Looking back to Ricardo, Jessica grew confused. The desire she thought she’d seen in his eyes was gone.
Disappointment struck hard.
Had his expression been fabricated?
Her heart grew weighty with disenchantment. Of course it had been a pretence. The looks he’d sent her way had been part of the act. He’d begun the charade to convince everyone he cared for her. Now they were alone, there was no reason for an act. She had better get a firm handle on herself in case she lost sight of reality.
Now he’d increased the distance between them, she felt awkward. ‘This is all simply amazing,’ she said searching for the right words. ‘Thank you.’
It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t want me, she told herself fiercely. I am desirable. I really do look extraordinarily good and I don’t have to hide away anymore.
‘I’m glad you’re happy,’ he said, handing her the pearl earrings to match her necklace.
Taking a step closer to the mirror, she put on the earrings and knew they were the final touch. There was no question of her happiness with her transformation, but she was also horribly uncertain as to how she should proceed with Ricardo.
Her plain appearance had enabled her to put a little shield around her heart. Every time she’d looked in the mirror she’d remembered she couldn’t hope for happiness in a relationship. The radical improvement changed things. She now had the looks to capture a man’s interest — the man, however, was not going to be Ricardo.
She acknowledged Ricardo’s accusation of the night before had been partly true. While she honestly hadn’t realised how great she could look, and she hadn’t wanted to risk failure in case she couldn’t look any better, clinging to her dowdy image had also made certain she didn’t attract men. It may have been a subconscious way to ensure she hadn’t been hurt again.
The counsellor had made similar observations, but it had taken Ricardo to make her see the truth.
She surveyed her reflection again and gave a slight shake of her head. ‘I actually did try once to make myself look better,’ she told him. ‘Jett just laughed when I came home after a department store makeover.’
‘The man was an idiot.’
‘I had a lot of doubts even before my marriage. The kids at school always poked fun at my appearance because Mum insisted on cutting my hair really short. In my early teenage years I begged her to let me grow it. I told her I wanted to look good.’
‘And?’
‘She told me long hair wouldn’t suit me. She said I shouldn’t try to do anything to make myself look better. I thought it was her way of telling me I couldn’t look better. Obviously she was wrong.’
‘Jessica —’
‘When she had men after school hours, I was always banished to my room. She didn’t want them to see me. I think she thought her ugly looking daughter would reflect badly on her.’
Ricardo regarded her with a thoughtful expression.
‘I remember hearing one of the men ask to meet me. She told him I was a dull, little mouse.’ Despite her recount of those belittling words, Jessica found relief in the confession. She’d never spoken of it to anyone. Even when the counsellor had urged her to speak of her mother, Jessica had erected firm barricades around that time of her life. Now, she found speaking of it, cathartic.
For some reason it was also important to her that Ricardo understood why she’d never made more effort with her looks.
‘Another time I heard her refer to me as an ugly duckling. I don’t think she’d recognise me if she saw me now.’
Ricardo placed his hands on her shoulders and the warmth travelled straight to her toes. ‘I may be wrong, but perhaps your mother was shielding you from those men?’
All the air whooshed out of her lungs. Tears pooled in her eyes. Her mother had never been unkind to her. In most ways she’d been very loving and quietly encouraging. Could Ricardo be right?
‘I’ve never thought of it that way.’ She tucked her confused thoughts away to reflect upon in private.
‘You’re a desirable woman, querida. If your mother loved you, perhaps she feared she wouldn’t be able to keep you safe from the men she associated with if she allowed your beauty to show?’ He swallowed hard. ‘You’re a woman any man would desire.’
‘Including you?’
Oh hell. Why an earth had she asked that?
His jaw firmed. ‘Ours is a business arrangement. You know this isn’t personal between us.’
Of course it was business only. That was all she wanted, wasn’t it?
He cleared his throat. ‘You look so beautiful, nobody will doubt I’m attracted to you.’
There was such sincerity in his tone and expression, she imagined she’d simply float off the ground any second now. While she may not be in super-model league, she wanted to go out on the road and find out whether her new look would stop traffic!
‘I think I’ll pass now as your girlfriend,’ she said with conviction. And when she’d finished playing Ricardo’s girlfriend, she wasn’t going to return to her dowdy old image. The new Jess was here to stay. No way would the cosmetics she was armed with find their way to the garbage bin.
‘Don’t think that how you look on the outside is more important than who you are on the inside,’ he told her a little briskly. ‘You’re still the same person.’
He didn’t need to spell out that a change in appearance didn’t mean she’d fit into his world. She wasn’t stupid. She knew however he behaved toward her in public would all be an act.
It didn’t matter. Ricardo was exactly the dangerous type of love-them-and-leave-them predator she needed to avoid.
‘I’m not sure I am exactly the same person,’ she said slowly. ‘I would never have believed that changing my appearance would have such a dramatic effect on how I feel inside.’
‘People judge by appearance,’ he responded. ‘Dress to blend in and you’ll be overlooked. Dress to impress, carry yourself with confidence, and you’ll be noticed.’
‘I know how superficial this will sound, but I actually feel more confident and more alive.’ She couldn’t stop herself from smiling again in jubilation. ‘It’s like a Cinderella fairytale. I can’t believe that twenty-four hours ago I was getting ready for work as a cocktail waitress and tonight I’m about to fly to Barcelona.’ Her world had tipped on its axis and now it spun at an alarmingly fast rate. The day’s events were surreal. ‘Instead of a pumpkin coach waiting, it’s a private leer jet! But first —’
‘First,’ he told her as he took her hand in his, ‘we’re going out for dinner here in London.’
‘I’m not sure I’m hungry,’ she said as she battled to ignore the effect his touch had on her, ‘but I’m very keen to go out.’ She wanted to go out on the town. Everything in her wanted to shine and wherever she went on Ricardo Garcia’s arm she was bound to be noticed.
What a complete flip around! It was extraordinary to find that she suddenly wanted to step into the spotlight instead of seeking the shadows. Should she be worried by such a dramatic swing in her thinking?
She squashed the concern. This was all an adventure. Fundamentally she remained the same person — an honest woman who cared about others and knew the value of simple things. This euphoria would settle down, but there was no harm in enjoying it for just a brief time. She could remain grounded.
‘Tonight we have a chance to get to know each other a little before we fly to Spain. The restaurant we’re going to is an exclusive one, so we’ll also encounter members of the paparazzi.’
‘You’re hoping to be photographed with me to lend support to your story,’ she concluded.
‘Yes.’
‘That’s fine.’ Incredibly, she didn’t feel a bit daunted by the prospect of having her face splashed across the newspapers. A little gremlin inside her even hoped that some of the bullies from her school would see her on Ricardo’s arm and recognise her. ‘I signed up for this and, despite all my initial misgivings, I’m going to make sure I treasure
every moment of the next three months.’
He sent her a penetrating look. ‘I hope I haven’t created a monster?’
Jessica laughed. ‘No. I’m on an artificial high right now, but you told me to be a risk taker. For the first time in my life, I think I can handle it.’
He shifted on his feet. ‘Just remember, this is real life. You haven’t stepped into a fairytale.’
‘No. I couldn’t have. In the fairytale there’s one character as a fairy Godmother and another as Prince Charming. I think you’re a combination of both those characters, Ricardo!’
‘Mierda! You may not be having second thoughts about this, but I am. Don’t begin to imagine I’m either character.’
Bold on her artificial high, she linked her arm through his and gave him a wink. ‘It’s okay. Your secret’s safe with me.’
‘Have a care, Jessica. I’m no Prince Charming to sweep you off your feet.’
Given his playboy reputation, he probably wasn’t.
‘I was as weary as Cinderella. You’ve rescued me from working long days and I’m grateful. Miracles have already happened and, in the next three months, you might even introduce me to my Prince Charming! For the first time in my life I feel that a fairytale ending is within my grasp. All I have to do is take a risk and reach for it.’
Chapter Six
Madre de Dios! She had to be joking if she thought he was going to introduce her to her Prince Charming.
Each time Ricardo looked at Jessica he was amazed at the vision before him. He’d known the make-over professional would enhance her natural assets somewhat, but nothing had prepared him for this knock-out beauty.
When she’d seen her reflection in the mirror, there’d been a slight trembling of those luscious lips, then they’d curved upward into a radiant smile. He’d been completely caught off-guard and the room had shattered around him. Her smile had blinded him as surely as if he’d stepped out from a cold cavern into the hot summer sun. Propelled by a force more compelling than he’d ever known, he’d kissed her.
He’d never imagined just how sweet and soft her lips would be.
Maldita sea! Just the thought of it sent him hard. His reaction angered him, for he was a man who controlled his sexual urges. They did not control him.
Hell! The dress she wore didn’t help. It was sheer temptation, revealing enough of the creamy flesh of her breasts to entice and keep a man on edge. He yearned to peel away the fabric and reveal what lay beneath the material that clung lovingly to her very tiny waist and hugged the curve of her hips. As for her legs, they definitely warranted killer classification.
‘I love this limousine.’ Excitement lit all her features. ‘Much better than a pumpkin carriage!’
He had to regain some semblance of his self-control, because all he could think of was making love to her right here in the limo. Part of him despised himself for his change of heart when only last night he’d been so appalled by her appearance. When had he become so fickle?
‘I’m surprised you’re being chauffeured,’ she said. ‘I would’ve thought a racing car driver would prefer to be at the wheel.’
These days he preferred to be anywhere but behind the wheel of a car. The last time he’d driven had ended in disaster. He forced away those memories. ‘I generally use travel time to catch up on business matters.’
She nodded easily, buying his explanation. ‘Thank you, Ricardo, today has been quite an adventure.’
‘We’re almost at the restaurant,’ he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. ‘Don’t thank me yet. You’re about to feel like you’re under siege. I’ve no doubt the photographers will swamp us the second we arrive.’
‘I can’t imagine having to live with press interest all the time.’
‘If people didn’t buy the newspapers, there wouldn’t be the interest.’
‘I’ve never been a follower of the gossip columns, but I can understand why some people do. You’ve seemingly got it all — fame, good looks, fortune — the jet setting lifestyle where you don’t have to worry about anything as mundane as doing the laundry or buying the groceries. You have no worries about how you’ll pay the next bill. I guess I’m assuming again, but, I imagine you have the sort of financial freedom everyone dreams about.’
‘I have, but everything comes with a price.’ The price he’d paid, the loss he’d endured because of his career as a world champion on the track, didn’t bear thinking about. And, although he’d won title after title, he’d never achieved his true goal.
‘I worked hard to be number one in racing. I still work very long days now as I try to establish my credibility in the corporate world.’
‘Tonight is an example of how you’re paying the price.’ She sighed, and the joy in her eyes dimmed. ‘The paparazzi interest in your love life has made you a victim of your fame. Now, you’re stuck with me for the next three months because of the ambitions you have.’
He regarded her closely. Part of her may be more confident with her new look, but he guessed there was still a large part of her needing reassurance. ‘The press story may have brought us together, but I don’t feel as though I’m stuck with you.’ It concerned him that in his effort to reassure her, he spoke the truth.
‘Seriously?’
He shouldn’t have told her. He didn’t want to get close to any woman and he’d touched on more personal subjects with Jessica than he’d broached with another living soul.
Despite the disquieting thought, he admitted, ‘You intrigue me. You’re very different from any other woman I’ve known.’
‘I’m sure that’s true.’ She grimaced.
Before he had a chance to comment, the limo pulled up outside the restaurant.
‘Show time!’ she announced brightly, but there was a telltale, nervous wobble of her lower lip, and her pulse hammered at the base of her throat.
He took her hand. ‘You’ll be fine. Just smile and stay close by my side. We’ll be through the press pack and inside before you know it.’
From the second they got out of the car and made their way to the restaurant, she caused a stir. The photographers went into a frenzy, almost falling over each other in their eagerness to get a close up shot. Flashbulbs popped. People pushed and it was only his security team forming a ring around them that kept them moving forward.
Jessica clung to his side. In contradiction to his plan to thrust her into the limelight, he now knew a fierce urge to protect her from the intrusion.
Mierda! What was wrong with him?
A photographer called out to her. ‘What’s your name?’
When Ricardo would’ve propelled her on, Jessica stopped. He watched in disbelief as she looked straight at the photographer. Despite her hand shaking in his, her expression was calm and confident. ‘I’m Jessica Harris.’ Her voice was a sultry purr. ‘Please don’t confuse me with anyone else. The press have been known to get it wrong before!’
Madre de Dios! His blood pressure sky-rocketed. The smile she gave the press pack was bewitching.
‘Ricardo! Has your affair with Carla Lorezzi ended?’
‘Jessica, how long have you been dating Ricardo?’
‘How did you meet?’
‘Where are you from, Jessica?’
‘No comment,’ Ricardo stated with finality.
When they got into the restaurant, she squeezed his bicep and whispered excitedly, ‘I think we did it! They really believe we’re together. I even managed to allude to the fact that they’d mistaken me for Carla. What did you think? I did my best to look a bit pouty because I figured that would be the type of woman you’d go for.’
Ricardo found himself pulling her out of earshot of the security team and snapping at her. ‘There’s no need to parade yourself like sex on a stick, and, I do not go for pouting women!’
The way her face fell made him feel like he’d just kicked a kitten. Every scrap of her exuberance vanished instantly.
The maître de appeared. Ricardo waved him away and manoeuvr
ed Jessica into a secluded corner of the grand entrance.
‘I’m sorry,’ she apologised quietly. ‘I was just trying to get into the role. We haven’t discussed it in any detail, but I thought that’s what you’d want so this would all be believable. What sort of woman do you usually date?’
‘Women who are far more predictable than you!’ It had been agony to sit by her side in the limousine and answer her small talk while he battled to keep his gaze away from her amazing legs. Hearing her purr to the reporters like a sex siren had sent his blood racing south and made him irritable.
Groaning in sheer frustration with his responses, with her and the entire situation, his reaction was immediate and primitive. Uncaring that his security team and the head waiter could see, he pulled her close. He pushed his fingers into her silky hair and urged her head back so he could kiss her with some of the fervour he’d been suppressing.
He savoured the taste of her. The lush fullness of her mouth was more delicious than the most exotic tropical nectar. When had any woman tasted so sweet?
Her husky mew of drowning pleasure, and the way she returned his kisses with hungry urgency, incited him to a passion that quickly threatened to get out of control.
Reluctantly, he pulled away from her. Taking in the rapid rise and fall of her chest, the desire in her eyes and the way her tongue tip darted out to moisten lips that were plumper after their kisses, he wished they weren’t in a public place.
Yet, even had they been in complete privacy, he couldn’t take Jessica as his lover. He’d promised her this would be a business arrangement. She was too unworldly and emotionally vulnerable for a casual relationship with him.
Reaching out, he touched the tip of his index finger under her chin and ran his thumb along her lower lip. ‘Don’t pretend to be the kind of woman you think I like, querida. When I said you were unlike any other woman I’ve known, you immediately assumed it was a bad thing. It isn’t.’ He desperately wanted to kiss her again. Instead, he restricted himself to a slight brush of his lips across hers. ‘Just be yourself.’
A Spanish Seduction Page 7
