by Janice Sims
Elise watched Giovanni for a moment, marveling at his inner strength. Two hours ago, he was sitting in his darkened office agonizing about his future, and now he was cracking jokes with their instructor. Giovanni was in his element, enjoying himself immensely at the indoor activity center, and chatting with the polo fans who recognized him seemed to bolster his spirits. Arriving at the sports dome, they’d decided to play Black-Ops laser tag, and the assistant manager had taken a selfie with them in their helmets, camouflage vests and matching headbands.
Black-Ops laser tag was the perfect activity for Giovanni. Fun and realistic, it had felt like they were in an actual battle. The game was so competitive and intense, Elise had been forced to take cover behind Giovanni several times to avoid enemy fire.
“Hold your ax at a ninety-degree angle, but make sure you have a firm, solid grip on it,” instructed the assistant manager, demonstrating the correct technique.
Elise blinked, realized the instructor was staring at her expectantly, and moved to the solid white line. It was her turn to go and she was ready to kick butt. To score, she had to stick the ax in the wooden target and, even though Elise hadn’t played Axes & Arrows in years, she was confident she’d win. Giovanni had beaten her at darts, Ping-Pong and billiards, and Elise wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine.
“You shouldn’t even bother playing,” Giovanni said, an amused expression on his face. “I’ve won every game tonight, and I’m going to win this one, too.”
“Sticks and stones, Pretty Boy. Sticks and stones.”
The men chuckled. Giovanni had an easygoing nature and a great sense of humor. From the moment they’d entered Extreme Sports Dome, he’d been making her laugh.
Elise picked up the ax. The instructor corrected her stance and gave her some helpful pointers. Narrowing her gaze, she envisioned herself hitting the bull’s-eye square in the middle, and hurled the ax toward the target. It missed the board completely and Elise yelped.
“Say one word and I’m out of here,” Elise warned, jabbing Giovanni in the shoulder with her index finger. “I’m serious, Giovanni. Not one word.”
Raising his hands in the air, a devilish grin on his face, he shook his head vigorously. “I wouldn’t dream of it. It’s all love out here tonight. I’m cheering for you, Elise, not against you.”
“Yeah, right, just like you lobbied for me to get the executive chef position at the club!”
His expression sobered. “You have to forgive me. Obviously, I wasn’t thinking straight, because anyone who spends five minutes in your presence can see that you’re a dynamic young woman who’s as talented as she is beautiful.”
“You can say that again!” she quipped, flipping her hair over her shoulders. “I’m all that!”
They shared a laugh. What surprised Elise most was how comfortable they were with each other. They’d talked about their backgrounds, their dreams and even their past relationships, though Elise didn’t have much to say on the subject. Over the years, she’d been on numerous dates, but no one had ever swept her off her feet or captured her heart.
“This is key. Bring the ax over your head as if you’re rebounding a basketball, then throw the ax with your arms extended forward,” the instructor said. “Try again. You can do it.”
Taking his advice, she took a deep breath, focused on her target and released the ax. It hit the bull’s-eye and Elise screamed for joy. She gave the instructor a high five, winked at Giovanni, then grabbed another ax off the table. Her next three throws were kill shots and, by the time the game ended, she’d beat Giovanni by double digits.
“You won fair and square, so drinks are on me.” Giovanni wrapped an arm around Elise’s waist, pulled her close to his side and dropped his mouth to her ear. “Thanks for dragging me out of my office tonight. This is the most fun I’ve had in months, and you’re the reason why.”
“If this is the most fun you’ve had in months, then you need to get out more!”
Glancing at her cell phone, Elise was surprised to see it was nine o’clock. They’d been at the facility for three hours, but Elise wasn’t ready to go home yet. She liked the idea of spending more time with Giovanni. They bought drinks and popcorn from the concession stand, then wandered around the complex, checking out the games and activities on the second floor.
Finding an empty bench at the entrance to the arcade, they sat to eat their snack. Men and women alike were gawking at Giovanni, and Elise didn’t blame them. The polo star was a force, sexier than any cover model, and his voice was deep and husky.
Elise loved hearing Giovanni’s stories about growing up in Argentina, the greatest moments of his decades-long polo career and his favorite vacation spots. Well versed in every subject, Giovanni was a man of deep feeling, who challenged her way of thinking. Time flew by as they chatted in the arcade. But what stood out most about Giovanni wasn’t his dashing good looks, his dreamy voice or even his remarkable intelligence. It was how much he loved his family and wanted to please his parents. Elise had never met a man of his caliber before, and she was enamored with the charismatic polo star with the brilliant mind.
A shadow fell across Giovanni’s face and he heaved a deep sigh.
Elise studied his profile, his furrowed eyebrows and clenched jaw, and suspected he was thinking about his doctor’s appointment that afternoon. Giovanni was going through a rough time and Elise wanted to be there for him. “Giovanni, I know you’re hurting right now, but you have to believe that things will get better and that your life will have meaning and purpose again.”
Giovanni nodded but his frown deepened. “I wish that was true.”
“It is. I’m living proof,” she said firmly. “You will get through this. Have hope.”
They sat in silence for a moment. She reached out to touch his shoulder then remembered what had happened the last time they’d touched. She hugged her arms to her chest instead. It didn’t matter that she was weak for him, he was her boss, the heir to the Castillo empire, and she had to be smart around him, no matter what.
The sound of his low, solemn voice interrupted her thoughts.
“I’ve had numerous injuries during my career, but I never thought in a million years that my health would prevent me from playing the sport I love.” He dragged a hand down his face then rubbed his neck. “And the timing couldn’t be worse. I’m supposed to fly to Buenos Aires on December twenty-third to participate in a charity polo match for an organization I’m the official sponsor of. But after my conversation with my neurologist, I feel like canceling the trip.”
“Why?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you afraid of getting hurt?”
“No. Of course not. It’s a friendly match, and I’ve participated in the event for years.”
“Then go, have fun and be careful.” Elise winked. “And remember to bring me back a souvenir. FYI, I love malbec wine and gourmet chocolate.”
Giovanni inclined his head to the side and stroked his chin. “You’ve definitely given me something to think about.”
“You should go. You’re the pride of Argentina, the Golden Boy, and I’d hate for you to disappoint your loyal, die-hard fans.”
His stare was bold and his smile was broad. “Come with me.”
“Sure! Sounds fun! When do we leave?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Elise, you don’t know what you’re missing. Buenos Aires is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I’m not just saying that because I was born and raised there.” His face brightened and his tone was full of excitement. “The architecture is striking, the neighborhoods are colorful and unique, the people are charming, the nightlife is stellar, and the food is second to none.”
“Buenos Aires sounds like my kind of place, but you and I both know I can’t go. I have to work. And, even if I didn’t, I couldn’t risk someone finding out about our trip and blabbing to Rosario
about it.”
“I understand, but start saving your vacation time. My birthday is in March, and I always travel home to celebrate with my friends and family. I’d love for you to come.”
Elise inclined her head. Was he for real? Did he actually want to take her to Argentina in the spring? Or was he pulling her leg? She opened her mouth, realized she didn’t know what to say in response, and slammed it shut. Her mind drifted back to the storage room, to the exact moment they’d kissed, and Elise wondered what would happen if they spent the weekend together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Conversation turned from the charity tournament to the club, and as Giovanni spoke about the dedicated staff, esteemed clientele and Rosario’s ideas for the restaurant in the new year, Elise found herself agreeing with every word that came out of his mouth.
“All this talk about the restaurant is making me hungry. Let’s go downtown and get something to eat.” Giovanni hung his head and shielded his face with his left hand. “Damn, I hope she doesn’t see me, or we’ll never get out of here.”
Elise glanced around the second floor, spotted a large bridal party exiting the Escape Room and wondered which of the young, attractive females Giovanni was hiding from. “Which one’s your ex and why are you dodging her?”
“None of them, but I know one of the bridesmaids. Years ago, a friend set me up with Hannah Lacroix and, even though she has a sweet girl-next-door vibe, she turned out to be one of the craziest people I know.”
A laugh exploded out of Elise’s mouth, drawing the attention of everyone walking by, and she swallowed her giggles.
Giovanni folded his arms across his chest, as if he was pissed with her, but amusement gleamed in his eyes and the corners of his lips twitched. “Don’t laugh at my pain, because I’m not the only one who’s been on a disastrous blind date, so spill it. What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?”
“It wasn’t a date.” Elise shuddered at the memory of the terrifying encounter. “I went to a Fourth of July party with my girlfriends, and I met a charming Spanish guy with the most amazing sense of humor. We had drinks, danced and laughed all night.”
“It sounds like you guys made an instant connection.”
“I thought so, too, but he forced himself on me when we were alone in the media room.”
Giovanni leaned forward in his seat. “That must have been terrifying for you.”
“No,” she said firmly. “It was terrifying for him.”
Lines creased his forehead. “I don’t understand.”
“When I was a kid, my dad taught me how to defend myself against bullies, so when that drunken creep tried to kiss me, I kneed him so hard in the groin he dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.”
His eyes were the size of golf balls. “You’re kidding.”
“No. He started it, but I finished it.”
Giovanni whistled. “Remind me never to piss you off. You’re a beast!”
“And as long as you’re a perfect gentleman, we won’t have any problems.”
“Do you remember the guy’s name? I want to talk to him, man to man.”
“Unfortunately I don’t, but that’s a good thing because my bestie would have tracked him down and beaten him within an inch of his life. You think I’m tough? Well, Sariah is fierce.”
“I’m glad you fought back and got away from him,” he said, touching her hand with his own, his fingertips tenderly caressing her skin. “What you did took incredible strength and courage. Way to go, Elise.”
Her breath caught in her throat. They were sitting so close on the bench their shoulders and legs were touching, and Elise liked feeling his body against hers. His cologne washed over her, weakening her resolve, and she moved closer to him on the bench. Damn, his lips are sexy, she thought, fixing her gaze on his mouth. And they taste delicious.
Elise wished she could turn back the hands of time. If she hadn’t kissed Giovanni in the storage room, she wouldn’t be craving his lips now. Mad at herself for wanting him, she struggled with conflicting emotions. One minute she was keeping Giovanni at arm’s length and the next she was fantasizing about kissing him again—and more. She had to stop sending him mixed messages. Elise didn’t want Giovanni to think she was a tease, or worse, toying with his feelings. She wasn’t. Her mind and body were at odds, both battling to have their own way, and it was stressful.
“I’ve always been an honest, forthcoming person, and I’m not going to change who I am now.” Giovanni squeezed her hand. “I promised myself I wouldn’t pursue you, but I’m fighting a losing battle because the more I try to resist you, the stronger my desires are.”
Elise stared at him with wide eyes.
“Can I kiss you?” he whispered, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “Please?”
Her inner voice shouted no, but she closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his mouth. Lust spiraled through her body, giving her an adrenaline rush. Elise was shocked by her boldness, couldn’t believe she’d kissed him again after vowing not to.
This is so wrong, but it feels so right! Caught up in the moment, Elise ignored her doubts and enjoyed the pleasure of his kiss. Forgetting they were in a public place and could be spotted by someone they knew, Elise draped her arms around Giovanni’s neck, pulling him even closer to her. She wouldn’t be surprised if people were watching them, but she didn’t care. Is this actually happening? Are we actually making out in the arcade?
“I can’t help myself,” he confessed in a low, throaty voice, his hands stroking her neck and shoulders. “One look is all it takes. One kiss and I’m a goner, Elise, unable to stop...”
Elise opened her eyes, her head so fuzzy she couldn’t think straight or focus on what Giovanni was saying. All she knew was that she wanted to kiss him again. Taking a deep breath, she willed her thoughts to clear. She didn’t know what to make of his confession, but sensed he was being honest with her, speaking from the heart.
Elise couldn’t remember ever feeling this excited about someone and was tempted to throw caution to the wind and live out her fantasies with the devilishly handsome polo star. Hooking up with Giovanni could end up being the worst mistake of her life, or a thrilling adventure. She suspected it would be the latter.
“Your lips are my undoing, and your mouth is my new guilty pleasure.”
“How do you know that for sure when you haven’t tasted the rest of me?” The moment the quip left her mouth, Elise realized she’d verbalized her inner thoughts aloud and dodged his gaze.
“Let’s get out of here before we really give the locals something to talk about,” Giovanni said, brushing his chin against her cheek. “Come on. I’m taking you home.”
Chapter 13
“Watch your step.” Giovanni led Elise into the dimly lit foyer of his sprawling bachelor pad, down the hallway and into the great room. It was surrounded by a wall of glass windows that offered breathtaking views of the city. Stars shone in the night sky, filling the space with an ambient glow, and colored lights twinkled in the distance. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
Inhaling the fragrant scent in the air, Elise took in her luxe surroundings. The estate had a stone fireplace, ornate stone carvings, contemporary furniture and vaulted ceilings. But Elise was most impressed by the chef’s kitchen. It had top-of-the-line appliances, a breakfast bar with cobalt-blue stools and gleaming dark wood. “Humble abode? No, you mean your fancy oceanfront mansion dripping in marble and gold that deserves a spread in House Beautiful magazine.”
A broad grin fell across his mouth. “So you like it? I’m glad. I decorated it myself.”
“Like is an understatement!” Elise enthused, spreading her hands out at her sides. “This is the house of my dreams, and when I grow up I’m going to get one just like it.”
Giovanni chuckled. “If you think this place is nice, wait until you see my villa in Buenos Ai
res. It has a heated pool, a home theater, a state-of-the-art gym and a steam room.”
“Show-off!” Elise quipped. “And I thought you were a sweet, humble guy.”
“I am,” he conceded. “And to prove it, I’m making you dinner tonight.”
“Or you could give me a tour of this stunning estate and tell me more about your work for SOS Children’s Villages and your upcoming charity match in Buenos Aires,” Elise proposed.
“As you wish.” Giovanni strode over to the granite bar, selected a bottle from the top shelf and filled two flutes with the dark, sweet-smelling liquid. Smiling, he crossed the room and offered one of the glasses to Elise. “Try this. It’s my favorite Argentinian wine.”
Taking a sip, she nodded in appreciation. “It’s fruity and rich,” she said, savoring the refreshing taste. “It’s got a kick to it, and I like the spicy flavor.”
“Now that we have our drinks, let the tour begin!”
Elise followed Giovanni through the main floor, listening closely as he disclosed personal details about his estate. She’d expected to see pictures of his polo matches, his trophies and championships prominently displayed throughout the mansion, but the souvenirs from his world travels were front and center, not his awards. The estate, decorated with designer furnishings, mercury-glass lamps and South American–themed art, had a tranquil ambience.
Upstairs in the media room was the largest TV Elise had ever seen, along with a foosball table. The walls were covered from top to bottom with framed portraits. Standing on her tiptoes, Elise peered at the picture of a young, bright-eyed boy on a raised stage. He was clutching a trophy in his hands. “You won a spelling bee?” Elise tapped the black-and-white photograph with an index finger. “Wow, I never would have guessed it.”
“Why? Because athletes are all brawn and no brains?”
“No, because you’re a sports fanatic whose game room is filled with autographed jerseys and World Cup–themed soccer balls, not Oxford dictionaries.” Elise studied his face. “What word did you have to spell to win the competition?”
