Ana stood on center stage unable to speak. All eyes were directed at her. But it was the hazel green eyes of Lash Mancini that bored through her soul. She never felt so much loathing for anyone before.
“We’re not getting any younger here, Miss Garcia,” Lash taunted.
Something snapped inside Ana. The difficulties of her childhood, the choices she had had to make to pursue a hidden passion, the chase from Barcelona to New York that culminated in her being taunted, right here right now…it was like dark clouds heralding a storm.
“All right,” she replied, concealing all her emotions.
She heard the music cue. When Ana danced, there was always a sense of freedom as her body became her tool to communicate her feelings. Growing up in a home where her mother had secrets, her words were always guarded. It was the same in all her past relationships. She immediately sensed what men wanted from her, but she was too afraid to let go, afraid to be alone. Sex momentarily erased that uncertainty. But it always returned. Her dance movements showed her pain. She communicated that frustration as she whirled and leapt on stage. Her body gyrated to the sound of the music. She thrust her hips, arched her back, flailed her arms in a graceful display of conquer, retreat, and surrender. Sweat poured down her brows as she strained with every movement. As the music increased its crescendo, Ana dug deep into her soul. She was happy and sad, afraid but curious, terrified but not defeated. When the music ended, she dropped to the floor in perfect rhythm, breathing hard through the nose.
Ana stood up gracefully and faced the audience. Her chin was raised in defiance as her eyes scanned the rows in search of Lash.
Jonathan Engel was on his feet, clapping. Yet Ana’s defiant look was directed only at Lash. She saw Jonathan whisper something in his ear. Lash shook his head then stood to leave the room.
“Fuck,” Ana thought, devastated. After she bared her soul and left it all on stage, he wasn’t even impressed.
Defeat was like a rock that dropped to her gut. She fled the stage and headed for the dressing rooms. She would change and just leave. She had no desire to stay a minute longer. She knew she didn’t make it.
Ana headed for the exit door with her bag firmly strapped to her back. The auditions had resumed. However, Ana noticed that both Lash and Jonathan were not seated with the panel. She was about to leave when she heard voices from the other side of the door. She froze.
Ana recognized Lash’s voice. “…I don’t know, Jonathan. She’s too raw. Too fiery. It would be a challenge to tame that wild side in her…”
“Are you blind, man?” Ana heard Jonathan reply. “You saw what she brought out there. It wasn’t fair to surprise her with that particular request. Even the most talented dancers wouldn’t have been able to come up with an improv dance the way she did.”
“Well, you did brag that Ana Garcia was great with that kind of dancing,” Lash cut back.
“She is. You saw that. Jonathan paused, “besides, have you forgotten about our problem with your diva, Romina? We need all the talent we can get, Just in case, you know…””
“I don’t think Romina will be leaving any time soon. I made sure of that.”
“Ha! Then you don’t know her the way I do,” Jonathan lashed back. “That bitch is a problem we don’t need. Demanding for her own apartment, car and driver going to and from rehearsals, her personal dressing room like the other dancers are all beneath her?”
“But if she finds out we are auditioning understudies for her parts, then all hell will break loose. You know that,” Lash countered.
“Romina doesn’t know about today’s audition. She is being pampered at the spa, thanks to me. It was my idea to keep her away. Jonathan remarked wickedly.
Lash mumbled an expletive before he replied, “Alright Jonathan. I’ll concede to you this time. Put this-this Ana Garcia as one of the back-up dancers. I don’t care. I still don’t think she’s good enough.”
Ana backed up slowly before the two men could discover she had been eavesdropping. She made a quick turnaround and headed back to the dressing room. She was glad they had decided to accept her even if it was just as a back-up dancer. It was still a good start, she thought. Nonetheless, there was a small part of her that was upset. Lash Mancini didn’t think she was good enough.
“I’ll show you exactly how wrong you are about me, you moron,” Ana vowed.
***
The auditions took longer than Ana had expected. Even though she knew that she had gotten a slot, she still sat it out with the rest of the group waiting for the announcement. When her name was called, Ana feigned excitement. Her heart went out to those who didn’t make the cut.
Jonathan Engels deliberately sought her out and congratulated her. He pulled her away out of earshot and said, “Congrats Ana. I’m so happy you came. I knew you’d make it. But we need to talk tomorrow. There are some details we need to discuss about your part. Same time, same place, okay?”
Ana agreed before proceeding out the door with the rest of the girls. It felt good to be out in the open. . Ana was exhausted. She had used up her entire adrenaline supply. The whole day was such a rollercoaster ride, all she wanted was to crawl into bed.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. “Jesus, I have no place to go.”
In the rush of packing and catching her flight, she hardly had time to call a hotel to make room reservation.
“New York must have hundreds of hotels. I’m sure I can get one,” she convinced herself.
Lugging the backpack that now weighed like a ton on her sore shoulders, Ana walked a few blocks. She spotted a small nondescript hotel and walked in. The clerk shook his head even before she could ask for a room.
“Sorry Miss, but we’re packed to the rafters,” he said.
She had no better luck on the second and third one she entered. The bellboy sitting by the curb told her why. “There’s a national convention for medical representatives worldwide. I doubt you’ll find any room available at this late hour.”
Ana felt her spirit drop. She didn’t even know exactly where she was at the moment. She was lost and alone, with nowhere to go in a strange city. Worse, she heard thunderclaps overhead.
“Swell,” she muttered dejectedly walking down the sidewalk.
Just to test her mettle further, fate decided to make it drizzle. Raindrops landed on her head, dripped down her hair, and fell onto her shoulders. Her clothes showed patches of moisture as she stood there helplessly. Ana wanted to cry.
Suddenly, a car came to a halt along the sidewalk where she stood looking like a soiled rag. The window on the driver side rolled down and Ana locked eyes with Lash Mancini.
“Can I offer you a lift,” Lash called out.
Ana was surprised at his sudden appearance. The words she overheard him say earlier still stung.
“I-I’m fine, I’m just waiting for the bus,” she lied.
“I don’t think buses ply this part of the city,” Lash answered.
“Oh!” Ana was dismayed.
“Precisely where do you have accommodations for the night?” Lash persisted.
The rain was getting stronger by the minute and Ana felt the chill on her skin. “Actually, I’m still trying to find one. I-I forgot to make reservations before I left Barcelona… and so far, all hotels I’ve been to are fully booked.” Ana admitted.
Lash rolled his eyes. Ana could almost read what he was thinking. A dumb girl who didn’t know better than to arrive in a new city and not have a place to stay. She was embarrassed to admit it. But she really felt stupid.
“I can go to the “Y.” I heard that I could get a room there.” Ana wanted desperately to redeem herself in his eyes.
“Good luck with that one,” Lash retorted. “On a rainy night like this, every drunk and derelict will be looking for a bed to sleep in.”
Ana was in some competition only she knew and desperately trying to earn point for her pride. Apparently, all her aces were gone. She looked desperately around. The awning of th
e café across the street seemed the only shelter that was available to her for the night.
She glanced at him. He was looking straight into his windshield seemingly deep in thought. She wished he would just leave and not judge her for being so dumb. .
“I have an idea,” Lash called out. “Why don’t you stay with me for the night? We can try and sort this out in the morning.”
Ana recoiled. “What? I can’t…” The distaste on her face was automatic.
“Miss Garcia, I am not asking you to sleep with me. I am merely offering you a roof and a warm bed for the night. My apartment has extra bedrooms, and you have nowhere to stay. It’s a kindness I am offering you but it’s your decision.” Lash shot back.
“Th-thank you… I mean…I know you didn’t mean…It’s just that I don’t want to impose…” Ana stammered.
This was a dilemma. If she refused out of pride, then she was likely to spend the night out in the street. She could catch a cold, or even get sick. After travelling hundreds of miles just to get here today If she accepted…what? She never spent the night in another man’s house, not even with any of her former boyfriends.
“Miss Garcia, the longer I stay here talking to you, the greater the chance traffic will get worse, and I’m really tired.” Ana heard him say. The impatience in his voice was plain to hear.
Ana made a leap of faith. “Okay,” she replied and made a quick dash for the passenger seat.
“Thank God,” Lash said barely able to control his exasperation
His car smelled of leather and pine. It embarrassed her because she knew that after the strenuous dancing and sweating at the studio, and then being caught in the rain, she probably smelled less than pristine. Plus, she was soaking wet and didn’t want to ruin the leather. She sat rigidly beside him, not wanting to lean back against the seat as she crossed her arms around her body.
Lash slowed down. He shrugged out of the jacket he was wearing, holding on to the wheel as he did, then handed the jacket to her.
“Here. You’re probably cold,” he said simply.
Ana thankfully donned the jacket. It was still warm. She looked out the window not wanting him to see the expression on her face. She was grateful. But she still resented him.
They hardly spoke a word. Ana stole glances at him. There was an intense look on his face swerving to avoid cars and stepping on the gas when the road was clear. Ana noted the wind-swept dark brown hair, which was thick and lustrous. His eyes were a mesmerizing green with flecks of hazel around the irises. His face was strong and defined, with an autocratic nose and chin that seemed molded from granite. Dark eyebrows were scrunched together in concentration.
Ana started to wonder where his apartment was. The city streets had given way to wider roads with elm trees lining the sidewalk. Then he turned into a driveway and stopped before an extraordinary house of brick and limestone. He stepped out of the car. Ana followed suit.
“Is this an apartment?” Ana asked curiously.
“No, Miss Garcia. This is my house. With the traffic around Manhattan, I figured we’d get here faster than we’d get to the apartment.”
He led her through wrought iron entry door that opened to a marble foyer. Ana looked around her. The interior of the house had dome ceilings giving it an airy feel. Two grand custom staircases led to the second floor. An intricate chandelier hung from the ceiling, its lights reflected on the hand-scraped, aged-oak floor. A fireplace was burning brightly on one side of the living room where couches in warm colors competed with the more muted tones of the walls.
A woman appeared from around a corner.
“Lash, I wasn’t expecting you tonight,” she greeted. She smiled at Ana and politely tried to conceal her surprise at the bedraggled appearance.
“Traffic was horrible,” Lash replied, and then added, “This is Miss Garcia. She’s our guest for tonight. Miss Garcia, this is my housekeeper and cook, Sophia. She’ll take care of you.”
“Have you had dinner, my dear?” Sophia asked Ana.
“I-I’m not really very hungry,” Ana replied.
“I suggest you show Miss Garcia to her bedroom. Bring her something to eat. She might just change her mind after she’s had a warm shower,” Lash instructed the housekeeper. Then he turned to Ana and added, “Well, goodnight Miss Garcia. I hope you have a pleasant sleep.”
“It’s Ana,” she said.
“What,” Lash turned from the foot of the stairs.
“My name is Ana.”
“Goodnight…Ana.”
Chapter FIVE
Ana gazed out her bedroom window towards the manicured lawn of Lash Mancini’s estate. A thicket of oak trees bordered the edge of the property where a pond glimmered in the distance. She couldn’t believe she was still here. It’s been nearly a week since the day she arrived in New York--a week that she has been a guest in his tasteful home.
Admittedly, the prolonged stay embarrassed her. But there was nothing she could do about it. Since she was now a paid employee of his company, staying in a hotel was out of the question. It was not only impractical but expensive too. She learned from Jonathan that the company housed their dancers in a dormitory a few blocks away from the studio, but with opening night a few weeks away, even the additional crew they hired was booked at the dorm.
That left Ana with no other option except to find an apartment, but the closest was in a borough an hour’s drive away. That too, was an impractical choice.
She was searching through the classified ads one night after rehearsals when Lash chanced upon her.
“Looking for another job?” he asked.
Ana could never tell if he was serious or teasing. Since that day when he mistook her for a homeless person, Ana had apologized for her outburst. Lash brushed it aside saying he felt bad for thinking she was a hobo. His apology meant a lot to her. It eased the aching embarrassment of calling him all sorts of names. She still cringed at the memory.
“No,” Ana looked up from the paper in her hand. “Just checking if there’s an opening for an apartment somewhere nearby. I can’t keep on staying in your house.”
“You’re not comfortable there?” Lash asked. Concern was written all over his face.
“No, No…of course I am. It’s just that…you’ve been more than kind.”
“Ana, you’re actually doing me a favor. It eases my conscience. The company is responsible for housing its dancers. We can’t give you one. So, stay. Even Sophia is relieved she has something to do other than look after an empty house.”
“Okay.” If he insisted, then she should just be grateful about it.
So, she had found herself looking at the same spectacular view for the last seven days wondering how fate could be so kind. Ana sighed. Fate indeed had been kind, but now and then kindness came with a price. In this scenario, it was an annoying itch that was always there somewhere in her brain. It refused to be ignored even as Ana pretended it wasn’t there.
She knew what it was. Disappointment. She felt letdown when she woke that first morning to find him gone. Sophia had laid out breakfast in the balcony…for one.
“Mr. Mancini…is he having breakfast too?” Ana asked.
“Oh no, dear. He left quite early today. He barely stays here and prefers his Manhattan apartment. He says it’s just more convenient for him there,” Sophia explained.
“He probably wants to get to the studio early,” Ana guessed out loud.
Sophia laughed and replied, “it’s not just the studio. It’s all those companies he own. That boy can retire any time he wants and still have more than enough to last many lifetimes.”
Ana was surprised. If this house was any indication, she knew the guy must have money. What she didn’t realize was how much wealth he had. Sophia hinted at it. But none of that mattered as she wondered how she would get to the studio. She was certain buses didn’t run this side of the neighborhood. Sophia suggested she call for an uber.
Ana did and had been taking the same transport fo
r the entire week – a week he never appeared at the house. Lash always managed to check in on rehearsals, and they would exchange pleasantries, but that was about it. He never offered to bring her home.
She was about to call for her uber ride for the day when she noticed something below her bedroom window. There was a Bentley parked beside the porch. Ana’s heart started beating. It only meant one thing. Lash was here.
She resented the way she had let her guard down. Her heart was soaring because she knew it had to be him downstairs.
It was a familiar sensation. One that came at the start of all her failed relationships. That sudden rush of exhilaration, feeling empty and dull when her boyfriend was not around, resenting the long hours she didn’t see him, and when she did it was never enough time. She’d been through all that before. It was always the prelude, and she was always hooked until things started to go bad.
The Boss's Fiance Box Set Page 38
