“What am I supposed to do with the old stuff?”
“We’ll donate it to charity if it’s still in good condition.”
“I really don’t like shopping,” he grumbled, tugging at his waistband.
“Want to know a secret?”
His eyes brightened and he nodded.
“I hate shopping, too. Go on and get cleaned up. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.”
Giorgio
“Linsey, call Aubrey Bateman and see if we can move up our Friday meeting to today. When you’re done with that, get Sandy and Brian in my office the minute they get in.”
“I love the new look,” she replied, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear.
I glanced down at myself. I’d gone to work wearing two days’ worth of stubble, Carlina’s lemon perfume, and a t-shirt that had Calvin and Hobbes dressed like Jayne and Mal from Firefly.
Shrugging, I said, “I’ve had a crush on Kaylee for years. Sue me.”
“Browncoats unite,” she muttered. “I’ll see what I can do about Aubrey right away. Sandy and Brian are already here and waiting for you in the south conference room. Your coffee is on your desk, and I brought you an onion bagel with cream cheese.”
“Thanks.”
She winked, green eyes flashing behind her glasses. “If the offer for a thousand-dollar bonus applies to me, add art therapy to what you’re already planning. That property is picturesque and will be ideal for budding artists. Maybe combine it with music. You might also add in facilities for elder care.”
I’d already thought about elder care, but what the hell. “Two thousand will show up in your pay next week. Now get back to work before you bankrupt me.”
Laughing, she pushed me into my office. “Eat your breakfast and get moving, boss man. You have a lot to do today.”
Shaking my head, I couldn’t resist a grin as I shuffled financials into some semblance of order. As I chewed on my bagel, my cell phone chimed with an incoming call, revealing Jeremy’s number.
Swiping to accept, I said, “Acardi here.”
“I’m at the mall following your woman. Did you give her the keys to the Jag, or did she jack it?”
“I gave them to her and for future reference, she can drive whatever she wants from my garage. How did you know? I thought you took the day off with Hunter.”
He was silent for a moment, letting me hear traffic noise and the faint sounds of an Italian tenor. “Your cars are all tagged with trackers. The Jag pinged me the moment it left your property.”
I rolled my eyes. “Christ, Jeremy. Is that truly necessary?”
“Is your last name Acardi?”
“Shit. Go back to your day off. Carlina is taking Antonio for a haircut and some new clothes.”
“You’re a dumbass. That woman couldn’t shop her way out of a paper bag. Hunter and I will take care of it.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. All women can shop. It’s in their genetic code,” I replied, thinking back to the ladies I’d dated in the past.
“Look, I love Carli. She’s a wonderful, generous person with a heart of gold, but if it doesn’t come from a feed store or a supermarket, she’s clueless.”
Rubbing my face, I said, “Got it. Carlina has my credit card, so there won’t be a problem with paying for anything. I owe you and Hunter big for this.”
“Awesome. He wants a private getaway at your Palm Springs resort for our anniversary.”
“Done. Call my secretary and arrange the date.”
Linsey tapped on my door and walked in, laying a note on my desk with the rescheduled time for my meeting with Aubrey. I read it and nodded my thanks.
“I have to get back to work. You and Hunter do what you think is best for Antonio.”
“You got it. Knowing Carli, she’ll be so glad she doesn’t have to do it, she’ll make us lunch. Talk to you soon.”
I bit back a curse when he hung up. This would be the second day in a row of not eating Carlina’s cooking and my stomach was starting to protest. Glaring down at the remains of my bagel, I swept it into the wastebasket. It was no substitute for her food.
Gathering my notes and files, I strode to the conference room to get to work. Nothing was going to stop me from making it home in time for supper. I crossed my fingers, praying Carlina would let me share her bed again, but I didn’t want to get too greedy.
She’d been weirded out when Antonio revealed he knew we’d slept together and now that I had time to think about it, I couldn’t blame her too much. My brother made no secret of wanting us to hook up and she wouldn’t want to disappoint him.
I didn’t want to do that either. Maybe things wouldn’t work out with Carlina, but for the first time in my life, I wanted to try. I could genuinely see myself growing old with her. I thought about holidays and what she might like for Christmas. We’d wear matching costumes to take Antonio trick or treating for Halloween.
The thought of the feasts she’d make for Thanksgiving and Christmas made me drool.
I wondered what she’d look like carrying my child and the thought didn’t make me grow an ulcer. I firmly discarded the idea of poking holes in all the condoms in my bathroom. I wouldn’t countenance such a dick move and I was ashamed of myself for thinking of it.
Closing the door behind me, I got my head back in the game and said, “Good morning. What do you have to show me?”
Sandy arched a brow and took a sip of coffee. “Morning, boss. You look… clean.”
“Smart ass.” I sat across from her and she pushed her tablet toward me.
“That’s the preliminary exterior image of the facility you want,” she said. “What do you think?”
“Very nice. I like how you’ve incorporated solar panels into the roofing.” I murmured. Sandy had created a showplace that wouldn’t have looked out of place on one of my resort properties, but still retained a similarity to the Park Street shelter she’d designed. Tapping the screen, I turned the rendering to see the rest. The high, sloping roofline covered in solar panels would be a bitch to maintain, but would supply a good percentage of the facility’s power needs.
“Thanks. Brian did the design for the roof.” she replied. “Solar panels will be on the run-in shelters for pastured animals, too. We’re going to divert that to run the pumps for stock tanks. Gray water from the roof is going into a cistern to water the landscaping.”
“I considered checking out wind turbines, but they’re expensive and I don’t think they’ll pay out in the long term when you include the maintenance,” Brian added. “I’d also like to add solar panels on shade structures over the parking areas. I got the idea from the Cincinnati Zoo, but it’s a wish more than a necessity if we’re on a budget.”
“We’ll look into it,” I promised. “Tell me about these wings off the central building.”
“I wanted to separate things out a bit,” Sandy said. The north wing is the animal care unit.” Reaching over, she spun the rendering, turning it to the side. “There’s a ten-stall barn in the back, plus a veterinary clinic. We didn’t add that to the Park Street facility, but we’ll want it for this one if we’ll be handling exotics. We can offer vet care to the public to defray some of the cost, and we can do an income-based spay and neuter clinic as part of our community outreach.”
“Good, I like what I’m seeing. What about the south side?”
“That’s for people,” Brian replied. “Sandy and I are still arguing over this, but I’d like to add a residential space. I’m thinking twenty suites.”
“For what?” I asked.
“Some of them will be used for onsite staff, but I’d also like to include a women’s shelter and room for any children they have. If they’re willing, we can also put them to work as volunteers.”
“I feel like Oprah,” I muttered. “Have a thousand dollars, Brian.” Turning to Sandy, I asked, “What were your thoughts on that wing?”
“I wanted a dormitory instead of individual suites. I love Brian’s idea, but I don’t th
ink it’s an efficient use of space.”
“We’ll split the difference,” I replied. “Instead of individual suites, create something like a four-person college dormitory room with bunk beds. There will be enough room for families. We can put Jack and Jill bathrooms between pairs of suites to keep the cost down.”
Brian grinned and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Good idea. Now, for the best part.” He spun the image so the front was in view. “The central wing is for outreach. We’ll have a small adoption center here. It’ll be more an office than the one Park Street has because the animals will be outside for the most part. The central wing is also where educational and therapy services will go. We’ll just have to decide how to allocate space to whatever services will go in, but we can do that later. It goes without saying that the whole facility will be wheelchair accessible.”
“Good work. I’m pleased with what I’m seeing so far.”
“What services are going to be our priority?” Sandy asked. “We’re not going to get everything on our wishlist, no matter how much money we throw at it.”
“Special needs children and adults will be the priority, followed by the animals. After that, teen and elder outreach, then the women’s shelter. We’ll probably need a full-time guard, and you can call around to other shelters to find out what security measures they have. I don’t want to hear that some asshole has gotten in to hurt a woman under our care.”
“Got it.” Brian scribbled a note on the legal pad next to him.
“Now, for the space in the central wing, I’m thinking multipurpose rooms that could be used as classrooms or conference rooms, along with a few offices for private counseling. Also, add a large accessible playground with one of those shade structures over it.”
“Give the boss a thousand dollars,” Brian said, giving me a brief smile. “We can use movable dividers between the multipurpose rooms to create more space if we need it. They’re a little more expensive than fixed walls, but the additional flexibility will outweigh the cost.”
“Good idea. I like the dividers.” I pushed the packet of financials toward them. “I have a tentative budget worked up for the project. Take the rest of the day and look it over. I’ll be in tomorrow to work on it with you, but I expect a proposal next week.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Carlina
I was flat exhausted when we got home. Who knew shopping could be so tiring? Antonio yawned and collapsed on the couch. Poor guy. He’d gotten progressively moodier with every store Hunter herded us through.
Antonio looked amazing. The new clothes fit him well and revealed the handsome young man I knew was under the baggy sweats and t-shirts. His new haircut helped too.
I hid the presents I’d gotten for both him and Giorgio in my room, wanting to wait to give them their gifts. They were going to love the Leonard the Lion Official Zookeeper shirts. Well, Giorgio might not care much, but Antonio would definitely like his.
“Hey, Antonio, I’m going to make fish tacos for lunch.”
“Too tired,” he muttered. “Can I just have peanut butter?”
“It’s okay. You don’t have to help this time. Just sit there and rest up and we’ll have lunch in about half an hour.”
“Can I have some juice?”
“Sure thing. I’ll get it for you.”
When I walked into the kitchen, Jeremy was already putting Leonard’s harness on him for his walk.
“Thanks for taking care of that,” I said. “I’m going to get fish tacos started for lunch. You and Hunter are welcome to stay.”
“Thanks. We’ve been hoping to beg a meal off you.” He peered at me, his dark gaze tracking my movements as I got tuna steaks out of the fridge. “How did you like driving the Jag?”
I shrugged. “It’s really cool, but it’s too small to be practical.”
“James Bond drives a car like that.”
“James Bond doesn’t have to haul half a ton of animal feed every month and I’m terrified I’ll wreck it. If it makes you feel any better about a lowly farmer driving a spy car, I did enjoy not having to floor it to get on the freeway.”
Barking out a laugh, he said, “Only you would refuse a Jaguar for being impractical, Carli.”
“That, and I couldn’t afford the insurance, much less the monthly payment.”
Rolling his eyes, he took Leonard outside and I got to work on the tacos. As I was scanning the cupboards for the extra jar of garlic powder I’d bought, my eyes caught on a familiar box. It was empty save for a few of the truffles I’d made for my mysterious donor. Shaking my head, I slid it back behind the salt and flour. “I should have known it was you, Acardi,” I muttered, trying to smooth the smile from my lips. “Sneaky bastard.”
After I cleaned up the hasty meal I’d thrown together, Antonio passed out on the living room floor, his arm thrown over Leonard’s belly. Smiling at the sight, I snapped a quick picture of them and texted it to Giorgio. They looked so damned sweet together.
My heart clenched when I remembered my house would be done in less than a week and I’d be moving home. Maybe I just wanted a little more time with Giorgio before he went back to treating me like the help.
That wasn’t fair to him. He’d never treated me like an employee, especially not after I moved in with him and Antonio. Until last night, he’d treated me like a good friend. Not a sister, of course. There was too much chemistry between us for anything so simple.
Ugh. Why was everything so confusing?
Scanning the freezer, I pulled out the glass casserole dish of fricasé de pollo I’d taught Antonio to make and slid it into the oven to heat, then set the timer on my phone. The smell reminded me of my mother’s cooking. I sighed and poured the last of the wine from lunch into a glass, missing the kitchen I’d grown up in.
It was silly. My house was still standing and Giorgio’s new kitchen would fit my needs a lot better than the old one had. I had nothing to complain about. Why, then, were my eyes wet? I flopped into a stool and put my head down on my arms, giving myself a little time to cry.
I was so tired. I missed my house. Maybe I also mourned the fact that I’d never have what Hunter and Jeremy shared—a committed, loving relationship. Giorgio couldn’t be it for me. We were too different and he was sure to figure it out soon.
I was so busy feeling sorry for myself, I didn’t hear footsteps behind me. When warm hands stroked my shoulders, I sat up and wiped my face, hoping I hadn’t been caught sniveling like a baby.
Giorgio turned me to face him, his warm brown eyes filled with concern. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Dredging up a smile, I said, “Nothing. I’m just really tired from shopping all day. Supper is in the oven and there’s a baguette on the counter to go with it.”
He frowned and wiped a thumb under my eye. “Why are you crying? Did Hunter or Jeremy say something to upset you?”
“No, nothing like that,” I said, sliding out of his reach. “I’m just going to lie down for a little while.”
His jaw firmed and he swept me into his arms, ignoring my squawk of surprise. “You’ve been working your ass off taking care of me and Antonio and I shouldn’t have allowed it.”
“I’m fine,” I insisted, even though I was secretly thrilled he actually seemed to care.
“Shhh. Don’t wake Antonio,” he whispered. Leaning down, he kissed my cheek. “We’re going to crawl into that bed together and you’re going to rest.”
“Just rest?” I let my head fall to his shoulder, enjoying his spicy, masculine aftershave. His stubble rubbed against my cheek, decadently soft instead of scratchy. I liked him with a few days of beard. It made him look a little less perfect.
A muscle in his cheek twitched and I hid a smile. “Yes, just resting. We’re going to set a timer for whatever you have in the oven and we’ll take a nap.”
“It’s Cuban chicken stew. I already set an alarm on my phone.”
Putting me on my feet in my bedroom, he rummaged through my dresser fo
r a pair of sleep shorts and tossed them at me. “Get changed and into bed. I’ll be right back to make sure you do as you’re told.”
“Bossy.”
“Little girls who don’t take their naps get spanked,” he replied, his eyes darkening.
“What about big girls?” I sauntered toward him, letting my hips sway as I unfastened my jeans. Considering we’d be over soon, I decided I was going to take advantage of the time I had. Sliding the denim over my hips, I let my pants fall to the floor and stepped out of them.
Slashes of red highlighted his cheekbones and a pulse beat in his neck. “Are you trying to seduce me?”
I pulled my t-shirt over my head, then unfastened my bra and dropped it. Stepping into his space, I stroked his hard abdomen, loving the feel of his muscles clenching under my hands. “Is it working?”
He let out a low growl that reminded me of Leonard, then tore off his shirt and jeans with more speed than grace. Tossing me up over his shoulder, he locked the door, strode to the bed and grabbed the condoms out of my nightstand. Laying me down gently, he leaned over me, the cords in his neck straining.
“Watching you fucking breathe seduces me, Carlina Pérez.” He eased himself between my legs and stroked my thigh, then kissed my knee. “I have a constant erection every time I smell lemon because of you. My favorite thing in the world is to follow you when you walk because I get to watch that magnificent ass sway.”
Holy. Shit. I blinked up at him, wondering if he was going to make good on his threat to spank me. The thought wasn’t unappealing. “Wow. I—”
“I’m not even going to ask what you were crying about. It’s not because I don’t care, because I do, and I’m going to make you tell me later. I’m also not going to ask why you’re willing to take the risk of Antonio catching us when you worried about it earlier.”
I put my fingers over his lips. “I was feeling sorry for myself because supper reminded me of my old kitchen and I missed it even though the new one is better. I also decided that you’re right. Antonio already knows and I think he’ll be able to handle whatever happens between us.”
Sexy Scoundrel: A Cocky Hero Club Novel Page 20
