“Is that why you took a job with the Miami office of Harrington Enterprise? So you can be with her while she’s recovering?”
“Sort of. My grandmother took my little sister and me in when my mom died. She helped me out when I was in school, and it was understood that I would help her to send my little sister to college.” Smiling with relief when the waiter brought their food, she figured they could start eating and she could end her this-is-my-life show. She never liked talking about herself. Talking about her nondescript little life to a rich business mogul like Carlton Harrington III had to be among the most nerve-racking experiences she’d ever had.
Carlton gave her an encouraging smile. It seemed like he wanted to hear more. “That must have been rough. I lost both of my parents when I was fifteen…They died together in a plane crash. Was your dad still around?”
“That’s awful. I’m sorry to hear that.” Latonya hadn’t known that growing up parentless was something they shared. “My father left way before my mother died. And it wasn’t so rough. We had Gran and she worked extra hard to take care of us and make sure that we didn’t want for anything. When she had the stroke, I had just finished my MBA program and I realized that I had to be there for her. So, I stayed home and took over the mortgage and my sister’s tuition.”
“That’s commendable of you. Most people would have just put their grandmother in a nursing home and let their sibling fend for him or herself.”
Latonya just toyed with her food without looking up or responding. She never would have considered any of the options he mentioned, but she often felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Even if she did feel as if she were carrying a lot on her shoulders, she certainly wasn’t going to admit it to him.
Carlton must have sensed that he’d made her uncomfortable because he suddenly switched the subject. “So tell me how you like working for Harrington Enterprise?”
Her fork fell on the plate with a clang. She glanced up from her meal. Twisting her lips to the side, she gave him her sassiest look. “Well, up until about five months ago, I really liked it.”
Smiling the seductive smile that made his eyes sparkle and her stomach flutter, Carlton chuckled before responding. “Okay, I guess I set myself up for that. I know I’ve haven’t been a dream to work for.”
She tilted her head and smirked. “Gee, ya think?”
“Okay, okay, enough. Let’s eat.”
“Yes, let’s.” She tossed him a saucy grin before digging into her food.
The flavors of the powerfully seasoned dish popped all over her tongue and she couldn’t help but compliment the sexy chauvinist on his choices. The garlic and onions melded in her mouth and she momentarily worried about her breath and kissing him later on. As soon as she thought it, she chastised herself.
The last thing you need to be worried about is kissing him again, girl. You need to be concerned with getting away from him this evening with your virginity still intact. Then again, he is fine.… She tried to stop the grin that spread across her face to no avail.
“I knew you’d like it.” He flashed the smile that she was sure she’d never get tired of seeing.
“And how did you know that?”
“I just had a feeling. Right now I’m feeling like I know some other things you would like.”
Lifting her eyebrows, she gave him a quick glance. “Oh, really?”
“Yes, really.”
“And what exactly would that be?”
Smirking, he replied, “Oh, I think if you gave it half a chance you’d find that you really like me. A lot.”
She laughed at that. “Oh, really? Not suffering from a lack of confidence, are you? Some might even say you’re bordering on arrogant.”
He laughed, too, as he refreshed her glass with mojito. “I’d say confidence, not arrogance. But I think it would take more than a little convincing for you to agree with that.”
Latonya nodded. “Smart man.”
“Yes, and as a smart man, I have to say that I am enjoying spending time with you. I’m glad we got away from the office and I really don’t want this evening to end.”
Picking up her glass, she took a huge swallow. Her throat suddenly became dry while another part of her felt strangely wet.
“Are we back to the ‘spend the night with me’ conversation?” She voiced the words with an airy lightness that surprised her, given the bolt of nervous energy racing through her body. While she didn’t hold any fantasies about the rich playboy falling in love with her, she did find herself wanting, no, needing to examine her attraction to him.
Why not finally try a night of passion with a man who makes my stomach quiver with just a kiss?
Studying him carefully, taking in the hot pulsating masculinity he exuded, she impulsively decided to bargain with the devil.
“If we do this, then I want a transfer out of your department, Harrington.”
He wiped his mouth with his napkin as he gazed at her intently. She felt goose bumps trail from the base of her neck to the small of her back.
He smiled when she shivered. “We can talk about a transfer, later.” Carlton threw his napkin on the table as if challenging her.
Suddenly feeling as if he had taken over control of the negotiations, she cleared her throat. “Will we do this tonight?”
She managed to maintain a businesslike voice although the strength of her attraction gave her considerable pause.
His eyes narrowed, but not in the angry and irritated way they normally did. This time, they zeroed in on her with a desire that made her heart skip. “I honestly don’t think I could wait another night.”
Latonya fought the urge to fan herself and she swallowed before answering. “Should I meet you somewhere?” She figured—like a typical man—he’d want to go to some cheesy hotel to do the deed.
“No, my driver can take us to my place once we’ve finished dinner. I live close by.”
His place? He’s taking me to his home? Oh. My. It felt as if a huge cotton ball had lodged itself in her throat, and she could barely force out words. She thought about the huge, extravagant homes they’d passed on the drive from downtown. They were right on the cusp of downtown and Coconut Grove. From what she could see of the bayfront houses they passed, which were all blocked by tall fences and impenetrable foliage, Carlton didn’t live in a small home. Between the Italian Renaissance villas, Mediterranean-inspired mansions, and art-deco-styled superhomes, she suddenly felt out of her element. She just hoped that he didn’t say he lived on Brickell Avenue, better known as Millionaire’s Row. “Your place? You live in this neighborhood?”
“Yes. I live on Brickell Avenue. Now, let’s share this flan and get out of here. I can’t wait to taste you.” He leaned forward with a spoon in hand and took a mouthful of the dessert all the while keeping his eyes firmly focused on her.
Oh, Peanut, Latonya thought, using her childhood nickname to silently chastise herself, you are way out of your league, girl.
Chapter 4
The limousine pulled up to the tall and foreboding wrought-iron gate of Carlton’s home. Watching Latonya as she took in the size of the estate, he noticed her give a nervous shudder. Admittedly, it was a lot of house for one man, but he always lived in it when he was in the States. The family estate in the Bahamas was actually much bigger.
Clearly