‘As far as the rest of the world is concerned, we’re lovers, querida. I’ve learned much about you tonight, but I have yet to learn anything about your marriage.’
‘You told me nobody would be likely to ask us directly whether or not we were lovers. I doubt anyone would be so crass as to ask you questions about my former husband.’
‘I’d like to know all the same.’
Irritation showed on her features. ‘Am I supposed to be curious about all your ex-lovers?’
‘No.’
‘I fail to see the difference.’
‘You’re still angry and hurt about his betrayal. Talking about it might help.’ Since when had he ever been interested in being a confidante? ‘Humour me. Tell me how you met.’ What the hell was it about this woman that had him acting so out-of-character?
Her shoulders raised and fell as she took a breath. ‘Jett was a member of a local football team. I volunteered to do some massage work at the club because I required more clinical hours before I completed my qualification.’ She stared at her coffee. ‘I was flattered he’d asked me out. It was the very first time I’d been asked on a date.’
Ricardo was stunned at her admission until he thought back to the woman he’d met last night. At first glance, no red-blooded man would have bothered to take a second look. Nobody would’ve believed beauty lay under the dross.
‘Jett had overheard me talking to one of his team mates. He knew I’d had part-time jobs since my teens and that my mother had also left me money — not a fortune, but enough so I had plans to open up my own clinic once I was qualified. He asked me out because of the savings I had. I was simply too blown away by his interest to suspect his motives.’
Anger coiled in Ricardo’s gut. ‘So, he took all your money and amassed debt in your name. When did you find out about what he’d done?’
‘Not until Jett was dead and a couple of thugs from the loan shark paid me a visit. Soon after that, the bank foreclosed on our mortgage.’
‘I was told he died in a car accident.’
Her lips tightened before she said, ‘He was leaving me. He’d packed his suitcase and picked up his lover. They’d booked a holiday on a Greek island.’
‘With your money?’
She gave a small nod. ‘At first I blamed myself for his death. I believed it was my fault our marriage failed. Once we were married Jett told me how plain I was. He said he married me out of pity. He blamed my looks for the failure...for his inability to...’ She took a big gulp of her coffee. ‘Very soon into our marriage, he moved into the spare room.’
He’d stopped having sex with her.
‘Mierda! The man was an idiot.’
‘I hadn’t realised he was still involved with the girl he’d been dating before he made his move on me.’
Ricardo swore again. ‘Just as well he’s dead. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to pummel this Jett into a pulp and make him regret his actions. He abused your trust, robbed you of your self-confidence and your savings.’
Her laugh held no humour. ‘I believe in karma, Ricardo. The universe has a way of repaying those who don’t do the right thing.’
He didn’t believe in any of that. Ricardo preferred to set matters right himself.
‘I was devastated to learn of his affair. I still feel so stupid I didn’t know he was siphoning money out of our account. I had no idea he’d borrowed money on top of our mortgage. He forged my signature on a document that gave him total authority over our finances and left me liable for repayment when he died.’
‘Are you certain? Have you had a lawyer look over the documents?’
‘It doesn’t matter anymore. Thanks to this offer of yours, I’m almost debt free, and Jett won’t be able to take advantage of another woman again.’
More than ever, Ricardo wanted to take her into his arms and to his bed. He wanted to immerse her in love-making beyond her wildest imaginings and erase all her self-doubts and bad experiences.
He quelled the instinct immediately. There would be scars on her psyche after all she’d suffered in her lifetime. If he took her to bed for a temporary affair, it may well cause her more emotional scarring, because Jessica wasn’t like the cold, superficial women he usually dated. She was warm and caring.
She deserved much more than Ricardo was prepared to give her. It wasn’t a temporary lover she wanted but a man who could love her and give her his heart.
Ricardo could never be that man. All he could offer any woman was a brief affair based on physical gratification, because he’d never allow anyone to have emotional power over him.
His chest was gripped in a cramp. He frowned as he rubbed the region. It was strange he suddenly felt such tightness there. Was the discomfort tied into his line of thought? He instantly dismissed the idea. It must be indigestion. He’d never suffered from it before, but that had to be the cause. It couldn’t be an emotional reaction.
Whatever the reason, the odd heaviness was decidedly uncomfortable.
Chapter Seven
Jessica had heard of butterflies in the stomach. The following evening, the butterflies in her stomach were all wearing tap shoes and doing a version of a Riverdance performance as she entered the glitzy function centre at Ricardo’s side. The wealth and sophistication of the people gathered in the room threatened to overwhelm her. Yet, she wasn’t quite sure what disturbed her most — that she was about to be introduced to Barcelona’s high society as Ricardo’s current lover, or the wonderful possessiveness of his arm around her waist.
Anchored to his side as they walked, the warmth of his hand splayed over her hip and his muscular thigh brushed against hers setting off a disturbing chain reaction of arousal within her.
Her nipples peaked into tight buds. Frissons of unfulfilled desire scooted across her skin and all the way down to the juncture of her thighs. With each fractured breath, she inhaled the fresh scent of his cologne. Like everything about him, it was a total turn-on.
For the millionth time since she’d met Ricardo, she reminded herself she must repress her reactions. He’d told her clearly this was a business arrangement. That was all it could be. However potent her body’s craving for him, Jessica simply couldn’t afford to become involved with such a notorious playboy. Now was a time to consolidate on her confidence, not to be eaten up by lust and left shattered by the first man to cross her path.
‘Manuel.’ Ricardo greeted a middle-aged, portly man.
‘Ricardo.’ They shook hands briefly before Manuel turned to Jessica. ‘This must be Señorita Harris.’
‘Hi,’ Jessica greeted as she extended her hand. ‘Please, call me Jessica.’
‘Mi amor, may I introduce Manuel Guerrero,’ Ricardo said. ‘Manuel is a board member at the Garcia Corporation.’
Ah. The first test.
‘I’m very pleased to meet you, señor.’
‘Ricardo, you are a very fortunate man,’ Manuel said as he took Jessica’s hand.
‘I am indeed.’
The rough, raw quality to Ricardo’s voice and the adoration in his eyes almost made Jessica topple over in her high heels. Good heavens! How on earth was she supposed to survive under the assault of all his charm?
Then, his hand moved from her hip to the small of her back to stroke up and down the silky material of her dress. It created all sorts of spasms within her most private recess. Every square inch of flesh came alive under his touch and hummed with arousal.
She dared not look at him. She couldn’t meet those dark bedroom eyes any more than she could afford to focus on the full sensuousness of his lips.
This isn’t real, she kept telling herself. This is just for show.
Yes, it was a show and she was part of it. Ricardo would expect her to play her role here, too. Just as he was lover-like with his familiar caresses, she should reach out and touch him. She should position herself possessively against his well-proportioned frame just as she would if they were truly lovers.
While it lasted, why not revel in it?
He didn’t have to know just how much she wished her role were real. As long as she remembered it was pure fantasy with no future, would it really hurt to live for the present?
The old Jessica was gone. Instead of exercising her usual caution and keeping her distance, some unknown imp in her subconscious spurred her to be daring. Wickedly, she turned her body more toward Ricardo’s. Brazenly, she placed one hand palm down on his chest. Then, she smoothed over the crisp fabric of his shirt and let her fingernails trail marginally lower. Her reward was immediate. Ricardo’s eyes widened a fraction and she felt a shudder of pleasure wrack through his body in response to her touch.
It was good to know she could elicit such a response from this virile male. Perhaps she wasn’t the only one tormented by unfulfilled sexual need?
Her subconscious mind registered Manuel had said something while she was engaged with her tactile teasing. ‘I’m sorry to be rude. Would you mind repeating what you just said?’
Manuel laughed. ‘No apology necessary, I see that tonight you both exist in a world where there is only the other. It’s not before time, Ricardo.’
‘Jessica is a rare find,’ Ricardo agreed.
‘An English woman with more interest in her lover than polite conversation?’ Manuel chuckled. ‘You’re a very rare find, Jessica. Could it be you have some Spanish ancestry?’
Fire ignited Jessica’s cheeks. He was absolutely right, but she wasn’t going to acknowledge it or she’d have to admit she was clueless as to her father’s identity. ‘I truly am sorry, Manuel.’
‘What do you think of Barcelona?’ The older man appeared intent on putting her at ease.
‘I only arrived last night, but from the little I’ve seen so far, it’s terrific. I’ve always wanted to come to Spain and I’m looking forward to exploring the city.’
‘I was born here, so perhaps I’m a bit biased, but I believe it’s a city where new and old blend together very well,’ Manuel said. ‘You must have Ricardo take you to the monastery in Montserrat. There are panoramic mountain views of Catalunya from the Benedictine Monk retreat.’
‘I’m looking forward to introducing Jessica to the treasures of our city and all it has to offer,’ Ricardo husked close to her ear.
The thrill of his sexy voice made her wish this show of affection was not just an act. The primitive side of her that would not listen to common sense, wished with every atom of her being for Ricardo to introduce her to his city and to all the delights there were between real lovers.
Good grief. She really mustn’t go there. Hadn’t she only declared last night she wouldn’t fall for him?
But those fabulous kisses...
‘Jessica has resigned from her job in London so we can live together in Barcelona. We have plenty of time to explore together.’
‘Ricardo hasn’t told me how you met,’ Manuel fished.
This was the moment she’d dreaded most of all, and while she wasn’t about to tell any outright lies, even half-truths sat uncomfortably with her.
‘As well as being a remedial therapist, I did some cocktail waitressing in London. Ricardo came to the club where I worked one night and we’ve been seeing each other ever since.’ They’d decided to keep things as close to the truth as possible. She would hardly tell Manuel it had only been two nights since their first meeting.
A waiter neared and Ricardo disengaged himself to select two glasses of champagne. Jessica gratefully accepted the one he offered her, needing something to hold so her hands didn’t stray to Ricardo again. Apart from his initial reaction to her touch, he seemed to have taken her little play in his stride, whereas touching him had left her mouth dry.
He placed a kiss at her temple. ‘From the moment I saw Jessica, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.’
Ha! Jess nearly choked on her champagne. His statement was hilarious in the extreme and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him. They both knew very well he’d been unable to look away because he’d been so appalled by her appearance and had been trying to figure out how he was going to pass her off as his lover!
‘It would have been difficult to maintain a relationship between countries?’ Manuel asked.
Was he simply making conversation or did he sense that all was not as it seemed?
‘Thank goodness for air travel.’ Jessica answered with a smile, and willed her shoulders to stop knotting.
‘Ah, yes. You’ve been meeting in romantic places, have you not? Venice is a city for lovers.’
Jessica was saved from replying, but stiffened as a very chic, platinum blonde woman greeted Ricardo with outstretched arms.
‘Ricardo! Mi amor!’ The woman’s voice was low and sultry as she spoke in Spanish. ‘It’s so good to see you. I couldn’t believe the stories in the papers which claimed you were involved with Carla Lorezzi. I told our friends you would not leave my bed for her.’
Manuel gave a slight cough.
So, here was living proof of the type of woman Ricardo took as a lover. Jess had to school herself not to pull a face. Ricardo’s former lover was extremely well groomed, but Jess got the distinct impression she was also self-absorbed and cold. No, she told herself firmly, she would not be jealous this woman had shared Ricardo’s bed. It wasn’t her right to feel anything. What he did was none of her business.
This is an act and at the end of three months I will be debt free and no longer under any threat.
‘Jessica, you haven’t met Simone,’ Ricardo spoke in English.
Simone’s eyes were like chips of blue ice when she turned to Jessica.
‘Jessica has moved from London to live with me.’
For a split second Simone looked like a stunned goldfish before the veneer of sophistication resurfaced. ‘Jessica?’ She looked Jessica up and down with undisguised critical appraisal.
‘Hello, Simone.’ Jessica fought to stand her ground. She reminded herself she now looked every inch as well-groomed as the blond woman — even if she didn’t feel it.
‘You’re English?’ Simone demanded in a scornful tone.
‘Yes.’
‘Increible!’ Simone gesticulated wildly at Ricardo. ‘Ha perdido su mente o simplemente a su buen gusto?’
Jessica translated Simone’s insulting words quickly. Amazing! Have you lost your mind or simply your good taste?
‘Simone!’ Ricardo’s tone was a steely warning.
What a cow!
Every single insult Jessica had received from nasty girls in her school days coalesced into a large, tangled ball of anger. She was no longer a shy, ugly, under-confident girl who would listen to insults without retaliation. The new Jessica demanded she stand up to this woman who was no better than the school yard bullies she’d encountered in her youth.
As Ricardo looked on the verge of saying more, Jessica placed a restraining hand on his forearm. Arching one eyebrow she addressed Simone with manufactured calm and a fervent prayer she could carry off her Spanish. ‘Ha perdido sus modales o simplemente les fuera de lugar?’
Have you lost your manners or merely misplaced them?
Manuel threw his head back and laughed.
Simone’s lips tightened in fury as a tide of red washed up from her chest and spread over her cheeks. ‘Perra!’ she abused, before stalking off.
Still laughing, Manuel slapped Ricardo on the back. ‘Finally! A woman who can stand up to the dreaded Simone — and in Spanish! I’m glad to hear of your move to Barcelona, Jessica.’ He gave a slight bow. ‘It’s been a privilege to meet you, and I look forward to speaking with you again in the future. Now, I’ll leave you two alone.’
Jessica trembled. Confrontation was not something she enjoyed and she took a huge swallow of champagne to ease her nerves. Aware that Ricardo looked at her intently, Jessica flushed. ‘I apologise if I was out of line but your...friend...was terribly insulting.’
‘She was.’
‘I can’t believe her behaviour. You used to date that woman?’
He flattened h
is lips into a travesty of a smile. ‘Briefly.’
‘What on earth did you see in her?’
‘Jessica —’
She held up a hand. ‘I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.’ Maybe she’d been the one out of line, insulting his real lover. ‘I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sure she’ll have you back once she knows why you’re with me. That is...when this is all over.’ Her heart hollowed at the thought of their time coming to an end and of not being the one with the handsome Ricardo at her side. But, she had no claim on Ricardo. Even so, she couldn’t help saying, ‘But honestly, if you date women like Simone, your taste really should be called into question. She’s downright nasty. You could do a lot better than her.’
His lips twitched at the corners. Far from looking angry, he looked amused.
‘I’m sorry. I’m starting to blabber. I don’t usually talk that way to people. I don’t know what came over me. I hate confrontation. I didn’t mean to make a scene. She just struck a chord and...’
‘Jessica, don’t apologise.’
Her voice was uncertain as she asked, ‘You’re not angry with me?’
‘No. You handled Simone well. She was rude and I would’ve dealt with her much more severely.’
‘Oh.’ He would have? ‘Really?’
‘Really.’
‘Oh, my gosh.’ She shook her head and felt ridiculous. ‘I’m trying to be so sophisticated and here I am shaking like a leaf.’
‘I’d noticed.’
‘You had?’
He pulled her closer. ‘Forget about Simone.’
‘Right. Another stiff drink will help.’
‘Or something else.’ He removed the champagne flute from her fingers and set it down with his glass on a nearby table.
‘Yes,’ she agreed. ‘Something else might be better because if we keep having encounters with your ex-lovers, I could be well on my way to becoming an alcoholic by the end of three months.’
His laugh was so attractive it made her heart flip and her toes curl. ‘I could not be responsible for that, querida.’
A second later, he steered her two steps sideways so they were almost completely obscured by a pillar. His eyes flared. Jessica’s blood drained from her extremities and rushed toward the melting centre of her. His breath whispered against her skin as he moved his head and his lips met hers.
A Spanish Seduction Page 9
