot through her. Mariah slanted him a sly sideways glance. “Seeing him? I’m crazy about him. Actually, he’s such a fantastic lover, I had his name tattooed on my inner thigh.”
Rico’s eyes narrowed and darkened.
“Are you afraid I’ve been practicing what you taught me?” She ran her fingers across his smooth-shaven cheek. At least, she wouldn’t get whisker burns tonight. She didn’t mean that. She wasn’t going home with him. She wasn’t.
“Maybe.” He stared at her bare leg, rubbing her knee with his fingers.
“So the thought of me with another man bothers you?” Mariah pressed the issue.
“I guess it does.”
His seductive talents were hard enough to resist, but his vulnerability could be her undoing.
* * *
Mariah sat down at the table reserved for Rico’s party. The tables were done in white linen, silver, and multi-colored candles. He pushed her chair in like a gentleman then took the seat next to her. His family plus Al and Leo joined them with their plates from the buffet line.
Mariah glanced at Rico with a teasing glint in her eyes. “Do you have a big SUV or a truck?”
“Yeah, a Land Rover. Why?”
Mariah looked at Alvaro. “Will that be big enough if we take out the back seat?”
“I hope so.” Al smiled at her but avoided looking at Rico.
“I bought a few things at Al’s boutique and charged them to you. I knew you wouldn’t mind.”
“A few things?” Rico’s frown said it all.
“Well, more than a few. Can you send someone to pick them up tomorrow?”
“How many things?” Rico looked at Alvaro.
“You told me to give her anything she wanted. She wanted almost everything in my store that fit her. It’s a good thing you have a high credit limit.”
“Shit.” Rico sighed. “Mariah....”
Mariah bestowed her dazzling smile on all of them, winning every man at the table over to her side. Chalk up one point for her.
Hours later, Mariah found herself left alone at the table. Rico had excused himself to speak privately with a singer his company was trying to court.
Earlier, Ramon had sung Rico’s song beautifully. It’d brought tears to her eyes, moving her deeply. As far as she was concerned, it had been the highlight of the night.
The band announced the last dance. She turned in her seat, scanning the crowd for the no-longer scruffy Latin. They had to dance the last dance. After this, she’d be going home. Only Rico was nowhere to be found. She sighed and sipped her wine.
Ramon caught Mariah’s eye and winked at her. She grinned back, liking Rico’s outrageously charming brother. Ramon had danced up a storm with every woman in the place. The man was an excellent dancer, lean, and lithe, and graceful in a very masculine way.
As Mariah longingly watched the dancers, her gaze swung back to Ramon. A slow, suggestive smile crossed his face. Mariah smiled back then looked away, attempting in vain to coerce the men sitting at Rico’s table to dance with her. They’d been there, done that. She’d exhausted them.
She jumped when she felt a touch on her shoulder. Ramon stood next to her chair.
“You did an incredible job on Rico’s song. It meant so much to him.” Rico would never admit to that, but she’d seen the pride gentling his brown eyes when his brother performed.
Ramon stared into her eyes and bowed deeply. “
It was my pleasure. I only ask one thing in exchange. Would you dance with me? You and I could show the rest of these people a thing or two.”
Dancing with Rico’s close friends was one thing, dancing with his gorgeous, sexy brother was another. Then again, she wanted revenge and what better way? It served the man right for deserting her before the last dance.
“Rico won’t mind sharing you, after all I am his brother. Isn’t that right, Papa?”
Eduardo didn’t respond, but looked a little ill.
Throwing caution and good sense to the wind, Mariah stood and took the hand Ramon offered her. Over Ramon’s shoulder, Eduardo shook his head and made stop gestures with his hands. She frowned at him and let Ramon pull her to the dance floor. Glancing back she winked at Eduardo.
Mariah stepped into Ramon’s arms about the same time that she caught sight of Rico from the corner of her eye. Rico scowled, balling his hands into fists.
Ramon angled his head to nibble on Mariah’s neck. Rico’s face contorted with barely controlled rage. She tried to push Ramon away, but he held her tighter. Rico steamed toward them. He grabbed Mariah by the shoulder and spun her around as a startled Ramon let go of her.
“She’s with me.” If his voice got any tighter, he’d shatter his vocal cords. Rico pulled Mariah against him and glared at Ramon over her shoulder.
Ramon shrugged. “Chill. We were just dancing. It’s not like I was taking her home with me. Yet.”
Rico shook with fury. He wrapped his arm around Mariah’s waist and hauled her away. Her feet barely touched the floor. Ramon followed closely on their heels.
“We’re leaving,” Rico announced to the group at his table. Mariah stood beside him, confused and helpless. She gathered up her things, watching Rico warily.
Rico caught the look. He grabbed her hand, held it tightly, and turned to leave.
Save the Last Dance Page 23
