by Leanne Banks
An image shot through his mind of Calista as a little blond-haired girl playing games. “And now that you’re in your ancient mid-twenties?”
“Wii,” she said. “I bought it for my sisters and occasionally whip their butts at bowling. I could probably whip your butt, too.”
“Is that a challenge?” he asked.
“I’m sure you’re too busy dominating the shipping business to play games,” she said in a silky smooth voice, but the dare was still in her eyes.
“I might make an exception,” he said and sent a text message to his assistant to purchase a Wii. “So what are the stakes for the winner and loser in your Wii bowling?”
She shot him a blank look and shrugged. “Bragging rights?”
He scoffed. “There’s got to be more at stake than that,” he said. “What’s the use of playing?”
She laughed and shook her head. “For fun.”
Five
The first thing that struck Calista as Leo’s plane landed in Tokyo was the density. There were so many tall buildings tightly packed together. “They’re so close,” she murmured, looking out the window. She’d been so focused on her work that she hadn’t had much time to think about exploring Tokyo while she was here.
“What would you like to see while you’re here?” Leo asked. “I’ll be in meetings most of the day and we’ll have dinner with Mr. Kihoto, but there’s no reason you can’t explore. My assistant has arranged for a tour guide and interpreter for your convenience.”
“I haven’t even thought about it. What should I not miss?”
“Depends on how adventurous you are,” he said.
“I still need to work while I’m here, but I should be able to sightsee a little bit,” she said.
“Do you ever take a vacation?” he asked.
“Do you?” she retorted.
“Good point,” he said. “You’ll probably want to go shopping for souvenirs. The tour guide can escort you there. I have a few things in mind for you.”
“What?” she asked.
“Surprises,” he said and grinned. “You trust me, don’t you?”
Her stomach dipped. Yes and no, she thought, surprised in a way that she trusted him at all. As long as Leo didn’t know the truth about her plans for their temporary marriage, she suspected he would take care of her. But if he found out too soon…She shuddered at the thought.
At their hotel suite, Leo allowed her extra sleep to recover from jet lag. The next morning, she awakened to find him gone and instructions for contacting her personal guide. She got up and spent extra time in the bathroom, fascinated by the TOTO toilet, which actually lifted its lid as she approached and closed it as she left, all the while playing Mendelssohn.
She forced herself to work, although she was distracted by the beautiful small garden view from the window. After e-mailing one of her assignments to her office, she called the guide, a charming woman named Nakato. She went on a whirlwind tour, taking in the narrow streets, sounds and smells of Tokyo with a few shopping stops along the way. Nakato took her to a six-floor toy shop and she picked up a silly gift for Leo.
She dressed for dinner, fighting a sudden attack of nerves. When Leo walked through the door, she felt a whisper of relief until she saw his brooding expression. “How have your meetings gone?”
“Could be better. I learned that my biggest competitor has already been here for a visit and Mr. Kihoto was impressed with him and his wife. I think Mr. Kihoto is a little put off by how young I am. At least having a wife means I’ve overcome one of his objections,” he muttered under his breath.
Calista went very still, taking in his last comment. “Pardon me?” she finally said. “Did I hear you correctly? Are you saying you need to have a wife to get a business deal with this man?”
Still clearly distracted, he shrugged. “It’s part of his expectations. My marital status doesn’t have a thing to do with my business abilities, but having a wife smoothes the way.”
“Are you telling me that you married me so I could smooth the way for your business deals?” she asked, shocked and almost hurt despite her own approach to the marriage. She couldn’t possibly be really hurt because she didn’t have any real feelings for him.
“I had several reasons for marrying you. I’ve demonstrated that,” he said and flicked his gaze over her from head to toe. “I’ll wash up and we can leave in a few minutes.”
Calista paced from one end of the living area to the other, fuming. The more she thought about Leo’s motivation for marrying her, the more upset she became. She remembered how he hadn’t called her for weeks. He hadn’t really had any feelings for her. He’d just been frustrated because his prospective business partners were reluctant with him because of his youth…and lack of a wife. So, what she’d really been was convenient. She wanted him to feel as vulnerable as she did.
“The limo’s waiting,” Leo said as he strode into the living area. “Let’s go.”
He took her elbow when they exited the elevator and she wrested her arm away from him. Despite the fact that she intended to divorce Leo in six months, she could barely swallow her indignation.
He shot her a look of cool curiosity as they got into the vehicle. “What’s your problem?”
“You could have married just anyone,” she said. “So, why me?”
“I told you before. You captured my attention.”
“Plus I didn’t want a big wedding. That was in my favor, too, wasn’t it?”
Leo wiped his hand over his face in frustration. “Listen, there’s no reason for you to pretend you’re pissed off because part of the reason I married you was for practical reasons. You need to remember that you were very firm on getting married.” His mouth tightened. “Despite the fact that you were not a virgin when we said our I-dos.”
“I never said I was a virgin.”
He lifted his hand. “This is nonsense. You and I have an explosive passion for each other. More than most married couples I’d say. You’re getting what you want out of this bargain, and I am, too. If you wanted an emotional, romantic man, you picked the wrong guy. I never represented myself that way.” He met her gaze. “Now, I want this deal. I don’t want to feel like I’ve wasted my time by making this trip. So, just try to act like an adoring wife and you can resume your pissing fit after it’s over. If it makes you feel better, I’ll give you a blank check and you can shop off your anger tomorrow.”
She stared at him in shock. “Do you really think going on a shopping spree is going to make me feel better about this?”
“Works with most women, doesn’t it?” he asked as the limo pulled to a stop.
She would love to teach him a thing or two. After she secured her sisters’ education and health care. She knew it was hypocritical, but his attitude still galled her.
“You’re a jerk, but don’t worry. I’ll fake it,” she said to him and got out of the limo.
Leo escorted her into the restaurant where a host greeted them.
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” Leo said under his breath. “Smile, darling. Here come the Kihotos.”
The middle-aged couple approached and Leo made the necessary introductions. Calista smiled and nodded to each of them. “I have a small gift for you,” she said to Mrs. Kihoto.
Mrs. Kihoto smiled shyly, but shook her head. “Oh, no, I can’t accept.”
Calista knew it was custom for the Japanese to refuse gifts up to three times. “Please do. It’s very small and you would be doing me a favor.”
Mrs. Kihoto gave a slow nod. “You’re very kind and beautiful.”
“Thank you. You’re very generous to join us for dinner,” Calista said and felt Leo’s gaze on her.
When they sat down, he whispered in her ear, “Very nice. You surprised me.”
She smiled, whispering in return, “Is this when you say ‘good wife’ and pat me on my head?”
She heard him smother a chuckle under a cough.
Calista successfully m
ade it through the meal without stabbing Leo with her chopsticks and not pointing them in a culturally offensive direction. She even remembered to say the traditional “Gochisosama deshita” at the end of the meal.
Leo, again, appeared impressed. So did Mr. and Mrs. Kihoto. Calista collected her beautifully wrapped gift for Mrs. Kihoto and the woman also presented her with one.
“Oh, look at how beautiful,” Calista said, admiring the gift. “You shouldn’t have. Your company was a huge gift.”
Mrs. Kihoto insisted and Calista thanked the woman and her husband again, relieved when she climbed into the limo.
“Very well done,” Leo said. “I must show my gratitude. Since you’re not interested in shopping one of my credit cards up to the limit, what can I get you?”
Calista leaned her head against the back of the leather seat and closed her eyes, the fiery brunt of her anger at Leo fading a little. She shouldn’t have been surprised that his motive for marrying her was mercenary. And how could she blame him when her motive was almost as bad as his. The only thing that made her motive more honorable was that she was doing it for someone else, her sisters. Others might see that as splitting hairs. “I’d like a cheeseburger.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “And maybe one of those TOTO toilets with all the bells and whistles.”
He chuckled and loosened his tie. “Liked that, did you?”
“I was like a little kid. I think I played with it for thirty minutes,” she confessed.
“I was the same way my first time too,” he said.
She looked at him and felt a slight softening warring with her resentment.
He moved closer to her and pressed his mouth against hers. “You’re an excellent wife.”
“You were just surprised that I got Mrs. Kihoto a gift,” she said. “I told you I’d been taught etiquette for several different cultures from the classes I took.”
“True. I knew you were good. Just not this good,” he said, sliding his mouth over her neck.
She felt a rush of heat despite her best intentions. He made her feel incredibly safe and challenged and irritated. He made her want to root for him. Probably part of his conman background, she thought cynically. That didn’t keep her heart from beating faster.
“I’m taking you someplace the night before we leave,” he said.
“Really?” she said. “Where?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said.
“No hints?” she asked.
He slid his hands to her waist and higher to her breasts. “What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Seducing my wife,” he said. “Is it working?”
She felt as if she were melting into the leather upholstery. “Damn you.”
“Too late. I’ve already been damned. But maybe you can redeem me,” he said and slid her zipper down the back of her dress.
After a few days of combining work in the hotel suite and sightseeing, Leo awakened her before dawn. She covered her eyes. “Too early.”
“I know, but Mrs. Kihoto was so impressed with you that she wants to take you somewhere special this afternoon,” Leo said.
She peeked out from her fingers. “What?” she asked suspiciously, taking in the sight of the too-gorgeous man who had somehow managed to distract her from the fact that she was peeved with him, that he was manipulative and lacking in human emotion.
“She wants to take you to a temple and Tokyo’s best onsen,” he said.
The temple was fine, but her drowsy mind tried to summon what she remembered about an onsen. “Sounds okay,” she said and frowned. “Onsen? I can’t remember—”
“You’ll love it,” he said. “Everyone loves it.”
She rose onto her elbows and frowned. “What is it?” she asked.
“It’s like swimming in a hot spring,” he said.
The realization slowly sank in. “The communal bath,” she said. “I’m going to have to get naked with your client’s wife!”
“It’s not that bad. You’ll enjoy it. It will help you relax for your surprise tonight,” he said and gave her another quick kiss. “I’ll call you later.”
“Leo,” she said as he walked toward the door, but he kept walking. “Leo,” she called and tossed a pillow that missed him by a mile. Frustration roared through her. She’d just been conned big time.
Hours later, after she’d visited a peaceful temple and taken a naked dip in a pool with a bunch of strangers, albeit feminine strangers who’d been fascinated by her fair hair, she reluctantly allowed herself to be driven to a different hotel for the evening. She was surprised by the modest outward appearance of the building. “This is different.”
“Yes, it is,” he said and led her inside the boutique establishment. They were led to a beautiful suite with a huge tub and expanded bathroom, but no bed. “Where do we sleep?”
“On the floor,” he said.
“Oh, goody,” she said.
He chuckled. “Don’t prejudge. Our dinner will be served in our room.”
“Can I have a fork?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes.”
A lovely meal of fresh fish was served via room service. Padded floor mats were rolled out onto the floor. Champagne was served with the meal.
“The champagne keeps it from being traditional, but I thought you might like it. I figured if they brought margaritas you might spill another one on me,” he said, taking a sip of the bubbly.
“It’s very quiet here,” she said as she finished her last delicious bite. “I like it better than I thought I would.”
“We’re not done.” He stood and extended his hand. “Come with me.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll like it,” he said.
“That’s what you said about the communal bathing,” she said, reluctantly rising.
“And did you?” he asked.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” she admitted.
He led her into the bathroom where the huge tub was filled with steaming water with rose petals floating on top. She glanced at him. “I already had a bath today.”
“It wasn’t with me,” he said and stripped off his clothes.
She looked at him, unable to tear her gaze from his body. The light was bright enough for her to see every well-defined muscle. In the past, when they’d made love, the power of his physique had distracted her so much that she couldn’t study him. But now she could. As he turned his back to her, she took in his wide shoulders, the V-shape of his waist to his hips, his tight buttocks and long strong legs. He turned a certain way in the light and she saw thin white lines of abuse on his back and lower.
She stared at the marks, but then he stepped into the tub and turned around to face her. “Well?” he asked.
Rising to her feet, she pulled off her clothes. “I’ve already bathed three times today. I guess one more time won’t hurt.” She walked to the large steaming tub with the rose petals fanning away from the wake he’d caused.
He took her hand to steady her and she stepped inside, blowing a quick puff of air from her mouth. “Hot,” she said.
“You’ll get used to it,” he said and pulled her into his arms. His nakedness felt delicious against hers. He was so hard where she was so soft. Pulling her down to her knees, he supported her.
“Yikes,” she whispered at the heat.
“A little further,” he said, splashing water over her shoulders. “Come on. A few minutes and you’ll wish it were warmer.”
“I don’t think so,” she said, but she allowed him to pull her the rest of the way into the tub.
He kissed her, taking her soft gasp into his mouth. She closed her eyes and the combination of the hot water and his naked body surrounding her made her feel as if she’d entered another dimension. She lifted her hands to his shoulders, her breasts rubbing against his chest. He nudged her thighs apart, wrapping her legs around his back so that she sat on his lap.
“Good?” he asked, rubbing his forehea
d against hers.
“Yes,” she said, deciding she could let down her guard for just tonight. She was far from her sisters, far from her job and in the arms of a strong, strong man. “Very good.”
Leo fed his bride a breakfast of fish, which she appeared to enjoy. After they’d made love last night, she’d slept like the dead. She often seemed as if a part of her was on guard, but he’d sensed something different in her. The woman usually seemed to be wound tighter than a clock, and damn if it wasn’t his pleasure to unwind her. He watched her take her last bite and sigh with pleasure, similar to the way she sighed when he made love to her. Similar, but not the same.
“That was wonderful,” she said.
“Good,” he said. “Did it make up for your communal bath yesterday?”
“I’ll tell you the truth. The communal bath was actually very nice and Mrs. Kihoto made it seem like the most natural thing in the world. She chatted and was very friendly.” She paused and shot him a curious look. “Have you taken a communal bath with Mr. Kihoto?”
He nodded. “Last time I was here. It wasn’t a big deal. Men aren’t as hung up about their bodies as women are.”
“That sounded sexist,” she said.
“There are differences between men and women. Most of them are good,” he said.
“Oh, really?” she said, lifting her chin.
He touched her pert nose. “You look snooty when you do that. Did you learn that expression in your girlie classes?”
“Girlie classes,” she echoed. “You mean my etiquette classes.”
He shrugged. “There weren’t any guys in your class, were there?”
“No,” she conceded. “I thought the classes were a waste of time the first two times I took them.”
He stared at her, choking on his coffee. “How many times did you take them?”
“Four,” she said with an expression of disgust. “I flunked them the first two times and my mother wanted to make sure I learned everything, so she made me take them a third time. Then I took the advanced level. I didn’t want to take them again, so I got those right the first time.”
