Secrets of the Playboy's Bride (2 page)

“I have ways. Do you mind?”

She paused, a half beat that put him on edge. “No, I don’t.”

He grinned at the odd thrill that raced through him. “Good. Dinner tonight at Antoine’s at seven. I’ll have my driver pick you up wherever you say.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t tonight.”

Unaccustomed to being refused, he felt a twist of irritation. “Tomorrow night?”

“I would like that,” she said. “But there’s no need for you to send a car. I can drive myself.”

Calista hung up the phone and mentally checked step two off her list. The following afternoon, a last-minute meeting at work nearly made her late, but she rushed to pull herself together. Thank goodness for all the charm school classes her mother had required her to take. At the time, they’d seemed dreadfully old-fashioned, but now she was
thankful to know how to present a calm face even when she didn’t feel that way.

She strode into Antoine’s and asked the maître d’ to direct her to Leo’s table. The man nodded. “Your dinner partner is at the bar,” he said.

Glancing up to find Leo staring at her, she felt a dip in her stomach. No doubt about it, the man was as gorgeous as sin, but it was the intense way he looked at her that affected her. There was a hard-won strength about him that appealed to her despite the fact that she hated his father for what he’d done to her family. She smiled as he walked toward her. “Hello again,” she said.

“Are you hungry?” he asked as the maître d’ led them to a table in the corner next to the window.

“I will be as soon as I catch my breath,” she said.

“Busy day?” he asked.

She nodded. “And always a minicrisis at the end of the day. How about you?”

“I just negotiated a new deal with a company in China. That will keep us busy for a while. Would you like something to drink? Don’t I owe you a margarita?” he suggested with just a hint of sensual mischief in his eyes.

She laughed. “Thank you. I’ll stick with one glass of wine tonight. What kind of business are you in?” she asked, even though she already knew quite a bit about Leo. She’d made it her mission to know as much about him as possible—even the kind of women he favored. She’d been pleased to learn he tended toward well-bred, well-educated blondes. Nice that she didn’t have to dye her hair, she thought.

“Shipping and transportation,” he said.

“And international since you just mentioned China,” she said.

He nodded. “It’s a must with the global economy. What about you?”

“I’m an analyst for Collier Associates. It’s not my first love, but I have a great boss.”

“What’s your first love?” he asked and she noticed his voice had a caressing quality to it. She could almost feel it on her skin.

“I love astronomy, but now that I’ve worked for a couple years, I’ve decided it’s better to enjoy that as a hobby,” she said.

“So you like to study the stars,” he said. “Interesting. How long have you had your head in the upper atmosphere?”

She smiled at his teasing tone. “Close to forever. I asked for a telescope when I was a very young child. A lot of kids get them, then they’re abandoned in the attic. You strike me as the kind of man with both feet on the ground. Do you remember what you did with your telescope?”

“I didn’t ever have a telescope,” he said, with a chuckle that didn’t meet his eyes. “I didn’t have a childhood.”

She blinked at his statement. “What? Everyone has a childhood. Unless you were hatched or are an alien.”

He shook his head. “As far as I’m concerned, life for me began at sixteen. But enough about my boring past. I’d like to know more about you.”

He was more charming than she’d planned, but she supposed she should have expected that. After all, he’d essentially been a grifter, a con artist. Wasn’t that the job requirement for con artists?

Just after the server delivered their drinks, a man approached the table. He looked vaguely familiar to Calista, but she couldn’t name him. She wondered if he
was one of Leo’s acquaintances, except he kept looking at her.

“Calista French. All grown up. I remember you as a young teen,” the man said.

Calista searched the man’s face but still couldn’t recall him. “I’m sorry. I’m drawing a blank.”

The man laughed but his eyes were cold. “William Barrett. I was one of your father’s business partners.”

Calista felt her blood drain to her feet. William Barrett had sued her father’s estate and then gone after her mother after her father had died. She mustered a blank expression. “You’re correct. I was very young. I hope you’re enjoying your dinner. It’s a lovely restaurant, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. How is your mother these days?” he asked.

She couldn’t quite keep from digging her fingernails into her palms, but at least her hands were in her lap out of sight. “My mother passed away several years ago.”

Barrett raised his eyebrows. “Oh, I’m sorry. Of course, I knew about your father, but—”

The maître d’ approached Barrett. “Sir, I’ve been asked by the manager to inform you that your party will receive a complimentary appetizer. We just need to know your preference. Your server has a menu at your table.”

Barrett gave a loud bark of a laugh. “Must be my lucky day. Hope to see you again, Calista.”

Calista said nothing and reached for her glass of wine, barely resisting the urge to hiss at the man.

“You don’t like him, do you?” Leo asked.

“Was I so obvious?”

“You turned pale,” he said.

“He treated my family poorly during a difficult time,” she said.

“Then I’ll tell his server to pour red wine on him,” he said.

His suggestion lightened her mood. “Oh, they wouldn’t do that on purpose,” she said, feeling a slight pinch at the memory of the margarita she’d poured on Leo.

He lifted an eyebrow. “My personal assistant usually runs interference when I’m eating in a public place, but I allowed this man to approach because he might have been a friend of yours. Next time we’re in public, I’ll stick to my routine.”

Although Calista had been raised in a relatively wealthy home, she’d never heard of her father employing an assistant for such a task. She glanced around. “Is your assistant here tonight?”

He nodded behind her and waved his hand. A brawny middle-aged man approached them. “George, this is Miss French. We’d prefer no interruptions for the remainder of the meal.”

“Miss French,” George said in a gruff voice with a nod.

“George, it’s nice to meet you,” Calista said, extending her hand.

Looking slightly uncomfortable, he shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you also, Miss,” he said then turned to Leo. “Enjoy your dinner, sir.”

George turned around with his hands folded behind his back, creating a barrier between their table and the rest of the room.

Calista let out a sigh of relief. Barrett wouldn’t be approaching her again that evening. “Must ask. What does he say to people who try to approach the table?”

“Mr. Grant and his guest would like to enjoy their meal
without interruption. Thank you for your consideration,” he recited.

“Has it ever not worked?” she asked. “What happens if they ignore him?”

“That’s only happened three times. George says,
I insist
.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

He hesitated, then smiled. “You want to know about the one time that a man wouldn’t take no for an answer? George is a former boxer, but he was homeless when I met him. He’s my trainer and sparring partner.”

Surprised, she stared at him for a moment. “Is he your bodyguard?”

Leo laughed. “Hell, no. He’s the best friend I’ve ever had. I just had to find a way to get him off the streets and the only way I could do it was to employ him. Shocked?”

“Yes.” She paused a second. “In a good way.”

He lifted his glass and clinked it against hers. “To no more interruptions.”

A couple hours later, Leo escorted her downstairs and outside. He was tall and moved with athletic grace. He oozed confidence, strength and mystery even though she knew his secret. Sliding his fingers through hers, he looked down at her. “Come to my house for an after-dinner drink,” he said, his eyes full of invitation.

Her stomach dipped, taking her by surprise. “I can’t. I have my car,” she said.

“One of my drivers can pick it up for you,” he countered.

She was stunned at the heat that rushed through her. “I have to go to work tomorrow,” she said and suddenly remembered she was supposed to be seducing him. “Rain check?”

He leaned toward her and pressed his mouth against hers. Her breath left her body.

“Yeah,” he said. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

She vacillated, not wanting him to see her older vehicle. “Um.”

“I insist,” he said and slid his hand behind her back.

They passed a homeless man on the sidewalk with a can for donations. She watched in amazement as Leo stuffed a twenty dollar bill inside. “Take care,” he murmured to the man.

“Thank you,” the homeless man said. “Go in peace.”

Leo glanced at her and must have read the surprise on her face. “In different circumstances, that could be me,” he said.

Something in his tone jerked at her heart. He spoke as if he had insider experience. She slid another assessing glance at him. Who was this man? He was different than she’d expected.

They arrived at her car in the parking garage and a black Town Car pulled alongside them. “Don’t worry. It’s just George. He’s also one of my drivers,” he said. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you to extend the evening?”

“You probably could,” she said, surprised at the breathlessness in her voice. She had a plan here, a strategy. She shouldn’t be this attracted to him. “But I’m hoping to appeal to your better nature and that you’ll encourage me to get the rest I need for my busy workday tomorrow.”

Leo gave a rough chuckle. “My better nature? I’m not sure that exists.” He lowered his head and pressed his mouth against hers. His mouth was both firm and soft, exploring and seducing. “Come to my lake house this weekend,” he muttered against her lips. “It will be your reward for being a good analyst.”

Calista sighed. “I can’t. I have a previous commitment on Saturday.”

“Break it,” he said.

“I really can’t,” she said. “I promised to take my younger sisters shopping for prom dresses on Saturday.” She shot him a teasing smile. “Wanna join us? Your opportunity to get up close and personal with teen girl drama.”

“Sounds tempting, but I’ll pass,” he said dryly. “Will you be done by Saturday evening?”

“Yes. Why?” she asked.

“Then we can leave for the lake on Saturday evening. We’ll take my helicopter. Say yes,” he said.

She looked into his deep brown eyes and felt a shudder of intuitive warning reverberate inside her. “Yes,” she said and wondered if she was making a huge mistake.

“Good.” He glanced down at her car and frowned. “You won’t be driving this car home tonight.”

“Why not?” she asked then noticed her tires had been slashed. Her stomach dipped. “Oh, no! Are all of them—”

Checking the tires on the other side of the car, he nodded. “All four.” He glanced at the car next to hers. “Look,” he said. “All the tires of the cars in this row have been slashed. Damn vandals,” he muttered and waved for George to approach.

Calista mentally added up the cost of replacing the tires and stifled a groan. She had neither the time nor the money to spare for this.

“Yes, sir,” George said to Leo.

“We’re going to need to get Miss French’s car towed to the garage so her tires can be replaced. Just use our garage.”

“No, that’s not necessary,” she said.

“I insist,” Leo said. “You can stay at my condo. It’s just a few blocks from here.”

Panic surged through her. “Oh, that’s crazy. There’s no reason I can’t sleep at my own place tonight.”

“Your vehicle won’t be ready until the morning,” he said, then shot her a half smile. “Don’t worry. You won’t be all alone with me. I have staff.”

M
oments later, Leo dropped his Town Car with the valet, and they took an elevator to the penthouse of an exclusive condominium building. A woman greeted them at the door. “Good evening, Mr. Grant. Can I get something for you?”

“Would you like another glass of wine?” Leo asked as they entered. “Margarita?”

She shot him a sideways glance. “Just water please.”

“Water for both of us, Brenda. Thank you,” Leo said.

“This is very nice,” she said, looking around at the posh furnishings.

“It works when I’m spending a lot of time in the city,” he said with a shrug. “I have another place just outside of town where I rarely stay. This is convenient.”

Brenda returned with chilled water. Calista gulped hers down.

“Are you upset about your tires?” he asked, studying her face.

“It’s a little disturbing even though it wasn’t personal,” she said and realized a big part of the reason she wasn’t more upset was because Leo had been there with her. She would have to be very careful around him. It would be all too easy to enjoy having a strong, decisive man on whom she could count and let her strategy slide from being her top priority. “I’m just thinking I need to get up early in the morning so I can go back to my apartment before work. I think I’m ready to turn in. Where is the guest room?”

“You have a choice of two beds. The guest bed, or mine,” he said with an undertone of seduction.

She felt a quick rush of forbidden temptation but pushed the sensation aside. “I’m not sure I’d get much sleep in your bed,” she admitted in a whisper. “And sleep is what I need.”

He slid his finger over her jaw. “If you say so,” he said, then lowered his head and kissed her.

The light scent of Calista’s perfume lingered for a few seconds after she walked down the hallway to the guestroom. He inhaled deeply, wanting to catch the last bit of her. The taste of her was still on his lips, but he wanted more. He couldn’t remember wanting a woman this much, this quickly. He wanted her in his bed tonight.

Calista was the flesh and blood equivalent of his dream woman. Classy, well-educated, polished, yet warm, she could make him clean. With her by his side, he could travel with ease in any social circle. She would also be an asset to his business.

Yes, she would suit his needs nicely, in bed and out. After he seduced her, and he would, maybe he could con himself into believing she could make him clean on the inside, too.

The helicopter hovered over eastern Pennsylvania, landing on a helipad next to the lake, and what looked like a compound. A man approached the helicopter and took the luggage. Leo jumped out and helped Calista onto the ground, moving swiftly toward a vehicle waiting on the drive.

Moments later, they pulled into the back driveway of a three-story luxury mansion that sat directly on the lake. “Good for a little break, don’t you think?” he asked as he led her into the huge house.

“Or longer,” she said, taking in the polished wood floors and beautiful furnishings. More evidence that the con man had done very well for himself. He guided her to the room facing the lake and she stared out at the beautiful blue water and could have almost happily died from the serene view of the sunset.

“This is so beautiful. How do you tear yourself away?” she asked. “The view is just—” She broke off without adequate words to describe it.

“I get restless if I’m in one place too long,” he said. “Plus, business can be very demanding.”

“Hmm,” she said and met his gaze. “If you say so.”

He chuckled. “I bet you don’t stay still for long either,” he said.

She didn’t, for other reasons, though. “Maybe, but this could tempt me.”

“Good,” he said, gazing at her through hooded eyes. “Dinner will be waiting for us on the terrace. Steak and lobster.” A woman approached them. “Denise will show you to your room while I make some calls.”

Denise led her to a beautiful room furnished with a queen-size bed, furniture upholstered in a soft pastel palette
and Monet prints. The result was so soothing Calista could have happily closed the door and lived there the rest of her existence if she didn’t have other responsibilities. She sank into a chair next to the window. Drinking in the peaceful reflection the moon cast on the lake, she felt her tension fade away. For a few sweet seconds, she felt safe.

A knock sounded on her door and the feeling disappeared. She must not forget that she was here for a reason. Calista stood and answered the door. “Yes?” she said to Denise.

“Mr. Grant invites you to join him for dinner,” the woman said.

“Thank you,” Calista said and grabbed her sweater. Peace was an illusion. She needed to continue with her strategy. “I’m ready now.”

Denise led her to a porch that featured an outdoor heater. It was a clear night and she felt surrounded by the stars. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

“Yes it is,” Denise said. “Mr. Grant will be here momentarily.”

Sitting down next to the heater, she listened to the lap of the water against the shore. It didn’t get any better than this.

Leo appeared and she met his gaze. “This is heaven. I don’t care what your work demands are. I still can’t comprehend how you can leave this place.”

“You like it?” he said with an approving smile.

“What’s not to like? Beautiful scenery, comfortable living conditions.” She sighed.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said.

“And have you noticed the stars?” she asked, looking up at the sky.

“No, but I would expect you to,” he said. “See anything interesting up there?”

“It’s more than interesting,” she whispered.

“I may have to get a telescope so you can show me how interesting it is,” he said.

A staff member appeared with a tray of food and served both of them. “It looks delicious,” she said.

“No more than you,” he said.

She bit her lip and looked down at her food. “What made you decide to build a lake home here if you fight staying here?”

“Something about it was irresistible,” he said. “I missed the water. I miss the ocean too,” he said. “I’ll address the ocean another time.”

“How can you miss the water? Haven’t you spent your whole life in Philly?”

He paused. “No. I have vague memories of visiting the sea. I can’t explain it. I just do.”

She frowned, taking a bite of lobster. “But you said you had no childhood.”

“Exactly,” he said in a crisp voice. “Like I said, I can’t explain it. It’s like it’s from another life. One of the few irrational things about me.” He took a bite of steak.

She sensed he didn’t want to discuss it further. Despite her desire to ask more, she delayed giving in to her curiosity. She had another job to do. “Thank you for inviting me. After the prom drama of the day, this is a huge relief.”

He smiled. “How did that go?”

“Mostly good,” she said. “My sisters are total opposites. Tami can be a trial, but she was good today.”

“How often do you see them?” he asked.

“Almost every week,” she said. “The love of my life.”

He slid his hand across the table and covered hers. “Is that why you’re not married?” he asked.

“It’s more complicated than that. I guess I haven’t found the right man yet,” she said.

“Describe the right man,” he said. “Similar backgrounds? Shared passage on the Mayflower? Same schools?”

“No,” she said, laughing at the Mayflower comment. “Good head, good heart and crazy for me.”

“That list doesn’t sound that difficult,” he said.

“You’d be surprised,” she said. “What about you? Describe your right woman.”

“Someone classier than I am to conceal my rough edges,” he said. “Beauty doesn’t hurt. Complete honesty. I’m not sure marriage is necessary, though.”

“Many men don’t,” she said in a dry tone, her stomach tightening at his reference to honesty. How could he expect that of someone when he’d been the consummate liar?

“You disagree?”

“I believe in family. Marriage is part of family.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know much about family.”

She gave a shrug in return. “Maybe you should learn.”

He paused as he lifted his beer. “Is that a challenge?”

“I’ll let you decide that,” she said with a light laugh.

After dinner, they took a walk along the long dock that led out to the lake. His cell phone beeped and he glanced at the caller ID. “Excuse me, I need to take this. Won’t be a minute. I’ve had a few blips with the China deal.” He put the phone to his ear. “Leo Grant,” he said and listened.

Calista walked further down the dock, torn between her next step with Leo and the sound of his voice.

“So our shipping agent in Hong Kong tried to charge more after we’d already loaded the merchandise for
transport? Fine. Pay the surcharge this once, then call our second choice. After delivery is confirmed, cut the first guy loose and tell him we will be reporting his behavior to everyone in the shipping and merchandising business.”

The ruthless tone in his voice made her throat tighten.

“That’s my final word,” he said. He turned off his cell and looked toward her. “That’s done. We shouldn’t have any more interruptions this evening,” he said and moved beside her, sliding his arm behind her back.

“Why do I get the feeling that a guillotine has just fallen on some very foolish guy in Hong Kong?” she asked.

Leo shrugged. “He should have stuck to the deal. If someone tries to cheat me, they’re history.”

She felt a chill and a sliver of bitterness at his hypocrisy. How many times had his own father cheated people? How many times had Leo been a part of his father’s schemes?

“Have I frightened you?” he asked. “There’s no need as long as you’re honest with me,” he said, drawing her against him as he leaned against the small building at the far end of the pier. “Now let me make you forget about that unpleasant phone call.”

His warmth surrounded her as he slid his hands down her back to her bottom and slid one of his hard thighs between her legs. A stab of sensual shock raced through her. “Leo,” she began.

He dipped his head to her throat, rubbing his lips over her skin. “I bet every inch of you tastes delicious,” he muttered, sliding his tongue over a sensitive spot. “I knew you would from the first minute I met you. Give me your mouth,” he said and coaxed her lips into meeting his. Skimming one of his hands upward, he touched the side of her breast.

He emanated pure masculine strength and sexuality
and gave her the unmistakable message that he wanted to possess her. The primitive drive seemed to throb just beneath his clothes. Despite every reason she had to detest him, she was drawn to him like no other man. Here, she sensed, was a man with a will to match her own. Without conscious thought, she responded to him, sliding her arms up behind his neck, arching against him.

He took her mouth and she took his, drawing his tongue into the recesses. Heat scored her from the inside out, and her body called to his. His touch was tender, edged with roughness that only turned her on more.

He gave a low, carnal growl. “Let’s go back to the house. I want you in my bed.”

His words threw her into a maelstrom of confusion. She drew back from him catching her breath, trying to catch her sanity. She wanted to be with him intimately. She wanted him. But she had a plan. This relationship wasn’t for her pleasure. It was for something far more important.

She inhaled another deep breath, reaching down deep for her conviction. “I want—” She broke off when she looked into his dark needy gaze and her mouth went dry. She couldn’t look into his eyes at this close range. His gaze reflected the ache she felt inside her. She bit her lip and closed her eyes. “I’m afraid you’re not going to understand this.”

“Understand what?” he asked.

She forced her eyes open, but turned her gaze to his right shoulder. His strong, broad shoulder. “I want to go to bed with you.”

“Good, let’s—”

“But I can’t,” she quickly added.

Silence, so clear she could hear the water lapping against the dock, followed.

“Why?” he asked.

Summoning her courage, she met his gaze. “It’s going to sound terribly old-fashioned, but I want to keep that for the man I marry. I don’t think I’m cut out to be intimate with a lot of men. I don’t want to make the mistake of giving my heart, myself, to a man and then being crushed because he isn’t the right one.”

He shot her a considering look then wiped his hand over his face. “You’re telling me that you’re saving yourself for marriage? That’s the oldest trick in the book.”

“I told you that you wouldn’t understand. I’ll leave in the morning,” she said and turned away from him to walk back to the house. She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling the impending crush of defeat. Holding off on sex had been a calculated risk, but Calista had suspected that it would be difficult to motivate Leo to marry her quickly unless she waited.

Three seconds later, she felt her hand caught by his. “Not so fast,” he said.

She stopped in surprise, searching his face.

“The least you can do is give me a chance to change your mind. Or see if you can change mine,” he said.

Her heart racing a mile a minute, she shook her head. “I don’t want to deceive you. I heard you talking earlier. You hate to be tricked. Again, it’s best if I leave in the morning.”

He lifted her hand to his mouth. “I’m not disappointed, or feeling tricked. I’m just surprised. Your outlook is unusual.”

“I know, but I’ve watched so many of my friends make poor choices and wish they could take everything back. It’s about more than the physical intimacy. I just think I’m one of those women who jumps all the way into the pool
of commitment. I totally understand if you’re not looking for that. Most men aren’t.” She added that last statement to spur his competitive nature. Leo wouldn’t want to be compared to another man.

“I’m not most men,” he said. “I’ll show you to your guest room and we’ll see how it goes.”

She opened her mouth to tell him she had judged him correctly, but he covered her mouth with his finger. “I insist,” he said in the sexiest voice she’d ever heard.