“That’s cold, but since you brought it up, did I tell you my Porsche Spyder has overhead airbags, heated seats and chrome wheels?”
“Please. I know nothing about cars, and I don’t want to learn, so spare me!”
“Is that any way to talk to the guy who rescued you from your overbearing boss?” A grin dimpled his cheek, and his lips had never looked more tempting. Hooking an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and tapped a finger against his cheek. “I think you owe me a kiss, so plant one right here.”
A shiver danced down her spine. Cocky but likable, Dante was the kind of guy most fathers warned their daughters to stay away from, but his confidence was a turn-on. Jordana would never act on her feelings, even if he made a move on her, and besides, he was still carrying a torch for his ex-wife. He denied it, said he didn’t love Lourdes anymore, but a blind man could see the truth. “It’s a good thing I like you or I’d be running in the opposite direction!” she joked, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Happy now?”
Winking, he patted her hips good-naturedly. “Immensely.”
“Can we eat now? I’m so hungry I’m having double vision!”
You’re not dizzy because you’re hungry, her inner voice said matter-of-factly. You’re dizzy because of Dante’s smile.
Her head was spinning, and her heart was beating out of control. What’s the matter with me? Why am I breathless? And why am I staring at Dante’s mouth, wishing it was between my—
“What are you in the mood for?”
You mean besides you, in my bed, slathered in chocolate?
Jordana told herself to knock it off, to quit making eyes at him. She hadn’t been intimate with anyone in a very long time, but she didn’t miss sex. Not in the least. That’s why her physical reaction to Dante—a guy who was like a brother to her—was shocking. Her breathing was shallow, her erect nipples strained against her bra, and the urge to kiss him was all she could think about. “I’m not fussy. You pick.”
They decided on an American-style restaurant, three blocks from LA Marketing Enterprises, and picked a table in front of the window. People-watching was one of Jordana’s favorite activities, had been since she was a child. As she sat down, she spotted a reality star exiting a high-end boutique. Having met dozens of A-listers over the years, Dante didn’t care who was causing a frenzy outside but Jordana couldn’t resist whipping out her iPhone and snapping away. For as long as she could remember, she’d always dreamed of being an actress. Her parents, namely her father, thought she was delusional, wasting her precious time chasing stardom. But she was determined to prove him wrong. Pleased with the photographs, she dropped her cell phone into her tote bag and picked up the glossy, laminated menu.
The decor was simple, but the heady aromas in the air made her mouth water. Hunger pangs began to stab at her stomach. Perusing the menu, Jordana decided on the quinoa soup and arugula salad. Dante teased her, said she ate like a bird, but she laughed off his comments.
“Want to share a bottle of wine?”
“No, thanks. I need a clear head this afternoon at work.” Jordana raised an eyebrow, wearing a knowing smile. “So do you, Mr. CIO.”
“It’s one drink. Live a little, girl.”
I did, and it almost cost me my life, she thought sadly, dropping her gaze to her lap.
“Would you like to hear the day’s specials?”
They placed their order with the waitress, and chatted about their workday while they waited for their entrées to arrive.
“Anything new and exciting happening in the world of real estate today?”
“Always,” Dante said, nodding. “I’m working my ass off trying to broker a deal with Chinese billionaire Lu Quan. But despite my best efforts, he won’t sign the contracts. When I was in Hong Kong, I wined and dined him, but to no avail.”
“Then think outside the box. Do something unexpected to earn his trust.”
Stroking his chin, he furrowed his brow and cocked his head to the right as if the answer he was looking for was written on the beige walls. “Like what?”
“The possibilities are endless. You live in the most exciting city in the world.”
“Endless, huh? Enlighten me.”
“Take him on a helicopter tour, spend the day wine tasting in Napa Valley, or invite him to your home for a traditional Italian meal with all the fixings.” Jordana picked up her glass and tasted her strawberry lemonade. “Don’t mention your business deal, though. Be a great host, and get to know him as a person, no strings attached.”
“That’s brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?”
Jordana beamed, felt proud as Dante showered her with praise and compliments. Encouraged, she offered more suggestions, and giggled when Dante reached across the table, cupped her face in his hands and kissed her on each cheek. It was all for show, to make her laugh, and she did. His cologne mingled with the aromas in the air, washed over her like a gentle mist, tickling and teasing her senses.
“How is your mom feeling? ”
Jordana started to speak, but slammed her mouth shut before the truth spilled out. They were friends, sure, but she didn’t feel comfortable opening up to Dante about her personal problems. Her family was a mess, had been for years, and she didn’t know how to fix things, so why bother baring her soul? Still, her inner voice implored her to confide in him, to seek his advice, so she swallowed her pride and asked the question dominating her thoughts. “Hey, you’re a real estate guy,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Any tips on how to stop a home foreclosure? My mom got a letter from the bank today, and she’s freaking out.”
He moved closer and draped an arm around the back of her chair. “Jordana, what’s going on, and why didn’t you tell me your mom was having financial troubles?”
His tone irked her, grated on her nerves. He looked pissed, as if she’d personally offended him, but Jordana kept her cool. Thanks to Dante, she was out for lunch, instead of stuck in her cubicle, contemplating how to fake her own death, and that was reason enough not to get mad at him for yelling at her. “Why are you mad?”
“Because we’re friends. If you need something you should come to me first.”
His words troubled her, made her feel guilty for letting him down, which was an odd reaction considering they weren’t lovers.
“Start from the beginning, and tell me everything.”
Jordana did, but it wasn’t enough. He questioned her about the house, the balance of the mortgage, the payment history and even her mother’s credit score. Opening up to Dante was therapeutic. She told him things she’d never shared with anyone, not even her girlfriends. “My mom’s had financial problems for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realize how dire things were until she called me this morning in tears.” Jordana stared at her hands, twisted and turned her fingers. “My parents were never legally married, so my mom raised me and my brothers without much help from my dad.”
“It must have been hard for her to raise three children on her own.”
“That’s the understatement of the year.” It was hell, but Jordana kept the truth to herself. Dante didn’t need to know about the month they were homeless, the nights she went to bed hungry, or their weekly visits to the food bank. No one did. It was embarrassing, something Jordana never talked about, and just thinking about her childhood made her heart ache with pain.
“How did your mom manage?” His smile and his tone were sympathetic. “Housekeepers don’t make much, and kids are expensive.”
“She did what any good mom would do. She worked hard, sacrificed and put the needs of her children above her own.”
Reaching