Seduced by the Bachelor

by Pamela Yaye

  “It’s time for dessert,” Markos announced, pulling out her chair. “Have a seat.”

  “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

  “Of course. I’m a Morretti. That’s how we roll!”

  Seated at the table, eating chocolate-dipped fruit, gourmet cheese and decadent minicakes, Markos and Tatiyana looked at the souvenir pictures taken by the photographer and discussed their favorite moments of the flight. “Markos, thank you for an incredible day,” she said, overcome with love and gratitude. “It’s refreshing being with someone who accepts me for who I am, and who isn’t trying to change me.”

  “Why would anyone want to change you? You’re perfect just the way you are.”

  “Tell that to my ex.” Thirsty, Tatiyana picked up her flute and tasted her champagne. “The more I tried to please him, and his family, the more they tried to change me. His sisters made me feel like an outsider, like I wasn’t good enough, and nothing I ever did was right. Just because I was raised in the inner city doesn’t mean I’m not smart or sophisticated. I am.”

  “Of course you are. And you’re feisty, too!”

  “Markos, don’t make fun. I’m serious.”

  He wore an innocent face, but Tatiyana didn’t laugh.

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. You’re a Morretti. You don’t know what it’s like to be rejected. Everyone wants you. You’re a catch.”

  Scoffing, he barked a loud, bitter laugh. “Emme Silva-De Luca doesn’t think so.”

  “The fashion designer? You guys dated?”

  “Yeah, for five years.”

  Tatiyana felt a twinge of jealousy, but she wanted to hear more. “What happened?”

  Silence fell across the table.

  “Markos, talk to me. I want to know what happened.”

  “She chose her career over me.” His smile was sad, and he spoke in a quiet tone of voice. “I thought Emme was the one, so I hired the best party planner in the country to help me orchestrate the perfect proposal on our anniversary.”

  Stunned, Tatiyana gawked at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. Markos had been engaged before? Why didn’t he say anything? And most importantly, was he still hung up on his ex? Is that why he’s been single all these years?

  “I went all out, spared no expense,” he continued, pushing a cheese ball around his plate. “I had it all. A ten-piece band, a diamond, a heartfelt speech, and all of our friends and family in the private dining room of Beverly Hills Boutique Hotel.”

  Captivated by his story, Tatiyana leaned forward in her chair, eager to hear more.

  “Before I could even propose, Emme stopped me. She said she wasn’t ready to get married, that she wanted to focus on her career, then fled the room with her sisters.”

  “That must have hurt.”

  “Like a bitch. I’ve never been so embarrassed in all my life. I felt like such an idiot.”

  “Why? You took a chance on love. That took guts.”

  “You sound like my brothers. They told me the exact same thing.”

  “Where is Emme now?” Tatiyana asked, curious about the competition.

  “In New York, living the American dream. According to mutual friends of ours, she has three kids, an executive husband and a die-hard celebrity following obsessed with her line.”

  “I believe it. Her couture gowns are timeless and elegant.”

  Markos picked up his flute. “You know her work?”

  “Yes, she’s incredibly talented.” Tatiyana sank back in her chair and crossed her legs. “Every time I wear the yellow mermaid gown I bought from her spring collection I feel like a million bucks. I had to save for months to buy it, but it was worth every penny.”

  His phone lit up, then rang, but Markos didn’t answer it.

  “I screwed up with Emme. I took her for granted, and I didn’t support her dreams the way she championed mine, and by the time I realized the error of my ways, it was too late. She was gone.” He spoke with fierce determination. “I won’t make the same mistake twice. I want a woman in my life who I can grow with, and take care of, and do things with—and Tatiyana, I want that person to be you.”

  Needing a moment to gather her thoughts, Tatiyana forked a heart-shaped strawberry into her mouth and chewed slowly.

  “My life has been all about the firm, but being with you makes me want so much more. I want us to sleep-in on weekends, play hooky from work and take road trips around this vast, beautiful state of ours.”

  “So do I, Markos, but we have to take things slow. Right now, my focus is supporting Jantel and Allie. Things are stressful at home, and I need to be there for my family.”

  “Don’t let your sister come between us.”

  Her fork fell from her hand. “Jantel isn’t lying, and the paternity test will prove it.”

  “And if it doesn’t?” he challenged.

  “It will. I know my sister. I practically raised her. She wouldn’t lie to me...”

  For the second time in minutes, his cell phone rang, and Tatiyana trailed off speaking.

  “Someone really wants to talk to you,” she pointed out. “Answer it. I don’t mind.”

  Picking up his cell, he smiled apologetically. “This will only take a minute.”

  “No problem. Take as long as you need.”

  Tatiyana picked up her fork and finished eating her dessert. Markos’s comments about Jantel bothered her, but she decided not to dwell on it. It didn’t matter. She knew her sister, trusted her and supported her wholeheartedly.

  She watched as the color drained from Markos’s face and knew he’d received bad news. The caller was shouting, speaking in a loud, booming voice, and Tatiyana suspected it was the oil tycoon. He’d called earlier in the day, demanding to meet at LA Family Law to discuss his divorce, but Markos had refused his repeated requests.

  “No, Sir, I’m not in LA. I’m still in Palm Springs with my girlfriend...”

  Girlfriend? Gosh, I love how that sounds! Tickled pink, Tatiyana couldn’t stop a smile from exploding onto her mouth.

  “Eight o’clock tomorrow morning? Yes, Sir, that will work. See you then.”

  Markos ended his call and dropped his cell on the table. “Sorry about that.”

  “So, we’re returning to LA tonight, instead of tomorrow evening?”

  “Yes, unfortunately. I hate that we have to cut our romantic weekend short, but if I don’t meet with my client before he travels to Saudi Arabia tomorrow, he’ll complain to the other partners about me being distracted and unavailable.”

  “Jeez, I could never be an attorney. I’d hate people calling me day and night, and making unreasonable demands on my time.”

  “When you’re passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

  “The only thing I’m passionate about is dessert!” Tatiyana quipped, licking the vanilla icing off her fork. “Do we have to leave right now?”

  “No, you can finish your food. There’s no rush.”

  “Good, because I want another mini cheesecake. I swear, it’s heaven in my mouth!”

  Markos chuckled. “After my morning meeting, I should make an appearance at the LA Career and Business Symposium. I wasn’t planning to attend since I thought we’d be in Palm Springs for the weekend, but if I’m in town I might as well.”

  “Will you be at the symposium all day?”

  “No, just for a couple hours, but after that I’m all yours. We can have a late lunch, get a couple’s massage at The Peninsula and play a couple rounds of golf at the country club.”

  “I can’t sleep at your place tonight. I need to go home and check in with my family.”

  “Call them.”

  “Babe, I have schoolwork to do, as well.”

  “I’ll help yo
u. As they say, two heads are better than one.”

  “You said that yesterday, but you never helped me study for my quiz, or write my paper,” she told him, cleaning her hands on a napkin. “And I can’t afford to fail.”

  “You won’t. You’re an incredibly smart woman, and I have faith in you.”

  Cupping her chin in his hand, he kissed her softly on the lips. For the first time in Tatiyana’s life, she felt completely and thoroughly loved, as if Markos would do anything for her. The realization stunned her, flooding her body with fear, but instead of pulling away, Tatiyana linked her arms around his neck, inclined her head and deepened the kiss.

  Chapter 23

  On Sunday morning, Markos sat in the conference room of LA Family Law listening to his client complain about the revised draft of his divorce agreement. But his thoughts were a million miles away. He couldn’t go five seconds without daydreaming about Tatiyana, and when he wasn’t fantasizing about his girlfriend, he was thinking of things to do to make her smile.

  His thoughts returned to yesterday. He’d had an amazing time in Palm Springs with Tatiyana, sightseeing, and creating memories, and Markos was looking forward to their next road trip. Feeling guilty for cutting their romantic weekend short, he made a mental note to call his favorite florist, and order flowers for his lady love. Marcus wished they were still in Palm Spring, but the oil tycoon was the firm’s richest client, and it was his job to make the billionaire happy.

  Sunshine spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the space with warmth and light, and the scent of coffee lingered in the air. The conference room was a soothing, relaxing space, but Markos could feel a headache form behind his temples.

  “Do something,” the oil tycoon demanded, tossing the document down on the table. “This is ridiculous. We have to go back to court, or my ex will rob me dry.”

  Dread churned in his stomach, coiling it into a suffocating knot. In the past, when his clients complained about their spouses Markos would side with them, even when they were wrong, but not this time. He didn’t have it in him to lie. Not anymore. The conversation he’d had with Tatiyana weeks earlier about the Zapata case came to mind, her voice echoing in his thoughts.

  Markos straightened in his chair. He knew what he had to do. Returning to court meant more money, more billable hours for the firm, but he had to do what was right for his client, not his bank account. “The agreement is fair, Mr. Boswell, and I suggest you sign it.”

  “Why?” he snapped. “She’s trying to ruin me.”

  “Mrs. Boswell helped you build your investment company from the ground up, and like any other business partner she’s entitled to half of the profits.”

  He banged his fist on the table. “Dammit, Morretti. Whose side are you on?”

  “Yours, Sir.”

  Sighing in relief, he nodded his head. “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear.”

  “That being said, you’ve been to court numerous times over the years, and I’m worried if you reject the agreement this case could drag on for several more months, if not years.”

  Mr. Boswell scowled, and shrugged. “Fine by me. I have nothing to lose.”

  “Your hatred for your ex-wife is consuming you, and if you’re not careful it could have a negative impact on your children.”

  “My children are fine...”

  Painful memories filled his mind—memories Marcus couldn’t escape. To regain control, he took a deep breath.

  “They’re too young to understand what divorce is. They’re only four and seven.”

  “They know what’s going on, trust me,” he said, in a somber tone of voice. “Unfortunately, I’ve been in their shoes.”

  “You have?”

  “I was only six-years-old when my parents split up, but I still vividly remember how they used to yell and scream at each other. Their bickering had a negative impact on me, and I’ve been cynical about women and relationships ever since.”

  As the words left his mouth, realization dawned, and a cold chill snaked down his back. He’d had two failed relationships, and if not for the support of his brothers he never would have survived. In spite of his disastrous dating history, Markos loved Tatiyana and wanted to build a life with her, but deep down, he feared they’d fall out of love one day—just like his parents had—and he’d be a three-time loser at love. The thought terrified him, so he drank some water to alleviate the lump in his throat.

  “What do you expect me to do? Just sit back and let her win?”

  “I know you’re angry that your ex filed for divorce, but for your children’s sake sign the agreement, and put the past behind you.”

  Nodding slowly, his stroked his jaw. “I still think her demands are excessive and unreasonable, but you’ve certainly given me something to think about.”

  “Ultimately, it’s your decision on how to proceed, and I will support you no matter what you decide, but I hope you’ll consider what I’ve said.”

  “I will.” Glancing at his gold wristwatch, Mr. Boswell stood and buttoned his gray suit jacket. “I hate to cut our conversation short, but I have a plane to catch.”

  Markos led Mr. Boswell out of the conference room, down the hallway, and into the reception area. Shaking hands, the men made plans to meet next month. “Have a safe flight, Sir. I’ll see you when you return from your trip.”

  “I look forward to it, Markos. And thanks again for your honesty.”

  Mr. Boswell strode out the door, and entered the waiting elevator.

  Feeling a rush of pride, a grin claimed his mouth. He didn’t know if the oil tycoon was going to take his advice, but he’d done the right thing, and it was a great feeling.

  Walking back through the reception area, his gaze fell across Tatiyana’s desk, and Markos stopped. Framed pictures were positioned beside the computer, and Markos admired them all. The childhood photograph of Tatiyana, and Jantel opening presents on Christmas Day. Tatiyana, with her family at a corn maze. And the selfie of Tatiyana cuddling baby Allie.

  Seeing the images touched his heart. He wanted to tell her everything—about the pain of his parents’ divorce, and the toll his past relationships had had on him—and decided to go see Tatiyana after the business symposium ended.

  Questions rose in his thoughts as he stared at the pictures. Was he wrong about Jantel? Had he made a mistake? Was she telling the truth? Markos felt guilty for the way he’d treated the single mom, and knew he owed her an apology. Just because other women had deceived him in the past didn’t mean Jantel was lying about her affair with mayor Glover. It was time he spoke to his friend, man-to-man.

  Anxious to get to his office, Markos returned the pictures to their rightful place, and marched down the hallway. He was determined to right a wrong, and once he uncovered the truth he was going to see the woman he loved, and tell her everything that was in his heart, because she meant the world to him.

  * * *

  Tatiyana walked onto the deck, sat down at the patio table and opened her management textbook. Birds chirped, the neighbor’s dogs barked incessantly and car horns blared in the distance.

  Determined to study, Tatiyana read page eighty-seven aloud, committing the necessary information to memory. Returning to LA last night had been bittersweet. She’d missed Allie and had tons of schoolwork to do, but Tatiyana wished she was still in Palm Springs with Markos. They’d done it all: strolled the streets hand in hand, dined at celebrity hot spots, danced in the light of the moon after their romantic balloon ride and even made love in his sports car. But what she’d enjoyed most were their heartfelt talks. He’d opened up to her about his hopes for the future, and she’d felt closer to him than ever before.

  Trembling, Tatiyana wrapped her sweater around her arms. She’d returned home in the wee hours of the morning, tiptoed into her room and after a quick s
hower fell into a deep sleep. Up by 6:00 a.m., she’d done laundry, made chocolate chip pancakes—Jantel’s favorite—prepared Allie’s bottle and cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom.

  Her gaze strayed from her textbook to her cell phone, and cherished memories of Markos filled her mind. Tatiyana wanted to call and thank him for a great weekend, but decided not to. They’d had their fun in Palm Springs, but Tatiyana was home now and had to focus on her studies.

  “Were you with Markos Morretti?”

  Tatiyana glanced over her shoulder, spotted her mom standing in between the French doors and smiled. Wearing a short, black wig and denim overalls, Lena looked trendy and youthful. “Morning, Mom. How are you? I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”

  “Don’t get cheeky with me, young lady. You’re the one sleeping with the enemy, not me.” Sitting, she put her smart phone on the table and folded her arms. “How long have you been sneaking around with Markos Morretti?”

  “No one’s sneaking around. We’re dating.”

  “What about Jantel?”

  Confused by the question, she frowned. “What about her?”

  “It’s been weeks since you went to Tampa, but you still haven’t arranged a meeting with Mayor Glover. Why not?”

  Exasperated, Tatiyana dropped her highlighter on her textbook. “Mom, we’ve discussed this a million times. The mayor’s out of town on business, but as soon as he returns, Markos will set up a meeting at LA Family Law.”

  “You’re sure? How do you know he’s not playing you?”

  “He’s not. Markos knows how important this is to me, and he won’t let me down.”

  “Good. That’s just what I wanted to hear.”

  Eyes narrowed, Lena inclined her head to the right. “So, what’s it like dating a millionaire? Does Markos have his own jet? Is his mansion bigger than Oprah’s? Does he have dozens of servants at his beck and call?”