Staying in the nursery longer than she should have, she tucked blankets around each little one and said a prayer over them. She slipped out the door and ran into a solid body of muscle.
“Oomph!” Sydnee bounced back against the wall.
Mr. Hoffman’s brow furrowed as he reached out to steady her with his warm hands.
Sydnee felt the connection down to her toes. When he’d touched her earlier today, it had been the most pleasant current, and here it was again. No. She couldn’t be sucked in by this schmoozer. Her daddy would have her hide if she let herself fall for a worldly man instead of a good Southern boy like Jace. Yet Jace had never sent her nerves tingling with a simple touch and glance.
“Are you okay, beautiful girl?” he murmured.
“Yes, I’m fine.” The empty compliment brought her up straight. He was obviously a generous man who liked to donate his money and was very free with his words as well. She steeled her spine. Be leery. Be smart.
“I had hoped to see you again,” he murmured, his eyes tracing over her face like a caress.
This man could suck her in faster than quicksand. She must be strong.
“So you finally set your big ole boots on our hallowed soil?” She placed a hand on her hip and glared at him. “We’ve all been hoping to meet you and thank you for years. But you get snubbed by a woman for a dinner invite and suddenly you’re willing to grace the orphanage you self-fund with your presence?” She laid the drawl on thick. She’d gone to NYU for four years before graduating and moving here. Most of the time her accent was subtle, but when she got fired up, her claws came out and she used all the snotty tactics she remembered from the cat-fighting women back home.
He took a step back, his chin tucking in like she’d struck him or something. “You know who I am?”
“Yessiree, Mr. Hoffman. I know who you are.” She blinked, forced her hands to unclench, and softened her tone. “And we’re all mighty grateful to you for the generosity.”
Mr. Hoffman took a step forward again. “Grateful enough to have dinner with me tomorrow?”
Sydnee was paralyzed by the way his dark eyes focused in on her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world and the only woman he’d ever look at that way. That was desperate thinking, and she wasn’t a desperate woman. She shook her head and glanced down the hallway.
Camila was leaning out of her office and gesturing wildly to her. “Yes, yes,” she mouthed.
Sydnee rolled her eyes. She knew that would be the reaction she’d get from her boss. Sydnee would do anything for the children, but maybe not … anything. How far was Mr. Hoffman going to push? He had to realize the henhouse he was trapping her in if she refused. Camila would peck away at her until her head was a nubbin. Their entire operation and the children’s safety, happiness, and security depended on this much-too-intriguing man. How could she possibly refuse a dinner invite from him?
“I would love to, Mr. Hoffman.” Sydnee sighed and bit at her lip.
His perfectly formed fingers lifted; then he cautiously reached out and caressed her jaw. Sydnee found herself tilting toward his touch. He leaned close and whispered, “It’s Brooks, my love.”
Sydnee’s gaze jumped to his. How dare he call her his love and give her these searing looks. He assumed way too much from a simple dinner date. He was nothing but a player, and no matter how they all depended on him, she was not a plaything here for his enjoyment.
“Where and when would you like me to meet you tomorrow, Mr. Hoffman?”
His fingers dropped from her face. He smiled the indulgent smile she reserved for a small child. “I’ll send a car around seven, Sydnee.”
She flinched at the intimate way he said her name. Whatever happened, she would preserve her innocence. She wanted him out of here, now, and suddenly she had an idea she thought might knock some swagger out of him.
“Would you like to come visit with some of the children?” She batted her eyelashes while issuing the challenge. “It’s bedtime, and they’d just love to hear a song or story from their noble benefactor.”
All the arrogance dropped from his face, and he backed away like she’d tried to tase him. “Oh, um, no. Thank you for the offer, love, but I’m very … busy.”
He gave her a cheeky grin that only had half of the power of his earlier smiles, thank heavens, then spun on his leather boot, which probably cost more than their food budget, and almost ran from the building.
“What was all that about?” Rosmerta asked from behind her.
“Rich American wants to donate all the money we need, but isn’t willing to get his hands sticky. When are we ever going to find a man who wants to be part of the children’s lives?” Sydnee wanted him to interact with everyone in the building, herself included. He may have been a filthy rich, philandering man, but she was still drawn to him. She knew the children, particularly Daniel, the oldest and most in need of a father figure in his life, would love simply being around a strong male, especially one with a smile and sense of humor like Brooks—or rather, Mr. Hoffman—seemed to have.
“Oh, well.” Rosmerta watched him go. “At least the view of him running away is nice.”
Sydnee giggled, and then had to cover her hand with her mouth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Liar. I saw you checking him out.”
“There was a lot of him to check out.”
Rosmerta sucked in a breath and licked her lips. “Yes, there was.”
3
Brooks drummed his fingers against his Armani suit pants and closed his eyes in a brief prayer. He wanted tonight to go well. This little Sydnee doll did not seem to be receptive to his immense charm like ninety-nine percent of the women in the world. He was afraid the only reason she’d agreed was the pressure from her boss mouthing “yes” down the hallway. He hoped he was wrong, but she’d almost acted like she didn’t trust him, as if he would pull his financial support if their date wasn’t up to par. He smiled to himself. He’d never had to coerce a woman to fall for his magnetism. They usually took one look at his face and body, he’d smile and stare into their eyes, and bam, they’d happily have his babies if he asked. He never asked. If he could get Sydnee to swoon for him, he might be asking.
“Ha!” he laughed out loud.
“Boss?” José turned slightly in the front seat of the Hummer.
“Nothing, my friend. It’s all good.” He smiled. He’d never ask any woman to have his babies, as he was a good Christian boy first and foremost, so to have babies meant a ring on someone’s finger. He was never going to settle down. He’d bought plenty of jewelry for beautiful women, but drew the line at rings. Rings meant scary words like commitment and playtime over for Brooks. No rings, ever.
They pulled up to the Bethel Orphanage, and Brooks felt a surge of pride. Anything the director, Camila, asked for, he gave the money or had someone see to the details. The entire property was well kept. Along the back side of the large home was a grassy area and lots of commercial play equipment, slides, swings, and forts to climb, hide, and pretend in. He paid for maintenance crews to come regularly, including a weekly cleaning crew, and everything was in good working order. It was miles above what he’d had before Mr. Hoffman adopted him.
His lips pursed. Had Sydnee been teasing him about having only tortillas and beans for dinner? He’d check into that. They should have money for the food they wanted and a good variety for the children. Camila said they had eleven boys and seven girls in the house right now. Those children needed meat, veggies, and fruit. The boys especially needed meat if they were going to grow big and strong like him.
He puffed out his chest, more than proud of his physique and all that he’d accomplished with the money his adoptive father had bestowed when he passed away ten years ago.
The car rolled to a stop, and Brooks jumped out before José could get his door. His thoughts returned to Sydnee and his hope for some lip action after tonight’s dinner. How he loved beautiful women. With any l
uck, he’d convince this one that he was a man worth loving on.
The front door swung open and Sydnee rushed out, shutting it quickly behind her like the hounds of Hades were on her heels. She wore a flowing white dress that drew attention to her tan shoulders and nicely formed calf muscles. Her hair draped down her back in long waves. A bold, jade necklace accented her neckline. Her blue eyes looked brighter with eye makeup highlighting them, and her naturally pink lips were a dramatic red. He liked it. Oh yes, he did. She’d made an effort to be even more attractive. For him. This night was going to go so well.
Sydnee strode past him with her head held high and her shoulders back, as if she were marching to her inevitable execution, and grabbed on to the door handle of the sport utility vehicle. José was there to swing it open. She slid inside without saying a word to either of them. Brooks swallowed the compliment he’d been ready to bestow. Maybe tonight wasn’t going to go so well, after all.
José glanced his way with a question in his eyes. Brooks shrugged and walked around the Hummer. José opened his door. “Thank you, mi amigo,” Brooks murmured.
He reclined into the soft leather of the backseat and turned toward Sydnee, giving her his award-winning smile. “You look extremely beautiful tonight.”
She glared at him. “Let’s get something straight. I am not one of your little hoochie mamas. I can’t be bought. And the only reason I’m coming to dinner is so Camila can get her panties out of a wad!”
Brooks reared back in surprise. “What would lead you to believe that I have hoochie mamas?” He wasn’t quite sure if she knew what that meant to most people.
Sydnee rolled her eyes. “I’m not dumb. You’re a buff, good-looking, wealthy flirt. You have women lining up to lick your toe lint, so don’t act like I’m something special when I’m not.”
Brooks had never been more insulted, even though she’d given him some backhanded compliments. For some reason, it upset him that she didn’t think she was something special. He’d spent most of his life knowing he wasn’t. “I do not have toe lint,” he said.
Sydnee actually smiled at that, but her lips turned down quickly. “Let’s make a deal, Mr. Hoffman.”
He held up a hand. “First part of the deal is you call me Brooks.”
“Okay, Brooks,” she spat out between her teeth.
“Say it nicely.” He smiled at her, enjoying their sparring even though the hope of a kiss was buried beneath pounds of her obvious resentment of having to go out with him.
She swallowed, and her eyes roved over his face. He successfully hid a smirk at her obvious appreciation. She wanted him. She just didn’t know it yet.
He leaned in, maintaining eye contact. Her chest rose and fell quickly. Her eyes dipped down to his lips, then back up. Every woman loved his lips. He could hear Sydnee’s shortened breaths and smell something delectable. She reminded him of sweet lemon candy. Would she taste just as good? Brooks really enjoyed the effect he was having on her. Oh yes, women made his life so enjoyable.
“Brooks,” she murmured.
He grinned and wrapped an arm around the back of her seat. “Thank you.” He dipped his head to within inches of hers. His lips hovered over hers, and that hint of citrus was infused with peppermint. Yes, she was going to taste delicious.
Her hands rested on his chest. Slowly, she rubbed them across his pectoral muscles. He knew from years of experience that women died over his well-developed pecs. Her touch started a low burn in his stomach. He needed to slow down the moment before the kiss, but he felt like a teenager on his first date. He could hardly stand the anticipation. He cupped her cheek with his palm. She was soft and smelled great, and he wanted to devour her right here and now. Forget that his friend José was sitting in the front seat and the car wasn’t moving.
“Brooks?” she whispered again, and he loved the sound of her saying his name.
“Hmm?” He lowered his other hand along her back, pulling her closer to him.
Her hands hardened into fists, and she pushed him back.
Brooks straightened in surprise. His hand fell away from her face. Had he just been rejected?
“The deal is, I have dinner with you, and you keep funding the orphanage. Don’t you think for one second that you can extort me into dating you. If you pull your funding, you can bet your muscled chest that I’ll find a way to take care of those children. I would die for them, but I wouldn’t kiss you for a million bucks.”
Brooks felt like he’d just been stabbed with a knife. His sweet beauty had a bite to her that he didn’t know if he liked or not.
“Thank you for telling me how you really feel,” he shot back at her.
“You have no idea,” she said, but her voice sounded tired instead of feisty.
Straightening his shoulders and tilting his head to the side, he bestowed his irresistible signature grin on her. He never backed down from a challenge. Little did she know that he was just getting started.
* * *
Sydnee could hardly catch a breath as they coasted to a stop at the end of a long, tree-lined drive. The driver got her door, and Brooks rushed around to her side of the car and was waiting there with his arm extended.
She studied him, not sure if she could handle even the simple touch of her hand through his arm. What kind of man didn’t get offended by being put in his place? She’d been sure he would take her back to the orphanage and inform Camila that he was done providing for them. But no, he thanked her and then gave her that grin. Good heavens. How many women had fallen to the ground groveling under the power of that grin, the smoldering look in those dark eyes? He was good, she’d give him that.
She’d almost kissed him. She’d wanted to scream for joy at how amazing his touch had felt and cry at the loss of it. Thankfully, she’d found some self-control she didn’t know she possessed and pushed him away. Her words were too harsh. If he hadn’t been such an overconfident playboy, she would’ve been very interested in dating him. She liked the way he talked, the way he moved, and especially the way he looked at her. No. She was smarter than falling for some wealthy guy who only wanted a one-night stand. At least, she hoped she was.
She turned and stared at the massive house. Mangrove trees lined the road leading up to the stucco mansion, but she could see the beach and palm trees stretching out behind the house.
Brooks escorted her up the wide front stairs. It was a sprawling two-story affair that fit well with the local culture.
“How long have you lived here?” Sydnee asked.
“Five years. You like my little hacienda?”
“It’ll do,” Sydnee said flippantly, stifling a laugh at the obvious disappointment in his eyes.
They walked through nine-foot doors into a cavernous entryway with a sweeping staircase on the left.
“Before I met you, I felt bad that you gave so much to the orphanage. Now I can see it’s like toilet paper to you.”
“Toilet paper?” Brooks looked down at her with a question in his eyes.
“You could use it like toilet paper and flush it away.”
“I like Charmin better, though.”
Sydnee laughed. She couldn’t help it. Brooks gave her that grin that made her want to melt into a puddle at his feet. She straightened her spine and wiped the smile from her face. Stay strong. He makes every woman laugh and want to melt. You’re not falling for that.
Brooks quirked an eyebrow, but didn’t comment on her sudden lack of mirth. He escorted her through the entry into a large great room, taking the time to thank the small cook profusely for all her hard work.
“This is my new friend, Sydnee,” Brooks said, presenting her. “Valentina,” he said to Sydnee, “the best cook and little momma on the island.”
Valentina laughed and took Sydnee’s hand. “Is very nice to meet you, Mees Sydnee,” she said with a heavy accent.
“You too.” Sydnee found she meant it. The woman seemed like a little momma who would take care of everyone around her. Sydnee had to
admit that the way Brooks treated his staff was impressive. Like they were his friends. Probably just trying to trick Sydnee into thinking he was a good guy. She shook her head. He had to be a good guy. Nobody self-funded an orphanage without having some pretty impressive charity in inside. She glanced at him. His body was big enough to hold lots of charity. Maybe she’d been too harsh on him.
“I hope you enjoy dinner,” Valentina said, then turned back to the stove.
“I’m sure I will,” Sydnee returned. “Thank you.”
Brooks wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her past the kitchen and dining area to a back patio that overlooked the beach and ocean beyond. The sun dipped low on the horizon, the palm trees swayed, waves lapped against the beach, and you couldn’t have picked a more romantic setting.
“You’re sure you’ll enjoy dinner?” Brooks said, his breath tickling her ear.
Sydnee jumped and whirled on him. “Stop with the suave act. Treat me the way you’d treat Valentina.”
His eyebrows rose. “My little momma?” Brooks trailed a hand through her hair and rested it on her shoulder.
She trembled under his touch, and her body swayed closer to his without her permission.
“I don’t think my sixty-year-old friend would appreciate me wanting to touch her soft skin or kiss her cherry-red lips.” His finger brushed Sydnee’s lips, and they parted under his touch. Sydnee’s breath was coming in quick pants. She studied his firm lips, intrigued by the way his top lip bowed and his bottom lip was slightly fuller. Those lips were almost too pretty for a man. Almost. She suddenly wanted with everything in her to see what they would taste like.
Sydnee forced herself to step back, but the smirk on Brooks’s face showed he knew how much he affected her. When her breathing was under control, she muttered, “Well, this twenty-three-year-old social worker doesn’t appreciate wanting to touch you. I mean …” She blew out all her breath. This was not going well. Brushing past him, she walked down toward the ocean. She needed a break.
Cozumel Escape (Destination Billionaire Romance) Page 2
