by Judy Duarte
“Good evening!” Esteban Mendoza’s jovial tone damn near echoed through the vineyard. “I came to see how the tasting turned out, but by the look of things, I suspect it went especially well.”
Carlo was never going to live this down. His father had been a ladies’ man for years, maybe before his parents had actually divorced, although that was just his speculation. Either way, Esteban could appreciate the kind of kiss that was sure to spark a romantic liaison.
Schuyler, who seemed completely undaunted by the unexpected interruption, tossed his father a carefree grin. “I think it’s fair to say everyone had a good time.”
“Apparently.” Esteban made his way closer, his smile deepening.
But then again, did Carlo even care what his old man thought, or what he might mention in front of his brothers? He was proud to have Schuyler in his arms. And if his luck held, in his bed.
“I certainly enjoyed the tasting this evening.” Schuyler turned to Carlo, her eyes boasting an impish glimmer. “How about you?”
Whose side was she on? “I’d have to admit that it was probably the best I’ve had to date.”
“That sounds promising.” Esteban’s smile widened. “I hope I didn’t interrupt your...um...debriefing.”
“Not at all,” Schuyler said. “We’re finished with that, and I was just leaving.”
That’s what she’d said, although Carlo wasn’t ready to call it a day. Or rather, a night. And he’d hoped that the kiss they’d just shared might have changed her mind.
“Then I’ll leave you to your goodbyes.” Esteban pointed toward the new restaurant. “I’m going to see how things are going at La Viña.”
As his father walked away, Carlo turned to Schuyler. “Should I apologize?”
“For what?”
Kissing her had been his first thought. Being caught had been his second. And his father’s interruption of a heated moment came third. But she didn’t seem to be the least bit concerned about any of it.
“I’m not going to dance around the issue,” he said. “I like you, Schuyler. A lot. And there’s definitely some mutual attraction at play.”
“I won’t argue that.”
“Then why don’t we let things play out between us and see what happens?”
She laughed. “I thought that’s what this kiss was all about. And just for the record, I thought it played out nicely.”
So it had.
“We clearly have chemistry,” she admitted. “And I’m not at all opposed to seeing where a little romance might lead. But I’d hate to complicate things.”
He supposed that she was talking about their working relationship. It was also possible that she was concerned about her upcoming introduction to some of the Fortunes who were in the inner circle. But he wasn’t about to renege on the deal they’d made—even if a short-term affair didn’t work out.
“We’ve both admitted that we’re not interested in a serious relationship,” he said. “So we can certainly keep things light and easy. And fun.”
“Now, that’s an interesting thought.”
He figured she’d like that idea, since she’d made no secret of having a playful side.
“Why don’t you sleep on the idea?” he suggested. “We can talk more about it tomorrow.”
She blessed him with a bright-eyed smile that nearly lit the evening sky. “That works for me.”
It definitely worked for him, too.
He kissed her one last time for the road. And to give her more romantic fodder to sleep on.
* * *
When Carlo drove into the porte cochere at the entrance of the Monarch Hotel, Schuyler was seated on a wrought iron bench near the valet desk, a disposable Starbucks coffee cup in her hand and that big black Chanel purse resting beside her.
That morning she’d pulled her hair up into a messy but stylish topknot and wore a red long-sleeve T-shirt, snug black jeans and running shoes. The moment she spotted his car, she flashed a happy grin and got to her feet.
Before either Carlo or the valet could get the door for her, she opened it herself and slid into the passenger seat, clearly eager to set out on their latest adventure.
But heck, so was Carlo.
As her breezy scent, something soft and floral, infiltrated his car and invaded his senses, he said, “I didn’t expect you to be ready, but I’m glad you are.”
“I’m always ready for an adventure.”
Apparently so. For some reason, he’d assumed a pretty, stylish and wealthy woman like her would relish her beauty rest and take her time getting ready in the morning. But it hadn’t taken Carlo long to realize Schuyler was unpredictable and not at all like other women.
He liked that about her.
In fact, when it came to Schuyler Fortunado, there was a lot to like. And he wasn’t just counting those luscious blond locks, sparkling blue eyes and soft pink lips that could kiss a man senseless. She had an effervescent personality that kept him interested, intrigued. And completely engaged.
A man who had preconceived ideas about romance could find himself at a disadvantage with her. If he expected to tie her down in any way, he’d risk being disappointed or hurt. And if the poor guy thought he’d fallen in love with her, he might just convince himself that he actually liked having his life turned upside down.
Carlo would have to stay on his toes around her, although he really wasn’t worried. He always kept his romantic relationships lighthearted and simple.
As he pulled onto the city street, she asked, “Where are we going first?”
“I heard about an old bank building downtown that’s vacant and for sale. It will need renovating, but it might have a lot of potential as a nightclub.”
“Are you meeting the listing agent?” she asked.
“No, not this time. I’m just scouting the area before reporting back to the family.”
“When you’re done with the preliminary footwork, and if you decide to check out that property, you should consider calling my sister. Maddie works out of the Houston office, but she’s really good at negotiating commercial deals. And while you could work directly with the seller’s agent, the buyers should have someone who can watch out for their best interests.”
Carlo had planned on getting an agent to represent the family. If he still lived in Florida, where he had a lot of contacts and connections, he’d know just who to call. But he hadn’t researched any of the local agencies yet.
Still, Schuyler’s suggestion was sound. Fortunado Real Estate had a solid, statewide reputation, with offices in Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
“I just might call your sister,” he said. “But I have a question for you. Why didn’t you suggest that I call your father?”
“No reason, really. My dad is the best commercial Realtor in the state, if not the entire country. But he’s pretty busy.”
“That’s not surprising. He’s built an impressive company.”
“That’s true, although my mom would like him to slow down, if not retire.”
“For health reasons?”
“No, that’s not it.”
Schuyler had made no secret of the man’s financial success, so Carlo assumed his wife would like him to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
“My dad worked very hard to build the company, so he’s reluctant to pass the baton. But there’s no reason he can’t slow down some. My sister could run things blindfolded and with her hands tied behind her back.”
“Do you think he’ll eventually let her take over?”
Schuyler shrugged. “My mom would love that, but who knows?”
She grew silent as Carlo drove to the downtown area. He wasn’t sure what Schuyler was thinking about. Her family and the successful empire her father had built, he supposed.
As his own thoughts drifted to finding the right property, making a
good deal and jumping into the renovations, his enthusiasm soared.
Going to work with Alejandro and his brothers had been a smart move for him, a good one in which he’d found his true calling. He had a growing fervor to help build the winery and to expand the family’s interests.
When he left Miami, he’d hoped that would happen, but he hadn’t been sure it would. In the past, his initial passion for a project would peak then wane, and after a while, he’d become disenchanted and bored.
The same could be said for his love life, he supposed. After dating a woman for a couple of months, he’d lose interest in her, too.
He shot a glance across the seat at Schuyler, who was watching the city skyline, her eyes aglow. There was something special about her, something vital that sparked his excitement.
A smile tickled his lips. He had a feeling that he wasn’t going to lose interest in this woman anytime soon.
As he pulled in front of the empty three-story brick building that had once housed a bank, he pointed it out to Schuyler.
“Wow,” she said. “You were right. This place has a lot of potential.”
That’s what Carlo had thought when he’d first checked out the pictures on the internet and researched its history. “It was originally built in the mid-1880s and then renovated in the 1920s. But when the depression hit, it closed down.”
“Has it been vacant all that time?”
“No, it’s had several owners since then. It’s also housed various offices and businesses. A couple years ago, a guy bought it with the intention of turning it into a trendy restaurant, but he died before finishing it. There were some legal issues when his heirs divided the estate, but from what I understand, the property is going on the market soon.”
“I think you ought to snatch it up,” Schuyler said. “What an awesome location for a nightclub. My mind is abuzz with ideas. I can’t wait to see the interior.”
Carlo felt the same way. His mind was spinning with the possibilities, too. And interestingly enough, he wanted Schuyler to be with him when he got his first look inside.
Maybe it was time to call Maddie Fortunado. But talk about complicating things. All he needed was to be knee-deep in a real estate negotiation with Schuyler’s sister when—not if—their romantic relationship went south.
But he wouldn’t let things become so involved that there’d be a blowup when they parted ways. Besides, they’d already decided to take things slow and easy.
Of course, if he kissed her again, things could escalate faster than either of them anticipated. But would that be bad?
Not unless he didn’t handle their breakup well and things went up in smoke at the end.
“What other properties are you considering?” Schuyler asked.
With her sudden interest in the bank property, you’d never have known she’d been reluctant to work with her father’s company. But then again, family dynamics could be difficult for outsiders to understand.
“There’s an old warehouse about a mile from here,” he said. “It has a lot of potential, too, but I’m not thrilled with the location. It’s a little too far away from downtown.”
“You might be surprised when you see it,” she said.
“I agree.”
Carlo took her to see that property, as well as another that was located a bit farther outside town. But they both came to the conclusion that the bank property would work best—if it went on the market. And if they could negotiate a good price.
As they left the last warehouse, Carlo was about to suggest they drive back to town and have lunch at a new café that had opened up across the street from her hotel, when Schuyler stiffened, pointed out the passenger window and yelled, “Stop.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I need to get out.”
Stunned, he pulled to the side of the road. Had she gotten sick?
While the engine idled, Schuyler opened the door, jumped from the car and hurried across a vacant lot. He glanced in the rearview mirror, then turned in his seat and looked over his shoulder. He watched as she approached a big scraggly bush, its branches and leaves rustling.
She knelt down on the dried grass, as if paying homage to the wild shrub, and patted her hands on her thighs. Moments later, a scruffy little dog crept out from its hiding place, followed by another mutt that looked just like it.
Strays, he suspected. Was that why she’d wanted to stop?
She cooed to the small critters, then reached out to pick them up. Once they were both balanced in her arms, she carried them back to the car.
Seriously? What did she plan to do with them?
Now, there was a silly question. Obviously, she was bringing them back to his car for a reason. And not one he was likely to appreciate.
Upon her approach, she called out, “Can you please get the door for me?”
He had half a notion to object, but instead, he leaned over, reached across the seat and opened it for her.
“Look what I found. Puppies. Two of them. And just look at the sweet little things. They’re darling.”
Actually, they were dirty and scrawny. And flea-bitten, no doubt.
“Can you believe someone would just drop them off on the side of the road like that?” she asked.
Actually, he could believe it. It wasn’t right, but some people abandoned animals all too often. “What are you going to do with them?”
“If I can’t find a home for them, I’m going to keep them.”
His brow lifted. “You’re staying in a hotel, remember? And I don’t think a place as nice as the Monarch is going to let you keep them there.”
“I know. But we can’t leave them here.”
Carlo had to agree, even though he wasn’t what you’d call a dog lover. Sure, he and his brothers had pets as kids, but once they’d gotten into high school, their interests had turned to sports and girls.
He shot a glance across the seat, wondering what the dirty critters would look like once they had a bath. One pup, the smaller of the two, licked Schuyler’s cheek. A love offering for being rescued, it seemed.
Apparently, she’d interpreted the doggie kiss the same way he had because she said, “Aw, sweetie, you’re welcome. I wasn’t going to leave you back there to starve to death or get hit by a car.”
“What if the hotel won’t let you keep them?” he asked.
“I’ll think of something.”
Hopefully, she didn’t expect him to take them. His life wasn’t conducive to caring for pets, for pooper-scoopers and walks in the park. Besides, he lived in a high-rise apartment that probably wasn’t any more dog friendly than the Monarch.
“You’d better come up with a plan B,” he said.
“I know.” She grew somber for a moment, then said, “They’ve got to be hungry—and thirsty. I’m going to have to find a place that sells dog food.”
“They’re also in need of a good bath. And a flea dip. I suspect that a place that works with pets will have food and water for them, too.”
“Then I’ll have to find a groomer.”
No wonder her family found her a bit on the impulsive side. But she clearly had a big heart, and he had a hard time finding fault in her for that.
As he headed back to the city, he picked up his iPhone, brought up Siri and said, “Directions to the nearest pet groomer.”
When Siri responded with the name of The Pampered Fido, Schuyler got on her own smartphone and called to see if they had any openings today—and sooner, rather than later. As luck would have it, they could fit in both dogs if they came now.
“I hate to have you drive me all over town,” Schuyler said. “Do you have time to drop off the dogs and then take me back to the Monarch?”
“I’ll make time.” Otherwise, she and those dirty pups would be turned away before they could step foot onto the hotel premi
ses. And where would that leave Carlo?
Besides, as much as he’d like to deny it, he had a heart, too. Not just for animals, but for pretty blondes who were more impetuous and loving than they ought to be.
Still, he had to admit this was a first. No other woman he’d ever dated, including Cecily, his ex-wife, would have been able to talk him into driving dirty, stinky dogs to the pet groomer. But hell, for some reason, he found himself on a constant adventure with Schuyler. One that, in her words, sounded like fun.
For the next ten minutes, Carlo followed the directions Siri gave him. At the same time, Schuyler juggled the pups in her arms while fiddling with her smartphone.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I think you were right about the Monarch Hotel, so I’ve been looking for a small studio apartment that’s pet friendly and will allow me to sign a month-to-month lease.”
So she planned to extend her stay in Austin, at least for the time being. He supposed that was good. He couldn’t very well expect her to continue being a hostess for his special wine tastings while staying in a hotel. Besides, a month-to-month lease made good sense financially—no matter how healthy her trust fund might be.
And since she wasn’t making a permanent move, it suggested that she considered their relationship—either working or otherwise—to be temporary. And that meant she and Carlo were both on the same page.
“Are you having any luck?” he asked her a few minutes later.
“Actually, I am. There’s an intern in my dad’s Austin office who’s been helping me, and he just found the perfect place.” She slipped her phone into her bag, then glanced up at him and bit down on her bottom lip. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to monopolize your day or take advantage of you. Once we drop off the dogs at The Pampered Fido, you can take me back to the hotel.”
“What are you going to do there?”
“I’ll check out and take my own car to pick up the dogs. Then I’ll move into my new digs.”
Carlo had plenty he could do this afternoon, but for some crazy reason, he didn’t mind spending more time with her. “As long as I can get to the winery before La Viña opens for dinner, I don’t mind helping you and the pups get settled.”
