“No problem. I’ll just go to my room.”
There was a knock at the door.
Cristo moved to the door and swung it open. “You’re just in time. We were getting thirsty.” He turned to her with a warm smile. “Darling, dessert is here. Why don’t you go get comfortable and I’ll bring it in.”
A server rolled in a cart with a cupcake tree and a bottle of bubbly on ice. The man sent her a big smile as though he knew what she would be up to that evening. Wouldn’t he be surprised to know that she was going to bed alone?
Kyra was more than happy to head toward the bedroom. Her strides were short but quick. The evening’s show had left her emotionally and physically drained. All she wanted to do now was slip into something comfortable and curl up in bed.
“Kyra, you can come back.” Cristo turned to her. “Would you like me to open the wine for you?”
She didn’t want to return to the living room. And she certainly didn’t need any more bubbly. She needed time to sort her thoughts. But on second thought, it was better she went to him rather than having him seek her out.
Reluctantly she strolled back into the living room. “I think I’ll turn in early tonight.”
“It’s probably a good idea. You have a lot to do tomorrow. Good night.” He moved to the study just off the living room and pushed the door closed behind him.
How could he turn the charm off and on so casually?
With a sigh, Kyra headed for her bedroom, which was situated across the hall from his. This hotel suite was quite spacious, resembling a penthouse apartment. She should really snap some pictures to show her mother, but Kyra’s heart just wasn’t in it. Maybe tomorrow.
Her phone chimed with a new message. Still in her fancy dress, she flounced down on the bed with her phone in hand.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Don’t keep me hanging. How’d the date go???
Kyra stared at the glowing screen, wondering what in the world to tell her friend. That the night was amazing, magical, romantic...or the truth, it was a mistake. Plain and simple. She shouldn’t have agreed to this arrangement. She wasn’t an actress. It was just too hard putting on a show. And worst of all, she was getting caught up in her own performance.
Still, she had to respond to Sofia. Her mind raced while her fingers hovered over the screen.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): It was nice.
Immediately a message pinged back as though Sofia had been sitting there waiting to hear a detailed report.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Nice? Was it that bad?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): It was better than nice.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): That’s more like. Now spill.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): I wore the most amazing dress. We dined downstairs in the High Tide Restaurant.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): Good start. So why are you messaging me?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): Why not? You messaged me first.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): And I’m not with a hot guy.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): Neither am I.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): You mean the evening is over already?
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): He’s working.
MaidintheShade347 (Sofia): What did you do wrong?
Her? Why did she have to do something wrong? It’s not as if they had gone out tonight with romance in mind. The night ended just the way she expected—though she really had thought at some point over dinner that he was truly into her. The man had given an Oscar-winning performance.
Mop&Glow007 (Kyra): I’ve got a headache. I’m calling it a night. Talk tomorrow.
She kicked off her shoes and stretched her toes. It’d been a long time since she’d spent an evening in heels. She thought she’d left this kind of life back in New York.
Something told her that sleep would be a long way off. She had too much on her mind—a man with unforgettable blue eyes and a laugh that warmed her insides. How in the world was she going to stay focused on finding her family when Cristo was pulling her into his arms and passionately kissing her?
* * *
Where was she?
Cristo refilled his coffee mug for the third time that morning and took a long slow sip of the strong brew. He stared across the spacious living room toward the short hallway leading to Kyra’s bedroom. Maybe he should go check on her. He started in that direction when her door swung open. He quickly retreated back to the bar, where he made a point of topping off his coffee.
Kyra leisurely strolled into the living room wearing a neon pink, lime green and black tank top. His gaze drifted down to find a pair of black running shorts that showed off her toned legs. Maybe he should have chosen someone who was less distracting to play the part of his fiancée.
When he realized he was staring, he moved his gaze back to her face. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” She stretched, revealing the flesh of her flat stomach. Cristo swallowed hard. She yawned and then sent him a sheepish look. Her gaze swept over him from head to foot and then back again. “How long have you been awake?”
He glanced at his watch, finding it was a couple of minutes past seven. “A couple of hours.”
Her beautiful eyes widened. “You certainly don’t believe in sleeping in, do you?”
He shook his head. “Not when there’s work to be done. Would you like some coffee?”
“I’d love some.”
He grabbed another mug. “Do you take cream and sugar?”
“Just a couple packs of sweetener.”
“Which color do you prefer? Pink? Blue? Yellow?”
“Yellow.”
He added the sweetener and gave it a swirl. “If you want to make another pot of coffee, you’ll find all of the supplies in the cabinet.” He gestured below the coffeemaker. “Make yourself at home.”
“You won’t be here today?”
He handed over the cup. “I have some meetings in the city that I need to attend. Besides, you’ll be so busy that you’ll never notice my absence.”
“Busy? Doing what?”
“You haven’t changed your mind about our arrangement, have you?” He noticed how she fidgeted with the ring on her finger. He hadn’t been lying last night when he said it looked perfect on her. In fact, if he hadn’t made a hasty exit last night, he would have followed up their kiss with so much more than either of them was ready for at this juncture.
“No. I...I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Good. Because we made the paper.” He grabbed the newspaper from the end of the bar and handed it to her.
“We did. But how?” When she turned to the society page, she gasped.
He had to admit that he’d been a bit shocked when he’d seen the picture of them in a steamy lip-lock. He’d meant for it to look real, but he never imagined it’d be quite so steamy. Had she really melted into his arms so easily—so willingly?
And for a moment, he’d forgotten that it was all pretend. He’d wanted her so much when they’d returned to the suite that it was all he could do to keep his hands to himself. Thank goodness he had the handy excuse of work waiting for him, because a few more minutes around her and his good