by Pamela Yaye
“A what, Claudia? A date with your Latin lover?” Her voice turned ugly, as sharp as nails. “Where’s he taking you? To the local bar for nachos and tequila?”
“Why are you being so mean? You don’t know anything about him.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But I know his type. The resort is crawling with good-for-nothing Latin gigolos waiting to pounce on lonely American women like you,” she explained, her tone losing some of its sting. “What you need to do is ditch resort boy and head down to the hotel’s underground plaza. That’s were all the moneyed men are. I’m talking about princes, dignitaries, and filthy stinkin’ rich oil tycoons who can afford to buy you anything and take you anywhere.”
“I was married to a man like that, remember?”
“You’re right. William was a jerk, the absolute worst of the worst, but just because he hurt you doesn’t mean you should overlook the rich, prominent men staying at the resort and take up with the help! This Santiago guy works there, for goodness’ sake.” Her cruel laugh polluted the air. “How much money does he make? Sixty pesos an hour?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care. If not for Santiago, I wouldn’t have been hired to plan the celebration bash or been given a twelve-thousand-dollar advance.”
“But he doesn’t even have a car!”
“I have to go.”
Before Maxine could respond, Claudia logged off Skype. Fuming, her chest heaving and her hands shaking, she stomped down the hall and into the master bedroom. Claudia couldn’t believe her sister’s nerve. How dare she insult Santiago! He was an honest, hardworking man who treated everyone—from the bellboy to the housekeeper—with kindness and respect. So what if he didn’t earn a six-figure salary or drive an expensive car like her brother-in-law, Royce? It didn’t make him any less of a man, and she resented Maxine for implying that it did.
Standing in front of the closet mirror, with her hands on her hips and a furious scowl on her lips, she exhaled the bitterness clogging her lungs and slowed her breathing. The anger drained from her body, and her erratic heartbeat returned to its natural rhythm.
The gardenia-scented breeze ruffled the curtains, and caused her gaze to drift to the balcony. A stately yacht glided peacefully toward the bustling harbor. The view was unbeatable, unlike anything Claudia had ever seen. It was in that quiet moment, with the hummingbirds crooning the season’s song, that Claudia had a revelation: she cared deeply about Santiago. And not because he was insanely gorgeous or because he had a fit, hard body she imagined doing all sorts of naughty, X-rated things with, either. He made her feel safe, cared for, and he treated her as if she was the most important person in his life. Claudia didn’t care what anyone thought about them spending time together—not even Max. She liked Santiago and wanted to spend the day with him. Was that so bad?
Claudia didn’t know why, but arguing with Max had left her steamed, determined to prove her wrong, but it had also left her feeling…horny? Thoughts of kissing and caressing Santiago all over flooded her mind, made her hands shake so hard she couldn’t undo the knot on her pink satin robe. It was time she quit stressing about what was happening back in Richmond and enjoy what was left of her vacation. And Claudia couldn’t think of anything she’d like more than a spellbinding night of passion with Santiago Medina.
Screw what Max thought.
That’s why, as Claudia slipped on her black satin bra and matching panties, she decided that this would be the night she and Santiago graduated from friends to lovers. It was time. Time to indulge in a sensuous night of passion with the man she desired. And when Claudia sailed out of her suite at noon, she had a grin on her face, and—thanks to the resort mini bar—watermelon-flavored condoms tucked safely inside her purse.
Chapter 14
“Claudia, come out here,” Santiago called, knocking on the fitting room door. “I want to see how the dress looks on you, and I’m not leaving until you show me.”
Claudia stared at her reflection in the mirror and examined the emerald-green strapless gown from every possible angle. She loved the vibrant color, loved how it made her eyes pop, but the Badgley Mischka creation wasn’t her style. The neckline revealed an immodest amount of cleavage, and the material accentuated her many imperfections. No way was she letting Santiago see her. “It’s not for me.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
“I don’t know why I let you talk me into trying on this gown in the first place. It’s all wrong for the celebration bash, and it’s way out of my price range.”
“You need a second opinion.”
“I know my body, and this dress is all wrong. It detracts instead of flatters.”
“But who better to judge than a man with impeccable taste like me?”
A laugh floated out of Claudia’s mouth. She was being silly, making a big deal out of nothing. She’d show Santiago the dress, then take it off. Butterflies were doing the tango in her stomach, but she stepped confidently out of the changing room and walked over to the wall of mirrors. “I told you it wasn’t the right look for me.”
Santiago didn’t speak. His gaze was strong and intense, and his eyes were full of admiration. “Your beauty never fails to amaze me,” he confessed, stepping forward. “You’re as glamorous and as sexy as any red-carpet star.”
Now he sounded like Ana. Her friend was always complimenting her, telling her that she was a “beautiful child of God” and, although she was out of town visiting relatives, she called every morning with a positive, life-affirming quote. Claudia knew she didn’t have the right body shape for the gown and pointed out the obvious. “Look at how it bunches up at the sides. This dress was made for someone tall and slender, and I’m—”
“The most stubborn woman I’ve ever met. Why is it so hard to accept that you’re stunning?” A broad grin filled his lips. “You, my love, could be on the top of any man’s lust list.”
“Sure. I’m right up there with the Angeline Jolies and the Halle Berrys of the world,” she quipped, shifting her feet. “I don’t think I’m ugly, but I’m certainly not the sexy bombshell you make me out to be.”
“You are in my eyes.”
Claudia avoided his gaze and looked out into the crowded boutique. Women with perfect hair and tanned bodies perused sleek, clean displays. They were refined, elegant. Everything she wanted to be but wasn’t. “No one’s ever complimented me the way you do.”
“Your ex-husband never told you that you light up every room you enter?”
“He found fault in everything I did, and nothing was ever good enough.”
Santiago moved in so close Claudia could feel the contours of his hard chest up against her back. “If this boutique wasn’t packed, I’d carry you back into your changing room to show you just what I think of you in this dress. You look guapa.”
He lowered his head. “And magnífica.”
He brushed his lips against her mouth. “And exquisita.”
Claudia tasted desire on his lips, felt it in his touch and in his sweet caress.
“Wow! I’ve never seen that dress look so good!”
Frowning, Claudia glanced from Santiago to the voluptuous salesclerk standing at the entrance of the fitting room. “Did he pay you to say that?”
The woman laughed easily. “How do you feel in it?”
“Like a little girl playing dress-up.” She sighed and rubbed her hands along the side of her dress. “It’s too tight around my hips.”
“I’ll grab you a bigger size. What are you, a six?”
“I wish.” Claudia laughed and shook her head. “Don’t bother. I was looking for something with a lot less va-va-voom for the celebration bash. Thanks, though.”
Ten minutes later, Claudia was standing at the front counter, staring at the items she’d selected while ambli
ng around the Ooh La La Boutique. There were sundresses and purses, sandals and blouses, and several casual outfits for Max.
“Should I go ahead and ring these things up?” the clerk asked, pointing to the pile.
“Oh, God, no. I’m only buying the maternity clothes.”
“You’re not getting anything for yourself?” Santiago frowned. “But you love those wedge sandals, and you almost fainted when you found that cashmere coat.”
“I know, but I didn’t come in here to blow my whole advance,” she told him, opening her wallet and slipping out some cash. “I don’t need a new dress for the celebration bash anyways. I have something at the resort that I can wear. It isn’t a Badgley Mischka, but I like it.”
Santiago placed an arm around Claudia and moved her away from the cash register.
“Ring everything up and charge it to my account,” he announced, handing the wide-eyed clerk a platinum credit card. “And add some of those satin scarves on the display behind you. Claudia loves pink, and she’d look great in any one of them.”
Claudia shook her head. “I can’t let you pay for those clothes.”
“Why, don’t you like them?”
“Yes, but that’s thousands of dollars’ worth of stuff.”
“And?” he prompted.
“And you can’t afford it any more than I can.”
“I’m not a pauper, Claudia. I can afford to buy you nice things.”
“You can say that again. This will hardly make a dent in his wallet,” the clerk quipped, a sly grin tickling her collagen-enhanced lips. “And besides, you look like a million bucks in that gown. Trust me, señorita. All eyes will be on you at that celebration bash.”
“See?” Santiago winked. “I’m not the only one who thinks you’re a showstopper!”
Claudia gripped his forearm. “I don’t need any of these things, and besides, there’s no way we can fit all these bags of clothes into a taxi.”
“I know,” he conceded, rubbing a hand along her back, “that’s why this lovely young associate is going to have everything delivered to Suite 1164 at the Sea of Cortez Resort.”
The clerk gave a fervent nod of her head. “Your purchases will be there within the hour.”
“I still don’t feel comfortable about this.”
“You don’t have to.” Santiago dropped a kiss on her cheek. “This is my way of saying thank you for all the hard work you’ve been doing. And for bringing me steak sandwiches all those days I was trapped inside the office and couldn’t leave for lunch.”
“This is wrong. You shouldn’t be blowing your hard-earned money on me.”
“Just think of it as an early birthday gift.”
A giggle floated out of her mouth. “Santiago, my birthday was three months ago.”
“Then it’s a very belated gift indeed!”
The clerk handed Santiago his credit card and the two-page receipt. Her eyes were glued to his face, and she was salivating like a dog with a chicken bone, but she addressed Claudia. “You’re a very lucky lady, señorita. Every woman in here wishes she was you, and for good reason too. Santiago Medina is the ultimate catch.”
“He is?” Claudia shot him a look. “You are?”
“If anyone’s lucky, it’s me,” he said, wearing a broad smile. “I’m spending the day with the prettiest woman in Cabo, and if we ever get out of here, I’m treating her to lunch.”
“Have a great afternoon, you two. And thanks for shopping at Ooh La La Boutique!”
After thanking the clerk, Santiago took Claudia’s hand and strode through the sliding-glass doors of the upscale boutique.
Paradise Road bustled with life and energy. Shoppers meandered along cobblestone sidewalks, vendors hawked everything from fresh produce to rugs, and red double-decker buses carrying wide-eyed passengers crawled down the busy street.
The sights and sounds in the air tickled Claudia’s senses. It was exciting to be among the mass of people moving between the train station, plaza and open-air market. The activity in the market was intense. Tourists haggled with merchants, diners drank and laughed outside of cheap cafés, and teens whizzed between stores on yellow mopeds. Wooden carts were stacked high with ripe fruit, mountains of I Love Mexico key chains, and colorful T-shirts touted the virtues of tequila and salsa music.
A mother of three sat with her kids on a bench eating snow cones. Claudia felt a pang in her heart, an ache that only the love of a child could fill. The woman looked haggard, like she hadn’t slept for weeks, and there was a giant stain in the middle of her white sundress, but Claudia would trade places with her in a heartbeat. She wanted to be a mother more than anything, but two years ago William had shattered her hopes and dreams for the future, leaving her with more questions than answers. Will I ever get pregnant again? Or be able to carry a child to term?
“What’s on your mind? You’re walking beside me, but it’s obvious that your thoughts are a million miles away.” Santiago slipped an arm around her shoulder. “I know what it is. You’re thinking about how great it would be to live here. It happens to everyone, and you’d be surprised by the number of tourists who buy property after just one visit.”
“That’s what happened to my sister and brother-in-law, and now that I’ve seen the city for myself I understand why.” Claudia closed her eyes and soaked up the sun, the fresh air and the scents swirling around her. “I love Richmond, and I’ve never imagined myself living anywhere else, but there’s something so freeing and tranquil about living near the ocean.”
“You know, the resort’s going to need a full-time event coordinator now that the chapel’s finished and the destination wedding packages are available.”
“I have my own event-planning business back home, remember?”
“You’d still have plenty of time to work on your other projects,” he told her. “Just give it some thought. After the celebration bash we’ll sit down and discuss it in more detail, okay?”
Claudia nodded, and when Santiago lifted her chin and pressed his lips against hers, she melted against him. He was a great kisser, the best, a man with enough skill to make millions at a kissing booth. Being in his arms was heaven on earth. The kiss was innocent, but filled with such passion and intensity it roused her desires.
Holding hands, with stars in their eyes and a smile on their lips, they strolled leisurely down Paradise Road. They sampled some of the traditional dishes offered by vendors and paused every few minutes to take pictures. It was impossible not to feel good in Santiago’s presence. He greeted everyone with a smile, chatted affably with the merchants and attracted more female attention than a platinum-selling boy band. Looking seriously sexy in his pale blue polo shirt and khaki slacks, Claudia wondered why a man with his looks and personality was still on the market. And when he blessed her with one of his sweet, endearing smiles she felt proud to be on his arm.
“Is there anyone in town you don’t know?” Claudia teased, noting the wide-eyed expressions on the faces of the people they passed. “My Spanish is limited, but it’s obvious that everyone greatly respects and admires you.”
“Not me. My family. My great-great-grandparents grew up in these parts, and their twelve children worked in the surrounding villages.”
“That’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed. How did they ever manage?”
“They lived off the land, raised cattle, and when their oldest sons went off to the military, they opened their ranch to weary travelers. Word quickly spread, and soon visitors were coming from all over the country to sample my abuelita’s cooking, and to hear her off-color stories,” he explained, chuckling to himself. “Once all their children were gone, they transformed their home into a bed-and-breakfast. It was the first of its kind in Mexico, and an instant hit.”
“So, taking care of others
is in your blood.”
Santiago inclined his head toward her then slowly nodded. “I never looked at it that way before. That’s just how I was brought up. But I guess in some ways you’re right.”
“Now I understand why you feel compelled to feed me all day long,” she teased, a smile overwhelming her mouth. “You can’t help yourself!”
“Good. I’m glad you understand. Now let’s go get some fried ice cream!”
Claudia groaned and clutched her stomach. “No way. I can’t. I’ve already eaten enough.”
“One bite isn’t going to kill you,” he said, leading her across the street. “Paradiso Creamery is the best ice cream parlor in the city, and their desserts are out of this world.”
The line outside of the tiny shop carried down the street, but as they approached, the crowd parted, making a clear path inside. Santiago placed their orders, then found a cozy table beside the windows. While they waited for their desserts to arrive, they discussed the plans Claudia had made for the upcoming celebration bash.
“I saw a copy of the invitations that were delivered to each room, and I think you did a bang-up job on the design,” he said, his tone as intense as his gaze, “and I love all the posters you put up in the lobby and around the resort.”
“We’re going to have folk dancers, local bands and entertainers, face painting and at the end of the night the biggest fireworks show Cabo has ever seen.”
“Wow, everything sounds great.” Santiago started to tell her about the big media blitz scheduled for next week to promote the event, but changed his mind. Once the interviews were confirmed, and he had a firm date, he’d surprise her with the good news. “I’m shocked by how much you’ve accomplished in such a short period of time. My assistant manager was worried you wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but I told Ramón you were more than just a pretty face.”
Claudia returned his smile. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Santiago.”
“How much do you think it will cost?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe I can come by your place tonight to review the budget.” She added, “Unless there’s a policy against me being in your suite.”
