A DEAL AT THE ALTAR

by RACHL THOMAS

  ‘No, the wedding dress is enough.’

  The woman’s eyes widened. ‘But Señor Ramirez insisted. You must choose one.’

  * * *

  Finally Señora Santana’s insistence had worn Georgina down and she’d selected a classic black dress, which now lay on her bed. The hours had just disappeared whilst she was trying dresses on, leaving very little time before she was to meet Santos. Now, after a quick shower, she dried her hair and applied make-up.

  Why was she feeling nervous about seeing Santos again? She looked at her watch. Five minutes to seven. He would be waiting on the terrace very soon. She looked again at the dress, feeling almost like a sacrificial lamb.

  But wasn’t that exactly what she was?

  For her sister’s happiness she’d once again taken on a role she didn’t want. Marrying Richard had been to put Emma through school and a roof over their heads. It had been his suggestion, and even to this day she couldn’t believe a man had done that for her. She’d been on tenterhooks during all the three years they were married, just waiting for him to leave her. But she’d never expected him to leave her the way he had. As a widow. She’d known he was ill—but not that ill.

  With a heavy heart she picked up the dress, stepped into it. For a moment the zip eluded her and it took several minutes of contortions to pull it up. Flustered by her efforts, she slipped on the new pair of shoes insisted upon by Señora Santana and left the bedroom, her heels sounding loud on the marble.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  SANTOS WAS LOOKING out at the sea, dressed in a dark suit, as she approached the balcony. When he turned and his gaze met hers her breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t right that a man could be so sexy. The cloth of his suit had been cut with precision, emphasising his broad shoulders and strong thighs to perfection.

  She swallowed hard, desperate to calm her racing heartbeat. If she carried on like this there wouldn’t be any need for pretence. Her attraction to him was becoming stronger, and if he turned on the charm as he had at the party she’d be lost. Worse still, if he kissed her again she didn’t think she’d be able to resist him.

  ‘You look beautiful,’ he said, his voice deep, with a husky edge to it. ‘Exactly what I had in mind.’

  Well, if that didn’t serve as a reminder that it was all an act, then nothing would.

  ‘I’m glad it meets with your approval,’ she said tartly and, desperate to hide her confusion, walked past him to the table, selecting a drink from those prepared. Anger fizzed in her veins at the thought of the way he made her feel: light-headed and soft one minute, then short and sharp the next. In a bid to rein in her rising and very mixed emotions she all but downed her drink in one go.

  ‘Steady, querida.’ He smiled. A mocking smile. As if he knew her turmoil. ‘That drink is pretty potent.’

  She looked at the almost empty glass. The remains of the liquid looked more like a soft drink, but its effect on her head was already clear. Whatever was she trying to do to herself? She put the glass down and turned to look at him, holding her hair back as the sea breeze toyed with it just as he was toying with her.

  ‘If you are ready shall we go?’

  He didn’t wait for her to answer, but placed his hand in the small of her back, its heat scorching through the silk of her dress, and all but propelled her towards the door. Outside, a sleek, gleaming sports car waited, fiery red. Exactly what she’d imagined him driving.

  ‘Suits you,’ she said in a cavalier tone, and dropped down into the low seat as he stood by the open door.

  He raised his brows and smiled at her. ‘Gracias.’

  When Santos climbed in beside her she became all too aware of just how close she was to him. His tanned fingers pulled the gearstick backwards as the car growled into life. She couldn’t help but notice that the space beneath the steering wheel seemed almost too compact for his powerful thighs.

  A small but insistent fire sparked to life deep inside her as she watched him drive. Each move he made sent a shiver of awareness over her and she bit down hard on her lip against the new wave of emotions that assailed her. She couldn’t be falling for him—she couldn’t.

  ‘Is it far?’ Nerves made her voice quiver as she finally acknowledged the attraction she felt for him, and he glanced across at her before returning his attention to the road ahead.

  ‘No, but arriving in style will attract the attention we need.’

  ‘Attention?’ Her mind was scrambled as she looked at his profile. The shadow of stubble only added to the sexy appeal he emanated.

  ‘How else is the world going to know we are engaged?’ He glanced across at her again, his gaze meeting hers briefly before returning to the task of driving. ‘This is what you wanted. Puerto Banus is a renowned favourite of the rich and famous, and with them come the press photographers, hungry for gossip.’

  Now she understood his insistence on dressing for dinner. This was Act Two. The next part of their public courtship, played out to perfection. It was time to retreat behind her public persona.

  ‘And tonight, querida, we shall give them something to gossip about.’

  His voice was laden with promise and as the fire rose higher inside her she looked away.

  The car growled into the small harbour town and Georgina couldn’t help but take it all in. Cars as sleek and powerful as Santos’s lined the narrow streets, parked outside global designer shops. Yachts that looked more like floating palaces were moored all around the harbour, many with lights glinting and parties in full swing on board.

  This was most definitely a playground for the wealthy.

  Santos parked the car, expertly manoeuvring it into a space in front of one of the bigger yachts. He switched off the engine and silence seemed to cloak them. The leather seat crunched as he turned to face her.

  ‘You look absolutely stunning tonight.’ He reached up and pushed her hair back from her face and she trembled.

  She didn’t say anything. She couldn’t. All she could do was look into the mesmerising depths of his eyes.

  ‘You are playing your part well—so well even I’m convinced.’

  His voice was a husky whisper and she wished he wouldn’t slide his fingers through her hair like that.

  ‘Convinced of what?’ She forced the words out, alarmed at the throaty sound of her voice.

  ‘The attraction between us...’

  He moved a little closer and she wondered if he was going to kiss her. She wanted him to, but knew it would be her undoing. Then, before she even had a chance to think, his lips claimed hers. Try as she might she couldn’t stop her eyes from closing, couldn’t help reaching up to touch his cheek, feeling the slight stubble against her fingertips. She was attracted to him, despite all she’d promised herself, and he must never know. That would be to show her weakness. Give him all the power. She’d seen it before.

  She pulled back a little from him, her lips still very close to his, and opened her eyes. ‘I’m a brilliant actress,’ she whispered as her fingers smoothed once more across his face.

  The sound that came from him resembled a growl as his hand caught and held hers. ‘Don’t take your role too far, querida. I might just go past the need to act.’

  For a moment she sat transfixed by the tension that hung between them. The promised threat of his words was not lost on her. Did her really want her? Did he find himself struggling against the same raw need she was fighting right now?

  ‘It’s showtime, Georgina.’ His words were firm and sharp as he pulled away from her and got out of the car.

  She watched him walk around the front of it, relaxed but masterful. Obviously she didn’t have the same effect on him—didn’t scramble his emotions until he couldn’t think straight.

  Okay, showtime it is, she thought as she got out of the car and walked with him towards the busy street lined with restaurants. She could do this—even if it meant putting on the biggest show of her life.

  Suddenly a man’s shouts caught her attention and a
waiter from one restaurant came out to greet him, hugging Santos and then stepping back to cast an enquiring look her way.

  ‘Georgina, this is my cousin Raul—owner of this restaurant and at our bidding for this evening.’

  She felt suddenly shy beneath the man’s gaze. He took her hand and with the same charm Santos possessed kissed it. ‘I can see why my cousin is so entranced.’

  To her horror she blushed, but managed to smile back at him. ‘What more could a girl ask for?’ She raised her brows, made her voice light and melodious, even a little flirty.

  Raul laughed and after a brief look of shock Santos did too. Then he smiled at Georgina, a dangerous light in his eyes.

  ‘Raul, do you have the table I requested?’

  ‘Sí,’ Raul replied, and continued in Spanish.

  Santos put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as he followed his cousin to their table. It was private, and candles fluttered in the evening breeze. The sea could be heard lapping gently onto the shore close by.

  It was perfectly romantic.

  The whole meal was. Each course was divine and all the while Santos exuded what she was fast becoming aware was his lethal charm. She smiled, played her part all through dinner, but reality was beginning to blur. She sipped her wine and looked out at the sea, where the setting sun cast an orange glow across the rippling surface.

  ‘Georgie?’

  Her attention swung back to Santos when she heard her name on his lips. His voice sounded hoarse, as if he was choked with emotion. Oh, he was good at this, she thought, and smiled at him. He’d never used her pet name before.

  ‘Will you marry me?’

  ‘What?’ she gasped as he slid a small velvet box across the table. Calm down. It’s probably for his cousin’s benefit.

  ‘Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?’

  His dark eyes were watching her intently. When she looked into them she thought she saw the same desire she’d seen at the party, the same simmering passion. Just as she’d thought she’d seen it earlier, when they were in the car. But that couldn’t be, could it?

  She reached for the box, aware of the role she had to play, but he caught her hand in his. The heat of his touch was almost too much.

  ‘Marry me?’

  ‘Yes.’ Her whole body quivered, but she couldn’t lower her gaze, couldn’t break that tenuous connection. ‘Yes, I’ll marry you.’

  Slowly he let her hand go, opened the box and pulled out a glittering diamond ring. As he slid it onto her finger the candlelight made it sparkle, bringing it to life. He lifted her hand to his lips, his gaze holding hers captive, and kissed her fingers.

  This was what it would really feel like, she thought as she looked into his dark eyes. This was be the closest she’d ever come to having a real proposal.

  Applause erupted around them, making her jump. She hadn’t realised they were being watched, and neither had Santos. Even he looked taken aback. She laughed, unable to help herself, and the tension of the moment slipped away as the other diners returned their attention to their meals.

  ‘Let’s go,’ he said in a throaty growl, sounding as if he really couldn’t wait to get her home. Something indefinable skittered over her, making her tummy somersault and her breath tighten in her chest.

  Don’t do this to yourself. You are just a means to an end. He doesn’t really want you.

  It was dark as they walked back along the street. Yachts were lit up, giving everything a magical appeal. The warm breeze on her skin felt wonderful, but not as wonderful as Santos’s arm about her waist, pulling her against his magnificent body. She savoured the moment, stored it for later. The champagne she’d drunk was making it easier to enjoy being with him like this and easier to let go of her usual anxiety. This wonderful feeling was going to have to last her a lifetime.

  By the car Santos stopped. Instinctively she looked up at him, then couldn’t help herself as she reached up and kissed his lips. His response was gentle at first, setting her body alight. The fire was fuelled further by his hands sliding down her back, pulling her so very close to him. Whatever it was that had simmered between them at the party was now well and truly alight. As her hips pressed against his aroused body she knew he wanted her. Was it so wrong to give in to it? To enjoy it for what it was? A passing attraction.

  ‘Santos,’ she murmured against his lips.

  It was all the encouragement he needed and he deepened the kiss, plunging his tongue into her mouth as she sighed in pleasure.

  Need rocketed through her body and she almost became incapable of thought as he stepped closer, forcing her back against the side of his car, pressing hard against her and stoking the fire deep within her body. Unleashing an insatiable need for him.

  His hand slid down her side, over her hip and down to her bottom. He pulled her hard against him and raw desire tore through her, leaving her gasping against his lips as her arms clung around his neck. It was mind-blowing. She’d never known anything like it.

  A flash lit up the world for a second—or so it seemed to Georgina. But in that second she regained her breath, and the control she’d so very nearly lost. She turned her face to the opportunist photographer, knowing he was just what she needed to bring her feet firmly back to the ground.

  Beside her Santos spoke in Spanish, his voice thick and hoarse as the photographer snapped another photo. Quickly Santos put some distance between them and opened the car door for her, but she didn’t miss the raw desire in his eyes.

  Once they were inside she asked, ‘What did you tell him?’

  ‘That we’d just got engaged and needed private time.’ His voice was husky and heavily accented.

  Of course he’d say that. But she couldn’t help feeling humiliated. His kiss—which had been part of the act, the charade—had nearly been her undoing. She’d wanted more...wanted him to take her home. More than anything she’d wanted him to take her to his bed. But that could never happen.

  Never.

  To allow him to know how much her feelings towards him had changed would be the worst possible scenario. With that in mind she retreated to her room as soon as they arrived back at his villa.

  * * *

  The next morning Georgina used the excuse of it being Sunday and stayed in her room. Eventually she ventured out, hoping the quietness of the villa meant Santos was ensconced in his study.

  As she strolled through the living area movement in the pool caught her eye. Santos was powering through the water, his strokes effortless. She shouldn’t be watching but couldn’t help herself, almost unaware of each step towards the pool she took. The afternoon sun shone brightly and she put on her sunglasses, watching as his muscles flexed.

  Abruptly he stopped and looked at her, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. ‘Are you coming in?’

  The husky depths of his voice made her stomach flutter and she was glad of the sunglasses she could hide behind. ‘I’ll give it a miss,’ she said as she sat down on the edge of a sun lounger, even more drawn to him.

  ‘Pity,’ he replied, and swam over to her. His hair was flat against his head and rivulets of water ran down his face. ‘It’s very relaxing.’

  Hardly. The thought of being in the water with him made her pulse race, and inwardly she cursed the attraction she felt for him. It was making things complicated.

  ‘Maybe a walk along the beach?’

  ‘That would be nice,’ she said, and stood up, aware that at any moment he would haul his bronzed body from the water. And she wasn’t ready for that. ‘I’ll go and change.’

  Not trusting herself to look back at him, she hurried to her room and changed into a cool dress and flat sandals. Regaining her composure, she returned to the terrace and waited.

  She knew when he was there as if her body was completely tuned in to his. She turned to face him and that spark of attraction zipped instantly between them.

  ‘Shall we?’

  He took her hand and for a moment their ey
es met, his darkening instantly. She remembered his touch last night, his kiss, and could hardly draw breath.

  Right now, with his hand holding hers she felt safe. Cherished.

  As if he could read her thoughts he held her hand just a little tighter. She smiled a genuine smile, one she couldn’t hold back, as he stepped closer and brushed his lips over hers.

  Everything around her ceased to exist. It was just the two of them. No deal—nothing. When he pulled back she looked up into his eyes. Was this what she’d been searching for? This strange warm feeling of contentment?

  ‘We won’t get very far like this,’ she teased lightly, her heart almost melting as he laughed softly.

  ‘Sí, you are right. We will walk.’

  Sand, warm from the afternoon sun, poured into her sandals, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to savour this moment. Because this was what it must be like, that glowing feeling of a new relationship. The first tender stirrings of love. Was it even possible?

  ‘You’re smiling,’ he said as he pulled her to a stop, his hand not relinquishing its hold on hers. ‘For the first time since we met you look happy.’

  ‘I am.’ And she meant it. Right now all she wanted was to be herself, to bask in the warmth of this new sensation. Santos made her feel things she’d never thought possible, and knowing those feelings wouldn’t last for ever she wanted to relax and enjoy them. ‘What about you?’

  ‘In the company of a woman as beautiful as you, how could I not be happy?’

  She searched his eyes, looking for a hint of mockery, but found only a heart-rending tenderness. He stroked his fingers down her cheek, lifting her chin as he bent and lightly kissed her lips.

  Her heart pounded erratically and a tingle of excitement raced around her. Light-headed and almost giddy, she kissed him back, tentatively at first. This wasn’t the needy kiss of last night—this was giving and caressing. It was loving.

  She pulled back from him a little, shyness making her look up from under her lashes as heat infused her cheeks. ‘You don’t have to say and do these things—not now, anyway.’