A Deal Before the Altar

‘It’s showtime, Georgina.’ His words were firm and sharp as he pulled away from her and got out of the car.

She watched him walk around the front of it, relaxed but masterful. Obviously she didn’t have the same effect on him—didn’t scramble his emotions until he couldn’t think straight.

Okay, showtime it is, she thought as she got out of the car and walked with him towards the busy street lined with restaurants. She could do this—even if it meant putting on the biggest show of her life.

Suddenly a man’s shouts caught her attention and a waiter from one restaurant came out to greet him, hugging Santos and then stepping back to cast an enquiring look her way.

‘Georgina, this is my cousin Raul—owner of this restaurant and at our bidding for this evening.’

She felt suddenly shy beneath the man’s gaze. He took her hand and with the same charm Santos possessed kissed it. ‘I can see why my cousin is so entranced.’

To her horror she blushed, but managed to smile back at him. ‘What more could a girl ask for?’ She raised her brows, made her voice light and melodious, even a little flirty.

Raul laughed and after a brief look of shock Santos did too. Then he smiled at Georgina, a dangerous light in his eyes.

‘Raul, do you have the table I requested?’

‘Sí,’ Raul replied, and continued in Spanish.

Santos put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as he followed his cousin to their table. It was private, and candles fluttered in the evening breeze. The sea could be heard lapping gently onto the shore close by.

It was perfectly romantic.

The whole meal was. Each course was divine and all the while Santos exuded what she was fast becoming aware was his lethal charm. She smiled, played her part all through dinner, but reality was beginning to blur. She sipped her wine and looked out at the sea, where the setting sun cast an orange glow across the rippling surface.

‘Georgie?’

Her attention swung back to Santos when she heard her name on his lips. His voice sounded hoarse, as if he was choked with emotion. Oh, he was good at this, she thought, and smiled at him. He’d never used her pet name before.

‘Will you marry me?’

‘What?’ she gasped as he slid a small velvet box across the table. Calm down. It’s probably for his cousin’s benefit.

‘Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?’

His dark eyes were watching her intently. When she looked into them she thought she saw the same desire she’d seen at the party, the same simmering passion. Just as she’d thought she’d seen it earlier, when they were in the car. But that couldn’t be, could it?

She reached for the box, aware of the role she had to play, but he caught her hand in his. The heat of his touch was almost too much.

‘Marry me?’

‘Yes.’ Her whole body quivered, but she couldn’t lower her gaze, couldn’t break that tenuous connection. ‘Yes, I’ll marry you.’

Slowly he let her hand go, opened the box and pulled out a glittering diamond ring. As he slid it onto her finger the candlelight made it sparkle, bringing it to life. He lifted her hand to his lips, his gaze holding hers captive, and kissed her fingers.

This was what it would really feel like, she thought as she looked into his dark eyes. This was be the closest she’d ever come to having a real proposal.

Applause erupted around them, making her jump. She hadn’t realised they were being watched, and neither had Santos. Even he looked taken aback. She laughed, unable to help herself, and the tension of the moment slipped away as the other diners returned their attention to their meals.

‘Let’s go,’ he said in a throaty growl, sounding as if he really couldn’t wait to get her home. Something indefinable skittered over her, making her tummy somersault and her breath tighten in her chest.

Don’t do this to yourself. You are just a means to an end. He doesn’t really want you.

It was dark as they walked back along the street. Yachts were lit up, giving everything a magical appeal. The warm breeze on her skin felt wonderful, but not as wonderful as Santos’s arm about her waist, pulling her against his magnificent body. She savoured the moment, stored it for later. The champagne she’d drunk was making it easier to enjoy being with him like this and easier to let go of her usual anxiety. This wonderful feeling was going to have to last her a lifetime.

By the car Santos stopped. Instinctively she looked up at him, then couldn’t help herself as she reached up and kissed his lips. His response was gentle at first, setting her body alight. The fire was fuelled further by his hands sliding down her back, pulling her so very close to him. Whatever it was that had simmered between them at the party was now well and truly alight. As her hips pressed against his aroused body she knew he wanted her. Was it so wrong to give in to it? To enjoy it for what it was? A passing attraction.