by Linda Engman
Roman winced at how close his friend was getting to the truth. He gave Rafael a dark look from his narrowed eyes before turning back to the blue-green ocean, reluctant to say what was on his mind. “I can’t seem to get her out of my mind. I’m married to her, yet we aren’t married. She’s mine but not really mine to have. And it hasn’t only been like this since our wedding. The last six months I’ve been tortured by her. She was engaged to another man. Each time I had an appointment at my lawyer’s office, I saw her and the diamond ring she wore on her left hand. You and I, we were both raised to respect another man’s woman. So I did nothing, pretended I felt nothing.” He took a deep, reaffirming breath. “Luckily he was a fool and gave her up. Now she is legally mine but wants nothing to do with me, which leaves me totally frustrated as hell.”
Rafael listened to Roman’s long, anguished speech and shook his head in apparent astonishment. “For beginners, you big idiot, did you at least tell her you love her?”
“I asked her to marry me—twice in one weekend.”
Rafael laughed loudly from the gut, his black eyes flashing with pure, menacing humor. “For a very smart man, you are very stupid when it comes to anything involving women’s hearts. They want to be told that you love them. Try it. Tell her and see what happens.”
“Are we really talking about this?”
“Have I ever steered you wrong?”
“Maybe this is the way things are supposed to work out. Maybe I’m not meant to settle down with someone?”
“You’re a fool, Roman. Can’t you see what is right in front of you? What you have with April. What’s been there for the last six months?” he questioned heatedly. “I was the same way before I met Julia. I had my life all planned out. She came into my world, and I didn’t know which way was up. I fought it to the very end. Now I would give anything to have one more day with her. Don’t waste the best thing that has ever happened to you!”
With that, Roman watched his friend stormed back toward the beach house. Rafael’s words sank heavily into his heart until he felt as if he were bleeding inside.
It was like Rafael had said—he had his life all mapped out. Until she entered it.
Inside he knew, deep down, that she belonged with him. She had from the very first time he saw her cross the room to him. He remembered how he’d stopped breathing the minute he’d laid eyes on her. How nothing seemed to exist, except for her, as he took her hand in his for a formal greeting.
He stared out at the azure skies and swaying palm trees, savoring the burning Hawaiian heat, remembering how he’d felt the first time he’d looked into her exquisite violet eyes. How he’d felt the first time she looked up at him, tentatively, her beautiful face blushing sweetly before she looked away.
For six long months he’d pushed away, denied, and ultimately killed any feelings he had for her. But he couldn’t hold back any longer. He needed her, wanted to love her, share his life with her, commit to a lasting relationship on every level.
He knew in his heart he’d wanted that from her all along. Now he had to find out once and for all if she was willing.
If he decided to take the next step and confess how he felt about her, there would be no going back, he proclaimed to himself. He stared intently out across the glittering expanse, wondering if she would take that next step with him.
****
“Hi, girlfriend. Jake and I just got back in from Florida late last night. Our flight was delayed twice, and don’t get me started on what happened to my luggage.”
April glanced up from her computer and frowned. Emily eyed her from the open office door, hesitating briefly before entering with a big smile on her face; the woman obviously knew she was on shaky ground with her BFF.
April remained silent and gave her a dark glare in return.
Determined, Emily continued on. “I’m absolutely beat this morning, but I still wanted to come into work to finish the Harrison contracts. So how was your week?” she hummed.
April finally relented. “My week? Well, let’s see—besides getting married to your brother last weekend, I went to work, cleaned out my refrigerator, sorted my clothes closet, ate three pounds of chocolate, and polished off a few too many bottles of wine. I guess it was the normal week for me,” she stated dryly, trying to sound flippant when she felt anything but.
“I know you’re mad at me. I talked to Henry this morning. So let me make it up to you and take you out to dinner tonight. It’s Friday, you sound like you had a rough week, and we both deserve to go out and relax. Jake is working late, and we can discuss everything at length and sort everything out,” Emily pleaded, sounding sincerely sorry for her part in the New Year’s Eve matchmaking debacle.
She tried to stay mad at her best friend but ended up laughing at her instead. “Oh, all right. Dinner tonight. A girl’s chat session sounds exactly like what I need. Where should I meet you?”
Emily told her the name of a hard-to-get-into restaurant, what street it was on, and the time to meet her before disappearing out the office door.
After work she found herself staring into her closet, trying hard to ignore the long, creamy-white dress that taunted her. She fingered the silky material as memories flashed in her mind: how handsome Roman looked on their wedding night, how warm his hand had felt on her back as they danced together, how passionately he’d kissed her.
And how special he made her feel each time he looked at her in the moonlight.
She released a long sigh and pulled from her closet the dress she had originally bought to wear on New Year’s Eve, long before she had gotten sucked into Roman Vasquez’s life.
The dress itself was black chiffon, fitted, halter style, and definitely sexy, with gold and blue sequin details at the waist. The pleated hem swept the top of her knees and flowed delicately around her. The back was the open, plunging kind and rather daring, but she’d loved it the minute she’d tried it on.
She hung the dress on the outside of her closet door, grabbed a pair of black, ultra-high sexy Rene Caovilla heels to pair with it, and went to shower. Afterward, she took extra care with her light makeup and hairstyle. Tonight she opted to leave her hair loose and flowing, since during the week it was predictably styled up and off her shoulders.
Climbing out of the taxi, she entered the exclusive eatery, hoping Emily was already there. She checked her coat, gave her name to the hostess, and promptly followed the maître d’ through the dark polished wood, glass, and white table-clothed dining room to where Emily waited for her. Never one to be star struck, April found herself taking second glances at the neighboring tables where many of the rich and famous were already seated, enjoying their wintery Manhattan post-holiday evening.
April slid into a booth in an intimate corner of the posh restaurant and smiled with astonishment. “Emily! How did you ever get a table in a place like this?” she whispered, across the table in the candlelight to her grinning friend.
“One of the perks of being Roman Vasquez’s little sister.” Emily laughed contently, dressed tonight in a deep cabernet-red cocktail dress similar in style to April’s. “Roman’s buddy Juan owns the place. So I can get in anytime I want—with a few hours notice of course.”
On hearing Roman’s name, April felt a nervous shiver travel through her. “Well, thanks all the same. I’ve always wanted to eat here, but it’s impossible to get in,” she replied, smiling to cover her nerves. “So you said Jake had to work late?”
“Yes. He had some kind of deadline on some project. At least it gives us a chance to spend some time together,” Emily said happily. “So, tell me, what is my brother doing in Hawaii six days after getting married?”
April choked on her sip of lemon water and put down the long-stemmed glass with a plunk. “I’ve been at the table exactly one minute, Emily. Could you please at least hold the firing squad questions until I’ve gotten a cocktail down?”
Emily laughed with good humor. “Henry told me Roman was in Hawaii. I know he usually goe
s there with his buddies after the holidays. But really, I couldn’t believe he still went this year.”
April shrugged and tried to sound nonchalant about the subject. “Why should he change his plans? He went to Hawaii and I’m back at work. That was the deal, as you well know.”
Emily opened her mouth and closed it and opened it again. “Yes, but…I mean, wasn’t there something going on at the wedding between you two? I can’t believe he would actually leave after…after…”
“…after what, Emily?”
“Well, I mean, I could see the way he looked at you. Besides, my brother has never, ever brought home a woman for the family to meet. He brought you home to marry in front of our mother and everyone. That has to tell you something.”
She tried to calm her racing pulse. “Yes, it tells me that your brother is a good actor. You know the whole wedding thing was all for show. Now it’s back to reality. Can we change the subject to something more enlightening, like how you and Henry set me up?” she whispered across the table.
Emily blushed, momentarily delayed in answering April’s accusations as the waiter brought them a bottle of champagne and took their dinner order.
April requested a delicious-sounding seafood dish, took a sip of her champagne, and picked up the conversation. “Well?”
Emily at least had the good grace to look guilty. “I know we shouldn’t have interfered and should have minded our own business, but something had to be done. You clearly were fascinated with my brother, and he definitely had a crush on you from what Henry told me, so we thought if we got you two mule-heads together something might happen. I thought putting you together in Miami over the New Year holiday weekend would be the trick. Only we had to take drastic measures when Henry clued me in on what Roman was up to with the outrageous marriage contract with that Justine woman. It was amazingly good luck on our side that Henry thought to have you deliver the contracts personally to Roman,” she stated, sounding quite pleased.
“Like I said to Henry, thanks for nothing,” April returned, taking another sip of her pricy French Veuve Cliquot champagne.
Emily leaned over the table and looked directly into her friend’s eyes; her own pretty brown ones dead serious. “April, can you honestly tell me you’d rather not be married to Roman?”
She didn’t know how to reply. “Emily, it isn’t a matter of wanting or not wanting to be married to him. There are so many things to take into consideration, like the contract, a hospital wing, his lifestyle, my lifestyle, families and friends—”
“Pooh! Are you in love with my brother or not?”
She felt the sting of hot tears torch her eyes, her resolve to hold strong crumbling after six long days without him. She nodded and gave in without a fight. “Yes,” she murmured miserably, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with her starched white napkin. “But it’s not like that between us. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him. Only it happened without me realizing it was. Seriously, who falls in love over a holiday weekend?” She released a little hiccup-cry before continuing. “Anyhow, now I feel wretched about what happened between us. It all seemed so simple at first. He stated up front what he wanted from me, and I told him what I was looking for. We agreed we weren’t right for each other and we would stand by the contract we signed. But then…well, I won’t gross you out with the intimate details of what happened between your brother and me over the weekend. All I can say is that after everything—he’s in Hawaii and I’m here.”
Emily sighed and rolled her eyes. “Oh, boy, are you two bull-headed or what? Is my brother absolutely blind or just plain stupid? Everyone at the wedding could see what was between you two. Henry and I’ve seen it for months, and yet you both are so determined to run the other way and not look back. I’ve never seen two people so right for each other and yet so oblivious to that fact.”
April dabbed her eyes again with the corner of her crisp linen napkin, totally miserable. “Well, I really don’t have much say in the matter. You’re right about your brother. He’s the most pig-headed man I’ve ever met. Are all the men in your family so hard headed?”
Emily chuckled and poured herself another glass of bubbly. “Yes, every last one,” she confirmed. “But with that said, I have to admit the Vasquez men also have a weak spot when it comes to falling in love. My dear brother, in his tough guy way, was trying to show you that over the weekend.”
She laughed and gave a little cry of pain at the same time as she rolled her eyes. “Oh, really Emily, trust me, Roman isn’t in love with me. I thought maybe something was starting to happen between us, that he was starting to feel something more. At the wedding he was almost like a real groom, and then later when we got back to his apartment in New York…well, we sort of…hooked up.”
“About time,” Emily murmured over the rim of her champagne glass before taking a delicate sip.
“Everything was great between us, but then he left for Hawaii,” April continued. All the details she’d kept locked away for the past week, tumbling out thanks to her BFF and her second glass of champagne. “I was so stupid to think he wanted something more. I thought he was different. I guess I was wrong. Maybe all he really wants is his fast-paced single status and to make money.”
Emily smiled secretively. “Are you sure? Because he’s headed this way with a look on his face like he knows exactly what he wants.”
Chapter Sixteen
April felt stunned. Roman, here! Now?
Her breath caught in her chest, and she felt lightheaded.
She turned in time to witness him walking through the restaurant toward them, looking like something out of a woman’s fantasy: impossibly handsome, rugged, gorgeous, and undeniably powerful. And definitely too good to be true. Only he was real.
Tonight he was dressed in a sharp black suit and black shirt with no tie. He’d left the collar open, which gave her a teasing glimpse of his tanned throat and chest. His sleek black hair was neatly trimmed, and he was clean shaven—the quintessential New York City male. Behind him and dressed in similar style was Emily’s tall, good-looking husband Jake, who immediately leaned down to kiss his wife before smiling warmly to both women.
“April,” was all the greeting Roman gave as he narrowed his intense gaze on her.
“Sorry, ladies. I found out Roman flew in a few hours ago, and I suggested we catch up with you both—if you don’t mind us joining you?” Jake explained, looking a little sheepish in the process.
“No, darling, I’ll slide over,” Emily said with a broad grin, making room for her husband on her side of the intimate booth.
April blushed and looked up into Roman’s brooding face. “Yes, please have a seat,” she murmured tersely, reluctantly moving over to let him share her side of the table.
“Thank you,” he replied, his voice gritty as he moved to sit next to her.
“You’re welcome.”
In the soft candlelight of the table he stared down at her with an odd expression. “That dress is really nice. But kinda revealing, don’t you think?” he grumped, sounding fiercely possessive. “Don’t get me wrong, I like it. I just don’t like the fact other guys are seeing your naked back.”
She ignored his remark. “Thank you. Glad you like it…I think.”
She felt lightheaded again from the close confines and his dominating presence. She hadn’t seen him in six days and was taken aback by the sheer size of him and the raw energy he emitted. His broad shoulders and long legs overwhelmed her and made her feel tiny by comparison. His smoldering dark eyes never left hers as he settled next to her. Finally she had to look away, knowing she was blushing profusely.
Damning him and her rotten luck, she gave Emily a telling glance. Her friend answered with a shrug and an Honest, I didn’t know they were meeting us look. Still suspicious, April turned to Roman.
“So, you just happen to be back in town and decided to come here tonight for dinner. Isn’t that interesting?” she questioned, trying not to sound as hotheaded as sh
e felt at the moment. She made the mistake of looking into his gorgeous tawny-brown eyes, and for a moment she forgot why she was so mad at him.
“I usually have dinner here on Friday nights when I’m in town. As Emily must have told you, my buddy Juan owns the place.”
“Well, sorry. I didn’t realize you frequented this place,” she huffed. “Emily happened to pick this restaurant tonight, as luck would have it.”
He leaned over, brushed his check against hers, and inhaled deeply. “You smell really good tonight.”
Okay, now she was totally rattled. “Thank you, again.”
“Are you cold? Would you like my jacket,” he asked, still sounding irritated at how revealing her dress was.
“Absolutely not. I didn’t get to wear this dress on New Year’s Eve, so I’m making the most of it tonight,” she answered tartly, not liking how he made himself at home as he draped an arm around the back of the booth and accepted a glass of champagne from his sister.
He finally relaxed and smiled, obviously now amused at her fiery temper. “I’m sorry we interrupted your night out.” He leaned closer again. “But maybe I can make it up to you later?” he whispered stealthily, for her ears only.
She blushed again and inched away from him. His warm breath on her ear had been like scorching fire on ice. “I doubt you can,” she sulked. He was acting strangely, and she had no idea what to make of it. Really, does the man think he can just waltz back into my life whenever he wants? She shot him a guarded look. “By the way, how was Hawaii? Did you find anything interesting to do there?”
“I surfed and hung out with my friends. The usual,” he said dryly. “Rafael and I had a very interesting conversation, though.”
Before she could reply, they were interrupted by the waiter taking the men’s dinner order. She took the opportunity to control her breathing. From across the table Emily shook her head and mouthed the words again while crossing her heart to swear she had no idea that her brother would turn up tonight. April didn’t know what to believe. In hindsight, she guessed her friend might have known Roman could show up tonight and had picked this particular restaurant just for that reason.
