Secrets of the Playboy's Bride (3 page)

After Leo led Calista to the guest bedroom, he prowled his balcony, still aroused from the way she’d tasted, smelled and felt in his arms. He couldn’t remember a time when a woman had turned him away from her bed. Although she’d done it without malice, it didn’t diminish his sexual frustration. In fact, her desire not to manipulate him aroused him even more.

Many women had tried to trick him into marriage. A few had even feigned signs of pregnancy, but Leo had been very careful. He had no interest in binding himself to just any woman. At least, he hadn’t until now. But he saw the advantage of linking himself with Calista. She was pure. She represented a fresh start.

Glancing out at the still lake, he considered taking a dip in the frigid water to quiet the heat Calista had generated in him and the longings he’d buried long ago. Did he really want a family? Was such a thing possible for him? His upbringing had been one move after another. He’d never known when his guardian father would take out his rage on him. He’d spent so many years braced for something horrible to happen to him. And it had, several times until he’d run away.

Leo wondered what it would be like to be loved by a
woman like Calista. He sensed she was the kind of woman who would marry forever. Look at her commitment to her sisters. She possessed a strength that drew him like a light in the darkness.

Was he considering marrying her? The notion shocked him. He barely knew her. Yet, he knew she was different. She’d known what it was like to be raised in a loving family—with relationships and ties she still worked to keep strong. She possessed the core of something he’d been searching for, for years.

He raked his hand through his hair. It wasn’t just sex. He suspected he could seduce her into his bed despite her lofty goal. The sexual animal in him roared at the urge to take her, to make her his. He could and he suspected they would bring each other amazing pleasure.

For some strange, insane reason, however, he hesitated seducing her for the pure purpose of his gratification. It wasn’t out of consideration for her principles. No. Her reticence called to his competitive nature. He wanted her to be convinced that he was the man she wanted. The man she couldn’t turn down. He wanted her to come to him.

The next morning after breakfast, Leo took Calista out on his boat.

“The water is beautiful,” she told him when they stopped near another pier.

“Want to swim?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said, giving the lake a skeptical glance. “How cold is it?”

“Depends on whether you’re cold-blooded or warm-blooded,” he said and stripped off his shirt. “Let’s go in.”

He felt her gaze linger on his chest then she seemed to
force her gaze away from him. “If you’re sure,” she said. “If I freeze, you have to promise to pull me out. Okay?”

“Promise,” he said and watched her remove her shirt to reveal a bikini top that encased her full, creamy breasts. He could easily imagine them bare and wondered about the color and size of her nipples.

She kicked off her shoes to reveal slender feet with vixen-red toenails. He liked that touch of wildness she kept hidden from the rest of the world. He’d like to take care of all her wild urges. She pushed down her jeans, wiggling as she stepped out of them.

He fixated on the inviting curves of her waist and hips, feeling himself respond to the sight of her feminine figure. He took action to cool his arousal immediately. Diving into the water, he felt the cold wetness sink into his skin. Rising to the surface, he caught sight of her looking down at him from the boat.

“How cold is it?”

“Not cold enough to make icebergs,” he said.

“That’s not very encouraging,” she said.

“Are you afraid?” he asked.

She immediately pursed her lips and lifted her chin. “Absolutely not,” she said and jumped off the side of the boat. Seconds later, she bobbed to the ladder, gasping. “Omigod, you lied. This water is frigid.”

“Well, it’s not as warm as my pool at the house,” he said, swimming toward her. “But it could be worse.”

“When?” she asked. “In January?”

He laughed.

A wake from a boat riding past caused a wave and she reached for him with fear in her eyes. Concern rushed through him. “You’re okay,” he said, pulling her body
against his. “I wouldn’t let you drown. Damn, I should have asked if you’re a swimmer.”

“Of course I am,” she said, her wide green eyes meeting his. Another wave rolled toward them and she clung to him more tightly.

“Are you afraid?” he asked, enjoying the sensation of her lithe body against his.

“Not really,” she said, but her tone wasn’t at all convincing.

“Nice try. You can tell me the truth now,” he said, lifting her chin to meet his gaze again.

She shook her head and sighed. “It’s silly.”

“I bet not,” he said.

“One time when I was a teenager, a friend invited me to the lake. Her father took us out in his boat. I didn’t know it, but he’d had too much to drink. It was a windy, choppy day. I fell overboard and hit my head against the side of the boat.”

Leo swore. “Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have forced you into the water.”

“You didn’t force me. Besides, I don’t like it that I still get that knot in my stomach when I think about lakes and boats. Being a wuss is such a bore.”

He admired her for trying to rise above her fear. “You could never be a bore.”

“Just trying to be a brave little toaster,” she said with a smile.

Her vulnerability grabbed at him, making him feel incredibly protective. “We can go back.”

“No,” she protested. “It’s so beautiful here. I just might not be able to stand the water temperature very long. Although you are helping,” she said, her eyelashes sweeping downward, shielding her eyes from him.

Despite the chilly water, arousal shot through him again. “Good to know I’m useful in some way,” he said, sliding his hands around her back. The sunlight glistened on her light blond hair and the water droplets on her fair skin. He fought a strong urge to lick those droplets.

Instead, he took her mouth in a kiss. Her lips reminded him of the finest brandy, potent and addicting. He drew her tongue into his mouth and she made a delicious sound of arousal. Leo wanted to hear that sound again and again. He felt her shiver, but he wasn’t sure if it was from arousal or cold.

“Let’s go back to the house,” he said and pulled her toward the ladder to the boat. “But you should know that when we ride on the boat the breeze will make you even colder.”

“We could fish,” she said.

He blinked, surprised at her suggestion. “You know how?”

“Of course,” she said. “Do you? If you don’t, I can show you.”

He laughed at the lightning-fast switch from uncertainty to confidence. “I can fish,” he said. “A long time ago, I fished for my supper.”

She met his gaze. “Was that before or after you were hatched at the age of sixteen?”

“Both,” he said and turned her toward the ladder. “You go first and I’ll bring up the rear.” She climbed the rungs and he was given an up close view of her gorgeous derriere in her bikini bottom. He groaned, wondering if he would be able to stick to his plan to make her come to him.

Hours later, Leo watched her lean back in the Jacuzzi and sigh. “What a great day,” she said, then cracked open one eyelid. “Too bad the fish I caught was so much bigger than yours.”

He chuckled. “Lady’s luck,” he said. “I couldn’t show you up. You’re my guest.”

She opened both her eyes and scowled. “That’s pure bull. The next thing you’ll be doing is telling me you’re not competitive.”

“Only every bone in my body,” he said.

She smiled and her gaze dipped to his shoulders in feminine appreciation. She’d done that several times today, so he knew she wasn’t immune to him. He was winning her inch by inch. The notion filled him with a rush he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“Like the hot tub?” he asked.

She nodded, closing her eyes again.

“It’s even better when you’re naked,” he said.

She opened her eyes to sexy slits. “And how would you know that?”

“It’s in the manufacturer’s instructions,” he said.

A gusty laugh from her rippled all the way down his body to his groin.

“I dare you to take off your swimsuit,” he said.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she said with a sigh.

“Even if I promise to keep my hands off of you?” he asked.

“The problem,” she said as she moved closer to him and he pulled her onto his lap, “is that I won’t want your to keep you hands off of me.”

A
s the helicopter landed on top of the high-rise in Philadelphia, Leo took Calista’s hand and helped her onto the ground. Within moments, George was driving them in a limo toward her apartment. She turned to Leo. “This has been an incredible twenty-four hours. Thank you for everything.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” he said and lifted his finger to stroke her cheek. “It doesn’t have to end.”

His touch distracted her, making her heart beat erratically. “What do you mean?”

“I’d like you to move in with me,” he said.

Calista blinked, surprised by his speed and decisiveness. “Wow,” she said. “That’s fast.” She took a breath. “It’s very tempting, but as I’ve told you, I really want to be married before I live with a man.”

“Why is that so important to you?” he asked with more than a trace of irritation on his face.

“I told you that I believe in family. A husband, wife and children can provide the ultimate joy, security and comfort for each other. I want that for myself. I want to give it to someone else,” she said, her gut twisting because although she believed what she was saying, she knew it wouldn’t come true for her.

“Was your upbringing that idyllic?”

She looked away, feeling a stab of shame about her father’s financial disaster and death that never seemed to go away. “Of course not,” she said. “Maybe because it wasn’t idyllic, I’m determined to have something different for myself. It may sound crazy to you, but I want the security of family and a strong man.”

He paused a moment, his dark gaze full of conflicting feelings. “It doesn’t sound crazy. I just don’t have much experience in that area.” He covered her hand with his. “I want to spend more time with you.”

“I want the same,” she said quietly.

“Then come and live with me in my apartment. I’ll make sure you won’t regret it,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips.

Even though they hadn’t known each other long, Calista was more than a little tempted. There was a strength about Leo that drew something from deep inside her. His magnetism almost made her forget her purpose with him. Almost. His charm, though, belied any chance for security. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted from women without making a commitment. She wondered if she would possibly be able to seduce him to the point of marriage. Doubt surged through her.

“I’m sorry. I can’t. I just can’t,” she said and fought the
fear that rose in her throat. “I really do understand if you don’t want to continue with me. I’m sure you’re used to a different kind of arrangement with women.” She glanced outside the window. “Maybe we shouldn’t have gone out in the first place, but I just couldn’t resist you.”

The limo stopped in front of her apartment building. She turned to Leo. “Thank you again for a wonderful time.”

He helped her out of the limo and walked her to the security entrance. “My pleasure,” he said. “Good night, Calista.”

Calista tried to read his inscrutable expression and felt a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. He’d decided she wasn’t worth the wait or the effort. She watched him walk out of her lobby and most likely out of her life. Though her ego stung, she was far more worried about her sisters’ futures.

Swearing under her breath, she took the elevator to her small apartment. What was she going to do now? Pacing the length of her den, she tried to summon a plan B. If she went to bed with Leo, she would have no hope of marrying him. Plus, even though she found him physically attractive, she wasn’t sure when her real feelings and thoughts about what he’d done to her father would leak past her facade. What if she slipped and told him she felt he was responsible? If he knew the truth…

Calista squeezed her eyes shut, feeling hopeless and trapped. She hated being deceptive, but she’d made this decision and she wasn’t going to castigate herself for it. Her sisters deserved a good education and a better start than they’d had. They’d suffered the brunt of her family’s implosion because of their youth. She would never be able to erase the shattered expressions on her sisters’ faces when
first her father had died and then less than two years later, they’d lost Mom, too.

Her head throbbing with tension, Calista tried to calm herself. Maybe she’d misread Leo. Maybe he would call her again.

Two weeks later, after no word from Leo, Calista saw the writing on the wall. Leo wasn’t going to call. He was done with her. Bummed, but still obligated to attend the Brother-Sister Charity Auction, she accepted an invitation from Robert Powell, a man who worked in her office building. Amusing and seemingly easygoing, he’d asked her out several times. She hoped Robert could distract her from her disappointment.

Wearing a Betsey Johnson Spring dress she’d bought on sale, she greeted Robert in her lobby. His appreciative look provided a balm to her still smarting ego. At the auction, Calista mingled and introduced Robert to her acquaintances.

He slid his arm around her waist. “Do you realize I’ve been asking you out for months? You’re worth the wait,” he said and dipped his gaze suggestively over her.

Not wanting to encourage the flicker of sensual interest she glimpsed in his gaze, she shook her head. “Oh, not really. I’m not worth the wait at all. I’m just the good friend type, you know. Boring, works too much. All that.”

He gave a low chuckle. “I don’t think so.”

“Calista.” A voice that had haunted her captured her attention. “How are you?”

She swung around to see Leo Grant, larger than life, staring down at her. She might have needed to pinch herself if not for the gorgeous brunette on his arm. She forced her
lips into a smile, thinking he hadn’t waited long to replace her. “Fine, thank you.”

“And your friend,” Leo said, his gaze assessing Robert. “We haven’t met.”

“Robert Powell, this is Leo Grant,” she said, refusing to inquire about
his
escort. The men exchanged handshakes. “Oh, look, they’re starting the auction. I’m helping behind the scenes. I’ll see you afterward, Robert. Please excuse me,” she said and turned away.

Upset, she balled her fists at her side and strode toward the side of the ballroom where the items for auction were displayed. Forcing any thought of Leo from her head, she focused on tagging the items with the winners’ names. After about forty-five minutes, the volunteer coordinator sent her for a break and she got a glass of water from the bar.

On her way back, Leo stepped in front of her, his eyes dark with what looked like anger. “You didn’t waste any time, did you?” he asked.

“I could say the same for you,” she retorted.

“She’s the daughter of a friend I owed a favor,” he said. “Not that I should have to explain myself.”

“How convenient that she’s drop-dead gorgeous. It must be a total chore to escort her.”

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “I could almost believe you’re jealous.”

“You would be wrong,” she told him and moved to step around him.

He stopped her, his hand closing around her wrist like a handcuff. “Let’s take this discussion somewhere private,” he said and led her away from the crowd. He opened the door to an empty room, pulled her inside and closed the door behind him.

“Who is this Robert? Is he important to you?” he demanded.

Nervous, yet strangely thrilled to see him, she lifted her chin. “What’s it to you? You haven’t called me for two weeks.”

“I’ve been out of the country.”

She gave an indignant shrug. “I’m sure your cell phone has reception from everywhere in the world and maybe a few planets, too.”

“Okay,” he said. “I didn’t want to call you. I wanted to give myself some time away from you. I didn’t want to do anything impulsive.”

Her heart hammered in her chest.

“You still haven’t answered my question about Robert. Do you have feelings for him?” he asked flatly.

“No,” she said. “No more than I would a friend. He’s asked me out for months and I’ve turned him down.”

“Then why did you agree to go out with him tonight?”

She paused and looked away with a sigh. “I was moping,” she confessed.

“Excuse me?” he said.

She glanced back at him, peeved. “You heard me. I said I was moping. Because you haven’t called me,” she added reluctantly.

His eyes glittered as he looked at her. “Okay, I’ve thought about it for the last two weeks and made a decision. We’ll get married.”

Calista dropped her jaw in shock. “Excuse me?”

“I said we’ll get married. I’d prefer just a living arrangement because of the legalities, but we can take care of that with a prenup.” He paused, studying her carefully. “Unless you’re adverse to a prenup.”

Her thoughts still spinning as she tried to take it all in, she shook her head. “No, but—”

“Were you planning on a large formal ceremony? I understand women spend their entire lives mentally planning their dream weddings,” he said as if the thought of it seemed insane to him.

“I suppose some do. I’d always thought I would want something small,” she said. Calista had left fairy-tale wedding land shortly after her father’s death. Her primary focus had been on survival, not having a huge society wedding.

“Good,” he said in approval. “Then it’s settled. I can have one of my assistants get together with you to make the arrangements. She knows the dates I’m available.”

She held up her hand. “Wait just a second. You’re moving at warp speed and I’m still trying to catch up. What made you think to get married?”

“I tried to put you out of my mind during the last two weeks. I found I didn’t want to,” he said.

Given the fact that they hadn’t known each other very long, she was surprised at how his words got under her skin. It was a far cry from hearts and flowers. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Yes,” he said.

She bit her lip and couldn’t swallow a chuckle. “You didn’t ask.”

“Will you marry me?” he asked without missing a beat, his dark gaze holding hers.

“This is crazy,” she whispered. Her heart lurched. After all her planning, could she really do this?

“Is that your answer?” he asked.

“No,” she said, her lungs squeezing so tight she couldn’t breathe. It was the best solution for Tina and Tami. His
father owed her family for what he had taken from them. It was necessary. “Yes, yes.”

Leo sat on the deck of his lakefront home the night before his wedding and shared Scotch with George. Calista and her family would arrive tomorrow morning via his helicopter. All the arrangements had been made. The only thing Leo had to do was show up at the ceremony tomorrow at noon and make sure not to see Calista before then. She had insisted. Silly superstition, but he would play along for her ease. With each passing day, she had seemed to grow more nervous.

George lifted his shot glass in salute. “I never thought I would see the day when you would marry a woman only a month after meeting her. Good luck to ya.”

Leo shot George a sideways glance and lifted his glass. “Thank you. You haven’t said much about my bride-to-be.”

“What’s to say?” George asked. “She’s beautiful.” He shrugged and tossed back the scotch, setting his glass down for a refill. “There’s just something about her.”

“What?” Leo asked, his antennae on alert. George was an excellent judge of character.

George frowned and squinted his eyes. “I can’t put my finger on it. She’s not evil,” he said. “But there’s something going on beneath the surface. The woman’s more complicated than she seems.”

Leo twirled the thought around in his head. “Most intelligent women are complicated.”

“True,” George said, nodding his head. “How’d the prenup go?”

“I insisted she have her attorney look at it. He put in a clause about her getting ten million after six months,” Leo said. “Mine cut it down to two million. Her attorney didn’t like it, but she signed.” He shrugged. “She’s so family-focused that I’m sure this wasn’t her idea. It had to have come from her attorney.”

“You’re sure she doesn’t know your guardian helped bring down her father?” George asked.

“How could she?” Leo asked, the familiar taste of bitterness filling his mouth at the mention of Clyde Hawkins. “It was ten years ago, and I’ve wiped out my association with him. Besides, that was one scheme I didn’t play. I may have been introduced as Clyde’s genius, gifted son, but I didn’t have to do anything but validate Clyde’s super success.”

“Why are you marrying her?” George asked bluntly.

Not many would have the nerve to question his decisions, but he trusted George more than he trusted anyone else. “Besides the fact that I want to have sex with her?”

George chuckled. “Yes.”

“I want the expanding Japanese and Indian markets, and I’m finding that the leaders of the companies I’m negotiating with aren’t comfortable with my single status. I’m competing with other companies for the business. It’s time to get a wife. Calista fits the bill. She’s well educated and beautiful. She’ll be an asset.”

“So this is a business decision?” George asked.

“Mostly,” Leo said. “The timing is good—no long engagement period.”

George clicked his shot glass against his again. “I wish you a happy home then, Leo. After all you’ve been through, you deserve something good. I hope Calista will be good for you.”

Calista practiced yoga breathing as the helicopter descended to Leo’s helipad at the lake. In a matter of hours, she would be married.

“Omigod, this is amazing,” Tami said, lifting her cell phone toward the window and taking a picture. “I have to text my boyfriend a photo. Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?”

“Yes,” Calista said, taking another deep breath.

“Are you okay?” Tina asked. “You look whiter than usual.”

“It’s the helicopter,” Calista insisted and forced a smile. “Did you enjoy the ride?”

“It was
sweet
,” Tina said.

“What about you, Justin?” she asked her nephew.

“Cool,” he said, clearly trying to appear unimpressed but not quite succeeding. “I want one of these when I grow up.”

Sharon laughed. “Keep your grades up and go to college and you may have a shot at it.”