Hotter Than The Caribbean (Building Love Book 2)

by Stacy Hoff

  “Because, I want to see which one of you gets their portion of the job completed fastest, and the most cost effectively. Quality counts. I will not accept cheap work. Whoever accomplishes this will wind up running my entire business.”

  “What?” Luis’s jaw hung in the air, a human cavern.

  His father leaned forward in his chair. Even old and sick, the man was no less intimidating now than when Luis was a child, almost three decades ago. His father had a way of looming, of making a person feel small regardless of their age and size. “What don’t you understand, son? Each of you are to complete your part of my resort complex. No cost overruns. No project delays. Beautiful execution. No protracted fights with vendors. I do not want to have to step in. I’m hoping at least one of you will prove you are capable of being in charge of my operations. I will not see my business fail.”

  “Pardon, Papá, but this seems crazy.”

  “Crazy? What is crazy about wanting to know my company will remain successful after I’m dead and gone? The name Serrano will be spoken on this island for decades to come. I will have my legacy. One of you will ensure this happens for me. Because it must.”

  “Do not speak of your death, Papá.”

  The old man brushed off the words with a sweeping gesture, wide enough to almost send an ornate desk clock crashing onto the hardwood floor. “This is no time for sentiment. We’re here to discuss business.”

  “Fine, we’ll stick to business. What happens if Raul and I both succeed?”

  The old man folded his arms against his chest. “I am not worried about a tie.”

  “Even if you’re right, I do not want to be in a competition against my brother.” Luis shook his head while thinking through his father’s request. “This is not something I am willing to do. Raul is welcome to take over.”

  “You don’t want my company to succeed?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Good. I want my company to succeed, too. This way I will know that whomever I pick, I have found the son who will carry on my legacy.” The old man’s voice grew thin and tight. “Perhaps that son is you.”

  Luis had known right there and then he had to accept his father’s challenge. Gaining Papá’s acceptance was the granddaddy of all temptations. Luis could only hope he wasn’t on a fool’s mission.

  Luis’ proposed business deal with his friend Ty Orland would have to wait. He would be too busy with the Condado Beach Resort project for the next few weeks to deal with anything else. I was crazy to agree to Papá’s request. No wonder this has been the longest week of my life.

  Luis’s cell phone flashed a text message from one of the exact people he’d just been thinking about. Groaning, he swiped Raul’s message to read it. ‘I hear you’re going to try to prove to Papá that you can run his business better than me. Game on, mi hermano.’ Luis grit his teeth and muttered more Spanish curses.

  After a few moments, he calmed himself down. He had already sacrificed his time, and his own business endeavors, to improve family relations. He might as well abandon his hot temper, too. Since his father was stricken with cancer, family peace was either now or never. With a deep breath, Luis decided to eat his pride. He typed his response, ‘We can both win, Raul. I want to show Papá I can help him. I can help you, too. We can work together.’

  When no further text message from his brother appeared, Luis tried his best not to throw the phone down in disgust. Maybe Raul was right. Perhaps this time really was “game on.”

  If it weren’t for his father’s illness, providing a last-ditch chance to prove to Papá that he was worthy, Luis would have walked off the game’s playing field. Happily having forfeited.

  Luis hadn’t chosen this game, but now he’d play it out till the end. He, the ultimate winner, would run his father’s company as well as his own. Once he took over, maybe he’d change the philosophy of his father’s company. While Luis’s corporation forged team building, Serrano Resort Construction, Ltd., was hell-bent on team smashing. His father’s employees would cheer Luis’s positive changes.

  He would definitely improve his father’s company. More importantly, he’d gain his father’s respect. Respect he had been owed, and denied, for far too long.

  Chapter 4

  Mel quickly keyed into her suite on the fifteenth floor of the Condado Beach Resort. She was in a hurry to get ready for her dinner meeting with Luis. Afterwards, she’d call her sister to let her know his handsome appearance was the least intimidating thing about him. The man was confident to the point of cocky, and as determined as a Caribbean hurricane.

  Despite his cool response, however, his eyes had been warm as they appraised her. There was something sexual about the man, putting her senses on high alert. Making her skin super-aware. Had he been appraising her body as well as her competence? Or perhaps she was just imagining his reaction.

  Her own reaction, however, was harder to figure out. Why did she feel extremely turned on when she should feel put off? What the heck is wrong with me? The minute she finished her phone call to Denny she would take a frigid shower to chill her libido.

  Working for unapproachable authority figures was a pattern that had to be broken. Like her parents, Luis was clearly someone who was hard to please. The tension he exuded when he spoke about the project was so apparent on his face it was practically palpable. Worse, his work pressure would surely be passed on to her. As if she didn’t have enough stress to deal with already. Ugh! Please fly the hell down here already, Denny!

  This design project would no doubt eat her alive. Not only would she have to quash her libido, she’d have to design the lobby in the way her ultra-stuffy sister envisioned. Denny didn’t think anywhere near similar. The whole assignment would probably end up being a disaster.

  Worse, her family would never let her live failure down. They had publicly touted this project as the firm’s showcase assignment. News of a failure would be widespread.

  Her phone vibrated next to her with enough force to almost bounce off the bed. Her sister’s name flashed across the screen. Guess Denny beat me to it. “We Are family” by Sister Sledge played loudly, a song Denny had suggested as a way to try to bring them closer together. Delving into her bag just in time to swipe the bar, Mel accepted the call.

  “How are you doing so far?” Denny asked without preamble.

  “The flight was . . . challenging. At least I made it here in one piece.”

  “What company did you rent your car from?”

  “None. The client sent a limo.”

  “Ooooh, I like a man with class and style. One who spends lavishly on his team of designers.” Denny chuckled. “I swear, Mellie, Luis Serrano is bachelor of the year. But not for long, because I can already tell you I’m going to marry him. He’s hot, owns a very successful company, and comes from a rich family. There’s no way I can go wrong with a man like that.”

  “Optimist,” Mel quipped.

  “Sure, I’m an optimist. Why not? I believe in happy endings. Fairy tales. Prince Charming. Heck, I’ll even shop around for a castle and pair of glass slippers.”

  Although Denny was obviously kidding, Mel bristled. “Um, which one of us is going to be Cinderella in your fairy tale? I’m always the one stuck sweeping out the cinders.”

  “Mellie, I was joking,” Denny answered in a soft voice. “I know Mom and Dad are tough on you. I hope you don’t think I am, too.”

  Not since last week when you asked me why I was wasting time with art. You might as well be Mom and Dad’s echo chamber.

  “Hello? Mellie? Are you still there?” Denny prompted.

  “Yes. Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I know you’ll do your best to keep the client happy until I arrive.”

  “What about Mom and Dad? Do they think so, too?”

  Denny hesitated bef
ore speaking. “They’ll come around.”

  “Right.” Mel knew her voice sounded strained. Sometimes the hurt was hard to filter out.

  Silence lingered in the air a full minute. Fighting with her sister, especially over their parents’ favoritism, would only drive more wedges into the family tree. At this point, a light wind would blow the fragile, old oak over. Splintering as it landed from the years of heavy blows.

  Mel coughed to clear her tight throat. “I don’t know about a prince, but I bet Luis Serrano will be taken with your good looks, and your design proposal.”

  “Thanks, Mellie.”

  “Give him two days to eat of your hands, just like your many other admirers.”

  Her sister paused for a moment. “Men are attracted to you, too, Mellie. Try breaking out of your shell. Live a little. Put yourself out there. No one woos a recluse. You’ve got plenty going for you. I know you think I’m better looking than you, but if we were any closer in appearance, we’d be twins. Everybody says so. You know that.”

  Mel mustered a lighthearted voice. “Sure, sure. You’re right.” At least some of her sister’s compliments weren’t left-handed. Little did Denny know that Mel was already trying to “live a little” and “put herself out there.” Although not in the way Denny suggested.

  “Glad you agree,” Denny chirped.

  Mel rolled her eyes. They both knew Denny was “the beautiful one.” Her sister could get whomever she wanted. Denny’s green eyes, silky auburn hair, and bikini bod took second place only to a personality everybody loved. Mel’s eyes were blue, and her dirty-blond hair reminiscent of a mouse. The biggest distinction between them, however, was more than skin deep. Mel’s artistic talent lay in an area of questionable demand. Worse, her creative field lay outside the family business.

  Getting her own gallery show would be exactly what she needed to turn her life around. Holistically as well as personally. More than artistic exposure, she’d gain confidence. The last time she felt self-assured was at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she graduated as a fine art student. The encouragement and positivity she received back in college was sorely needed again.

  “I appreciate all the compliments,” Denny continued. “I know you try hard and things aren’t easy for you now. Take a break when you’re back in the City. You only need to cover for me for a few days.”

  The last few words made Mel perk up. “Really? That soon?”

  “Yup. I’ll be able to walk faster than the doctors originally thought. Stupid accident! I can’t believe I tripped on a sidewalk in broad daylight.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure I can hold down the fort until you arrive. In the meantime, I’m going to see Luis Serrano. I have a dinner appointment with him.”

  “Lucky you. I’m jealous.”

  “Don’t be. I met him briefly. He’s strictly business, and as demanding as Dad.”

  “Sounds like quite the challenge. Good thing I’m always up for one.”

  I wish I were. “I’m sure this client will prove to be quite the challenge. Bye, Denny.” Mel hung up the phone wondering just how much of a challenge Luis Serrano was going to be.

  Chapter 5

  Luis observed Francine Nash, CEO of Nash & Co., with the oxymoronic combination of admiration and displeasure. His appreciation of the woman’s tenacity was heartfelt. Given Francine’s stunning looks, she had probably never heard a single “no” in her lifetime. This was demonstrated during the one meeting he had witnessed between her and his father. The woman had doted on the old man as if courting a lover, turning his father into a puddle of warm goo. A rare transformation for Jorge Serrano. Apparently, Francine was going to see if lightening would strike twice. He was up next, a human target. Thankfully, he had learned early in life how to dodge a bullet.

  Whether his father had chosen Nash & Co., because of Francine’s wooing or the company’s stellar reputation for hotel guest room design, Luis wasn’t sure. Ultimately it didn’t matter. He was stuck working with Francine. Or more specifically, working around her. Although his responsibility lay in a different part of the hotel, offending Nash & Co. would no doubt enrage his father. And his brother. Luis grimaced. If he did that, he might as well hand Raul the keys to his father’s office. The situation with Francine would have to be handled delicately.

  “Really, Luis,” the blonde beauty purred in his office, “I’m sure your father wants to keep progress on this beautiful resort running smoothly. His last lobby design firm deserted him. I bet you’re not too keen on the new people, either. Why not let one design firm handle everything for you? My firm is already working on the guest rooms, the results of which are fantastic . . .”

  Luis blocked out her words. He wasn’t going to explain the division of tasks his father wanted. Or the crazy reason why. Even if he did want to tell somebody—get the craziness off his chest—the last person he’d talk about it with was Francine. The woman’s ego was out of control.

  More importantly, when had he given her permission to use his first name? Forget the fact they were roughly the same age. Casual familiarity would not be tolerated. “Ms. Nash, you seem to know quite a lot. If so, then you should also know I’m a very busy man. I know where to find you if I want to hire Nash & Co. to design the lobby’s interior.”

  The woman’s devilish smile remained undiminished. “I’ll be happy to tell you where you can find me, Luis. But if you meet me there, wouldn’t a game of hide-and-seek be unnecessary? I personally don’t believe in playing hard to get.”

  He felt his brow furrow. He might have a Spanish accent, but his English comprehension was impeccable. Regardless, he had no idea what she was talking about. “Meet you? Meet you where?”

  The woman laughed, the sound rich, deep, and throaty. “In your bedroom. I think it’s high time we mixed business with pleasure.”

  Okay, that was unexpected. Not a bad offer though. Francine was shapely, as demonstrated by the tight-fitting red dress she wore. The amount of makeup could be toned-downed a bit. The heavy-handed application of cosmetics not so severe as to create a buzz-kill. No doubt the overindulgence in purple eye shadow was a manifestation of the woman’s creative side. A bit tacky, maybe. Nonetheless, it definitely didn’t mar her overall attractiveness.

  Unfortunately, her personality was a problem. Francine may be creative and competent but also demanding. A princess with an ego problem. Not his type. Casual sex would be okay if he didn’t have to work with her. Nash & Co. had many more rooms to complete before they were done.

  Gossip on the island, and in the resort construction industry, was rampant. He already had his hands full trying to prove to people, especially his father, that he was professional. Sleeping with staff, even if they were independent contractors, was nothing he needed. Worse would be sleeping with someone who reported to his brother, even if temporarily.

  All of a sudden, the thought of Melanie Merritt popped into his brain. Her image appeared before him, shimmering like a sensuous specter. The vision of Melanie was beautiful, beyond reach, and unwanted. A deep longing shook him to his core. What the hell is going on? The uninvited daydream annoyed him. Luis quickly forced his attention back to reality. He would never risk a relationship with a contractor. Whether it be Francine, Melanie, or anyone else. Especially under these circumstances.

  If Melanie magically wanted to have sex with him, that temptation would be the hardest to pass up. Melanie seemed sweet, sincere, and even able to give him entertaining push-back. Regardless, her attractive features were irrelevant. She was off-limits. Period. Which was mostly likely fine by her. If a relationship with Melanie didn’t have a chance, Francine was completely out of luck.

  Luis considered the feelings of the eager woman standing in front of him and tried to let her down gently. “I don’t think your offer is a good idea, Ms. Nash. You have a positive working
relationship with my family. Let’s keep it that way.”

  He watched her cheeks color. Dark storm clouds drifted across her face. She was obviously fighting an internal battle. One side of her wanting to tell him off. The other side, wanting to stay courteous to the man who was part of the family that hired her.

  Just when he thought she was going to tell him off, her expression changed back to that of the seductress. She batted her eyelashes and smiled coyly. “I’m not asking you to marry me,” she playfully chided. “We’re both adults. Daytime can be business before pleasure. Nighttime can be pleasure before business. Think about what I’m offering you, Luis—nights filled with desire.” She let the last word linger in the air, an invitation in it of itself.

  “I’m sorry, but I have to decline. If I do change my mind, Ms. Nash, I will let you know. Buenas tardes.”

  Francine’s coquettish expression was still smoldering hot, despite the verbal smackdown. “That’s fine, Luis, for now. I still want you to keep an open mind for the nights to come. I might be able to persuade you yet.”

  Be polite, Luis. If you insult the woman, working with her will be a disaster. “Maybe.” Never.

  “You’ll come around. Men always do.” The woman quickly walked off, a long blond breeze behind her.

  Not this man. Francine Nash obviously had no idea what motivated him. Sure, having sex was great, if no business strings were attached. But even great sex was no match compared to proving his worth to his father and half-brother. He needed to get the damned lobby built on time.

  He glanced at his watch. In a few minutes, he’d be meeting with a very different type of woman than Francine. “Mel,” as she weirdly preferred to be called, certainly didn’t signal any interest in him on a personal level. She came across as the sort of person who wanted to do her best work while remaining strictly business. Good, because having yet another beautiful lady actively wear down his resistance was the last thing he needed.